Look: Two Dubai landmarks among 10 most photographed in the world

The emirate's iconic structure may soon take the number one spot from Paris' Eiffel Tower, as the city continues to grow as one of the world’s most important travel hubs, say experts

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By Web Desk

Published: Thu 10 Nov 2022, 2:46 PM

Last updated: Thu 10 Nov 2022, 3:41 PM

Dubai's Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab have made it to the top 10 list of the most photographed landmarks in the world — beating iconic structures like Australia's Sydney Opera House, the Great Wall of China and India's Taj Mahal.

Photography experts at London-based ParrotPrint researched the most popular landmarks to see which ones usually make it to tourists' camera rolls. The list comprises spots with the most hashtags on Instagram since its launch in 2010.

The world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, took the no. 2 spot, just next to Paris' Eiffel Tower. But one of the experts says the Dubai landmark may soon take the crown from one of the world's all-time favourite towers.

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“[It] may soon take the number one spot from the Eiffel Tower, while London’s Big Ben and London Eye are sure to keep their place in the top 10 for years to come with thousands visiting and posting images of these UK sites every day," the expert said.

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Both the Burj Khalifa and the Burj Al Arab have risen rapidly up the list in recent years as Dubai has grown to be one of the world’s most important travel hubs, according to the study.

To some, the ranking didn't come as a surprise as these iconic landmarks are instantly recognisable to millions of people all over the globe. However, there are some notable absences, with The Great Wall of China, Sydney Opera House, Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu not making the cut.

Here's the full list:

1. Eiffel Tower, Paris

The Eiffel Tower is certainly the most iconic landmark in Paris so there is no wonder why it has been ranked the most Instagrammable tourist attraction with 7.2 million hashtags on the app.

This 330-metre-tall landmark towers over the heart of the French capital and gives tourists a fantastic opportunity to admire the stunning panoramic views of Paris. One of the most magical photo opportunities is when the tower is lit up in sparkling lights every hour from nightfall until the early hours.

2. Burj Khalifa, Dubai

The Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world; it’s unsurprising that this landmark ranks highly on the Instagram hashtag list with 6.2 million.

It may be a struggle to fit the whole 830-metre building into a camera frame but this award-winning structure symbolises the modernist architecture of Dubai to its thousands of visitors.

3. Grand Canyon, US

The 277-mile-long Arizona canyon had been carved out millions of years ago by the Colorado River and attracts vast numbers of tourists each year to marvel at this natural beauty, and has gained 4.2 million hashtags.

There are several visitor attractions at the Grand Canyon for those exploring the area to enjoy — such as the Grand Canyon Skywalk, viewing platform, and the opportunity for daredevils to go skydiving in the canyon.

4. Louvre, Paris

AFP file

The Louvre is home to some of the world’s most famous pieces of art, such as the Mona Lisa, and is the most visited museum on the globe, and 3.6 million hashtags on Instagram.

The iconic glass pyramid at the entrance to the Louvre is what attracts tourists to Paris — a spectacle of art itself, the Louvre has long remained one of the most popularly photographed global landmarks.

5. London Eye, London

Reuters file photo

The London Eye is the best way to see the capital city for all its architectural beauty. The observation wheel brings in around three million visitors every year, making it the most popular paid tourist attraction in the UK.

The London Eye is an iconic feature along the city’s landscape and sends round its visitors in pods on a 30 minute ride. Originally intended as a temporary structure, the London Eye now remains one of the most photographed global landscapes and is consistently hashtagged on Instagram with 3.4 million.

6. Big Ben, London

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Every visitor to London is bound to have a picture of Big Ben from their trip. The Big Ben clock tower is set along the River Thames attached to the Houses of Parliament so makes a great photo to capture some of the most important and historical buildings in London.

Big Ben has become a symbol of the UK and is immediately recognisable in pictures shown across the globe, usually featuring the iconic London black cabs and red buses. Big Ben has earnt 3.2 million hashtags over on Instagram.

7. Golden Gate Bridge, US

San Francisco's famous Golden Gate Bridge has 3.2 million hashtags on Instagram with visitors taking pictures of its iconic recognisable orangy red colour, which interestingly has to be continuously maintained. The Golden Gate Bridge famously stands out against foggy conditions, which makes for stunning photography opportunities.

8. Empire State Building, New York City

The Empire State Building is the seventh tallest building in the City and one of the most quintessential and recognisable structures in New York. Visitors to Manhattan can capture pictures of the most outstanding views of the Big Apple from the top of the building.

But to actually take a photo of the Empire State Building, head to other locations across the City - such as the Rockefeller Centre or Madison Square Park. Photographers and tourists love capturing the Empire State as the magnificent lights show from the rest of the City shines beautifully for miles and miles. Join the 3.1 million hashtags of the Empire State on Instagram.

9. Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Dubai’s Burj Al Arab stands 210 metres tall on a man-made island. The structure is a luxury hotel and has some of the most expensive rooms in the world - up to $24,000 a night.

Of course, most visitors to the Burj Al Arab are there to see its grand, modernist architecture and therefore easily racks up the 2.7 million hashtags on Instagram.

10. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

Barcelona is famous for its Spanish metropolitan architecture, and the Sagrada Familia is the most iconic building in the city. It is currently the biggest unfinished Catholic church in the world, with construction starting in 1882.

Photographers and tourists flock to the Sagrada Familia to witness its beautiful architecture before the building has been fully completed by at least 2026. The Sagrada Familia has a massive 2.6 million hashtags on Instagram.

Web Desk

Published: Thu 10 Nov 2022, 2:46 PM

Last updated: Thu 10 Nov 2022, 3:41 PM

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