The 10 Most Instagrammed Global Cities of 2017
Instagram's list of the top-10 most-Instagrammed cities of the world has just been released, meaning these global hubs should immediately be added to your travel itinerary. From the US to Asia to Europe to South America, the cities span the globe and are each unique in their own right. Check out the list below and get your 'gram on at one (or all) of these illustrious cities.
1. New York, New York
The concrete jungle where dreams are made of is expected to have more visitors in 2017 than ever before — a projected 61.8 million to be exact. The year 2017 will be the eighth consecutive year of tourism and travel growth for the city and, if Instagram's list is any indication, the No. 1 city will continue to grow in 2018. Times Square and Central Park also made Instagram's list of the top-10 most-Instagrammed locations of 2017, so it's no wonder this tourist hotspot was on the top of the list.
2. Moscow, Russia
The Russian capital is increasingly becoming a top tourist destination year after year. In 2016, the city catered to over 17.5 million visitors and was listed in Lonely Planet's Top 10 Best in Travel ranking. It was also featured on National Geographic's Best of the World list in 2016. The city's infrastructure has continued to develop, and the number of hotels with star ratings now totals nearly 900. Moscow draws tourists from all over the globe because of its artistry, history and majesty — truly one of the most one-of-a-kind places in Europe and beyond.
3. London, United Kingdom
The capital of England and the United Kingdom, this modern city with a history that spans back to Roman times is projected to attract nearly 40 million visitors in 2017, thanks to its countless landmarks offering the perfect setting for an Instagram post. (Though that number may actually be low after the pound's post-Brexit drop.) While there are lots of royal sites to visit, it's also worth checking out places like Harrod's or the many beautiful gardens.
4. São Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo is not only the most populous city in the Americas, Brazil and the Southern Hemisphere, but one of the most populous cities in the world, with an estimated 21 million people living in the greater São Paulo area. It's also a cosmopolitan melting pot: In 2016, its inhabitants were native to 196 different countries; it has the largest Japanese and Italian populations outside of their respective countries; it also has a significant Arab community. The year 2016 brought a record number of international tourists to Brazil: 6.6 million, to be exact — with no small boost from the Olympics. Given there's something to offer everyone from cuisine to culture, this financial epicenter is a must-do on your next trip below the equator.
5. Paris, France
Oh, the City of Light (and its Instagrammable landmarks). The French capital is a global center for art, fashion, cuisine and culture, which is why it should be no surprise that this city is on this list. Whether it's their first or 100th time, visitors to Paris instantly recognize the city's iconic buildings, museums, parks, churches and landmarks, which are equal parts historical (Notre-Dame) and modern (the Centre Pompidou). For 2017, officials estimated that a record 32 million to 34 million travelers would visit Paris and the Île de France.
6. Los Angeles, California
Of course the City of Angels made an appearance on Instagram's most-Insta'd cities: It's an Instagrammable paradise with murals, shops, museums and beaches that'll blow your mind with their beauty. LA has seen a boost in tourism numbers for its sixth consecutive year, too. In 2016, the city hosted more than 47 million tourists, a 4% increase from the previous year. LAX, one of the nation's busiest airports, saw a record 80.9 million travelers fly through its gates in 2016 — its busiest year yet.
7. St. Petersburg, Russia
Mother Russia's second-largest city, St. Petersburg — a Baltic port city founded in 1703 by Peter the Great — is the cultural center of Russia (which, by the way, made its second appearance on Instagram's Top 10). It's one of the most modern cities in the country, and its city center, along with a surrounding group of monuments, make up a UNESCO World Heritage site. St. Petersburg is also home to the Hermitage, one of the largest art museums in the world. In 2016, the city hosted about 7 million tourists and in 2017, opened its port to cruise ships hosting some 500,000 tourists.
8. Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is composed of a mix of cultures — Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and European — which make up the architecture, language and cuisine of the city. The greater Jakarta metropolitan area has a population of over 30 million, and is expected to welcome as many as 15 million tourists by the end of 2017. The government hopes that number will top 20 million by 2020.
9. Istanbul, Turkey
It's Istanbul, not Constantinople. The Turkish city straddles the border between Asia and Europe across the Bosphorus Strait. The European side of the city makes up the commercial and historical center, with roughly two-thirds of the population. Istanbul is Europe's most populous city, and hosted about 9 million visitors in the first 10 months of 2017 (up 16% from the first 10 months of 2016). The city is home to iconic structures like the Hagia Sophia, one of the most recognized buildings in Istanbul and around the world.
10. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, known for its art and architecture, is the cosmopolitan capital of the Catalonia region. Barcelona is synonymous with the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, whose landmarks can be found around the city. In 2016, the city hosted more than overnight 9 million tourists, but it hopes that number will not continue to grow: The city government passed a law in early 2017 restricting the number of beds that can be offered to tourists and imposing a moratorium on building new hotels. The region's recent troubles with its attempt at secession may help the city get its wish.