7 most photogenic cities and places of 2024

A picture speaks a thousand words. So, it is no surprise these photogenic destinations rank at the top of everyone’s must-visit cities of 2024 list! 

Embark on a visual journey to the best holiday destinations in the world, featuring Instagrammable places where every corner tells a story worthy of a pinned post on your Instagram page. From the serene cherry blossoms of Kyoto to the ancient marvels of Athens, each city on our list promises a symphony of colours and culture begging to be captured.

Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a passionate photographer, these cities offer an irresistible blend of beauty and history. Take it from us, everyone on your Instagram feed will want to jetset after seeing your photos.

1. Cape Town, South Africa

From where Cape Town sits—between the rich blue hues of the Atlantic Ocean and the rolling greens of Table Mountains—it really does look like the picture-perfect city worthy of a postcard.

South Africa’s Cape Town has everything, and we really do mean everything. Be it the dramatic cliff faces of Kasteelspoort; the scenic Maiden Cove Tidal Pools set against the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range; and even colourful heritage houses; you name it.  Its stunning coastline stretches for miles, offering pristine beaches framed by rugged cliffs and swaying palm trees. We recommend bringing a drone along to get some sick aerial shots of the city and the ocean.

Beyond its picturesque shores, Cape Town boasts a rich cultural tapestry where historic landmarks intertwine with modern sophistication. From the colourful houses of Bo-Kaap to the bustling markets of the V&A Waterfront, the city's diverse landscape promises endless exploration and unforgettable moments for every visitor.

2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

While Vietnam as a whole is known as the home of several UNESCO World Heritage sites, Ho Chi Minh City might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of picturesque landscapes. But if you know where to look, there is something about its unique blend of French colonialism, Buddhist influence and local Vietnamese flavour that makes the capital such an Instagrammable spot and visual wonder. 

For starters, this bustling town has a pink church: it really is completely pink, from top to bottom, outside and in! Church buildings do not get any more Instagrammable than this. There is also the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon (not to be confused with the one in France!) if you prefer something more traditional. Either way, the city’s architectural marvels are a sight to behold.

If you’re into candid street snaps, you’ll easily find beauty within the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City, regardless of whether you’re at Bui Vien Street, Benh Thanh Market or The Cafe Apartment on Ho Chi Minh’s walking street. The best part about this city? With its endless rows of roadside food stalls, you’ll never go hungry between shutters. 

Fly directly to Ho Chi Minh from Changi Airport via Scoot, Singapore Airlines, Vietjet Air and Vietnam Airlines.

3. Athens, Greece

Athens exudes an irresistible charm that beckons travellers to explore its ancient wonders. It is, after all, the cradle of Western civilisation, and its ruins still remain standing today. There is just something about the way these tattered structures peek out above the city that makes for a wondrous image. 

In Athens, beauty is not just found in its ancient landmarks, but in every sun-drenched square, vibrant market, and bustling boulevard. For instance, there is Syntagma & Plaka—Syntagma stands as the pulsating hub of contemporary Athens, while Plaka emerges as the epicentre of Athens tourism, beckoning travellers from far and wide to its vibrant streets. Stroll through the charming Plaka district, where cobblestone streets wind past pastel-hued buildings adorned with cascading bougainvillaea.

Or you could, perhaps, lose yourself within the enchanting alleys of Anafiotika. Here, whitewashed houses cling onto the slopes of the Acropolis, creating a picturesque scene straight out of a desktop wallpaper. Alternatively, if you are looking for more things to do in Athens, venture further to Filopappou Hill, where panoramic views of Athens await atop this tranquil natural oasis, offering a serene escape from the bustling city below.

As the sun sets, you can watch the city's landmarks get bathed in golden light, casting a spellbinding glow over the marble columns and ancient ruins. Even further ahead, across the water, you’ll even see Santorini and their iconic blue-white houses. You won’t get this experience anywhere else.

4. Bruges, Belgium

Nestled in the heart of the Flemish Region, this enchanting destination stands as the largest city in the province of West Flanders, Belgium.

Love fairytales? You’ll love Bruges for sure. This fairytale destination feels like it jumped out of ye olde storybooks—it’s enchanted visitors from all over with its timeless beauty and old-world charm. 

There is a different photo spot every corner you turn—stone-walled canals wind through its mediaeval city centre; red-brick-laden canalside houses with their orange lights glittering in the water’s reflection; cascading weeping willows, ones that are not unlike those in the best childhood stories, can be found here.

Lose yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Markt Square, which is surrounded by elegant guild houses and the imposing Belfry Tower. You can also head over to Minnewater Park, which is one of the most tranquil and serene spots in the whole of Bruges. In Bruges, every vista is a work of art, inviting travellers to step into a world where beauty knows no bounds.

Bruges is just a 1.5-hour car journey from Brussels that is directly connected to Changi Airport by non-stop flights operated by Singapore Airlines.

5. Lucerne, Switzerland

Let’s be real: pretty much everywhere labelled “Old Town” in Europe is bound to be a gorgeous sight, but Lucerne is inarguably more a visual wonder than the rest. 

Before you even reach Lucerne, the view of the glittering Lake Lucerne with the iconic Swiss Alps in the background will fill your heart with excitement. The city's idyllic setting on the shores of Lake Lucerne, framed by snow-capped peaks, creates a picture-perfect backdrop against the city skyline.

Its quaint cobblestone streets make you feel as though you’d stepped into a classic Disney princess story, especially with the colourful architecture dotting the riverbanks of the Reuss. There is the iconic Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), with its stout mediaeval towers, which makes for a great photo backdrop as well. 

For the best views, though, take a hike up to Mount Pilatus for a bird's eye (somewhat) view of the entire landscape. 

Fly directly to Switzerland from Changi Airport via Singapore Airlines and SWISS Air.

6. Singapore

Singapore beckons with its vibrant Clarke Quay, futuristic ArtScience Museum, and lush Singapore Botanic Gardens. From Sentosa Island to Haji Lane, Marina Bay to Orchard Road, every corner offers Instagram gold.

Singapore’s a city dedicated to being Instagrammable at every turn—heritage streets, towering skyscrapers, public gardens, and even the airport are primed for the camera. Just the walk from the plane to the immigration has tourists starry-eyed from all the indoor greenery. Next door at Jewel Changi Airport, the Instagrammable factor goes through the roof with an indoor forest, and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

Gardens by the Bay is another one of Singapore’s visual wonders. This garden is not just about flowers, rock statues, or light shows, but the whole package. We’ve even got a whole explainer dedicated to the gardens. 

You cannot leave Singapore without checking out the riverfront areas—that is the Marina Barrage, for awesome sea views and picnic vibes; Marina Bay Sands for the ritz, glamour and even an indoor canoe ride; and of course the iconic Merlion Park with its nightly light and water show.

7. Kyoto, Japan

Of course, we cannot have a list of the cities of great Instagram fame without including Kyoto, Japan. It's everyone's favourite destination, and it’s easy to see why. 

Kyoto looks and feels every bit as serene as a traditional scroll painting. Its predominantly wood architecture and muted colour palettes offer a whole other slice of zen not found anywhere else in the world. Even its more modern shopping streets adopt a similar colour palette, so as not to disturb the traditional vibes and aesthetics of its history.

Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine dedicated to a bountiful harvest, is quite the visual spectacular. The path to the shrine is lined with thousands of torii gates before it opens up to a giant courtyard with the vibrant Okunoin shrine in the middle. And perhaps the most iconic of Kyoto—Arashiyama's bamboo groves. You'll find no shortage of photographers, amateurs and professionals alike, burning their memory of this place into film to show the rest of the world. 

If those on Instagram are anything to go by, we're sure the beauty of Kyoto will continue to linger in their hearts and conversations even long after the journey ends.

Kyoto is just a 75-minute train journey from Osaka that is directly connected to Changi Airport via Scoot and Singapore Airlines.

We often joke that the camera eats first when it comes to visually stunning meals, so it’s perfectly reasonable to plan an itinerary based on cities that photograph well too, right? These are some of the best holiday destinations in the world, so the pictures speak for themselves. All that is left is adding yours to the collection.

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