Most Popular Selfie Locations

Selfies have been around since 1839, but it was in the age of social media that our fondness for them really flourished. It’s easy to understand why: selfies are a fun and easy way to capture cherished memories, whether you’re with loved ones or enjoying time by yourself. 🤳 What’s more, they can lead to remarkable things. For instance, our story at Flytographer started with two best friends taking a selfie in Paris in 2011.💙

Inspired by that story, we’ve embarked on a journey to answer a compelling question in this blog: Where are the most popular spots in the world to take a selfie? Come and travel around Earth with us to find out! 🌍

TLDR

1. Marvel at the iconic beauty of the Eiffel Tower—Paris, France
2. Embrace the magic at Disney World – Florida, USA
3. Explore the different angles of the Burj Khalifa – Dubai, UAE
4. Adjust your own clock by the Big Ben – London, England
5. Admire the Big Apple from the Empire State Building – New York, USA
6. Count a myriad of design elements at the Sagrada Família – Barcelona, Spain
7. Soak in ancient history by the Colosseum – Rome, Italy
8. Get more views of the Big Apple from the Top of the Rock – New York, USA
9. Feel the grandeur of nature at the Grand Canyon – Arizona, USA
10. Trek to ancient and enigmatic Machu Picchu – Cusco, Peru

Photo: Julia in Newport Beach for Flytographer. Sandra and family celebrate a birthday in Newport Beach with a birthday photoshoot at Balboa Pier.

1. Eiffel Tower – Paris, France

Let’s begin with a city that’s irresistible from any angle: Paris. The City of Lights holds the distinction of being one of the most popular selfie locations. We know very well which landmark ranks as its most photographed tourist attraction – the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris that offers countless opportunities to take the best selfies you can imagine. 😉

The best time to visit the Iron Lady is early morning to avoid the crowds. One of the most popular vantage points for capturing great selfies is Trocadéro, an elevated space across the Seine. Want to capture the tower beautifully illuminated at night? Pont Alexandre III offers a splendid evening backdrop. 

Whether you’re gazing upward from the ground or standing at one of the tower’s observation decks, we guarantee that you’ll get an epic selfie. Vive la France! 🇫🇷

Photo: Mary in Paris for Flytographer. Foluke captures memories in Paris with a solo adventure photoshoot at Trocadéro & the Eiffel Tower.

2. Disney World – Florida, USA

With so many colourful characters and fantastical backdrops, Florida’s Disney World is certainly one of the best places to take a selfie. The top spot for selfies is, of course, Cinderella’s Castle. ✨ However, there’s also the iconic globe at EPCOT or the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom. Each section of every park is unique, and seasonal decorations make everything change all the time, so no selfie is ever the same at Disney World. 

Don’t forget that you can also take great selfies with your favourite Disney character, bringing a feeling of delightful nostalgia to your photo. Can you think of a better souvenir than that? 🤔

Extra-magical selfies: Disneyland Paris also ranks high on the list of the most popular selfie locations. And while we’re on the topic, why not capture a selfie in an actual castle — one that inspired Cinderella’s iconic dwelling? Neuschwanstein Castle, in Bavaria, Germany, is the scenery of a real-life fairy tale! 🏰

Photo: Karina in Orlando for Flytographer. Amanda and family capture memories in Paris with a family photoshoot at Disney’s Boardwalk.

3. Burj Khalifa – Dubai, UAE

The tallest building in the world is also one of the most popular selfie locations. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is simply breathtaking with its sleek, modern design and its almost unimaginable height — an architectural marvel! 😍

From its observation decks, you have an incredible vantage point for capturing panoramic pics of Dubai and the vast desert landscape beyond. It’s also fun to explore different perspectives, like capturing the city behind you from a bird’s eye view or looking up from the ground and trying to fit the top of this towering structure into the frame. At night, the scenery changes — the majestic skyscraper is entirely lit up and you also have the fountain show at its base — creating a classic evening selfie in the UAE. 🇦🇪

Photo: Gabriela in Dubai for Flytographer. Sanjuran and partner celebrate a proposal in Dubai with a proposal photoshoot in front of the Burj Khalifa.

4. Big Ben – London, England

London is teeming with historical places perfect for taking selfies. One of the most popular selfie locations is undoubtedly the world’s most famous clock tower: Big Ben.

You can capture just the tower itself, or try to fit in the mesmerizing Houses of Parliament and the River Thames from Westminster Bridge. Like all the landmarks we’ve mentioned so far, there are countless angles to explore. For close-up shots, there’s a bonus: you’ll always know the exact time of the day you took that selfie. 😂

🚨 Selfie alert: London Bridge is another worthy spot for amazing selfies, and to make the best of your experience, you can also capture the Tower of London right beside it.

Photo: Jimmy in London for Flytographer. Roy and partner capture memories in London with a vacation photoshoot near Big Ben and Westminster Bridge.

5. Empire State Building – New York, USA

One of America’s most iconic buildings, the Empire State Building is a classic on the silver screen and widely recognized worldwide. From its 86th and 102nd floors, you can take an epic selfie, thanks to the breathtaking views of the New York City skyline. 

From the street level, this beautiful Art Deco tower rising above the Big Apple is one of the most popular selfie locations for any architecture lover. Hot tip: 🔥 Madison Square Park and the area just outside Penn Station offer great opportunities to take pics with this American icon.

On the other side of the country, the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles is another symbol of American cinema that makes for a great selfie. 🎬📸

Photo: Sehee in New York City for Flytographer. Hanan captures memories in New York City with a solo adventure photoshoot at Summit One Vanderbilt & the Vessel.

6. Sagrada Família – Barcelona, Spain

Among Europe’s most famous landmarks, this one-of-a-kind church created by Gaudí provides an incredible backdrop for selfies. With its intricate and unconventional architecture, the Sagrada Família boasts 18 towers adorned with detailed sculptures and stunning stained-glass windows. Each design element and each facade of the building presents a new opportunity for capturing unique selfies. 👍

For the best outdoor selfie with fewer crowds, make your way to Plaça de Gaudí. Inside, the basilica’s interiors feature an ambiance that feels almost otherworldly. Keep in mind, however, that the Sagrada Família is a place of worship, so if you choose to take a selfie inside, always be discreet and respectful. 🙏

Photo: Natalia in Barcelona for Flytographer. Susan and partner capture memories in Barcelona with an anniversary photoshoot at Sagrada Familia.

7. Colosseum – Rome, Italy

Another European wonder that should be on your selfie bucket list is the Colosseum, which stands as one of the most renowned landmarks, not just in Italy but in the world. 🇮🇹 The structure emanates an unparalleled historical allure with its solemn arches, columns, and layers of stonework that vividly reflect its ancient origins. 

Park Colle Oppio provides an excellent vantage point for capturing pictures. As you stroll through the park, you’ll witness the Colosseum gradually coming into view before you. After you take the perfect selfie, sit on a bench and relax while you admire this thousand-year-old marvel right in front of you. 

Extra selfie tip: a stone’s throw away lies the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, two locations that offer more of the most popular selfie locations in Rome. 👌

Photo: Roberta in Rome for Flytographer. Sonya captures memories in Rome with a solo adventure photoshoot at the Colosseum.

8. Top of the Rock – New York, USA

Want more stunning views of the New York City skyline that include the stunning Empire State Building? Head to the observation deck at Rockefeller Center, commonly known as the ‘Top of the Rock.’

This spot is so great for selfies that you can even choose whether you want to capture yourself against the urban oasis that is Central Park or against the sea of skyscrapers on the other side. And guess what? You can even spot the Statue of Liberty from there.  🗽

But it’s not all about the views up there; Rockefeller Center is one of the most famous Art deco buildings in the world, and you can literally spend hours admiring the glamorous details on its facade. During Christmastime, you also get the ultimate holiday selfie with the mesmerizing Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. 🎄

Photo: Anna in New York City for Flytographer. Kyle and partner captures memories in New York City with a proposal photoshoot at The Edge.

9. Grand Canyon – Arizona, USA

What about a natural wonder for a selfie? It doesn’t get much better than the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona — one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. With its immense size and colourful rock formations, the Grand Canyon offers a range of viewpoints, and everywhere you look, your eyes will be met with sweeping vistas that resemble a real-life painting. Not to mention, the truly dramatic contrast will add a lot of dimension to any selfie. 👏

You can also capture pics during hikes and at lookout points very close to the rim. Sunsets and sunrises will make everything even more beautiful and the colours even more vivid, believe it or not! 🌄

Let’s cross the globe and land in another selfie-worthy destination made of rocky grandeur: Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia. This enigmatic formation standing in the middle of the Outback is a selfie magnet and a truly special sight you will never forget.

Photo: Terri in the Grand Canyon for Flytographer. Keisha captures memories in the Grand Canyon with a birthday photoshoot.

10. Machu Picchu – Cusco, Peru

We’ve mentioned quite a few skyscrapers, but none of them will top this selfie spot, at least in terms of height! 😯 Perched 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the most popular selfie locations in South America. Recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu combines ancient history and breathtaking natural surroundings — a real two-in-one. 

The classic ‘postcard’ shot is from the Guardian House, yet there are other wonderful spots to take pics, such as the terraces nearby and the Sun Gate. The journey up to Machu Picchu has its own value and the trek also offers great selfie opportunities, all infused with a thrilling sense of adventure. 🥾⛰️

Speaking of the Wonders of the World, here is a list of fantastic landmarks where people also love to take selfies: the Taj Mahal in India, the Great Wall of China, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the fabulous Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Egypt.

Selfie on! 📸

Photo: Livushé in Cusco for Flytographer. Melody and family capture memories in Cusco with a vacation photoshoot on Machu Picchu.

Capturing Iconic Travel Memories

Taking selfies is a fun and irreverent way to capture great memories on a trip somewhere special. While doing so, always keep others in mind and watch out for selfie-stick rules. Some places we mentioned above, such as Disney World and the Colosseum, impose bans on them, so keep your eyes open for signs. 👀

Do you know another way to capture great memories? Connect to one of our talented photographers around the globe and let them capture your iconic travel moments, turning them into souvenirs you’ll cherish forever. 🥰