Europe is home to some of the most scenic travel destinations in the world, brimming with rich history and iconic landmarks. But which ones are the best to visit for those postcard-worthy shots?

To help you decide which to add to your travel bucket list, we've gathered a list of Europe's most popular landmarks and ranked them based on Instagram hashtag data.

We've also asked Product Specialist Lizzie James at Jessops for her travel photography tips so you can take professional-quality pictures of all the places you visit, whether it's Big Ben or the inside of The Louvre.

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The top 10 most photogenic landmarks in Europe ranked

Travel photography tips for beginners

Get the perfect landmark shot with Jessops

Lizzie says: "For the best daytime shots of the Eiffel Tower, it's best to use a wide-angle camera lens to capture the entire structure in all its glory."

"I also recommend shooting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the harsh midday light and crowds. Plus, images taken at sunrise or sunset with soft, golden light give the Tower a beautiful backdrop."

Image by Chris Karidis on Unsplash

Lizzie goes on to say: "For great exterior shots, the Gothic structure looks especially dramatic on a rainy day, with the dark clouds providing a moody backdrop."

"If the weather is clear, head up to the roof of the Duomo for spectacular pictures across the city of Milan. The view from above is breathtaking and offers a unique perspective of the city's skyline and the intricate spires of the cathedral itself."

Image by Nusa Urbancek on Unsplash

"With its stunning Gothic Revival architecture, Big Ben is particularly photogenic at night when the clock face is lit up."

"A slow shutter speed will capture the illuminated clock face beautifully because it allows more light to hit the camera sensor over a longer period. This helps to bring out the details and colours of the clock face and the surrounding architecture, making your night shots of Big Ben truly spectacular. I'd just recommend using a tripod if you can to keep your camera steady and avoid blurriness."

Image by Anthony Delanoix on Unsplash

"A wide-angle lens will help you fit the entire structure into your frame, showcasing its impressive scale. However, to bring out the textures of the ancient stone, you could get up close with your camera. Focus on the intricate carvings and the weathered surfaces to capture the Colosseum's character and history in all its glory."

And don't forget to take some time to simply enjoy the view! After all, you're standing in front of one of the most remarkable historical structures in the world.

Image by Matthew Schwartz on Unsplash

Also, keep in mind that a busy roundabout surrounds the Arc de Triomphe, but thankfully, shooting from a distance on the side path can help capture its full grandeur against the Parisian skyline.

Image by Pixabay on Pexels

"It may be best to ensure the sun is to your left or right rather than directly ahead or behind you. This way, the stones will be lit from the side, highlighting the textures."

"You should have enough room to set up a tripod to stabilise your shots and avoid blurriness. A tripod also allows you to experiment with different angles and longer exposures, which can capture the intricate play of light and shadow on the stones."

Image by Kris Schulze on Pexels

Lizzie recommends: "To add a bit of character to your photo, you could capture the serene flow of the river or the movement of clouds in the sky. To do this, set a slow shutter speed, which allows the camera to gather more light over a longer period, creating a smooth, flowing effect for water and clouds. Just remember, a slow shutter speed means more light enters the sensor, so it's best to use a low ISO to avoid overexposure."

Image by Jarod Barton on Pexels

Photographing landmarks while on holiday can be a rewarding experience, capturing memories of iconic places and switching up your normal photography areas.

Lizzie says: "The key to great landmark photography when you're abroad is all about preparation and creativity. Think about the time of day, your angles, and how you can make your shot stand out."

Here are some tips on how to take great photos on your digital camera while travelling so you’ll have a whole range of beautiful images at the end of your trip.

Scout the location

"When you get to your landmark, before you start snapping away, take a few moments to walk around and explore different angles," says Lizzie. 

"Since you've probably never been to the location before, look for unique perspectives that might not be obvious at first glance. This could be a shot framed by trees, a reflection in a nearby body of water, or an interesting foreground element that adds depth to your landmark photo."

Invest in a quality camera

"Having a good digital camera is essential for getting great shots, especially if you plan to take up photography seriously, not just for your trip," says Lizzie. "A quality camera can make a world of difference to your photos, providing better image quality, more control over settings, and greater versatility in different lighting conditions."

"The best camera for travel photography depends on what you're using it for. For example, you may want a compact, steady handheld camera for city breaks or a rugged action camera for more adventurous trips."

"However, I'd say the OM System OM-5 Mirrorless Camera is a great all-rounder for travel photography. Its super-compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around all day without weighing you down. The camera is also dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof down to -10°C, so you don't have to worry about the elements ruining your shots."

Whether you're shooting wide landscapes or close-up details, the OM-5 is versatile enough to handle it all.

"Or, if you're a beginner to travel photography and don't want to spend a lot, the Sony a6100 is also a great choice", explains Lizzie. "It's a big step up from a smartphone camera that can easily slip into your bag or pocket, with an impressive 24.2MP sensor. Plus, it has one-touch sharing, allowing you to quickly transfer your landmark shots to your phone for social media sharing." 

To learn more, read our beginner’s guide to choosing the right digital camera.

Consider the time of day

"Lighting can make or break your photos," explains Lizzie. "Early morning or late afternoon, known as the golden hours, provide soft, warm light that can enhance the colours and textures of your subject. The golden hours create long shadows and a beautiful glow that can add depth and dimension to your photos. Plus, it prevents harsh shadows and highlights, making your images look more balanced and professional."

"Shooting in the early morning or late evening is also a good idea, as the crowds will be quieter, and you'll have more room to compose your shots without distractions."

Pack light and be organised

"When travelling, it's important to pack light and stay flexible so you don't have to lug around heavy photography gear," recommends Lizzie.

"If you have a mirrorless or DSLR camera, remember to bring a versatile lens that you can use for everything. This way, you won't need to carry multiple lenses and switch them out."

"A zoom lens is a good choice as it gives you a lot of flexibility – you can easily switch from capturing expansive landscapes to detailed close-ups without changing lenses. This versatility is particularly useful when travelling, as it allows you to adapt to different photographic opportunities quickly and efficiently."

"The Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Lens is an excellent all-in-one lens, especially for beginners. It's a great choice if you prefer carrying just one lens, as it covers everything from standard views to impressive zoom shots. This lens is perfect for capturing a wide variety of scenes, from everyday moments to distant subjects, making it incredibly versatile and convenient."

"Another tip is to keep your gear organised and easily accessible so you can quickly set up for spontaneous shots. Consider bringing a bag with compartments for all your photography gear to ensure you can find what you need without rummaging around. Remember, the best moments often happen unexpectedly, so be ready to capture them!"

Bring a tripod 

By including a tripod in your travel gear, you'll be prepared to capture stunning photos in any situation.

Lizzie explains: "A tripod is invaluable for long exposures, night photography, and even for capturing steady shots in windy conditions. When shooting in low light, your camera's shutter needs to stay open longer to capture enough light, which can cause blurriness if the camera moves even slightly. A tripod eliminates this movement, allowing you to take crisp, detailed photos."

Using a tripod also allows you to experiment with different techniques, such as time-lapses, by keeping the camera steady for extended periods.

"I'd recommend a foldable tripod, like the Joby Compact Tripod Kit or the Vanguard Veo 3GO 265HCB Travel Tripod," suggests Lizzie. "This makes it easy to carry around or pack in your bag."

Read our guide to learn more travel photography tips.

Wherever you’re going in Europe, there are plenty of opportunities to take stunning landmark shots. Whether you’re admiring the beauty of the Eiffel Tower or capturing the history behind the Acropolis of Athens, we have a wide range of products to step up your photography game. Explore our range of digital cameras and lenses, as well as accessories like tripods and lighting.

For more advice and inspiration,take a look at our blog. If you have any questions or you're unsure about which product is right for you, contact us today.