At the start of each year, I like to plan my travels for the upcoming months, often browsing Instagram for ideas and inspiration. Some of the most popular Instagram hashtags feature places I’ve visited, like Notre Dame in Paris, the Eiffel Tower, the Acropolis, and the Alhambra. Others, such as Burj Khalifa, Machu Picchu, and the Taj Mahal, are still on my bucket list, but I hope to visit them soon.

During my last trip to Paris, all our walks seemed to start from Notre Dame, right in the heart of the city. So, I thought I’d share some tips on where to capture the best images of this beautiful landmark, the ones that will make your friends envious when you post them on Instagram.

After the devastating fire in April 2019, I hope these photos of Notre Dame will help us remember the cathedral in all its glory, as the foremost Catholic church in France, the heart of Paris, and a place of special significance for the French people.

Notre Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, attracts 14 million visitors a year because it’s free to visit. This makes it challenging to photograph the facade without crowds. Visiting in spring, autumn, or winter can help avoid the high summer crowds, and on a clear day, you can get beautiful photos of the intricately carved facade.

Notre Dame is the 5th most shared landmark in the world on Instagram, with 1.1 million shares. You can climb the 402 steps inside the towers to get panoramic shots of Paris, get close to the famous gargoyles, and reach the belfry at the top.

For a quieter spot, head to Place Jean-XXIII at the back of the cathedral. It has benches where you can relax or have a picnic, and you can see the cathedral’s flying buttresses that support the walls and roof.

From Place Jean-XXIII, cross the small bridge of Pont Saint-Louis to Île Saint-Louis. Stroll along Rue Saint-Louis, admiring the old mansions, shops, and galleries. My friend runs Galerie Kara, which features elegant jewelry and objects from India and Asia. Foodies should try the delicious ice cream at Berthillon.

Alternatively, walk across Pont de l’Archevêché to the Left Bank of the Seine. The river provides a beautiful setting for photos of Notre Dame, especially from one of the bridges further down the river.

If you need a break from the crowds around Notre Dame, head to Canal Saint Martin and Bassin de l’Arsenal. They remind me of Regent’s Canal in London, with houseboats in the heart of the city. From here, you can access a riverside walk and get further viewpoints of Notre Dame in the distance.

The Eiffel Tower is the most Instagrammed spot in the world, with 3 million shares. It’s a must-visit landmark in Paris, perfect for selfies. The queues for the lift to the top are always long, so if you’re fit enough, opt for the shorter queue to walk up. You can get interesting shots of the architecture on the way up.

The Acropolis in Athens, with the Parthenon at the top, is the 10th most Instagrammed spot in the world. Many restaurants, hotels, and bars offer views of the Acropolis at night. Don’t miss the Acropolis Museum, which has many treasures from the Parthenon and temples. The museum’s terrace cafe is a great place for lunch with a view of the Acropolis.

Spain’s Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been shared on Instagram 675K times. It’s a mix of palace and fort with beautiful gardens and courtyards. Plan your visit and book tickets online a few days in advance, as they sell out quickly.

For more travel inspiration, check out the CEWE Photoworld Infographic, which features other top spots like Big Ben in London, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, and Machu Picchu in Peru.

To share your travel images, consider creating a photobook with CEWE Photoworld. It’s a great way to relive your travel memories and share them with loved ones. They offer a range of photobooks, calendars, cards, and prints that can be made from your travel photos.