The search for “where to travel in 2025” has increased significantly, with visitors looking for Instagrammable destinations. A travel company has compiled the most popular European cities on social media for 2024 and predicted the cities most likely to trend in 2025. The Top 3 cities in 2024 were from Europe, with Nice in France taking the top spot, followed by London in the UK, and Paris claiming the bronze. By analyzing the increase in the number of Instagram posts between 2023 and 2024, the top trending cities and countries for 2025 were identified, with Spain’s Palma de Mallorca and Rhodes in Greece making the list.
Palma de Mallorca, a seaside resort in the Balearic Islands, saw over three million Instagram posts in 2024, making it a top destination. Despite concerns about overtourism and recent wildfires, Rhodes in Greece is predicted to be the fifth most popular city to visit in 2025 due to its scenic spots and architectural beauty. Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, may experience a surge in visitors in 2025, with a high ‘social travel score’ based on Instagram and TikTok posts. Athens in Greece also secured a spot in the top 10 cities to snap in 2025, with popular landmarks like the Acropolis drawing millions of Instagram posts.
While London remains the most Instagrammed city globally, with over 160 million tags, other UK destinations may offer a chance to stand out. Brussels, known for its Flemish art, gothic architecture, and chocolate, has seen a significant increase in Google holiday searches over the past few years. The Netherlands has also risen in popularity, with travelers eager to capture its tulip fields, windmills, and canals on social media. Popular European landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Colosseum in Rome continue to be top choices for Instagram and TikTok posts.
As travelers seek out trending destinations for their Instagram posts, some cities may be facing challenges due to increased tourism. Palma de Mallorca and Rhodes, despite their popularity, have been dealing with overtourism and environmental concerns. Istanbul, while predicted to be a top destination, recently experienced a temporary block on access to Instagram by the country’s internet regulator. With social media influencing travel choices more than ever, travelers may need to consider the impact of their visits on these destinations and explore off-the-beaten-path locations to capture unique and memorable moments for their Instagram feeds.
