Have you ever seen a photo of a beautiful location and wondered where the picture was taken? After all, how can you add it to your bucket list if you don’t know where it is?  The struggle is real.

So in an effort to help, I’ve gathered 20 iconic photo locations from my own travels along with handy map links so you can see exactly where these frames are from.  Say good-bye to Googling obscure search terms like “pointy yellow house near cobblestone street” hoping to find what you’re looking for.  I’ve got your back with these pinpoint locales!

You’re welcome.

Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy

If you’ve lusted after photos of the Italian coast, you’ve probably run across shots of Cinque Terre.  One of the most iconic is from the hiking trail above Vernazza headed towards Monterosso.  It’s the perfect pit-stop along the 8 miles of trails that connect the five fishing villages (where you’ll also find the popular shot of Manarola).

Heaven’s Gate, Pura Lempuyang Temple, Bali

Thanks to those wishing to have their own Eat Pray Love experience, Bali’s popularity has soared.  And one of the most iconic destinations on this Indonesian island is Heaven’s Gate at the Pura Lempuyang temple.  But go early!  As you can imagine, throngs of tourists flock here for their own photos of the ethereal archway.

Upper Antelope Canyon, Page, Arizona

Few places are as naturally beautiful as Antelope Canyon.  You’ll find its narrow sunlit passages in wall art, screensavers, coffee table books, and more.  However, because it’s located on sacred Native American land, you can only visit with a group tour.  Space on the tours is limited so make sure to book early!

Hallgrimskirkja Church Belltower, Reykjavik, Iceland

One of the most popular shots of Reykjavik, Iceland is from the top of the Hallgrimskirkja church bell tower overlooking the city.  It’s the perfect vantage point to photograph the colorful rooftops of this oceanside city.

Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck, Iceland

Another popular location in Iceland is the site of the Solheimasandur plane wreck.  The broken and rusty body of the U.S. Navy DC plane sits alone on a seemingly endless stretch of black sand beach.  The weathered exterior makes for an intriguing photoshoot!

Forrest Gump Point, Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah

If you’ve ever watched Forrest Gump then you’ll recognize one of the most iconic photo locations in the American southwest.  From the Monument Valley park entrance, simply head north on Highway 163 until you reach mile marker 13 (it’s easy to spot, just look for snap-happy tourists in the middle of the road!)  The park’s remarkable southwestern landscape has also served as the backdrop for many other films including several John Wayne classics and Back to the Future III (not to mention countless Instagram posts!)

Plönlein, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

One of the most photographed houses in the world is Plönlein, located in the quaint village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.  Its sharp roof, crooked lines, and half-timbered accents adjacent to the cobblestone street corner look like something out of a fairy tale.  But much like other iconic destinations, it’s flooded with tourists during the day.  For the best shot, head there at sunrise or dusk when the tour buses have left and the streets fall silent.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau, Germany

Speaking of fairy tales, the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany is so picturesque that Walt Disney modeled his famous Sleeping Beauty castle after it!  The best place to photograph this historic landmark is from the Marienbrücke Bridge.  It’s located up a pathway that scales the hill behind this well-known castle.

Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, California

Frequently featured in nature photographs, Muir Woods National Monument is located just outside San Francisco, California.  Its massive redwood trees make you realize just how small you really are.  For the best light, go just before sunset to take advantage of the Golden Hour.

Nyhavn Canal, Copenhagen, Denmark

Quintessentially Copenhagen, the Nyhavn Canal is an icon of Denmark‘s capital.  And for good reason!  Its multicolored houses and adorable fishing boats create an atmosphere that’s enchantingly serene.

Acorn Street, Boston, Massachusetts

Nothing is more Americana than Acorn Street in Boston.  The brick facades, genuine cobblestones, gas lamp posts, and a historic American flag transport you back to the birth of a nation.

Chillon Castle, Veytaux, Switzerland

The Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva in Switzerland is one of the country’s most photographed destinations.  No surprise there, with its impressive facade perched along the water’s edge.  It’s also rumored to be the inspiration behind Disney’s Little Mermaid castle!

Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The third largest hot spring in the world, the Grand Prismatic Spring is a kaleidoscope of colors (making it one of the most iconic photo locations in this well-known national park!)  And now with the addition of a hiking trail to a scenic overlook, you can truly capture all the jaw-dropping hues of this natural wonder.

Havana, Cuba

With thawed political relations, Cuba has become increasingly popular in recent years.  Nowadays, you’ll find pictures everywhere of the country’s crumbling facades and classic cars.  And while it’s still restrictive to visit this Communist country, the photo ops are well worth the hoop-jumping to get there!

Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town, South Africa

A new favorite snapshot sweeping Instagram is the beyond adorable penguin colony on Boulders Beach in South Africa.  The tuxedo-wearing waterfowl are everywhere!  It makes photos with the dapper darlings easy to come by, and is an experience not to be missed on any South African adventure!

Astronomical Clock, Prague, Czech Republic

One of the most recognizable timepieces in the world, the Prague Astronomical Clock is an Eastern European icon.  Its colorful exterior and charming figurines dazzle scores of onlookers every hour.

Eiffel Tower Carousel, Paris, France

The Eiffel Tower.  Nothing denotes travel and romance like this legendary structure.  And one of the most well-known shots of the iron icon is from across the street near the carousel.  It’s Parisian perfection!

Brooklyn Bridge, New York, New York

When you mention New York City, most people think of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge.  The bridge’s imposing structure and intricate details make it a favorite for photo ops and sunny strolls!

Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, Netherlands

On almost any floral calendar, you run across an image of Keukenhof Gardens outside Amsterdam.  The thousands of blooms along carefully manicured lawns and cool, glistening streams represent springtime at its finest.  But check its availability!  The gardens are only accessible to the public for a short time each year.

Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, Sydney, Australia

The two most iconic sites in Sydney – the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.  And if you’ve seen images of these two impressive landmarks, then chances are you’ve seen this shot.  But where do you find this vantage point?  From Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens!  It also happens to be one of the most serene parks in the world, so stroll around and enjoy the rest of the scenery while you’re there!

There you have it!  Twenty of the world’s most iconic photo locations revealed!  So grab your camera and passport, and start checking these scenic vistas off your list!

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