At Ithaca Galleries we're often asked which cities are our favorite to photograph and in all honesty, the answer is "it depends". There are many variables to consider - the time of year for one, but also the context of the trip. Are you on assignment & being paid to shoot? Are you on a family vacation and needing to tend to kid's entertainment? A trip with friends looking for picture postcard moments? All of these make a difference in the creative process. We've put together this Top 10 list as much based on the memories of the experience in these cities as anything more scientific. These cities have their fair share of Instagram locations, but also of quiet places to find your own shot. We have left out a few notables - which was bound to happen if you only choose ten cities - but we hope this list sparks some wanderlust and inspires your next urban photography adventure.
#10 Vancouver, Canada
Surrounded by tall sweeping coastal mountains, sandy beaches, and natural temperate rainforests, Vancouver won the geography lottery! You can be downtown in the city and then 30 minutes later you can be skiing at one of ski resorts above the city, or out on the water kayaking.
Vancouver has so much going for it - not least of which is that it is home to North America’s third largest urban park - Stanley Park - which has 16 miles of trails and 100 acres of rainforest which are absolutely gorgeous and provide lots of opportunity to capture nature's beauty. Enjoy cycling or walking the 5.5 mile seawall path which surrounds the park and take in downtown skyline views, harbor scenes, sea stacks, and beaches. Take time to see the totem poles at Brockton Point (above) which represent the stories and legends of several First Nations tribes from British Columbia's west coast.
The Lions Gate Bridge, a nearly 6,000 ft suspension bridge, is a dominant feature of the north side of Stanley Park and is an appealing subject for photographers. Take time to capture some shots here before visiting the aquarium, or famous rose gardens all of which provide great subjects, especially if you are traveling with family.
Vancouver itself is certainly picturesque, but it's also a jumping off point for one of the best scenic road trips anywhere - the Sea to Sky Highway - which winds along Howe Sound from Horseshoe Bay to Pemberton and offers spectacular views as well as waterfalls, gondola rides and much more along the way.
#9 Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is filled with historic architecture, charming restaurants, and picturesque landmarks. and is truly a captivating, budget-friendly destination. One of the most fascinating aspects of Mexico City for any photographer is its architecture.
The cityscape is diverse with architectural styles ranging from ancient colonial buildings to postmodern structures. If you’re visiting and want to explore the best architectural highlights, be sure to visit the Soumaya Museum (right) - it's a perfect example of Mexican postmodern architecture which is beautiful and fascinating to photograph. The facade consists of 16,000 shiny aluminum hexagons that seem to float on its surface and resemble shiny snakeskin. Find an interesting perspective up close, or shoot from further away to show its scale, perhaps with a foreground element like these roses.
For a more classic look at architecture, head to the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts). This stunning building will doubtless look familiar as it's been the subject of many photographs. For the best picture, go into the Sears building across the street and up to the 8th floor to the cafe for an unbeatable view.
Two more buildings worth a visit are the jaw-dropping, century-old Palacio Postal (Post Office) and the highly photogenic Munal Museum with its beautiful staircases, huge glass windows and muraled ceilings.
If you tire of architecture and crave some people watching, head to the Bosque de Chapultepec, a 1,700-acre park located on the west side of the City. The park is home to museums, a zoo, markets and restaurants and is a great place take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city. Also located in the park is the iconic Castillo de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Castle) which is well worth checking out and many may recognize as the home of the Capulets in Baz Luhrmann's film Romeo & Juliette .
For something unexpected visit Xochimilco or Floating Gardens - the "Venice of Mexico". In Xochimilco you’ll find canals originally built by the Aztecs and colorful gondolas, called trajineras, floating along the waterways. Just beautiful!
#8 Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is magnificent! It’s a beautiful, historic, walkable city with something for everyone.
Interested in historic architecture? Beautiful churches? How about bridges and atmospheric cobblestone streets? Do you like museums? What about ancient cemeteries? Prague has all of this and much, much more.
Prague is a very walkable city and a great place to start is the Old Town Square - it's the heart of historic Prague and home to cafes, shops, restaurants, bars and some amazing architecture. Not to be missed is the famous Astronomical Clock (left) which is on the side of the Old Town Hall building. It is the oldest operating astronomical clock in the world and it's hourly chime attracts a crowd. You can head to the top of the Town Hall tower for commanding views over the rest of the square.
Dominating the square itself is the spectacular looking Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn (right). It has been the main church of this part of the city since the 14th century. The church's two towers are 260 ft high, and each tower's spire is topped by eight smaller spires in two layers of four.
On the other side of the square is St Nicholas Church - stunning both inside and out. Spend some time taking pictures of the beautiful interior and then return for a classical concert performance and soak up the atmosphere without your camera.
A relatively short walk from Old Town Square is another Prague icon - the Charles Bridge. This beautiful cobbled bridge crosses the Vltava River and is lined with numerous large statues. Rain, shine or atmospheric fog, there are no bad spots for photography here, so shoot the statues themselves, or with Prague Castle in the background. Head to the banks on either side and capture the night time lights (below)
Speaking of Prague Castle, it's hard to miss the imposing complex on the hill top. There are a number of buildings in the castle complex, but one in particular stands out - the amazing St Vitus Cathedral. The cathedral is simply beautiful and there are all sorts of shots to be had inside with the stonework and stained glass, and outside with the towers and expressive gargoyles.
For more great architecture, but this time with a little less history, check out the Dancing House. The modern building, inspired by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers is a quirky must see. Don't leave Prague without a visit to Jewish Quarter - a walking tour is a good option - to learn more about a fascinating piece of Prague's history and to learn about the synagogues that remain today.
#7 Cairo Egypt
Cairo, which means "victorious" in Arabic, is as diverse as it is beautiful so head to this African city with camera in hand to capture some incredible images. As the 19th largest city in the world, and among the planet's most densely populated, you can pack in a lot of great historical and landscape attractions into a relative compact area. Whether you're looking to check one of the Seven Wonders of the World off your bucket list, or want a change of culture and scenery, Cairo is an essential stop for any travel photographer.
To get you into the swing of this fascinating city, start with a visit to Khan Al-Khalili. The bazaar is loud, crowded, colorful, and exciting, making it the perfect place for some great candid shots. If the archways of the Mamluk style architecture, the vaulted ceilings and narrow alleyways aren't enough to engage you, try testing your bargaining skills with the local store owners and take home some spices, or a bronze lantern or candle holder. Be warned, the alleyways are a little like a maze, so be sure to capture your images as you find them - you may not find that location again!
Cairo has a diverse religious tradition and two unmissable sights are The Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo and the Mohammed Ali Mosque at the Citadel. The Hanging Church is one of the oldest churches in Egypt dating back to the 3rd Century and has beautiful carvings in wood, ebony and ivory as well as 110 icons, the oldest of which dates back to the 8th century.
The Citadel is a fantastic medieval fortification built by Saladin in the Twelfth Century. One of the highlights of a Citadel visit is the Mohammed Ali Mosque which
is full of beautiful carvings and walls lined with symmetrically placed lamps. You've got your pick of mosques in Cairo to take some gorgeous photos - just remember to be respectful while doing it.
While there's a lot to see inside Cairo's Churches and Mosques, there is of course a lot to see and do outside. Take a trip on the Nile in a traditional Felucca or head to the wonderful Al Azhar Park, listed among the world’s sixty magnificent public spaces
Last but not least, what trip to Cairo would be complete without a visit to the Pyramids of Giza and the new Egyptian Museum (slated to open June 2021). Located just a short 30 minute car ride from Cairo is the oldest of the seven wonders of the Ancient world and while it's hard to take a bad photograph at the Pyramids, try to find ways to capture both the scale and the small moments of this awe-inspiring place. Also feel free to have some fun with the classic Instagram shots - holding the pyramid in your hand, or kissing the Sphynx!
#6 Sydney, Australia
Sydney is one of the most delightful destinations for photography-enthused travelers. If you’ve visited Australia’s largest city before, you’ll understand just how beautiful it looks through your viewfinder. The seemingly endless blue sky, the sparking waters of Sydney Harbor, some unique and gorgeous architecture, and a stunning coastline make it a truly spectacular location.
The Sydney Opera House is made for photography and there's no shortage of shooting angles - from close-up, to grand vista, to abstract. It’s a very photogenic building, and especially beautiful during sunset light so take your time and linger as the light changes.
Nearby is the famous Harbor Bridge which provides a great element for composition as well as a worthwhile subject in its own right. If heights don't bother you, be sure to climb the bridge for some truly breath-taking shots.
Circular Quay is a busy wharf area for ferries, cruise liners and other assorted water craft. It is also a great location for some street photography, so take some time for a coffee and keep your camera handy. Jump on the ferry and sail across the harbor from Circular Quay to Luna Park, the heritage-listed amusement park that has been the location of many movies and TV shows. The Luna Park face, the ferris wheel and colorful amusements make for some fun and striking images.
Another Sydney highlight is the stunning botanical gardens. You can wander for hours, camera at the ready and still not see all of the statues, flowers, birds, and ponds this huge area has to offer. Oh yes, there's also a great view of the downtown Sydney skyline from here!
If walking the botanic garden isn'ttoo tiring, be sure to head to the coast and walk the beautiful cliff walk from Bondi to Coogee which extends nearly 4 miles and features stunning views, beaches, parks, cliffs, bays and rock pools.
#5 Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is full of stunning photography opportunities. Bursting with energy and color, the city which is dominated by the spirit and architecture of Antoni Gaudi, is a must visit for all photographers.
Parc Güell, located a little north of the city center on one of Barcelona's hills, is a great place to start. The park, built by Gaudi himself, is an incredible combination of color and shape with beautiful views across the city, especially at sunset
Next up is the Barcelona icon - La Sagrada Familia. This giant cathedral is Gaudi's final
masterpiece and although still under construction decades after his death is one of the most stunning buildings anywhere in the world. The exterior is impressive, but it is the fascinating tree-themed interior with it's colorful stained glass that really shines. Be sure to get there early as this is an extremely busy location!
For more of the genius of Gaudi, visit Casa Mila (La Pedrera) with it's amazing atrium and photogenic chimneys and Casa Batllo with its wobbly walls, venetian mask-like balconies and vibrant blue colors. Shoot from the street or head to the roof for more great chimneys which are said to have inspired "Star Wars" creator George Lucas. It's easy to see the resemblance to the famous Storm Trooper helmets.
Built on the side of Monjuic hill for the 1923 International Exhibition, the Magic Fountain is a huge fountain that runs a daily sound and light show. Position yourself up close at the fountain itself, or at the top of the hill by the National Museum of Catalan from where you get a wonderful view across the city with the fountain display as the foreground.
For some of the best panoramic views of Barcelona take the cable car to Monjuic Castle or the short train or funicular ride to Mount Tibidabo. Sunset in particular is beautiful!
For more people watching head to Las Ramblas, the tree-lined pedestrian street connecting the Plaça de Catalunya in its center with the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell. This is a bustling, energetic part of the city and great for some street photography. Another highlight of the area is La Boqueria market whose stalls sell every fruit, vegetable, meat and craft imaginable and whose vibrant colors make for fantastic photographs.
#4 Paris, France
Paris is beautiful, romantic, charming and full of iconic scenes - the sheer volume and variety of photo subjects can be overwhelming! However, it's often best to simply wander the streets of this beautiful City of Light and let inspiration strike.
Paris street scenes are wonderful - especially when seen from a cafe while sipping some champagne or between bites of croissant and sips of coffee! Walk off the extra calories with a trip up to Sacre Coeur, the pure white Byzantine church nestled on the Montmartre hilltop in the 18th arrondissement. It’s definitely worth the trip - the church itself is stunning with a bonus panoramic view across Paris from its dome.
The Arc de Triomphe is a classic Parisian landmark, well worth taking the time to shoot, particularly either up close or from a distance along the Champs Elysee. Camera at the ready, take the long walk down the Champs Elysees from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde with it's Egyptian obelisk and beyond to the Jardin de Tuileries and on to the Louvre.
The Louvre itself is a must see well and there are plenty of great photography subjects inside, but there is also a lot to look at outside. Use the angles of the glass pyramid and the beautiful facades of the surrounding buildings to capture some unique shots.
A cemetery may seem like a strange recommendation for photography however the tombs and graves of Pere Lachaise are works of art in their own right, and strolling around for a few hours provides a quiet and reflective time in the midst of frenetic Paris.
Of course the Eiffel Tower looms large (literally!) in any list of photography locations. There are numerous places to shoot from: The Trocadero across the river from the Eiffel Tower, really gives a sense of the scale and shows the city skyline as a backdrop. Of course you can always get up close and use the structure itself to frame the scene or take the trip to the viewing platforms to get a birds-eye view of the rest of Paris
No photography trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Palace at Versailles. There are stunning photo opportunities everywhere, from the golden Hall of Mirrors to the manicured gardens, Versailles Palace is a photographers dream.
#3 Rome Italy
Rome is incredible and the combination of beautiful architecture, deep history and stunning light make it a must see for all photographers. There are amazing bridges, fountains, piazzas (plazas), street scenes and landmarks and literally millions of great photos just waiting to be taken.
Head to the most famous church in the world - St Peters - for a lesson in architectural scale. So perfectly in proportion it looks "ordinary sized" but you'll be amazed at just how large it actually is. St Peter's Piazza is just as great with its Bernini fountains. Head next door to the The Vatican Museum where there is no shortage of fascinating things to see and photograph. Don't miss the enchanting spiral staircase. This photograph has been taken millions of times - so it's far from unique, but it is an unfailingly satisfying image as the two staircases - one upward, one downward - combine in a fantastic double helix.
Take a stroll from St Peter's toward Castel Sant' Angelo and the Tiber River. Look for the 10 angel sculptures by Bernini on the Bridge of Angels which provide great subjects or foreground elements
It is well worth spending time walking along the banks of the Tiber and capturing the morning light on the statues and monuments or heading out at dusk as the lights come on looking back towards St Peter's
Often touted as Rome’s most famous square, Piazza Navona is a fantastic place for photography. Surrounded on all sides by ornate, historical buildings, the square is large and open with a constant bustle of street performers and tourists. The many restaurants along the sides of the square are perfect for people watching and the surrounding buildings and beautiful fountains make for wonderful compositions.
The Pantheon is one of the most recognizable buildings in Rome and is another iconic photo spot. From the ancient Roman temple itself, to the Piazza della Rotonda in which it stands, there are lots of photo opportunities. Inside you’ll find the domed roof with intersecting arches and a huge circular hole. During the day light falls through the space allowing for some beautiful shots of the Roman roof.
A former villa converted to an art gallery/museum, the Borghese Gallery is full of wonderful art and sculpture. You can wander the beautiful halls and rooms here, for hours. The statues are simply outstanding - it's hard to remember sometimes that these amazing works of art were carved from single marble blocks.
Probably one of the most photographed buildings in Rome and the most visited monument in Italy, the Colosseum is a true Roman icon. While there is plenty to learn about and see inside, the best photo opportunities are outside with the early light of the day being the best. The nearby Forum allows you to get up close with Roman history and offer lots of opportunity for small detail shots.
#2 Hong Kong, China
With its towering skyscrapers, sweeping mountains and bustling harbor, there are few cities in Asia as photogenic and scenic as Hong Kong.
The harbor is a magical part of the city and nothing says Hong Kong like a ride on a Star Ferry from which you can see the stunning skyline and watch fishing boats and junks criss-cross the harbor.
Another quintessential experience can be found at the Mongkok Markets. Be sure to check out the The Flower Market where you can see every conceivable color of flower arrayed in beautiful groupings. When you finish perusing the flowers and plant-arrangements, continue on to the Bird Market, full of sound and color and then on to the Goldfish Market. Before you know it, you will have spent a whole afternoon among the colorful fish, the chirping birds and the fragrance of the fantastic flowers.
If time permits, be sure to head out of the city to see The Big Buddha on Lantau Island. The most scenic route is via the cable car which will give you some great aerial shots. The statue is situated near Po Lin Monastery and symbolizes the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and faith. This is certainly a full day excursion so take advantage of the hiking trails and beautiful vistas while you are there. You won't be alone but it is a great way to escape the busy city.
No photo album from Hong Kong would be complete without that iconic skyline shot with densely packed skyscrapers ringing Victoria Harbor. Head to The Peak for sunset and the blue hour and take in a panorama of the city in its best light and from its highest vantage point. You'll have plenty of company, but it's still a very satisfying image - even if far from unique.
#1 New York City, USA
Top honors in our Top 10, go to New York, New York! From its stunning skyline and instantly recognizable locations to its street photography and sheer humanity, the city that never sleeps is paradise for any photographer. With more photo opportunities per city block than anywhere else in the world be sure to keep you camera on hand at all times. Highlights are too numerous to mention but here are a few favorites.
Before diving in, it's worth reinforcing that New York is best experienced by simply walking. Even if it's your first visit, the city feels strangely familiar from all the movies and TV show you've seen, but also so much more than you expect. And so many of the city's signature experiences take place on foot. A good example is the innovative High Line - the once elevated train track offers super street views of mid-town and the Empire State Building as well as the view of the statue of Liberty from the Southern End. There’s also some great art installations and street art along the way.
The Brooklyn Bridge, linking Manhattan and Brooklyn, is a New York icon. The pedestrian walkway on the bridge gives panoramic views across the city from downtown up to mid-town. All the major New York buildings are visible, from One World Trade in the financial district to the Chrysler building and the Empire State in Midtown.
Shoot from below and have fun with the leading lines and angles or go for the classic shot from the centre of the bridge itself where the symmetrical cables make for a stunning composition. Be prepared to get up really early if you want to minimize the crowds and remember this is a suspension bridge so the constant vibrations of the passing traffic make tripod shooting and long exposure photography impossible.
There are no shortage of great architecture to shoot in New York City. From the instantly recognizable main concourse of Grand Central Station (above), to the triangular FlatIron Building; from the Empire state and Chrysler buildings to the Guggenheim Museum (below) and the main branch of the New York City Library.
Be sure to spend time at Rockefeller Center. where the building itself makes an impressive subject. Be sure to stop at the channel gardens which are beautiful any time of year, but particularly around the Holidays. Nearby you also have St Patrick's Cathedral - a neo-gothic cathedral juxtaposed against the modern skyscrapers of mid-town as well as the striking bronze statue by Lee Lawrie of the ancient Greek titan, Atlas, holding the heavens on his shoulders.
Although cliché, Times Square is still a great place for photography so don't be put off by the crowds. Ditto for Central Park. The park has so many beautiful photo opportunities from Bethesda Fountain & Terrace and the Imagine memorial in Strawberry Fields, to the Arches, the Loeb Boathouse, and the reservoir. Be sure to spend a good few hours exploring this green sanctuary.
Be sure not to miss out on the delights of down town and be sure to visit the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Centre. One World Trade - aka The Freedom Tower - is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the skyscraper rises above the New York City skyline unlike any other. The view from the observatory on the 102nd floor offers an uninterrupted panorama across the entire city. Take time to remember and reflect at the National September 11th Memorial and Museum just to the south.
While at the southern tip of Manhattan, be sure to head out on the water to see Lady Liberty, standing tall in New York Harbor. Gifted to the people of the US by the French the statue itself is well worth a visit in combination with a trip to fascinating Ellis Island, but if time is limited hop on the Circle Line tour or simply take the Staten Island Ferry to put you close enough to capture some classic images.
So there you have it! Ten fantastic locations. Just think of all the cities not mentioned - London, Beijing, Tokyo, Berlin, Venice, Edinburgh, Dubai, Florence, Jaipur, Honolulu, St Petersburg, Amsterdam..... Looks like we'll need another list!