Joyce LeeYou read that right — Singapore is not the most Instagrammable place in the world anymore. After topping the list in 2022, it slipped to the 13th spot in a 2023 ranking. Despite its colourful shophouses, futuristic buildings, and reputation as a garden city, the city-state was beaten by twelve other destinations. Whether or not you agree with this, read on for everything you need to know.
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What are the new most Instagrammable places in the world?
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In the ranking created by a travel publication, Milan took first place, impressing travellers with its gorgeous gothic architecture, thriving fashion scene, and upscale restaurants. The Italian cultural hub was followed by London (2nd) and Paris (3rd). Istanbul, New York, Nepal, Chicago, Bali, Sri Lanka, and Sydney filled out the rest of the top ten slots.
These Instagrammable places in the world were ranked based on their total number of Instagram hashtags and TikTok views. Singapore had 41 million hashtags on Instagram and 11 billion TikTok views while the top runner, Milan, garnered over 22 million Instagram hashtags and 97 billion TikTok views. Although Singapore had more Instagram hashtags than Milan, the city-state loses out in total hashtags and TikTok views.
Also read: Paris vs. Milan: Which Fashion Capital in Europe Should You Visit First?
Which other Southeast Asian destinations are on the list?
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Meanwhile, one of Singapore’s neighbour cities, Kuala Lumpur, came in 29th place, with a total of 15 million Instagram hashtags and 1.9 billion TikTok views. Like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur is famed for its delectable street food, cultural diversity, and breathtaking skyline. One of the city’s best Instagram spots is the Petronas Twin Towers, which are the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world.
Other Instagrammable places in the city include the historic Merdeka Square and the Batu Caves. The latter is a series of limestone caves housing a spectacular Hindu temple complex.
Phi Phi Islands, Phuket, Thailand | Image credit: Michelle_Maria via Canva Pro
Four more Southeast Asian destinations made the list: Phuket, Thailand (27th); Boracay, Philippines (39th); Hoi An, Vietnam (41th), and Ha Long Bay (50th). These Instagrammable places in the world have drawn travellers from all over the world with their stunning natural beauty and unique landscapes.
What’s so special about these Instagrammable places?
Hoi An, Vietnam | Image credit: Andrey Khrobostov via Canva Pro
If you’re wondering what the hype is all about, check out the shimmering turquoise waters of Boracay and Phuket, the Venice-like canals of Hoi An, and the towering islets of Ha Long Bay by looking up their respective hashtags. Afterwards, you’ll want to save these phenomenal Instagram spots for your next getaway.
Of course, since the rankings were based on the number of hashtags and TikTok views, they could be skewed by the rate of social media usage. According to Statista, Singapore had 5.51 million social network users in 2022, out of a population of 5.64 million. This high proportion of social media users could have given it an edge.
Also read: Where to Travel in 2023, According to Your Zodiac Sign
What do you think of the rankings, especially now that Singapore is not the most Instagrammable one anymore? Are they really accurate or do some places deserve a higher spot? Go ahead and share your thoughts on our Facebook page.
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