ELLE’s 30 Places to Instagram in 2023

Traveling has never been cooler—thanks in large part to Instagram. Now that pandemic-related travel restrictions have finally been lifted, we’re free to (literally) take flight and indulge in beautiful beaches, fantastic food, and unique experiences that beg to be documented. For this year’s lineup of 30 Places to Instagram, we sorted through myriad destinations across the world to bring you the absolute best of the best resorts, restaurants, bars, scenic lookouts, art exhibits, and more that deserve a coveted spot on your grid—and maybe even cross-promotion on TikTok. These are those must-visit places that are either already all over your feed, or about to be in the next year (maybe you’ll see them IRL too, if you’re lucky). Go ahead and make some plans, turn on your OOO auto-reply, and jet off to see somewhere special and new. Don’t forget to take pics.

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Members-only club and hotel The Ned expanded to the Qatari city of Doha right before the World Cup, and has been hosting celebrities, influencers, and athletes at its Gulf-side locale ever since. The property, helmed by Soho House CEO Nick Jones, features seven restaurants, a spa, and a private upstairs lounge and terrace.—Jessica Roy, Digital Director

Best time to get your shot: Lunchtime, poolside.

Choice backdrop: Though the glamorous, ’70s-tinged rooms are perfectly picturesque, the real place to be seen is the pool, which feels like Miami-meets-the-Middle East in all the best ways.

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Chalk it up to the nightlife gurus who brought you Ray’s, Pebble Bar, and Georgia Room: Jac’s on Bond, named after the “Mayor of Bond Street” Jack Champlin, has fast become the place to see and be seen in New York City’s NoHo. The casual downtown spot expectedly serves up great cocktails (the caprese martini is a standout), but don’t miss the small plates courtesy of the chefs behind Wildair and Contra.—Claire Stern, Digital Deputy Editor

Best time to get your shot: After hours.

Choice backdrop: A Jac’s on Bond-emblazoned coaster (or two).

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Once home to 1950s-era coin-operated, vibrating beds, The Egyptian Motor Hotel has been totally reimagined as a retro-modern hang for the creative set. Conveniently stationed in downtown Phoenix, the real gem on the premises is Egyptian Live, a 250-seat outdoor bar that also serves up bites from Chilte, a local favorite for experimental Mexican that started as a food truck, and provides a venue for live music.—Katherine Krueger, Features Editor

Best time to get your shot: The place really gets rocking in the evenings.

Choice backdrop: Grab a cocktail, cuddle up by a firepit with your friends, and snap some candid shots.

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A Bavarian-inspired village in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado? Suffice it to say, you should grab your camera. Not only is The Arrabelle at Vail Square steps away from the slopes—it’s closed off to cars and buses, meaning there’s absolutely nothing that’ll ruin your photo.—Claire Stern, Digital Deputy Editor

Best time to get your shot: Après-ski.

Choice backdrop: The mountains.

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In the heart of Milan, hidden in plain sight by ancient Spanish walls, QC Termemilano is not so much a spa as a multi-sensory wellness journey. Stay for a few hours, or all day long—the choice is yours. (I recommend arriving in the late afternoon, so you can enjoy the evening aperitivo.) From 5 P.M. to 8 P.M., you’re encouraged to hang out in your robe and nosh on charcuterie and unlimited Prosecco. All in all, the perfect end to a relaxing day.—Danielle James, Digital Beauty Director

Best time to get your shot: Pre-aperitivo, so you can use both hands.

Choice backdrop: The cinematic pool room that simulates being in an actual thunderstorm went viral on TikTok for good reason.

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The mark of a truly Instagrammable spot is when you don’t need a location tag to telegraph where you are. Such is true for Palm Heights, a boutique hotel in Grand Cayman, which opened its doors in 2019 and has already drawn the attention of celebrities like Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, and Chloë Sevigny, to name just a few. Set on the dreamy Seven Mile Beach, all you need to do is take a selfie among the property’s signature buttercup yellow umbrellas and striped towels to show off where you’re vacationing. After you’re done, head upstairs to your suite—all of which feature an ocean view—or fuel up at one of the hotel’s four eateries.—Madison Feller, Senior Writer/Editor

Best time to get your shot: Anytime you’re on the beach is a good time, but sunset might offer a dramatic backdrop.

Choice backdrop: Umbrellas and towels—it’s all you need.

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Though slightly off the beaten path outside of Austin, Hamilton Pool Preserve in the Texas Hill Country is definitely worth the detour. The colorful swimming hole is a historic hangout beloved by locals and tourists alike, complete with an incredible 50-foot waterfall and a grotto that you can walk all the way around. Reservations are required to visit, so be sure to check out its website for availability.—Rose Minutaglio, Senior Writer/Editor

Best time to get your shot: Weekdays are best to beat the crowds.

Choice backdrop: In front of the waterfall.

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If you fly into Incheon International Airport during your next trip to South Korea, there’s a big chance you’ll pass through the Incheon Bridge to get to your final destination. At over 13 miles long with towering peaks, this bridge—the longest in the country—is an architectural wonder with a variety of photogenic angles.—Erica Gonzales, Senior Culture Editor

Best time to get your shot: It’s vibrantly lit at night.

Choice backdrop: Snap a photo from the Memorial Hall on Yeongjongdo Island, from the Oceanscope observatory on Songdo, or on the bridge itself as you’re driving through.

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If you’re lucky enough to score a reservation at Saffy’s, then you might as well Instagram it. The Middle Eastern L.A. restaurant specializes in kebabs and an influencer clientele.—Claire Stern, Digital Deputy Editor

Best time to get your shot: Early evening, before the dinner rush.

Choice backdrop: A smorgasbord of food against a speckled marble table.

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When it comes to museums, the more, the merrier. The Sydney Modern Project is the newly transformed Art Gallery of New South Wales, which means more art for you to behold. You’ll want to peruse all of the exhibits, but when you need to take some time away from the galleries and off your feet, be sure to check out the outdoor sculpture garden—where you might just find your next photo op.—Dale Arden Chong, Senior Fashion Commerce Editor

Best time to get your shot: Magic hour.

Choice backdrop: Nothing is more IG-worthy than Yayoi Kusama’s “Flowers that Bloom in the Cosmos.”

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Slip on a pair of decent walking shoes before you enter the Nasjonalmuseet Museum, the largest art museum in all the Nordic countries. Having opened in June 2022, the $650 million Oslo site combines four former art and design institutions in order to create a behemoth of a destination, including the one-of-a-kind Light Hall. Even if you never took an art history course, you’ll recognize at least one of the museum’s most famous paintings: Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.” If you decide to take a photo, the ideal pose is self-explanatory.—Madison Feller, Senior Writer/Editor

Best time to get your shot: Right when the museum opens, so you can avoid big crowds.

Choice backdrop: The whole building is, quite literally, a work of art, but you can’t go wrong with a famous work like “The Scream” or Harald Sohlberg’s “Winter Night in the Mountains.”

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Still not over season 2 of The White Lotus? Neither are we—which is why we’re considering The Four Seasons Taormina one of the best spots for 2023. Between the idyllic scenery, the beautiful weather, and the dreamy landscapes, you truly can’t go wrong with this hotel. This is an essential stay if you’re in the mood for a luxurious Italian getaway.—Dale Arden Chong, Senior Fashion Commerce Editor

Best time to get your shot: Literally any time of day.

Choice backdrop: By the pool with the horizon in the background.

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Nita Ambani was inspired by her childhood love of learning Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, to open a place in Mumbai that spotlights Indian culture and art and preserves it for future generations. The Cultural Centre is home to breathtaking spaces, among them Dhirubhai Ambani Square, where the Fountain of Joy features shows shooting water 45 feet in the air along with elements of fire, lights, and music, and The Grand Theatre, a gorgeous 2,000-seat venue for concerts and musicals that help bring Indian culture to the rest of the world.—Katherine Krueger, Features Editor

Best time to get your shot: You’ll need tickets for the Fountain of Joy shows, which start at 8 P.M. sharp.

Choice backdrop: The Fountain of Joy, mid-show. It’s a sight to behold.

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There are plenty of classic New York moments to be had when you visit the Big Apple, but for the fashion and jewelry lovers, none come quite as close as a visit to Tiffany & Co. for a little (or a lot of) shopping. Earlier this year, the luxury jewelry brand relaunched its flagship store, known as The Landmark, which now features immersive installations like the Audrey Experience, an ode to the iconic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s; a High Jewelry Workshop; and the Blue Box Café, where you can enjoy breakfast…at Tiffany’s.—Dale Arden Chong, Senior Fashion Commerce Editor

Best time to get your shot: Ideally during the day where you can get the best light.

Choice backdrop: If you’re a fan of the classics, nothing beats the Audrey Experience. We’re also quite fond of the staircase.

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It’s widely regarded as the best restaurant in the world, and it’s closing this year, which means the clock is ticking on your long-held dream to eat at Noma. Go for the ‘gram, stay for the fine dining.—Claire Stern, Digital Deputy Editor

Best time to get your shot: You really can’t go wrong any time of day—securing a table is the hard part.

Choice backdrop: Right by the window, overlooking the garden.

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Sure, Vilas Bangkok’s minimal, curved interiors deserve a post—but it’s the 12-course Thai tasting menu that will force you to create a carousel. Inspired by King Chulalongkorn’s 1897 journey to Europe, Thai chef Prin Polsuk has teamed up with Spanish chef Pepe Dasí Jiménez to create a seasonal menu that combines “new world ingredients and ancient cooking techniques.” Considered one of the best new restaurants around the globe, you’ll have to make your reservation a month in advance; just remember that dishes like pork belly with coffee kombucha could await you.—Madison Feller, Senior Writer/Editor

Best time to get your shot: Before or after your meal, unless you’re a “drinks in the air” kind of person.

Choice backdrop: The restaurant’s curved, neutral hallway.

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Looking for your next posh weekend getaway? The Mayflower Inn & Spa, just two hours outside the city in Washington, Connecticut, wants to be your luxurious New England country home away from home. Start the day with a yoga class in the property’s Shakespeare Garden, indulge in an afternoon of pampering at the inn’s in-house spa, The Well, and end your idyllic day with a meal at The Garden Room, a fine dining space helmed by the James Beard Award-winning chef-in-residence April Bloomfield.—Katherine Krueger, Features Editor

Best time to get your shot: The grounds are especially beautiful in the morning and early evening.

Choice backdrop: Get a panoramic view of the gardens with the Inn’s main building, modeled after country homes in England and Scandinavia, in the background.

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With eight courts, a pro shop, a sunset deck, and a restaurant, Wynwood Padel Club is the biggest—and bougiest—padel club in the country. For the uninitiated, the sport of “padel” is a mix between tennis and squash that’s played in doubles on an enclosed court. Step aside, pickle ball. The courts at Wynwood are pristine, and the vibes are immaculate. Take a lesson with a pro or play with a friend. Pics or it didn’t happen.—Rose Minutaglio, Senior Writer/Editor

Best time to get your shot: Golden hour.

Choice backdrop: Courts and nets.

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Art, history, and gastronomy converge in the River Arts District of Asheville, North Carolina. Spanning a mile-long stretch of the French Broad River, this revamped industrial neighborhood houses the studios and galleries of more than 280 artists. With mediums like glassblowing, pottery, woodworking, and more, there’s something to suit every fancy. You’re sure to be inspired by the creativity as you encounter the artistic process in action and learn about the area’s history as you go.—Meg Donohue, Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

Best time to get your shot: The best time to visit RAD, as it’s affectionately called, is undoubtedly the second Saturday of any month, when the district hosts gallery walks, demos, workshops, live music, and more…like food and craft beers.

Choice backdrop: There’s no shortage of stunning gallery walls or eye-catching murals to pose in front of, but bonus points if you take a class or workshop and capture a hands-on image.

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Known colloquially as The Blue Pearl, Chefchaouen is located in the mountains of northwest Morocco, and is one of the most stunning cities in the world. With its blue and white-washed buildings, narrow alleyways, and mountainous backdrop, not even Laura Dern is immune to its charms.—Jessica Roy, Digital Director

Best time to get your shot: Sunrise, as the sunlight starts to hit the blue walls.

Choice backdrop: The blue-painted steps at Callejon El Asri, often referred to as “Instagram Alley.”

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Turtle Island is a covetable vacation spot for 2023, 2024, and probably the rest of time. The luxury private island offers sweeping beachfront vistas, critically acclaimed cuisine, and an intimate concierge experience to make Fiji feel like your very exotic backyard. The all-inclusive fares include a vast list of activities, like horseback riding and daily snorkel excursions, plus unlimited dining, like floating dinners and sunrise beach picnics.—Meg Donohue, Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

Best time to get your shot: Sunset or sunrise…or any time your champagne flute gets refilled.

Choice backdrop: True to island living, just let the South Pacific do its thing here. Hit one of the 12 private beaches guests have access to and flash your best smile. You have a lot of reasons to grin.

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You can catch a pretty sunset from just about anywhere in the world, which is exactly what makes Oia, the popular village on the island of Santorini with a spectacular reputation for sunsets, so notable. Nestled atop a Grecian island in the South Aegean Sea, it is beloved for its Mediterranean blue-domed buildings and white-washed stone, which seem to practically glow when the golden-hour light hits just right. The resulting pictures will be some of the most beautiful you’ve ever taken—and they still won’t do the scene justice.—Lauren Puckett-Pope, Staff Culture Writer

Best time to get your shot: Right as the sun starts to hover above the horizon.

Choice backdrop: A sailboat of your choice, preferably with a good co-pilot and a glass of bubbly in hand.

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What Parisian event hasn’t been held at this new hotspot since its opening last year? Brands from Givenchy to YSL have hosted major parties and dinners at SO/ Paris, a stylish new addition to the French capital’s hotel scene, with everyone from Doja Cat to Dua Lipa and Janet Jackson spotted at its rooftop club, Bonnie.—Jessica Roy, Digital Director

Best time to get your shot: After dark, every hour on the hour, when the Eiffel Tower does its cute little sparkly thing.

Choice backdrop: For the best panoramic views of Paris, head to the outdoor terrace at Bonnie Restaurant on the 15th floor.

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Is there any place in Casa de Campo that isn’t photo-worthy? The luxury resort in La Romana, Dominican Republic is full of picture-perfect scenes, whether it’s in the elegant yet relaxing hotel rooms and villas, on the green of its renowned golf course, or amid white sands and clear waters of its private Minitas Beach. Even its nearby excursions are sights to behold, such as the stoned streets of Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village with major fairy tale energy.—Erica Gonzales, Senior Culture Editor

Best time to get your shot: Sunrise, when there are less tourists.

Choice backdrop: Minitas Beach.

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This highly anticipated new museum has been in the works for two decades, and it’s finally slated to open later this year. The Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, just a stone’s throw from the Great Pyramid of Giza, is set to be the largest archaeological museum complex in the world, showcasing King Tut’s entire treasure collection for the first time, along with a staggering 100,000 other artifacts from ancient Egypt as well as Rome and Greece.—Katherine Krueger, Features Editor

Best time to get your shot: There’s no bad time indoors, but try for late morning in the complex’s gardens.

Choice backdrop: The Grand Hall.

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Currently under construction in Edinburgh’s historic port district of Leith, this waterfront distillery promises to be a hub for innovation, experimentation, and, yes, making lots and lots of whiskey. The Port of Leith Distillery’s unique design—it’s nine stories tall, making it the U.K.’s first-ever vertical distillery—comes from the quirk of its location: a small historic parcel of land right on the water, not far from the Royal Yacht Britannia. The distillery, which plans to open this summer, will feature a top-floor bar with panoramic views of Leith, Fife, and Edinburgh. It’ll certainly be a sight to see—while sipping an artisan scotch whiskey, of course.—Katherine Krueger, Features Editor

Best time to get your shot: Try for sunset.

Choice backdrop: The entire city of Edinburgh from a bird’s-eye view.

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Make your bucket list safari trip come true at KuKaya, a brand-new lodge in Zambia that offers the chance to create your own wildlife adventure while sleeping in your own private villa. Built in South Luangwa National Park, each abode comes equipped with its own host to guarantee a comfortable stay and an unforgettable experience. Take in the sunset from your plunge pool and share stories every night at the firepit. Your personal safari guide will tailor each experience to ensure you get prime animal sightings. Bonus: the Bushcamp Company offers walking tours and night drives.—Yousra Attia, Senior Photo Editor

Best time to get your shot: Sunset over the bush.

Choice backdrop: Why not make it a panorama? One hundred photos of baby elephants is perfectly acceptable, if you ask me.

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Be one of the first adventurers to stay at the all-new Highland Base at Iceland’s Kerlingarfjöll, situated 3.5 hours away from Reykjavík when road conditions allow. With options ranging from private lodges and luxury suites to hostel dormitories and a BYOT (Bring Your Own Tent, that is) riverside campground, Highland Base aims to make every traveler feel cozy and right at home in this untamed and remote region. Pick up a takeaway lunch box from the Highland restaurant and then hit the hiking trails, hop on a mountain bike, or try cross-country skiing while you’re there.—Meg Donohue, Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

Best time to get your shot: During daylight hours.

Choice backdrop: Soaking in the thermal baths, set to open this fall, or beaming with pride at the summit after a day-long trek.

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Jacuzzi is a true feast for the senses. Joyfully designed interiors and an expertly curated Italian menu make this “crazy trattoria” a can’t-miss dining experience in West London. With pink chandeliers, skylight windows, and an abundance of greenery, this place is a foodie’s heaven. The Big Mamma Group’s latest venture touts a menu that changes month to month, but you can always count on the house-made pastas and fresh produce.—Meg Donohue, Associate Fashion Commerce Editor

Best time to get your shot: Whenever you can get a res! Walk-ins are welcome, but if you want to be sure you’ll get seated, book online up to 20 days in advance.

Choice backdrop: Raise a glass with the bar behind you. Or just post a snap of the homemade focaccia stuffed with melted ricotta—that’s what your followers really want to see anyway.

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While the museum has been open since 2004, Istanbul Modern just reopened its doors to the public in its newly renovated building in early May. The massive space, designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano, features sweeping views of the city, with a facade that evokes both fish scales and the silhouettes of ships, a nod to the site’s role as a harbor for travelers moving between Europe and Asia. The museum in Karaköy is also based on the Bosphorus, and its “see-through” ground floor design allows for incredible vantage points of the waterfront.—Katherine Krueger, Features Editor

Best time to get your shot: Just before golden hour.

Choice backdrop: Scope out the Viewing Terrace.

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Photo Credits: Ned Doha – Courtesy of Ned Doha, Esha Gupta @egupta; Jac’s on Bond – Getty Images, Courtesy of Jac’s on Bond; Egyptian Motor Hotel – Courtesy of Egyptian Motor Hotel, Gabby Usinger; The Arrabelle at Vail Square – Courtesy of The Arrabelle at Vail Square, Caroline Echeverry @carolinecheverry; QC Termemilano – Courtesy of QC Termemilano, Kika Dudasovaa @kika.dudasovaa; Palm Heights – Courtesy of Palm Heights, Gia Kuan @giakuan; Hamilton Pool Preserve – Getty Images, Summer Laine @summer.laine; Incheon Bridge – Getty Images; Saffy’s – Courtesy of Saffy’s, Emma Esme @d0vebl00d; Sydney Modern Project – Courtesy of Sydney Modern Project, Vanessa Low @vanlowvanlow; Nasjonalmuseet – Courtesy of Nasjonalmuseet, Iwan Baan, Sara Flaeen Licius @saraflaaen; Four Seasons Taormina – Courtesy of Four Seasons Taormina; Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre – Courtesy of Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, Zendaya @zendaya; Tiffany & Co. – Getty Images, Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.; Noma – Courtesy of Noma, Yanyan Cheung @yanyan_c; Vilas Bangkok – Courtesy of Vilas Bangkok, Diego Arenas, Claire Weeranund @claireweeranund; Mayflower Inn & Spa – Courtesy of Mayflower Inn & Spa, Liv Reese @liv.reese; Wynwood – Twins of Miami @twinsofmiami, Debora Castaneda @debcastaneda, Bēatala Sportwear @be_atalasportwear_; River Arts – Getty Images, Victoria Viera Pacheco @_victoriaviera; Chefchaouen – Getty Images, Callia Mexi @callia_m; Turtle Island – Courtesy of Turtle Island; Oia – Getty Images, Georgiana Ion @iamgeorgianaion; SO/ Paris – Julia Mateian @juliamateia, Dua Lipa @dualipa, Lena Mahfouf @lenamahfouf; Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – Courtesy of Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Taylor Infante @taylor_infante; The Grand Egyptian Museum – Courtesy of The Grand Egyptian Museum, Farah Sedky @farahsedky1; The Port of Leith Distillery – Courtesy of The Port of Leith Distillery; KuKaya – Courtesy of KuKaya, Chinga Beaumont @chinga_beaumont; Highland Base – Courtesy of Highland Base; Jacuzzi – Courtesy of Jacuzzi, Charlie McKay; Istanbul Modern – Courtesy of Istanbul Modern, Cemal Emden, Sebnem Demirel @sebnemsse