- A new study reveals that the city with the most Instagrammable sunsets is Paris, France, with more than 117 million visitors and the most Instagram hashtags, amounting to 114 million.
- Dubai, UAE, has the most extended annual sunshine hours, totaling 3,509, offering more opportunities for beautiful sunsets.
- Honolulu, USA, stands out with the best air quality index at 12.
New research by Heepsy analyzed 54 cities worldwide to identify the top ten that have the most Instagrammable sunsets. The study considered several key factors, including the number of Instagram hashtags, average annual sunshine hours, air quality index (AQI), tourist arrivals, and popular sunset spots, to determine the cities that offer the most stunning and popular sunset experiences.
| Country | City | Population | Number of Instagram Hashtags | Average Annual Sunshine Hours | Air Quality Index | Tourist Arrivals | Popular Sunset Spots | Composite Score |
| France | Paris | 2,165,423 | 144,882,313 | 1,662 | 51 | 117,109,000 | Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Pont Alexandre III | 100 |
| United Arab Emirates | Dubai | 3,331,400 | 127,121,960 | 3,509 | 97 | 8,084,000 | Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina | 98.6 |
| USA (CA) | Los Angeles | 3,970,000 | 86,011,291 | 3,254 | 46 | 45,037,000 | Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach | 97.2 |
| Spain | Barcelona | 1,636,732 | 72,428,274 | 2,591 | 27 | 36,410,000 | Park Güell, Montjuïc, Barceloneta Beach | 90.5 |
| USA (CA) | San Francisco | 883,305 | 33,825,715 | 3,062 | 18 | 45,037,000 | Twin Peaks, Baker Beach, Lands End | 88.8 |
| France | Cannes | 74,486 | 5,884,306 | 2,836 | 28 | 117,109,000 | La Croisette, Île Sainte-Marguerite, Suquet Hill | 85.6 |
| Spain | Madrid | 6,642,000 | 51,047,074 | 2,769 | 27 | 36,410,000 | Temple of Debod, Parque del Oeste, Circulo de Bellas Artes | 81.4 |
| Turkiye | Istanbul | 15,460,000 | 133,824,308 | 2,218 | 107 | 15,971,000 | Galata Tower, Maiden’s Tower, Bosphorus Strait | 79.5 |
| USA (HI) | Honolulu | 343,421 | 5,597,405 | 3,036 | 12 | 45,037,000 | Waikiki Beach, Tantalus Lookout, Ala Moana Beach Park | 66.6 |
Paris, France, takes the top spot as the city with the most Instagrammable sunsets, with a composite score of 100. It stands out with the highest number of Instagram hashtags at over 144 million, highlighting its strong presence on social media. With 117 million tourists annually, Paris also attracts the most visitors among all ranked cities, making locations like the Eiffel Tower and Pont Alexandre III popular sunset spots.
Dubai, UAE, secures the second position with a composite score of 98.6, thanks to its impressive 3,509 annual sunshine hours—the highest among all cities—offering abundant opportunities for capturing stunning sunsets. Dubai also ranks highly in Instagram popularity with over 127 million hashtags and is home to famous sunset spots like Burj Khalifa and Jumeirah Beach.
Los Angeles, USA, comes in third with a score of 97.2, mainly due to its second-longest annual sunshine hours of 3,254. The city’s popular spots, such as Santa Monica Pier and Griffith Observatory, contribute to its 86 million sunset-related Instagram hashtags. Additionally, Los Angeles attracts 45 million tourists annually, tying with other major cities in visitor numbers.
Barcelona, Spain, ranks fourth with a composite score of 90.5, supported by over 72 million Instagram hashtags and an impressive air quality index of 27. The city’s sunsets are frequently captured at Park Güell and Barceloneta Beach, attracting 36 million tourists yearly, making it a favored destination for sunset enthusiasts.
San Francisco, USA, takes fifth place with a score of 88.8. Despite having a smaller population, it has a high air quality index of 18, the second-best among the top cities. Sunset spots like Twin Peaks and Baker Beach contribute to the city’s 33 million Instagram hashtags and help draw in 45 million tourists annually, on par with Los Angeles.
Cannes, France, ranks sixth with a composite score of 85.6. Though it has the smallest population among the ranked cities, Cannes still attracts many tourists, with notable sunset spots like La Croisette and Île Sainte-Marguerite adding to its charm. The city has over 5.8 million Instagram hashtags, reflecting its allure despite its smaller scale.
Madrid, Spain, ranks seventh with a score of 81.4, featuring popular sunset spots such as the Temple of Debod and Parque del Oeste. With 51 million Instagram hashtags and an AQI of 27, Madrid offers a balanced combination of social media popularity and good air quality. It welcomes 36 million tourists annually, making it a sought-after destination for sunset seekers.
Istanbul, Turkey, takes the eighth spot with a composite score of 79.5. It has the second-most Instagram hashtags for sunsets, totaling 133 million, making it a prominent location for sunset photography. With iconic spots like Galata Tower and the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul attracts nearly 16 million tourists annually.
Honolulu, USA, rounds out the top ten with a score of 66.6. Despite being the smallest city on the list, it has 3,036 sunshine hours per year and maintains an impressive AQI of 12, the best among the listed cities. Sunset spots like Waikiki Beach and Tantalus Lookout make it a picturesque location, although it has the fewest Instagram hashtags and tourist arrivals compared to other ranked cities.
A spokesperson from Heepsy commented: “Cities with a strong online presence, popular attractions, and favorable environmental conditions tend to be more attractive to sunset seekers. Additionally, urban planning plays a crucial role in creating spaces that offer stunning views and outdoor experiences. By understanding these factors, cities can enhance their appeal as destinations for those seeking memorable sunsets.”
Methodology: The study is based on key factors such as the number of Instagram hashtags, average annual sunshine hours, air quality index (AQI), tourist arrivals, and popular sunset spots. Instagram hashtags measure the popularity of sunset-related posts on social media, while sunshine hours reflect the frequency and quality of sunsets in each city. Air quality, indicated by lower AQI values, enhances sunset clarity and vibrancy, and tourist arrivals suggest the city’s overall popularity and the attractiveness of its sunset locations. Scores were then scaled from 0 to 100, allowing for straightforward comparisons, with higher scores indicating stronger appeal.
