All across social media, people are posting pictures of their favorite summer destinations. New York, Dubai, and Paris are just a few of the many hotspots you may have seen on your timeline.

Using the hashtag #skyline, UK-based toner cartridge supplier, Toner Giant, examined nearly 8,000 Instagram pictures to find out which city ranked the highest according to its average “likes.” 

But you don’t have to be a professional photographer to take part in the action. To capture a beautiful skyline, all you need is a cell phone.

How To Capture a Beautiful Skyline

If you want to take a professional photo, it’s pretty easy to do so with these five helpful tips from the experts at Toner Giant.

  1. An important thing to consider when taking a skyline picture is your position. Capturing a skyline is easier when you’re at an elevated height, i.e. a tall building or a hill.
  2. You may have heard of golden hour in reference to skin care and makeup all over social media. But when it comes to skyline pictures, blue hour — the time between sunset and nightfall — is best.
  3. Consider including a popular landmark in your skyline photo. Your audience is more likely to engage with a picture featuring something they recognize.
  4. Use a wide-angle lens on your camera or smart phone to create a larger, more dynamic photo. This is perfect for capturing a picturesque landscape underneath a beautiful skyline.
  5. For a bright and clear picture, turn away from the sun when including a building or other geometric structure in your skyline photo. This can prevent the structure from appearing dark and indistinguishable.

The Most Beautiful Skylines Ranked

Now that you understand how to take skyline pictures, it’s time to get out there and snap a pic. But first, which city has the best skylines to capture in photos? Here are the top six most beautiful skylines ranked on Instagram:

1. Dubai, UAE - 362 Likes

Dubai is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. And with 362 likes per photo, the “City of Gold” is the most popular on Instagram as well.

Many people visit Dubai to experience a taste of luxury. But Dubai is also a great place to see beautiful skylines. Visit the Burj Khalif, the tallest building in the world, to experience its epic skyline featuring swaths of creamy orange and bright pink.

While you’re there: Check out Scintillia Skincare, a Black-owned skincare lounge located in Abu Dhabi. There, you can get beauty glow facials such as a back facial or face lift.

2. Berlin, Germany - 297 Likes

Coming in second at 297 likes is Berlin, Germany. When most people think of Berlin, they might think of its historical museums, the Brandenburg Gate, or even bratwurst. But there’s much more to Berlin than that. And its beautiful skylines are one of the many reasons to visit.

As the tallest structure in all of Germany, the Berlin TV Tower is one of the most popular landmarks in the country. Visitors can take an elevator to the top, where they can take in a 360° skyline on its rotating observation deck.

While you’re there: You could try the upscale restaurant located above the TV Tower. Or you could support a Black-owned business by checking out Addis Abeba Restaurant, an Ethiopian restaurant serving authentic Ethiopian fare like gored gored and kitfo.

3. Miami, Florida - 273 Likes

Miami is one of the hottest travel destinations for young adults. So it’s no surprise that it ranked number three on TonerGiant’s list of the most “liked” skylines on IG.

Miami is most known for its beaches and party scene. Because of this, many people who visit the bustling city are there to have a fun time. Part of the fun includes the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel, a nearly 200-foot ferris wheel that boasts some of the most incredible views in the world. 

Take a ride on the wheel during the day to see the clear blue skies overlooking a glistening Biscayne Bay. Or for a romantic experience, hop on the wheel with your beau to see shades of orange and lavender at sunset.

While you’re there: Visit CHAT Miami, a Black-owned touring company that provides incredible walking tour experiences. With CHAT Miami, visitors can learn about the city while sampling food from local businesses.

4. Rome, Italy - 194 Likes

Next on the list is Rome, Italy. As the capital of the country, Rome is a popular place to visit. Its iconic landmarks and attractions such as the Colosseum or Pantheon make the city one of the most visited in the world.

And with a score of 194 “likes” per photo, it’s safe to say that its skyline views contribute to its popularity, as well. To see for yourself, visit the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Boasting one of the highest views in the city, the historic destination is the perfect place to see the beautiful skyline overlooking the buzzing towns below.

 

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While you’re there: Stop by IBRIS focacce e pizze, a Black-owned pizzeria serving pizzas and other Italian fares with unique ingredients like chickpeas or potato cream.

5. Milan, Italy - 194 Likes

Also coming in at 194 “likes” is Milan, Italy. Milan is a great place to explore for its historic buildings and landmarks. The Duomo di Milano is a famous cathedral dating as far back as six centuries!

Or you can plan a trip to the Pirelli Tower, formerly Milan’s tallest building. Venture up to the 31st floor of this 416-foot tall structure to visit its observation deck. And because the deck is only open for special events, its views of the clear, blue Milano skyline are an incredible treat.

 

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While you’re there: Visit Laurus, a Black-owned handbag and accessories store. At Laurus, you can find everything from luggage to this “Bellona” ostrich leather handbag that was featured in an article from Marie Claire!

6. Athens, Greece - 135 Likes

Athens is the capital of Greece and its largest city. Because of this, it attracts millions of travelers who visit the city to explore its many notable landmarks and attractions.

Philopappos Hill is a popular Athens destination due to its incredble views of the Acropolis, an ancient sanctuary once believed to be the home of the Greek gods. The hill also boasts a number of walking trails to explore. Each path provides a different view of the Acropolis, plus fantastic visuals of the bright, blue sky speckled with pillowy white clouds. 

While you’re there: Try Prestige African Restaurant, a Black-owned African restaurant that serves traditional West African fare like pounded yam and jollof rice.

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