Traveling doesn’t come cheap—especially if you’re hoping to visit some of the more popular tourist attractions around the world. A recent study from Heepsy looked at fifty of the most popular tourist attractions to determine the ten most expensive places in the world to take a holiday photo. The study considered the total cost of entrance to the biggest tourist attractions, search volume, and the number of visitors each site sees annually.
At the top of the list is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which ranked first with a composite score of 100. This iconic skyscraper, the tallest building in the world, charges an entry fee of $108, making it the most expensive destination for tourist photography. It attracts over 17 million visitors each year and generates more than 29.4 million online searches. Its high cost, combined with its global recognition, establishes it as the leading location for travel photography.
Following closely is Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which comes in second place with a score of 97.3. The entrance fee is $70, but additional permit costs and its remote location increase the total expense for visitors. Despite receiving only 50,000 visitors annually, it garners an impressive 5.5 million searches each year, reflecting its status as a bucket-list destination for adventure and landscape photographers.
The Eiffel Tower in Paris ranks third with a score of 94.6. With a relatively low entry cost of $39, it remains one of the more accessible photography sites. The Eiffel Tower attracts 7 million visitors a year and maintains consistent global interest, making it a must-visit for tourists.
Big Ben in London takes fourth place with a score of 91.9. An entry fee of $46 allows access to this iconic landmark, which sees around 5 million visitors and earns 23.9 million searches annually. Its prominent presence in travel media and public imagery contributes to its high ranking.
The Galápagos Islands rank fifth with a score of 89.2. With a staggering entry fee of $200, it is recognized as a premium location for photography. The islands attract only 329,000 visitors each year but generate 1.5 million annual searches, underscoring their exclusivity and appeal for wildlife and nature photographers.
In sixth place is the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, which scores 86.5. The entry cost is $29, and it welcomes 4.7 million visitors annually while generating 17.2 million searches. Its unique architecture makes it a frequent subject of travel photography, ensuring its place on this prestigious list.
The Grand Canyon in Arizona ranks seventh with a score of 83.8. With an entry fee of $35, it is one of the more affordable options, yet it draws 15.7 million visitors each year. Its natural scale and breathtaking views continue to make it a key destination for landscape photographers.
Machu Picchu in Peru comes in eighth with a score of 81.1. The site charges $45 for entry, not including the additional costs and effort involved in reaching the remote location. It receives 1.6 million visitors annually and has 14.9 million searches, highlighting its ongoing appeal despite accessibility challenges.
The Palace of Versailles in France is ninth, with a score of 78.4. Its entry fee of $32 makes it one of the more affordable landmarks in Europe, and it consistently attracts 15 million visitors each year, although its search volume is lower at 1.6 million.
Finally, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China completes the top ten with a score of 75.7. Its $30 entrance fee is among the lowest, yet it draws 15.9 million annual visitors. However, it only receives 305,000 searches per year, indicating that despite strong in-person interest, limited global awareness online affects its ranking.
In summary, these ten landmarks not only represent some of the most breathtaking sights in the world but also come with a hefty price tag for those looking to capture their beauty in photographs. Whether it's the towering Burj Khalifa or the natural wonder of Mount Kilimanjaro, travelers are willing to invest in their experiences and memories. As tourism continues to evolve, these iconic sites remain at the forefront of travelers' minds and cameras, each offering a unique glimpse into the diverse cultures and landscapes of our planet.