Written by 
Titan Travel’s recent analysis has identified the European cities leading social media in 2024 and predicted the destinations that could dominate in 2025.
According to the Social Travel Index, which measures TikTok and Instagram posts, Google searches, and trending interest, the most popular cities to tag this year were all in Europe.
Nice, France, unexpectedly claimed the top spot, followed by London, UK, as the second most popular city, which also ranked as the world’s most Instagrammed destination.
Paris, the host city for the Olympics, took third place.
Instagram Post Predictions
Looking ahead to 2025, the study analysed Instagram post growth between 2023 and 2024 to predict which destinations might see a surge in tags.
Among the trending cities, Palma de Mallorca in Spain stood out, receiving over 3 million Instagram posts in 2024. The Balearic Island capital is admired for its stunning beaches and architectural highlights, though it has also been a focus of protests against over-tourism.
Increase in Instagram Tags
Rhodes in Greece is another standout, predicted to become the fifth most popular city next year after an 8 per cent increase in Instagram tags. The island remains a photogenic favourite, known for its medieval charm and rugged coastlines.
Istanbul is also expected to see an increase in visitors in 2025, earning a social travel score of 7.96 out of 10 based on its high volume of posts and searches. The city’s unique position straddling the Bosphorus Strait and its array of mosques, palaces, and castles make it a magnet for architecture enthusiasts. However, recent restrictions on social media access in Turkey may pose challenges for travellers eager to share their experiences online.
Garnering Instagram Posts
Greece secured another spot in the top 10 with Athens, which garnered 12 million Instagram posts over the past year. The city is home to scenic attractions like the National Garden, the Panathenaic Stadium, and the picturesque Plaka neighbourhood of Anafiotika. The Acropolis, one of Athens’ most iconic landmarks, also ranked among the top 10 most-tagged landmarks globally, with over 1.69 million posts shared on Instagram and TikTok.