Every traveler has that moment when they arrive somewhere iconic and think, “I should totally get a creative photo here!” Then they proceed to take the exact same shot that millions of people have captured before them. These tourist photo clichés have become so predictable that locals can probably set up tripods for visitors before they even ask (and they have, at a price).
But it can also be argued that these photos became clichéd exactly BECAUSE they’re actually pretty fun to take. Sure, your Instagram followers might roll their eyes at your “original” Leaning Tower of Pisa pose, but you’ll probably laugh about it later. Sometimes, embracing the tourist stereotype is half the fun of traveling.
Holding up Leaning Tower of Pisa – Italy
The granddaddy of tourist photo clichés involves pretending to prop up Pisa’s famously tilted campanile. Every day, hundreds of visitors gather on the lawn with outstretched arms, creating a bizarre human sculpture garden of people pushing against thin air. The key is getting the perspective just right so it looks like you’re actually touching the 56-meter tower.
Kissing the Sphinx – Giza, Egypt
This romantic gesture toward a 4,500-year-old limestone monument has become so popular that tour guides probably include it in their standard photo package. Visitors pucker up next to the Great Sphinx’s weathered face, creating the ultimate “ancient love” momento. The pose works best from the side angle where the Sphinx’s profile is most dramatic.
Pinching the Taj Mahal, India
The forced perspective trick that makes it look like you’re pinching the Taj Mahal’s central dome between your fingers never gets old. This Mughal masterpiece has been “grabbed,” “pinched,” and “held” by countless tourists since digital cameras made instant preview possible. The best spot is from the main pathway leading to the mausoleum.
The “Feet on the Beach” Shot
Nothing says “I’m on vacation” like photographing your sandy toes with ocean waves in the background. This shot has become so universal that flip-flop tan lines and painted toenails have their own Instagram hashtags. The angle usually captures just enough leg to prove you’re actually there, not just stealing someone else’s beach photo.
The “Jumping in Front of Famous Landmarks” Shot
Whether it’s the Eiffel Tower, Machu Picchu, or Mount Rushmore, the jumping tourist photo attempts to capture pure joy and freedom. The reality involves multiple failed attempts, sore legs, and usually one decent shot where everyone’s actually airborne simultaneously. And take it from the pros, not everyone can jump. So best stay with 2 feet on the ground.
Walking down Abbey Road – London, England
The Beatles made this North London crosswalk famous in 1969, and tourists have been recreating their album cover ever since. The pose requires four people walking in single file, preferably with someone shoeless like Paul McCartney. Traffic regularly stops for photo shoots, making this possibly the most accommodating street crossing in the world.
Being Big at Salar de Uyuni – Bolivia
This salt flat’s endless white expanse creates perfect conditions for forced perspective photography, making people appear giant-sized next to tiny props. Visitors bring everything from dinosaur toys to miniature cars, creating surreal scenes that play with scale and perception. The best shots happen during dry season when the salt creates a seamless white backdrop.
The “Pillory Punishment” Shot
Historic sites with old-fashioned punishment devices inevitably attract tourists eager to stick their heads through wooden stocks. Colonial Williamsburg, medieval castles, and historic jails worldwide feature these “arrest me” photo opportunities. The pose combines historical education with silly entertainment, making it irresistible for family vacation albums.
Sunset Heart Hands
Framing the setting sun between heart-shaped hands has become the universal symbol of romantic travel photography. Beach resorts, mountain viewpoints, and scenic overlooks worldwide witness this daily ritual. The trick is getting the timing right so the sun sits perfectly within your finger frame, which is easier said than done.
Bruce Lee Kung Fu Pose – Hong Kong
The Avenue of Stars waterfront promenade features a Bruce Lee statue that inspires countless martial arts poses from visitors. High kicks, fighting stances, and “watah!” expressions dominate the photo sessions here. The Hong Kong skyline provides an appropriately cinematic backdrop for channeling your inner martial arts master.
Titanic Pose – At Sea
Cruise ships and ferry decks worldwide witness the “king of the world” pose, with arms spread wide at the bow. James Cameron’s 1997 film made this ship-front stance iconic, though most people skip the part where Leo and Kate’s characters meet a tragic end. Wind and safety railings often complicate the execution.
Standing on Kjerag Rock – Norway
This massive boulder wedged between two cliffs creates one of the world’s most heart-stopping photo opportunities. The rock sits 984 meters above Lysefjord, making the casual standing pose feel like an extreme sport. Despite its terrifying appearance, the boulder is actually quite stable and safe for confident hikers.
Walk Like An Egyptian
Ancient Egyptian temples and museums worldwide inspire visitors to recreate hieroglyphic poses with angular arms and profile stances. The Valley of the Kings and Egyptian Museum in Cairo see countless tourists attempting to channel their inner pharaoh. Bonus points for getting the sideways walking pose just right.
Jesus in Rio – Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Standing with arms outstretched to mirror Christ the Redeemer’s pose has become mandatory for Corcovado visitors. The 30-meter Art Deco statue overlooks Rio de Janeiro, inspiring countless imitation crucifixes from tourists below. The best shots capture both the visitor’s pose and the famous statue in the background.
Rocky Cheer – Philadelphia
The statue outside Philadelphia’s Museum of Art inspires daily reenactments of Rocky Balboa’s victory celebration. Tourists run up the steps, raise their fists, and shout triumphantly while channeling Sylvester Stallone’s underdog boxer. The statue was originally created for Rocky III but became a permanent city fixture due to popular demand.
Taking a Phone Call in a London Phone Box – England
Classic red telephone boxes throughout London serve as props for pretend phone conversations, despite most of them no longer working. Many boxes now house defibrillators instead of phones, but with just the right angle, no one would know. But be carefull because most of these phonebooths are in questionable states.
Posing With a Wax Figure at Madame Tussauds
These ultra-realistic wax museums worldwide inspire awkward poses with celebrity doppelgangers. Visitors hug, high-five, and recreate famous scenes with figures who look eerily lifelike but feel disappointingly waxy. But believe us, no one will be able to tell that you weren’t REALLY having a chat with King Henry XVI.