If you’re tired of seeing the same backgrounds on everyone’s Instagram feed, you’re in the right place. I’m always looking for those overlooked corners and quirky landscapes that don’t make it onto most lists. There’s something super satisfying about uncovering a hidden photo spot where barely anyone else has set foot. I pulled together some of my favorite unique Instagram-worthy spots in places you might never expect. These gems will spice up your grid and surprise even your most well traveled followers.
Why Instagrammers Love the Unconventional
Mainstream travel guides often zero in on the same few landmarks, making everyone’s travel shots start to look eerily similar. That’s where unexpected locations come in. When you choose unusual spots, your feed stands out, and you almost always get the place to yourself. It also feels pretty cool to introduce your friends to a place they’ve never heard of before. Plus, towns and regions off the beaten path usually have their own stories and quirks that add genuine character to your photos.
Hidden gems can range from abandoned buildings to vibrant street art in tiny towns, or natural settings swapped out for funky, man-made installations. While grabbing that iconic Eiffel Tower shot is fun, mixing in a colorful alleyway in an unknown city adds a fresh spin people really notice.
Stumbling Upon Unique Spots: A Few Tips Before You Go
Finding a secret Instagram spot takes more than luck. Here are a few pointers I use every time I chase unique backgrounds:
- Explore Local Websites and Hashtags: I usually start by following hashtags related to the area, checking posts from locals, and browsing tourism boards. Even small town Facebook groups are treasure troves for ideas.
- Check Google Maps and Satellite View: This is pretty handy for finding murals, old quarries, windmills, or random structures that aren’t listed anywhere else. Drop a pin and see what pops up nearby.
- Ask the Locals: Don’t underestimate chatting with café owners or market vendors. They often know the weirdest and most photogenic places within their own town.
- Scout Early or Late: Sunrise and sunset not only mean better lighting but less crowding, even in unexpected places that might otherwise get a small trickle of visitors.
Unexpected Instagram-worthy Locations You Have to See
Here are a few favorites I’ve uncovered that any Instagram fan needs to consider. None of these are the usual suspects, but each one is a visual treat for your feed. Don’t be afraid to track down your own offbeat finds—sometimes the best photo opportunities happen when you stray from the guidebooks.
- Tiny Town Murals: There’s a stretch of grain silos in Brim, Victoria, Australia, covered in enormous, beautifully detailed faces. It’s several hours from any major city, but the murals are massive and dramatic with moody rural backgrounds. Small towns in North America have started doing similar largescale mural projects, like Chemainus in British Columbia. Chemainus, in fact, has a walking tour mapped out for mural hunters, and each mural tells a piece of the town’s story.
- Desert “Mailboxes” – Nevada, USA: Outside of Las Vegas, there’s a stretch of road where hundreds of colorful mailboxes pop up in the middle of nowhere. Locals and travelers leave little notes, which makes for a fun candid grid post. This spot is popular at sunset for its wild contrasts between the bright mailboxes, desert sand, and shifting sky colors.
- Converted Phone Booth Libraries: In the English countryside, there are old red phone kiosks stuffed with books by village volunteers. The bright red against green fields or stone walls is a fun visual contrast. If you stumble upon one, take a moment to flip through the books and maybe leave a note for the next adventurer.
- Abandoned Water Parks in Spain: Slides now covered in graffiti and wildflowers make a pastel, dreamy vibe. Just be careful visiting urban exploration (urbex) sites and check if access is allowed. Responsible exploring makes sure these unique spots remain available for others in the future.
- Rainbow Colored Stairs – Valparaíso, Chile: In a city already known for murals, many concrete staircases are painted with inspirational quotes or wild patterns. The layers of color and sweeping city views are super photogenic. Look for local artists’ signatures at the bottom of the stairs—some are famous for their street style and may even chat with you if you’re lucky enough to meet them in action.
- Hidden Caves and Grottos – Algarve, Portugal: Most people snap Algarve’s famous beaches, but ducking into a sandstone cave like Benagil gets you dramatic skylight photos with nobody else in the frame if you time it right. Bring waterproof gear if you want to get closer to the water for that perfect over -the- shoulder shot.
- Industrial Relics as Backdrops: Think rusted mining equipment outside old Montana ghost towns, or ship graveyards in Scotland’s Orkney Islands. These are perfect for moody tones and historically rich grid shots. Sometimes fog rolls in, making your photos even more atmospheric.
Other examples to keep an eye out for include funky-colored shipping container parks popping up in urban spaces, quirky roadside art installations like Cadillac Ranch in Texas, and forgotten amusement parks where overgrown carousels create a truly unique vibe. Each location brings its charm and no two spots ever look exactly the same in your feed.
Key Factors to Consider When Hunting for Instagrammable Gems
Tracking down quirky photo spots takes a little planning. A few things always come in handy after a ton of trial and error on the road:
- Accessibility: Some of the best spots are easy walks, but others might require trekking, scrambling, or even a little drive down gravel roads. I always bring sturdy shoes and double check road or trail conditions ahead of time.
- Lighting and Weather: Cloudy days soften shadows on murals, while strong sunlight works well for bright colors and open landscapes. I usually bring a hat and a portable phone charger just in case.
- Permission and Safety: It’s really important to respect private property and look out for “No Trespassing” signs. Some abandoned spots are tempting, but always make sure entry is allowed for your own safety (and legal peace of mind).
- Local Support: Buying a coffee or snack from a nearby shop can help support tiny communities, especially if your photos help put them on the map later.
Accessibility
Not every cool background is right off the main street. I once tried getting to an abandoned windmill in rural Greece, only to discover the last turn was up a muddy hillside. I recommend preloading an offline map. It saves the day if cell service is weak, which is common in remote places.
Lighting and Weather
Instagram really eats up vibrant outdoor color, so planning for golden hour or a cloudy midday can give you the most flattering shots. Midday in heavy sun? Sometimes it’s worth snapping the photo anyway, especially if you know you can touch up highlights and shadows during editing.
Permission and Safety
I’ve learned the hard way that not all cool ruins are public property. Always check if a location is open to visitors. Roadside attractions and public art are usually fair game, but abandoned factories or outbuildings may have hazards. Bring a friend when you can, and pack water and a flashlight if you’re exploring inside. Your safety should always come first.
Local Support
Sometimes the best photos come with a good story, and supporting local shops means you’re giving a little back for the content you get. Some spots are totally run by volunteers or small communities, so a few dollars spent nearby is appreciated.
I’m always surprised by how welcoming small towns and hidden corners are, especially when you ask nicely and share your photos afterward. Locals love seeing their home through a fresh lens, and many will happily tell you about more secret places to check out.
Extra Tips to Take Your Shots to the Next Level
The spot is just the start; here are a few ideas for getting the most out of your photos:
Wide Angle Lenses: I use a clip-on lens on my phone or a mirrorless camera with a wide lens, which helps exaggerate lines in murals or crowds of mailboxes, pulling viewers into the scene and adding new perspectives you might not get with a standard phone camera.
Editing to Highlight Color: I like to play with saturation and contrast to make those bold backgrounds really pop. Apps like VSCO and Lightroom Mobile are easy ways to up your editing game without overwhelming you with controls. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find a style that fits your feed.
Staying Authentic: A little editing is fun, but keeping something of the grittiness or off-beat charm helps preserve the real vibe of these hidden places. Share a little behind-the-scenes in your caption to give context—your audience will appreciate it! Mixing up posed shots with candid or wide-angle views tells a fuller story.
By capturing places that are unique, even your casual photos become conversation starters. And if you’re into reels or stories, walking through a mural’s story or a quirky local landmark adds another level of depth. Try using audio from the place, like birdsong or street musicians, to bring the scene to life for your viewers.
Real World Examples: Bringing Hidden Spots to Life
The best way to see the power of a unique backdrop is with real examples. Last fall, I snapped a shot of a pastel-painted alleyway behind a bakery in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and it quickly turned into my most-liked post of the month. Nobody recognized the spot, and so many people messaged me for the exact location. I’ve also seen simple photos from forgotten murals or a spotty cobblestone lane suddenly blow up and get thousands of likes just because people crave something unexpected.
- Small Town Storytelling: Photos from forgotten mining towns, like Terlingua, Texas, bring history into the feed, especially if you pair them with a local legend in the caption. A narrative about the town’s heyday or a ghost story can invite a ton of engagement from your followers.
- Mural Treasures: Roaming tiny Scottish towns, I’ve found walls covered in mosaic tiles telling the story of their pub. These become favorite stops for people who follow my travel tips, and can inspire others to jumpstart their own mural-hunting adventure.
- Nature Surprises: Remote forest waterfalls or mossy rock bridges, like those in Bulgaria, may not have a name, but they offer natural beauty few have captured before. These can turn a regular day of hiking into an Instagram feature worth sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unique Instagram Spots
Here are some questions I’m often asked when people want to take their IG feeds up a notch with unusual locations:
Question: How do I make sure I’m not trespassing?
Answer: I doublecheck with locals or nearby businesses if I’m unsure about a spot, and I always look for posted signs. If in doubt, it’s better to skip the photo than risk trouble. Some towns even have online maps of public art—check those first.
Question: What gear should I bring for these types of locations?
Answer: I pack light; just a phone charger, small tripod, and water. Sometimes I’ll bring a backup battery or an extra lens. For anything off the beaten path, good shoes and extra snacks never hurt. If you plan to jump into caves or walk through fields, be sure to wear weather-appropriate clothing.
Question: How do I edit to highlight unique details?
Answer: I use editing apps to boost specific colors or sharpness, but I try not to go overboard. Adjusting shadows can really bring out unexpected textures, like stone walls or faded murals. Focus on enhancing what makes the spot special without making it look too artificial. Sometimes a little grain or vignette can give your photo a moody boost.
The Takeaway: Why Unexpected Locations Matter for Your Instagram
Fresh locations offer a way to stand out from the crowd and make your feed memorable. Whether you’re a casual photographer or working on your personal brand, these unique backdrops deliver the “wow” factor and stories your audience desires. They’re also just plain fun to explore. Some of your best memories will come from the hunt itself, not just the perfect shot.
So grab your camera and pick the weirdest, most wonderful corner of the map you can find. Your Instagram will thank you, and you’ll create memories every bit as good as your best photos.