Skip to main content

Study reveals the destinations with the most mesmerizing aerial views: Where travelers can’t look away

The United States' top city may surprise you.

standing room only airplane aviointeriors skyrider 3 window plane view
Jakob Owens

A recent study by Remitly has revealed the world’s most mesmerizing aerial views, ranking destinations based on how long travelers spent gazing at them. Using eye-tracking software, 200 people were shown aerial images of 96 popular destinations, with the total viewing time recorded.

Topping the list is Prague, Czech Republic, which captivated participants for 14 minutes and 8 seconds (out of 16 minutes and 40 seconds). Known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Charles Bridge, Prague’s “air appeal” secured its place as the most eye-catching destination. Following closely were Accra, Ghana, and Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Recommended Videos

Europe dominates the top 10, but U.S. cities also performed well. Indianapolis ranked highest in the U.S., with its famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway catching the eye of many from the skies. Other U.S. cities in the global top 20 include Boston, Austin, Washington D.C., and Las Vegas.

The most eye-catching destinations: the full list

Person looking out plane window
Izzy Gerosa / Unsplash

Here’s the full list of the most eye-catching destinations around the world as well as the time spent focused on the view.

  1. Prague, Czech Republic: 14 mins 8 seconds
  2. Accra, Ghana: 11 mins 3 seconds
  3. Amsterdam, Netherlands: 10 mins 42 seconds
  4. Frankfurt, Germany: 10 mins 41 seconds
  5. Vienna, Austria: 9 mins 55 seconds
  6. Lagos, Nigeria: 9 mins 12 seconds
  7. Dublin, Ireland: 8 mins 59 seconds
  8. Singapore, Singapore: 8 mins 57 seconds
  9. Male, Maldives: 8 mins 11 seconds
  10. Zurich, Switzerland: 6 mins 27 seconds
  11. Indianapolis, Indiana: 6 mins 18 seconds
  12. Toronto, Canada: 6 mins 7 seconds
  13. Lisbon, Portugal: 6 mins 6 seconds
  14. Boston, USA: 6 mins 5 seconds
  15. Washington, USA: 5 mins 49 seconds
  16. Austin, USA: 5 mins 47 seconds
  17. Budapest, Hungary: 5 mins 40 seconds
  18. Manila, Philippines: 5 mins 39 seconds
  19. Las Vegas, USA: 5 mins 38 seconds
  20. Delhi, India: 5 mins 28 seconds
Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
Elevated eats in Sacramento: The dining destinations you can’t miss
The best dining options in Sac-to
Sacramento at night

Sacramento is ideally situated from a food perspective. There's a reason why they call the place America's farm-to-fork capital. With so many great things nearby — the coast, fertile farmland, Napa Valley wine, and more — the table is set for an incredible culinary scene that's very much worth exploring.

Throw in a great climate and thriving craft beer scene, and you've got a serious gastronomical stopping point in Sacramento. It's also a big enough metropolis to offer a multitude of options, not to mention a diverse one at that. Sure, visit heavy hitters like San Francisco and Los Angeles while in the Golden State. But don't sleep on Sacramento and its elevated eats.

Read more
Here’s the most Insta-worthy university library, according to a new study
Pay a visit to one of these gorgeous libraries
Geisel Library

Universities across the U.S. aren’t just home to academic excellence, they also boast some of the most beautiful libraries in the world. To determine which is the most visually stunning, Teachers of Tomorrow conducted a study using Instagram data. They compiled a list of U.S. university libraries known for their beauty and architectural uniqueness, then tracked the hashtags associated with each library to see which ones generated the most social media buzz.

Taking the top spot as the most insta-worthy library is The Geisel Library at the University of California, San Diego. Designed by architect William Pereira, this iconic structure’s striking geometric design and panoramic campus views have earned it over 9,000 Instagram hashtags.

Read more
Curaçao travel guide: Where to stay, what to eat, and more
Your guide to this dreamy destination
Curacao

I'll always have a soft spot for Amsterdam, but when I want a taste of Dutch charm with a Caribbean twist, Curaçao is my go-to destination. This Dutch colony feels like a little slice of The Netherlands, but with crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and year-round sunshine. The best part? It's a much shorter journey from the U.S.

Curaçao's iconic Amsterdam-style waterfront buildings don't feel out of place at all. This island is where Dutch and Caribbean cultures blend together effortlessly. First visited by Europeans in 1499, it was initially settled by the Spanish before becoming a Dutch colony. The island's history runs deep, and it's even home to the oldest continuously inhabited Jewish community in the Western Hemisphere.

Read more