In this blog I’ll share 10 of my favourite street photography destinations. I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively over the last few years, and with over 50 cities visited, this list is based on personal experience.

The following places aren’t included just because I liked them. I had some criteria in mind that all of the places in this list have met:

Attitude to photography – were locals hostile or welcoming?
Safety – did I feel secure, or always on edge?
Legality – were there any legal issues?
Life & character – was the location full of energy?
Light – was the natural light good?
Climate – sunny or overcast most of the time?
Variety – was I bored after a day, or still excited?
Convenience – food, toilets, transport and facilities?
Results – did I leave with photos I was happy with?

London

I’ll start with my hometown, London. I firmly believe London is one of the best street photography destinations in the world. A relaxed attitude to photography, incredible architecture, plenty of characters, and hugely varied neighbourhoods are just some of the reasons to visit. London is diverse not only in culture but also in style. Start in the gritty East End, walk 30 minutes, and you’ll be surrounded by skyscrapers in The City. Head 10 minutes to Bank and you’ll find timeless architecture and suited professionals. You have the bright lights of Soho, the details of Chinatown, and the nature of Richmond Park. If I had to pick the best European city for photography, it would be London. It’s also one of the most walkable cities in the world, with 80% of the must-see locations reachable on foot. The stereotype about gloomy British weather is true to some degree, but I’d argue the variety of conditions makes London even more interesting to shoot.

New York

If London is the best in Europe for street photography, New York is the best in the West. It’s known as the Mecca of street photography, and for good reason. Everything is bigger, louder, brighter, and more in your face. The range of characters and locations you’ll encounter is unmatched. People are more open, expressive, and willing to interact, which leads to more opportunities and a faster learning curve. Manhattan alone could keep you busy for a month, and that’s just one borough. Add the rest, and you’ve got a lifetime of photography. My favourite thing to do in NYC is take the Staten Island ferry on a sunny evening – the views and photo opportunities are incredible. Having visited multiple times in different seasons, I can honestly say I’ll be returning every year for a two-week photography trip.

Fes

Fes took me by surprise. I knew roughly what to expect, but nothing prepared me for just how immersive it is. Tight streets, motorbikes buzzing past, noise, smells, food, people, and light all hit you at once. At first it’s overwhelming, but once you settle into the rhythm it becomes one of the most enjoyable cities to photograph. I’d heard photographers get hassled in Morocco, but after three weeks driving across the country, I never had an issue. Fes was no exception. I shot close to people without hearing a bad word. The highlight for me was the narrow streets where sunlight pierced through smoke rising from grills. I captured some of my favourite photos and memories here. I’d recommend it without hesitation.

Tokyo

Tokyo needs no introduction. It’s a street photography paradise and, in my opinion, the best city in the world for night photography. Most cities have one or two nightlife districts worth shooting, but Tokyo has many. Combine that with 24/7 infrastructure in one of the safest cities on earth, and you’ve got the ideal night photography playground. Like London, Tokyo is incredibly diverse. Ginza is minimal, clean, and polished. Ueno is gritty, chaotic, and full of life. Shimbashi comes alive in the evenings, while Yanaka feels like a quiet village. Japanese people are generally reserved, so don’t expect too many wild characters unless you’re in Shinjuku on a Friday night.

Hanoi

If Tokyo feels too organised, Hanoi will give you the chaos you crave. The first time I visited, it took me forever to cross the road. I was overwhelmed, to put it mildly. After three weeks there, I can honestly say it’s one of the best cities for photography. The energy is unmatched – so much life, so much character, so much happening everywhere you look. The first few days are easy, with classic shots of scooters, markets, conical hats, and trains. But once those are done, the real challenge begins. The people are open and direct. If they’re happy to be photographed, you’ll know it. If not, they’ll let you know too. Their honesty and warmth are a big reason I love coming back.

Hong Kong

If you mixed Tokyo, Hanoi, and New York, you’d get Hong Kong. It has everything: wet markets, ferries, ports, trams, modern districts, traditional neighbourhoods, nature, spectacular views, and unpredictable weather. It’s also a major travel hub, so you can easily add a three-day stopover as part of a longer trip. My favourite part of Hong Kong is the ability to see it from all levels. One moment you’re in a fish market by the water, an hour later you’re on a hilltop looking down at skyscrapers. Start on Hong Kong Island, walking from Causeway Bay to Kennedy Town for an overview of city life. Then take the ferry to Kowloon for a more traditional, less westernised vibe. I found locals more expressive than in Japan but more reserved than in Hanoi, and I had no issues photographing people.

Palermo / Catania

If you mix Hanoi and Fes, then add some Italian flair, you will get Palermo. This Sicilian city has so much charm, character, and life. The morning markets full of traders shouting for your attention, the friends playing cards in the park, and the deep history everywhere you look. Palermo is a people watching paradise. Grab a coffee, find a nice seat, and watch the world go by. The city isn’t that big, so a long weekend is ample time to get a finger on the pulse and some great shots. While Catania is a totally different city, due to its proximity, I would highly recommend adding it into the same trip.

Lisbon / Porto

Portugal is one of my favourite countries, and Lisbon and Porto are two cities I keep returning to. Porto is small, charming, and very local. In summer, crowds gather on the riverbanks to watch the sunset. In winter, it becomes moody and atmospheric, with fog and rain best enjoyed from a cosy bar with a glass of port wine. Don’t miss the walk along the river all the way to the Atlantic, as in winter you’ll see some huge waves.

Lisbon is Porto’s bigger sibling, and probably the city I’ve spent the most time in outside London. The first thing you notice is colour. The second is light. Visit in winter for the best conditions: softer light, fewer tourists, and more atmosphere. Wander along the waterfront, climb the hills for views, explore Alfama’s timeless streets, or visit the MAAT for modern minimalist architecture. Lisbon offers so much, it’s a must-visit destination for photographers.

Andalusia

The final place isn’t a city but a region. Andalusia, in southern Spain, includes Malaga, Marbella, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, and more. If you want a slower pace and a holiday feel, it’s a fantastic choice. You can enjoy beach life in Nerja, marvel at Cordoba’s historic architecture, explore Seville’s world-famous landmarks, or wander Estepona’s quiet streets. The region is vast and diverse, so it takes multiple trips to experience it properly. I suggest basing yourself in Malaga and using public transport for day trips to nearby towns. If you’re a photographer with a family, Andalusia also doubles as a great holiday destination. Photography here can be more challenging and the locals aren’t always as welcoming to cameras as in other parts of the world. This is where your approach might need to adapt if you’re used to places like NYC or Hanoi.