The 10 Most Breathtaking Places to Watch the Sunset, According to New Research

There’s something universal about pausing to watch the sky turn gold. Whether it’s over a tropical beach or a city skyline, sunsets have a way of stopping us in our tracks — and apparently, in our social media scrolls too.

To find out which destinations capture that magic best, long-haul travel specialists Travelbag analyzed Instagram and TikTok hashtag data for 70 global destinations. They ranked them by the total number of posts tagged with #sunset plus the destination name — revealing where travelers are most mesmerized by the evening light.

Here’s where the world is chasing the perfect sunset.

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10. Phuket, Thailand

With nearly 18,000 Instagram tags under #Phuketsunset, this Thai island earns its reputation for postcard-worthy evenings. The best views are from Promthep Cape or one of the island’s beach bars, where the horizon melts into a palette of coral and lavender.

If you’re planning a visit, I stayed at one of my favorite resorts in all my travels there – it’s a fabulous place to watch sunsets and receive world-class service for a surprisingly affordable price.

9. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver’s west coast setting makes it ideal for sunset chasers. Around 27,000 posts show the city glowing behind the mountains. English Bay Beach (above) and Stanley Park’s seawall are local favorites when the skies start to burn pink.

8. Cape Town, South Africa

This one’s dramatic — Table Mountain’s silhouette, the Atlantic shimmer, and colors that seem to last forever. More than 22,000 Instagrammers have documented it, proving Cape Town’s sunset really does live up to the hype.

7. Toronto, Canada

City meets lake in Toronto, where the skyline reflects over Lake Ontario in rich hues of orange and magenta. With more than 32,000 #Torontosunset posts, it’s one of North America’s most urban yet peaceful sunset scenes.

6. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne might be known for its coffee and laneways, but the sunsets over Port Phillip Bay are seriously underrated. More than 40,000 posts show why locals gather at St Kilda Pier (pictured above) for the view — sometimes with penguins waddling nearby.

5. Maldives

In the Maldives, every evening looks like a screensaver. Nearly 30,000 Instagram posts and over 2,000 TikToks capture the glow from over-water villas and west-facing beaches.

“There’s nothing quite like watching a Maldivian sunset. For the most mesmerising views, head to a west-facing beach on any of the atolls, whether it’s a quiet stretch on a private resort island, or a more vibrant public beach — the sky transforms into a canvas of gold, pink, and deep orange,” said Sheryl Drane, Regional Manager and Maldives Expert at Travelbag.

If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth brushing up on the latest Maldives travel advisories and safety updates before booking — it’s a small step that helps keep paradise stress-free.

4. Sydney, Australia

Sydney’s skyline, Harbour Bridge, and Opera House all compete for attention as the sun goes down. Nearly 77,000 #Sydneysunset posts show why — whether you’re watching from a rooftop bar or the famous sands of Bondi. This Sydney itinerary is great if you are planning your own trip to this beautiful city.

3. Miami, USA

Miami sunsets are all about contrast — neon nightlife warming up just as the sky cools off. With nearly 88,000 Instagram tags, it’s clear visitors can’t resist capturing the glow from the beach, Biscayne Bay, or a rooftop terrace downtown.

2. Dubai, UAE

Where desert meets skyline, Dubai offers surreal sunset scenes. Over 100,000 Instagram users and 7,000 TikTokers have shared the moment when the city’s glass towers reflect the fading orange light. The view from the desert dunes is even better.

1. Bali, Indonesia

Bali takes the crown with a staggering 227,000 Instagram and 17,700 TikTok posts under #Balisunset. From Uluwatu’s cliffs to Seminyak’s beach clubs, the island’s skies are a nightly masterpiece — deep golds, pinks, and purples painting the Indian Ocean. If you want to plan your own trip, these are some must-know tips for Bali before you go.

And if these sunset spots have you craving a trip to Southeast Asia, check out my Thailand travel article that dives into some of the best things to do across Thailand — from beach escapes to cultural gems. You might also like exploring my roundup of the most beautiful beaches in the world for even more travel inspiration.

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