This year brings more shake-up to the list than last year, with three new major cities pushing there way into the top.

Regarding my project and this blog, the number one question I’m asked is “What’s your favorite city for Street Photography?” From friends and family to strangers and emails. The truth is I can’t deal in absolutes or favorites with most anything, especially when it comes to answering that one. There are things I like about most cities that make them memorable in their own way, and there are too many dependents for me to pick just one above all for street photography. But I can pick some that personally stand out a little more and tell you why.

So, now that I’m four years in and almost at my project goal of photographing over 100 major cities, it’s time for a 2019 installment of my Annually Updated Top 10 Cities for Street Photography. Heading into its 5th and final year, only cities I’ve photographed during my 100 city project are eligible, which finished off 2018 at 97 major cities across all major regions of the world. Check the list here to see all the major cities I’ve covered on the project so far.

2018 brought the most major cities covered in one year at 31, while also including a few of the most popular and well-known cities on their respective continent. These infamous major cities are also a few of the most known when it comes to street photography so they probably won’t shock many people seeing them now included in this year’s updated list. Still, after covering 97 major cities, it’s extremely hard to replace cities already on the list in order to narrow it down to a top 10. You can see which cities were edged out from last year’s list here, though.

My Annually Updated Top 10 Cities for Street Photography

(for 2019)

1. Istanbul, Turkey
2. Havana, Cuba
3. New York City, USA
4. Saint-Petersburg, Russia
5. Tokyo, Japan
6. London, England
7. Mumbai vs Kolkata, India
8. Odessa, Ukraine
9. Marrakech, Morocco
10. Sao Paulo, Brazil

1. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul holds a special place in my heart so I might be a little biased here. It was the first of my 100 major cities project, and the jumping off point for this blog and mix of plans and goals I’d set for myself. I lived here much of 2015, so I got to know it better than most cities too, but personal bias aside, I can’t imagine Istanbul not being towards the top of any street photography city list. Istanbul truly has it all. 

Being the capital of three empires helps cram the city with so much to offer a photographer that other cities can’t compare. Culture, history, religion, politics, people, diversity, character, conflict, architecture, sea, sunlight, color, old world, new world, and the list goes on. It’s many worlds of atmosphere packed into one city. It’s no surprise it needs two continents to contain it.

You could live here for years and only touch the surface. The energy and atmosphere of Istanbul is what I miss the most, though. It feels more alive than other cities, with a raw beauty that I haven’t found anywhere else.

2. Havana, Cuba

If you imagined the perfect city for street photography in your head, Havana might be what you’d picture. It’s extremely walkable, full of character, color and life around every corner, as photo friendly as it gets, almost too easy to shoot in, and all with an atmosphere frozen in time. The opportunities for photography are endless here. You can just walk in any direction and explore away.

Havana is also a city that invites you in with the people like not many, so it’s a complete experience for photography. The amount of times I get invited for a drink or even into someone’s home in Havana is something that you don’t experience elsewhere, especially in a large city.

Still, while Havana is no secret among photographers, people question me about it as much as any. “It seems too hyped, over photographed, packed with clichés, every photographer’s destination,…” and so on. And while the old car type clichés of Cuba do deserve caution when here photographing, it’s mostly a bunch of nonsense. You won’t find many photographers that have been here that regret it. Most fall in love just like everyone else. And believe it or not, there’s still plenty to photograph here. So my advice is to just ignore the clichés and get over here as soon as you can.

3. New York City, USA

New York City is arguably the most famous city in the street photography genre today, so it’s not really a surprise to include it this list. Still, hype can create disappointment, but that’s not really something that should happen in New York City, especially with your camera. The place is just too special, unique and full of life and a variety of neighborhoods to explore. There’s only a few cities in the world that can compare, in my opinion. A good photographer can find interest anywhere, but if we’re being honest, photographers living in New York City might have a bit of an easier time finding it. It surrounds you around every corner. It’s not a coincidence that this city has supplied so many great photographs and photographers. 

There’s really no excuse to ever get bored with photography in New York City, as there are so many different places to explore, all with their own character and life. It’s a world’s supply of human interest packed into one city and five boroughs. There’s a grittiness to its streets and life too. You’ll see and feel things you won’t anywhere else in the world. A melting pot of people and interest.

4. Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Saint-Petersburg is probably the least hyped and talked about city on my list, so why is it up at #3? Because people just don’t know how good it is. Now, the time of year does makes a big difference, but if you go in the summer, it doesn’t get much better for street photography. The winter can be beautiful in its own way too, you just won’t have many hours of light.

The summer in Saint-Petersburg might be my favorite place to be for street photography, though. The sunlight is out 20+ hours a day and the beautiful city is full of life just as long. More than that, though, there’s just something magical about the city. The canals, pastel colors, architecture, bridges, islands, hundreds of parks, and more give it this surreal atmosphere that has to be experienced. The life and people are full of character too. Many people go about their life without any care of what others think, so it’s not uncommon to see older women and men sunbathing in their underwear. At the same time, you have many people who care a lot, so you see a variety of fashion and looks. It’s a big, magical city with a mix of so many things.

5. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is another hyped big city on the street photography scene that doesn’t disappoint. A great thing about Tokyo is how great it is for street photography, while bringing so many unique differences to the table. While feeling big with endless life and places to explore, it contains an atmosphere and character that feels completely different than other cities near its size. Tokyo has this very unique tranquility somehow mixed into the most populated city in the world (by metro area). You’ll, of course, find chaos and crowds, especially at places like the famous Shibuya crossing, but as a whole, it’s a relaxing experience shooting here in a city that is so big and full of life. I can’t think of another city that blends these usually contradicting feelings so well. 

Another aspect I really enjoy about Tokyo, and Japan in general, is its uniqueness. The rich culture here supplies so much unique authenticity, that for anyone not from here, it’s a feast for the senses. It’s full of quirks and character. Tokyo is also an extremely easy city to shoot in due to safety and the friendliness of the people. The latter should be taken with the disclaimer that part of the photo friendliness comes from the culture and people being as polite as it gets. Even if they might not want to be photographed, they won’t be aggressive or vocal about it, which many might want to consider when out shooting, as to not take advantage of. Tokyo mixes so much uniqueness into such a big city, that for many, it won’t get any better than here for street photography.

6. London, England

London is as well-known as any city in the world, and as famous for street photography as it gets, but sometimes cities don’t live up to their fame. London isn’t one of them.

One of my favorite aspects of London are all the different neighborhoods, each with their own character. It’s like different villages grew until they combined into one large city over time. It isn’t like New York or Tokyo, where skyscrapers dominate over you. London doesn’t feel overwhelming for a city its size. You can spend your days exploring parts of London on foot and get completely different atmospheres when it comes to photography. Some areas are chaotic and crazy, while others are quiet and relaxing. There’s something around every crooked, winding street, and you never know what it will be.

The biggest knock on London is the weather, which I can’t say is undeserved, but if you get some sun, the light here is special and it’s really hard to beat this city. It’s as dynamic and fun to shoot in as it is famous.

7. Mumbai, India vs Kolkata, India

Mumbai was here on last year’s list, but I honestly expected Kolkata to knock it off this year’s list. Having already been to both cities in the past, Kolkata had originally left the best memories for street photography. But after returning to Mumbai in 2016 and Kolkata in 2017, while photographing them more in-depth, Mumbai closed the gap in my mind. It’s difficult to choose between them, as they each bring different pluses and appeal. India is so packed with cities for street photography that I’m just going to include both cities under one, while explaining their different appeals.

Mumbai is the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India. If you go by population, Mumbai is the largest city in the world’s second largest country. If you go by money, it’s the wealthiest city in India, but with some of its most extreme poverty. Mumbai is also India’s most diverse, cosmopolitan and westernised city. Basically, Mumbai is everything and more.

Bazaars and temples, colonial architecture and skyscrapers, bay promenades and fishing villages, Asia’s biggest slums and Bollywood stars’ most expensive homes. Mumbai is filled with a variety of scenery and life that rivals any city in the world. It’s filled with an urban energy that consumes you and endless interest that keeps you wanting more. All of this adds up to one of the top cities in the world for street photography.

While not quite as big as Mumbai, Kolkata is still one of India’s biggest cities. Yet, it has a noticeably different, more easy-going and welcoming atmosphere compared to the others. It’s a city made for walking and street photography. While India’s other large cities are more spread out, Kolkata feels like you can walk everywhere. It has a special, old world feeling mixed into a big, urban city. It feels authentic, filled with culture and a chaotic, yet friendly vibe. The colonial-era architecture contrasting with urban slums, it’s also gained a reputation as the most friendly of India’s metropolises. While it might not be as known with the general traveler, it is known among the photography community. It’s made for bringing your camera and exploring away.

If I really had to choose between the two, I’d say Kolkata is easier and more enjoyable for a shorter visit, while Mumbai provides more variety and interest the more time you have. They’re both as good as gets for street photography, though.

8. Odessa, Ukraine

I have to include a city from Ukraine, one of my favorite countries in the world for street photography. Kiev and Lviv both get high recommendations too, but if I had to choose one, it would be Odessa. I included it in last year’s list, but actually returned again since, which only cemented its place as a personal favorite.

I went to Ukraine for the first time in 2015 and fell in love. So much so that I’ve returned both years since. I like places that feel authentic, are full of character and mood, while being a little rough around the edges. Ukraine is all this more than any place I’ve been. There’s nothing fake about the atmosphere and it doesn’t feel over photographed. It’s more untouched, while still being a large country with plenty going on. And the markets are the best you’ll find anywhere. Odessa’s Privoz Market is no exception.

Odessa provides this atmosphere that I love, but adds the Black Sea and more. It’s become the country’s top vacation getaway with beaches that fill up during the summer. The city is filled with history and character, while being extremely walkable. You can enjoy the pedestrian streets, old courtyards, parks, and markets in the city, and then take a walk to the beaches to enjoy the very unique character, and characters, that fill it. They aren’t the typical tourist beaches you might be used to, either, which provides even more interest for street photography.

9. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is probably the most challenging street photography city on the list, but it more than makes up for it in photo opportunities and atmosphere. It’s one of the more interesting cities for street photography that I’ve been to, not only for the rich variety of life and scenes to capture, but also for this challenge that it brings. While comparatively, not a photography friendly city, it is one of the most photogenic cities you’ll find. Many photographers come here for that reason, but leave frustrated if they’re not prepared for the challenge. You have to be on your game if you want to get close, candid shots.

If you’re ready, though, you’ll be rewarded with all the life, colors, chaos, atmosphere, unique charm, and more that Marrakech has to offer. It’s chaotic, full of touristic hassling and haggling, and comes with some challenge, but as far as non-stop photo opportunities, it ranks as one of the best cities I’ve been too. There’s so much happening everywhere, so many characters and interesting people, so much color and beautiful scenery, and it’s all mixed in with a unique look that is all Marrakech. And that beautiful sun is always above making sure you have no excuse not to go out and capture some that.

10. Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo is another city where there really shouldn’t be much of a surprise it made the list, but it might not be on everyone’s radar as much as a New York City or Tokyo. In South America, though, São Paulo is not only the largest city on the continent, but also its center on the street photography scene. Brazil as a whole, contains the most photographers, but no city on the continent contains a passion for street photography like Sao Paulo. 

Sao Paulo is also another city that contains a wide variety of neighborhoods to explore for photography, each containing its own unique character. Walking Paulista or exploring Bixiga and Liberdade, the city’s Italian and Japanese neighborhoods, are just a few of my favorite spots for photography. And while Brazil, and South America in general, doesn’t have the best reputation for safety, Sao Paulo feels like it has more safe areas to explore for photography compared to Rio de Janeiro and Salvador de Bahia, when it comes to the major Brazilian cities I covered on the project. A lot of the main streets and neighborhoods for a photography walk are kept fairly safe, especially for a big city in Latin America. South America has a special feeling for street photography that you won’t find elsewhere, so it can be a shame that perceived dangers can deter many. For me, though, Sao Paulo is definitely a city I’d recommend and like to return to for photography.

Honorable Mentions: 

(See prior yearly list to read about these cities that narrowly missed my final list this year)

Paris, France

Cairo, Egypt

Hanoi, Vietnam

 

For 2019, I have plans to photograph to finish the final few major cities of the project, concluding at a total of around 103. With 97 major cities across all major regions already covered, every one of these cities on the list comes highly recommended and are sure to provide an amazing experience for street photography, and more. (To see what cities I have tentatively planned for this year, check here.)

 

2018 was year #4 on my Major City project, and my busiest year yet with 31 new major cities, as I really try to wrap things up. It was another non-stop year on the road without any breaks, which does takes its toll, especially living by the means I do and how much I put into the project every day. But we’re now at 97 major cities covered, so we’re finally closing in on my project goal of at least 100 major cities. 

I started the year in Major City #66 Santiago, Chile and finished in #97 Yangon, Myanmar. So, with all those new cities explored and captured, which ones stood out more than others this year?

To give you a sneak peek of some of what’s coming here on Shooter Files (and in the future books), I’ll go over some highlight cities that stood out in 2018, including my top 5 for street photography from the year. Will any of these cities knock their way into my annually updated 10 favorite cities for street photography list? We’ll see next week, but for now let’s start with the past year’s city highlights.

Starting with a focus on street photography…

Top 5 Cities of 2018 for Street Photography

(in no particular order)

1. New York City, USA

2018 included a couple of the largest and most popular cities in the street photography genre so it’s not really a surprise they’re sitting atop this list. Still, hype can create disappointment, but that’s not really something that should happen in New York City with your camera. The place is just too special, unique and full of life and variety of neighborhoods to explore. There’s only a few cities in the world that can compare, in my opinion. A good photographer can find interest anywhere, but if we’re being honest, photographers living in New York City might have a bit of an easier time finding it. It surrounds you around every corner. It’s not a coincidence that this city has supplied so many great photographs and photographers. 

There’s really no excuse to ever get bored with photography in New York City, as there are so many different places to explore, all with their own character and life. It’s a world’s supply of human interest packed into one city and five boroughs.

2. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is another hyped big city on the street photography scene that doesn’t disappoint. A great thing about the two cities sitting atop this list is how great they both are for street photography, while bringing so many differences to the table. While both feel huge with endless places to explore and plenty of life, they contain very different atmospheres and character. Tokyo has this very unique tranquility somehow mixed into the most populated city in the world by metro area. Places like the famous Shibuya crossing, of course, are packed with chaos, but as a whole, it’s a relaxing experience shooting here in a city that is so big and full of life. I can’t think of another city that blends these usually contradicting feelings so well. 

Another aspect I really enjoy about Tokyo, and Japan in general, is its uniqueness. The rich culture here supplies so much unique authenticity, that for anyone not from here, it’s a feast for the senses. It’s full of quirks and character. Tokyo is also an extremely easy city to shoot in due to safety and the friendliness of the people. The latter should be taken with the disclaimer that part of the photo friendliness comes from the culture and people being as polite as it gets. Even if they might not want to be photographed, they won’t be aggressive or vocal about it, which many might want to consider when out shooting, as to not take advantage of.