The Most Liked Airbnb Experiences on Instagram in 2018

There is nothing quite like a beautifully shot photograph of a destination to make Instagram scrolling come to a screeching halt. It’s even more captivating when the photographs are of something you might not expect: a traveller walking down a secret cobblestone alleyway that most visitors might just walk past, another hiking Runyon Canyon with none other than a wolf by their side, or someone else not showing their plate of food at a restaurant, but crafting the most decadent tapas themselves next to a local. It’s these rare glimpses of the authentic side of a place that our hosts provide through Airbnb Experiences, and so happen to be our most liked Experiences on Instagram so far in 2018.*

Photos of jaw-dropping trail run vistas, unseen corners and little known views of some of the world’s largest cities, and even fishing for plastic to help keep Amsterdam’s riverways clean have proven most popular on Airbnb’s Instagram account, all taken by guests.

To get your own glimpse of the most popular Experiences on Instagram and learn more about the photos, see below:

Travel Back to Porto’s Roots, Porto, Portugal

The most liked Experience on Airbnb’s Instagram account so far in 2018 was taken on a walk through Porto’s history with a historian born and raised in the city of Carlota. After dedicating her life to heritage preservation of the city, Carlota now shares Porto’s unknown story with guests from around the world.

A local by birth and historian by profession, Carlota is your go-to expert on Porto’s vibrant history. She’ll show you ancient monasteries, chapels and other hidden ruins dating back nine centuries. But old is anything but ordinary: behind every site you visit, there’s an untold story or secret Carlota is ready share. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For more #AirbnbExperiences created and led by locals, plus lots of places to stay, click the link in our bio.

A post shared by Airbnb (@airbnb) on Mar 13, 2018 at 3:17pm PDT

London Paddleboard Tour & SUP Yoga, London, UK

Many say there is no better way to see a city than to view it from its waters. Host Jennifer has been teaching SUP yoga before the trend caught fire, with her pug Clyde along for the ride no less.

Jennifer was teaching paddleboard yoga before it was even a thing. With her, you can explore Regent’s Canal while practicing yoga on your board in the floating garden of Paddington Basin. It’s not just a unique way to see the city or find your balance. It’s also a chance to hang out with Clyde, the city’s most famous paddleboarding dog, downward or otherwise. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Click the link in our bio for more #AirbnbExperiences, plus lots of places to stay.

A post shared by Airbnb (@airbnb) on Apr 21, 2018 at 7:06pm PDT

Plastic Fishing, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Deep sea fishing photos are typical vacation photos on social media, but what about fishing for plastic? This image with a mission made waves on Instagram this year with a group helping make the canals of Amsterdam plastic-free.

Other people’s trash becomes your reason to join Amsterdam’s local do-gooders in clearing the beautiful canals of litter. With Plastic Whale, a nonprofit organization that builds boats from recycled plastic, you’ll simultaneously tour the city in one of these boats while fishing for plastic. And the next time you return to the city, you may end up riding a boat built entirely from your generous contribution. #AirbnbExperiences ⠀ Click the link for more ways to explore Amsterdam’s canals, as well as many great places to stay.

A post shared by Airbnb (@airbnb) on Sep 7, 2017 at 11:19am PDT

Lynn Canyon Hiking and Photography, Vancouver, Canada

Taking her photography skills to new heights, Pat captured this gorgeous shot on the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge in Vancouver. Host Nafees takes guests on a nature photography hike while giving tips to make everything from your Instagram to a DSLR shot look spectacular.

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is the centerpiece of this photography hike, but the real star is Nafees, who’s been exploring and shooting the canyon for over a decade. He’ll lead you across the bridge and through old-growth forest to natural pools and waterfalls, helping you compose and capture better shots along the way. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Click the link in our bio for more #AirbnbExperiences created and led by locals, plus lots of places to stay. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Photo: @whynotpat

A post shared by Airbnb (@airbnb) on Feb 10, 2018 at 9:19am PST

Explore the City’s Unseen Chinatown, Bangkok, Thailand

Henry captured this shot on a hidden backroad during a tour of Bangkok’s less seen Chinatown, exposing guests to another culture through hidden temples and tucked away shops central to the Thai-Chinese immigrant community.

As third-generation Chinese locals, Buay and Eng know all the hidden temples and tucked-away shops in Bangkok Chinatown. Join them on a walk down back roads and busy market streets as they share stories of the neighborhood’s rich Thai-Chinese heritage. Buay may even take you to an unexpected coffee spot, an old pushcart, for some traditional (and delicious) Thai iced tea. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For more #AirbnbExperiences led by locals like Buay and Eng, check out the link in our bio. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Photo: @humminglion

A post shared by Airbnb (@airbnb) on Jan 19, 2018 at 3:48pm PST

Chinatown Shop & Food Walk, Milan, Italy

Via Sarpi is the heart of Milan’s Chinatown, and host Antonella’s Experience. Join her in unearthing this unusual melting pot of Eastern and Occidental culture by having a taste of “Chinese ravioli” and visiting her favourite boutique hatmaker.

Come to Milan for the xiao long bao. Antonella, a Chinatown resident since 2001, wants to show you what she loves about her diverse neighborhood. She’ll take you along Via Sarpi, sharing local stories and introducing you to her favorite spots, from a boutique hatmaker to her favorite restaurant and bakery. Bring an appetite. ⠀ Click the link in our bio for more Milan experiences created by locals, as well as lots of places to stay. #AirbnbExperiences

A post shared by Airbnb (@airbnb) on Oct 24, 2017 at 9:44am PDT

Hidden Hike in Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The East Tabur trail feels otherworldly, and eons away from civilisation, but is just mere miles from bustling Kuala Lumpur. Guests get to view both Mother Nature’s verdant creations and the city skyline from the summit of this prominent hill.

This dreamscape might look remote, but it’s actually just a half-hour from the city center. And for local ultra-marathoner Fadly, it’s an everyday training ground. Join him for a morning hike up Bukit Tabur to views like this one before coming down to a well-earned traditional breakfast. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #AirbnbExperiences are now live in Kuala Lumpur. Click the link in our bio to learn more.

A post shared by Airbnb (@airbnb) on Mar 25, 2018 at 6:29pm PDT

Sail to Historic Landmarks, New York City, NY

Taking in one of the world’s most vibrant metropolises from the water proves to be inspiring Instagram material. Host Matt feels that same inspiration and wonder each time he sets sail on NYC’s waterways, something he’s been doing for two decades.

“A sailboat is one of the best ways to see NYC,” says Matt, a longtime New Yorker and Certified Master Mariner. But sailing the waterways that connect the city isn’t just scenic. It’s a rare chance to experience the metropolis as a whole. As you glide along, Matt will show how water has shaped the city’s history—and his own. After a little instruction, he might even let you take the tiller. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For more #AirbnbExperiences designed and led by New Yorkers, click the link in our bio.

A post shared by Airbnb (@airbnb) on Sep 29, 2017 at 10:29am PDT

A Classic Ride, Lisbon, Portugal

It’s hard to think of a better way to get your bearings in a new city than by cruising the streets with a local in their vintage car. Miguel bestows what not to miss, what to skip and local tips before making a pit stop at his favourite local bakery with a toast to his guests’ journeys through Lisbon.

Lisbon can be overwhelming, especially your first time here. But after a morning of cruising around in Miguel’s classic car, you’ll feel right at home. He’ll show you how to get around, where he loves to eat, and even what you can skip. You’ll also stop at his favorite viewpoints and finish by toasting your new friends with a glass of local moscatel or ginja. ⠀ Click the link in our bio for more #AirbnbExperiences created and led by locals, plus lots of places to stay. Photo: @bontraveler

A post shared by Airbnb (@airbnb) on Dec 7, 2017 at 4:11pm PST

Tapas Picnic, Barcelona, Spain

This is a photo of a group venturing to create and devour Spanish tapas like locals. Host Suzan takes her guests into the heart of the El Born district of Barcelona to get an authentic taste of the specialties of the city from charcuterie, to olives to conserves.

Suzan, aka the Foodie in Barcelona (check out her blog), can show you how to source, create, and eat tapas like a local. Through Airbnb, she’ll take you to some of El Born’s best specialty shops, sharing their stories as she helps you choose ingredients. Then she’ll take you to a nearby park, spread out a picnic blanket, and show you how to whip up authentic tapas using only what you’ve just bought. ⠀⠀ Click the link in our bio for other Barcelona adventures and places to stay.

A post shared by Airbnb (@airbnb) on Jul 20, 2017 at 10:16am PDT

*This list is comprised of  Instagram posts featuring Airbnb Experiences that were posted from the @Airbnb Instagram handle from September 2017-April 2018 and received the most “Likes” as of June 2018.

The Airbnb Press Room is aimed at journalists. All Homes and Experiences referenced on the Airbnb Press Room are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific Home or Experience listings on the Airbnb platform.