It’s that time of year again! As we bid farewell to 2015 and welcome in 2016 with open arms, we’re taking a fond look back at the most popular images shared on 500px this past year.

There are only two rules:

1. The photos must have been uploaded to 500px (not necessarily taken) in 2015.

2. No photographer may appear more than once on any list, so everybody gets a chance to be featured.


2015 was the year when, at least at 500px, the term urban exploration seemed to be redefined somewhat. No longer all about dilapidated and abandoned buildings, the community took the term “urban exploration” literally and began posting thousands of photos of urban environments.

For the Best of 2015 list, we did our best to weed out images that clearly don’t fit into this category while staying true to the most popular images as voted on by you.

Scroll down, enjoy, and don’t hesitate to share YOUR favorite Urban Exploration photo in the comments down below!

10. In the Wind by Giulio Cosmo Calisse

In the wind by Giulio Cosmo Calisse on 500px.com

9. Vestigios en hierro y modera by LL Poems

Vestigios en hierro y madera (Traces) by -LL-Poems on 500px.com

8. Decayed by Kap Ete

decayed by Kap Ete on 500px.com

7. Forgotten Places by Aitor de la Fuente

"Lugares olvidados" - "Forgotten Places" by Aitor de la Fuente on 500px.com

6. Down under by Lurkerlife

Down under by Lurkerlife  on 500px.com

5. Urban Stress by Carmine Chiriaco

Urban stress by Carmine Chiriacò on 500px.com

4. Looking up by Albert Dros

Looking up by Albert Dros on 500px.com

3. Shadows in the Dark by Pedro Quintela

Shadows in the Dark by Pedro Quintela on 500px.com

2. Chateau Nottebohm by Iris van Wolferen

Château Nottebohm by Iris van Wolferen on 500px.com

1. Top by Alexander Remnev

Top by Alexander Remnev on 500px.com

Like (or don’t like) what you see? Let us know in the comments! And if your favorite urban exploration photo or photographer didn’t make this year’s Top 10 list, share that with us too.