It’s hard to narrow down the most iconic places to visit in the world as there are so many famous landmarks in the world and well known tourist attractions.
Still, selecting an ideal vacation spot can be a daunting task, given the vast array of captivating destinations available worldwide. To help with travel planning, we’ve narrowed down this list of some of the planet’s most amazing places. Use these suggestions to craft your ultimate travel bucket list.
From scuba diving in the great barrier reef to throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, here are the most iconic places to visit in the world.
Famous Landmarks to Visit in the World
1. Trevi Fountain
Starting off this list of most iconic places in the world is one of the most visited sights in Europe. Standing in front of the iconic Trevi Fountain feels like you have one foot in the past and one in the present, even more so, with the statues looking like bastions of ancient Rome.
From the fact that the water comes from the only surviving aqueduct from Roman times to the legend that throwing a coin in the water will bring you back to Rome, everything about this fountain is mesmerizing.
2. Eiffel Tower – Paris, France
We can’t talk about famous landmarks without mentioning this one. The Eiffel Tower isn’t just a popular place to visit in Paris. It is, in fact, one of the most famous landmarks in Europe.
Standing before it will leave you in awe of its architectural brilliance. Especially, when you realize that this iron tower was forged in the 19th century. You can look at the tower, but we suggest ascending to the top to get a bird’s eye view of the city. You can take an elevator, or you can take a deep breath and start climbing the 1,665 steps to the top.
3. Great Wall of China – China
Over 13000 miles long, the Great Wall of China has achieved legendary status for its extraordinary size. However, its riveting history makes it even more specular.
The enormous monument elicits a strange feeling when you realize that it was a place of suffering for many. Mass graves surround the walls and some are present even inside its walls.
Its formidable façade, long history, and tales of many battles make the Great Wall of China one of China’s most iconic places to visit.
4. Taj Mahal – Agra, India
The Taj Mahal in Agra is a 400-years old, man-made marvel that needs no introduction. Built over 22 years by nearly 20,000 workers, the monument is reflective of not just the Mughal architecture but also the pinnacle of Shah Jehan’s love for his wife.
Entering through the main gate, the nuanced architecture will give you a magnified view of the white marble structure, shrinking in size as you walk towards it. That’s just one of the many minute details involved in the construction of this magnificent beauty.
5. The Colosseum – Rome, Italy
As far as famous landmarks go, it doesn’t get much more iconic than the Colosseum. Colosseum, an amphitheater that opened its doors with a fight to the death between two of the greatest gladiators of their time.
This colossal monument is the epitome of ancient Roman engineering and architecture, and it is as beautiful as it is sad. The magnificent structure was a place of atrocities that served as entertainment for the masses.
As you step inside the Colosseum, imagine the roar of the crowd as a man fights a beast, a prisoner is executed, and two gladiators fight to the death while the emperor watches. If you find yourself in Italy’s capital, this is one of the top things to do in Rome.
6. Pyramids of Giza – Cairo, Egypt
One of the most famous landmarks in the world is, of course, the Great Pyramids. Most UNESCO sites and wonders of the world are old, but the Pyramids of Giza are ancient compared to even them.
Dating back 4500 years, the enormous Pyramids of Giza are still a source of mystery and debate within the scientific and archeological community. Discoveries are still being uncovered to this day making these pyramids one of the most mystical ancient wonders of our world.
7. Machu Picchu – Peru
Very few world famous landmarks leave you as speechless as Machu Picchu. The moment you step into Machu Picchu, the arcane site will render you speechless. How was it possible for the Incas to build such precise structures of granite without the use of machinery or technology? After all, granite is one of the toughest rocks on the planet and almost impossible to work with using hand tools that were available at the time.
The mystery of its origins, combined with the majestic backdrop of the Andes, makes for a true spectacle and a place that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
8. Christ the Redeemer – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Think Rio de Janeiro and the first picture that comes to mind is the majestic statue of Christ looking over the city.
Christ the Redeemer stands on a hill, 2,340 feet above sea level, and can be spotted from far away. You can take the train, or a van, or hike all the way to see this magnificent statue up close.
Once you are standing right next to it, you’ll realize just how stunning it is and how difficult it must have been to erect just an enormous statue at such a height. The views around the statue are also stunning!
9. Acropolis – Athens, Greece
The indelible influence of ancient Greek architecture can be seen in the surviving complexes of the Acropolis in Athens, and is one of the top sights to see in Greece.
The Acropolis is a massive hilltop citadel that was once the center of ancient Athens. Inside this citadel are some of the most renowned Greek temples including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Athena Nike, among many others.
10. Petra Archaeological Site – Jordan
As you travel around Jordan you’ll find the mind-boggling lost city of Petra, will leave you speechless.
This is one of the most well-preserved cultural landmarks, a coveted archeological site that is essentially an entire city frozen in time. You will see houses carved into the mountains and walkways made from natural gullies and canyons.Â
The Petra civilization not only figured out a way to survive in the arid and rocky landscape, but they learned to thrive using clever engineering and water preservation methods that were far too advanced for the time.
11. Baalbek – Lebanon
The magnificent ancient ruins of Baalbek are found a two-hour drive from Beirut. Very little is known about the origins of this holy site, but it is widely believed to be first built by the Phoenicians, four millennia ago, and then taken over by the Greeks, Romans, and then the Arabs.
What sets this structure apart is its colossal size. Standing within its huge stone walls and massive columns, overwhelming fear and awe will take root in your heart.
The site makes you wonder how such a structure could have been created so long ago. The mind-bending mystery has led many to believe that Baalbek was indeed built by giants.
12. Plitvice Lakes National Park – Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Croatia. It is also one of the most beautiful untouched wilderness reserves in the world.
The minute you step inside the park, you’ll feel like you have entered a different world. A private oasis if you will. The water is so clear that you can reach out and grab a fish if you want. There are well-maintained trails, stairs, and wooden bridges that will take you around the park, inside water caves, and above gushing waterfalls.
13. Kilimanjaro
Words will fail you when you first lay your eyes on Mount Kilimanjaro. The highest free-standing mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro, is a wonder of nature. It sits almost on the equator, so if you were to climb it, you’d start your journey in a hot environment.
However, as you approach the summit at 5,895 m, you’d want to wrap up well as temperatures at the top can be as low as -7 to -29 degrees Celsius even in the summer.
14. Perito Moreno Glacier – Argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that can be traced back to the last Ice Age. Located in Los Glaciares National Park, this nearly 3 million-year-old glacier acts as a natural dam cutting off the South arm of Lake Argentino in the winter months.
During summer, the glacier melts and cracks, collapsing right before your eyes. A mere sample of the raw power of Mother Nature in full display.
15. Angkor Wat Temple Complex – Cambodia
Waking up before sunrise and making your way to the Angkor Wat Temple Complex may feel like a bit of a task, but once you witness its legendary silhouette, it will all be worth it.
This highly distinguished religious monument is the largest in the world and South-East Asia’s most significant archeological site.
Once you step inside, the complex will greet you with temples upon temples. Nearly 70 of them. Some of them date as far back as the 9th century.
16. Great Barrier Reef – Queensland, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the largest coral reefs in the world and home to an extraordinary number of aquatic species.
It is one of the few habitats in the world that allows the survival of large green turtles and sea cows. In recent years, the impact of global warming has killed off a sizable chunk of the Great Barrier Reef. Despite this, it is still the crown jewel of all coral reefs in the world.
17. Sagrada Familia – Barcelona, Spain
It’s a well known fact about Spain that the Sagrada Familia has to be the only unfinished structure in the world to lure such a large number of tourists.
The Gothic architectural style and the intricate design of the massive edifice make it near impossible not to look at it.
Designed by Antoni Gaudà in 1882, the construction of this iconic structure is still ongoing.
18. Burj Khalifa – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
You can’t think of Dubai and not picture Burj Khalifa. Rising into the clouds this iconic skyscraper has been in plenty of movies already.
At 828 meters, Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest skyscraper, and you can go to the very top and see what the modern world looks like from high above.
The building is a perfect mixture of Islamic architecture and modern innovations. In addition to offices and cafes, the building has 160 habitable apartments.
19. Vatican City – Rome, Italy
One of the most famous cultural landmarks is the Vatican City which is officially the Vatican City State, a landlocked independent country, city-state, microstate, and enclave within Rome. Vatican City might be the smallest sovereign country in the world, but it has a lot going on. It’s true, you can circumnavigate the country on foot in less than an hour, but you wouldn’t want to.
As is common knowledge, Vatican City is the center of the catholic church and home to the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica. Then there’s the Vatican Museum and so many spots with cultural and historical significance that you’d want to visit them all.
20. Sydney Opera House – Sydney, Australia
One of the most world famous landmarks resides in Sydney, Australia. No one realized how fitting it would be to design a structure that looks like ship sails and situate it next to a harbor, until Jørn Utzon.Â
This stunning building is a world-renowned performing arts venue, and one of the most recognizable man-made structures in the world. When we think of Sydney we picture the Sydney Opera House.
21. Big Ben – London
It’s a London fact that Big Ben, London’s symbolic clock tower, is one of the most iconic timepieces the world has ever seen.
It might look like a medieval tower from the outside, but the clockwork hides the engineering genius of the early Victorians and has stood the test of time making it one of the most iconic and recognizable famous landmarks in the world.
22. The Grand Palace – Bangkok, Thailand
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is the crowning jewel of Thailand. The stunning palace was built in 1782 and was once the residence of the Thai monarch.
Its ornate decorations and lavish features leave no doubt that the palace was made fit for a king. You can spend hours exploring its vast grounds and marveling at its intricate architecture.
23. The Galapagos Islands – Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands isn’t your usual tourist destination crowded by spectators. It is one of the few places left on our planet that is still largely untouched by humans.
The island locals are giant tortoises and marine iguanas that are found sunbathing on rocks or the beach. Cut off from the rest of the world, it was here at the Galapagos Islands that Charles Darwin found evidence supporting the theory of evolution.
One of the best ways to experience the Galapagos is on a Galapagos Cruise that takes you to all the magnificent sights.
24. Serengeti National Park – Tanzania
Your world adventures aren’t complete unless you visit the mesmerizing Serengeti National Park. One of Tanzania’s most treasured natural parks, it is home to the greatest array of wildlife on the planet. Come here to see as many safari animals in one of the best places to safari in Africa.
Visiting the park and spending a night in its wilderness is an adventure unlike any other and the ultimate African Safari experience.
25. The Amazon Rainforest
Who hasn’t heard of the Amazon? It’s the largest rainforest in the world, covering over 2 million square miles in the heart of South America. It’s home to countless species of plants and animals, some of which can’t be found anywhere else on Earth.
It’s an amazing place to explore, but also crucial for the health and sustainability of our planet.
26. Victoria Falls – Zambia and Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Africa’s most famous waterfall, is one of the greatest marvels of nature located on the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe in Africa. While there are many waterfalls on our planet, few are as dramatic and beautiful as Victoria Falls.
Although not the highest nor the widest, it is the largest sheet of falling water that upon impact creates a cloud of smoke and thunder in the air. A sight to behold!
27. Great Sphinx of Giza – Cairo, Egypt
The ancient Egyptians have left behind some of the most riveting sculptures and artifacts for us to admire and decipher. One of them is the Great Sphinx of Giza – the guardian of the pyramids and one of the top sights to see in Egypt.
With the face of a human and the body of a lion, this ancient marvel is one of the most iconic limestone sculptures in the world with its origins, history, and purpose still debated amongst scholars today.
28. Neuschwanstein Castle – Bavaria, Germany
This 19th-century castle seems to have come straight out of every fairy tale book you might have read as a kid. It features a romantic and fairytale-like design, inspired by Wagnerian operas and medieval architecture.
However, there’s more to this castle than meets the eye and to get its full story you have to visit in person.
29. Sistine Chapel – Vatican City
Sistine Chapel is the magnum opus of Renaissance artists and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Italy. Built from 1477 to 1480, the chapel lures the crowd because it is ancient, has stunning frescoes by Michelangelo and other renowned artists, and is just a joy to look at for those who appreciate art and history.
30. Mount Everest – Nepal
The formidable Mount Everest is the highest mountain peak in the world. Most people check it off their bucket list once they catch a glimpse of the peak.
However, there are a few who do not rest until they have surpassed the most dangerous and challenging climb of all – reaching the summit of the world.
31. Niagara Falls – Canada and USA
Niagara Falls is not the tallest waterfall in the world, nor is it surrounded by ardent beauty. Yet, millions of visitors visit the majestic falls every year.
It’s the sheer power of Niagara Falls, the close access, and the fact that it is straddling the border between Canada and the USA that makes it such a world-famous spot.
32. Red Square – Moscow, Russia
Once you lay your eyes on the stunning Red Square of Moscow, you’ll carry that memory for the rest of your life.
Pictures and words do not do justice to the vibrant colors of the St. Basil’s Cathedral, the historic architecture of the Kremlin, and the cobblestone pavement of the Red Square.
33. Table Mountain – Cape Town, South Africa
Table Mountain serves as an ever-watchful eye on Cape Mountain. Wherever you go in Cape Town, there it is!
As the name indicates, the mountain has a flat top, and it rises 3500 feet above sea level.
You can take an exhilarating cable car ride to the top and enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the city and the coastline or hike up and around Table Mountain!
The mountain has its flora and fauna, and you might come across a cute fuzzy rock hyrax while hiking.
34. Dubrovnik Old Town – Croatia
The breathtaking baroque buildings, churches, monasteries, and limestone streets of The Old Town of Dubrovnik will take you back to Medieval times. You’d feel like you stepped back in time the second you crossed the threshold of Pile’s Gate, which itself dates to 1537.
If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you will instantly recognize this town as King’s Landing.
35. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – Northern Territory, Australia
Uluru is an enormous red rock of sandstone that rises 348 meters above the ground. It’s not just the enormity and the unique appearance of the rock that makes it special but the fact that it’s nearly 500 million years old. Staggering, isn’t it? The rock is also sacred to the local Aboriginal people of the area.
Where Uluru is a singular rock with a flat top, Kata Tjuta is a rock formation with sandstone domes on the top. We suggest waiting for the sun to set to enjoy the changing colors of the rock.
Tourist Attractions and Famous Landmarks FAQ
Where is the most famous monument?
There are many famous monuments all around the world, so it isn’t easy to pinpoint one as the most famous. However, some of the most well-known monuments are the Eiffel Tower in Parisl, the Great Wall of China in China; the Taj Mahal in India; the Colosseum in Rome, the Statue of Liberty in New York and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
What is the most photographed Famous landmark?
One of the most photographed famous landmarks in the world is believed to be the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
What is the most iconic Tourist Attraction in the USA?
As you might expect the most popular and recognizable landmarks in the USA include the Statue of Liberty in New York City and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Where is the most visited Famous Landmark in the world?
The most visited famous landmark in the world is the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It’s estimated that the tower receives over 7 million visitors annually, which makes it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world.
What is the most natural iconic place in the world?
There are too many natural wonders to name, but mother nature has shown her finest work at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Mount Everest in Nepal, and Victoria Falls between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Plan For Your Trip
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