12 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

One of the best things about traveling is visiting the world’s most iconic sites and landmarks. We rarely think about travel destinations without considering the landmarks we can tick off our bucket list. Whether a man-made structure like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or a natural wonder like Mount Fuji, there’s something spectacular in every corner of the globe.

To help you tick off some of the world’s best landmarks from your bucket list, we’ve compiled a list of 12 of the most famous landmarks in the world. The landmarks that make our list are the places you need to see at least once in your lifetime.

Table of Contents

Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Peru

Arguably the most impressive landmark in the world, Machu Picchu, is a remarkable Incan citadel that sits high in the Peruvian Andes. Built in the 15th century but only discovered in 1911, the ancient citadel is famed for its sophisticated dry stone walls and intriguing buildings.

Despite its significance, Machu Picchu remains a mystery. Many believe the citadel was built as a royal estate for the Incan emperor Pachacuti Inka Yupanqui. Others believe it is a religious site. Either way, Machu Picchu is somewhere you need to visit. Taking in the views above the ancient citadel before wandering through what remains is a fascinating experience.

Travel Tips

Prepare for Altitude: Acclimate to the high altitude in Cusco before visiting as the city is 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level.
Take the Inca Trail: Book a four-day guided hike to the Inca Trail for $772.80 to reach Machu Picchu through a scenic route.

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

According to the Senior Scene, the Eiffel Tower is the most photographed landmark in the world. Considering its city center location and impressive design, it’s not hard to see why. This Parisian wonder was constructed in 1887 by Gustave Eiffel, whom the tower is named after, and his team.

Made from wrought iron and featuring a lattice design, the Eiffel Tower stands 984 feet (300 meters) tall from its base to the tip of its spire. It also has three floors, all of which tourists can stand on. While the tower is spectacular, the views of Paris from the top floor are equally impressive.

Travel Tips

Use the Stairs: Save money by taking the stairs to the second floor for €14.20 ($14.76) and enjoy a more active experience.
Visit at Sunset: Go to the top around sunset for a stunning view of Paris lighting up as the city transitions from day to night.

Great Wall of China, China

The Great Wall of China is an extraordinary man-made landmark that stretches for a whopping 13,000 miles (20,921 kilometers) across China’s vast landscape. This incredible feat of engineering was mostly constructed using bricks, stone blocks, and lime mortar. The average height of the wall is 25.6 feet (7.8 meters), but in some parts, it reaches heights of 46 feet (14 meters).

The wall was officially completed in 1878, despite some parts of the original wall being built during the 7th century BC. It is believed that the wall was constructed to protect China’s northern empire from invaders. Walking along this ancient world wonder is phenomenal, although you won’t be able to walk it all!

Travel Tips

Visit Mutianyu Section: The Mutianyu section is less crowded and has cable car access for RMB 140 ($19) to the top.
Bring Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated and energized as amenities are limited on the wall.

The Great Pyramid of Giza, Cairo, Egypt

The Great Pyramid of Giza, near Cairo, was built to house the bodies of the pharaohs and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. A sight to behold, the pyramid is made from enormous stones and bricks and sits alongside a set of smaller pyramids. Because of its sheer size, questions about how it was built have been raised.

Standing at an impressive 449 feet (137 meters) tall, it’s incredible that enslaved Egyptians likely built the pyramid without machine-lifting equipment. Considering that some of the rocks used to create the pyramid weigh up to 2.5 tons, it’s no surprise that there’s still so much mystery surrounding its construction.

Travel Tips

Explore the Pyramid Complex: Don’t miss the smaller pyramids and the Sphinx, which are all part of the same complex.
Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water as temperatures can reach between 33-38°C (91-100°F) during summer.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is a Hindu-Buddhist temple complex located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has over 70 major ancient temples and spans 401 acres (162.6 hectares). The site showcases the ancient remains of the capital of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th centuries.

The main Angkor Wat temple is the largest religious monument in the world, so start your visit there. You can admire the temple in all its glory from the front lawn and snap a photograph of its reflection in a small lake. Other temples in Angkor Wat worth seeing include Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Ta Prohm.

Travel Tips

Book a Guided Tour: Join a two-day tour for $35 to see the sunrise and sunset over Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples.
Visit the Angkor National Museum: Stop by the Angkor National Museum for $12 to learn more about the history of the temples before exploring.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

The Taj Mahal is an iconic Indian mausoleum in Agra, India’s Uttar Pradesh state. Sitting on the banks of the Yamuna River, it was constructed as a tribute to Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The 17th-century structure is still home to her tomb today.

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Building the ivory-white marble mausoleum took nearly two decades, but we’re glad they did. UNESCO recognizes the Taj Mahal as the most outstanding achievement of Indo-Islamic architecture. The mausoleum is best explored at sunrise when the crowds are smaller. Alternatively, travelers can enjoy amazing views of the Taj Mahal from a boat on the river or a neighboring park.

Travel Tips

Visit the Mehtab Bagh: Go to Mehtab Bagh for INR 300 ($3.50) for sunset views of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River.
Visit the Agra Fort: Stop by the nearby fort for INR 650 ($8) to see Mughal architecture and views of the Taj Mahal from afar.

The Acropolis, Athens, Greece

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The Acropolis of Athens is a world-famous ancient citadel on a rocky outcrop above Greece’s capital. Tourists flock to the Acropolis in the thousands to explore what remains of ancient Greek civilization.

The Acropolis has several significant ancient buildings of architectural and historical importance, the most famous of which is the Parthenon. You can walk around the ruins and look down over the city. The Acropolis Museum is nearby, too, so check that out during your visit. Inside the museum, you’ll find priceless statues and antiquities unearthed from the site.

Travel Tips

Take a Photo at the Parthenon: Don’t miss the iconic photo spot in front of the Parthenon for a classic shot of the ruins with the city below.
Beat the Heat: Get to the Acropolis before 9:00 AM to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

Big Ben, London, England

Next, we have Big Ben in London. This landmark is best known for its clock tower, which most people call Big Ben. Big Ben might just be the most famous clock tower in the world, so don’t miss it.

Interestingly, the tower’s real name is ‘Elizabeth Tower.’ Big Ben is simply a nickname for the bell, named after Sir Benjamin Hall. The tower stands 316 feet (96 meters) tall and has 334 steps from the base to its bell. You can view the tower alongside the River Thames, on the London Eye, or from Parliament Square.

Travel Tips

Explore Parliament Square Garden: Walk to Parliament Square Garden to get a closer view of Big Ben and the surrounding historic landmarks.
Join a Guided Tour of Westminster: Book a tour for £33 ($41) for an in-depth history lesson.

La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona, simply known as La Sagrada Familia, is the world’s largest unfinished church. Famed architect Antoni Gaudí designed this remarkable building. Construction began in 1882 and hasn’t been completed for over 100 years. The main reason for the delayed completion of La Sagrada Familia is the lack of funds and design changes.

Nevertheless, the church is a beautiful landmark to visit. The intricate stonework on the outside and breathtaking interior are utterly mind-blowing. Rumor has it that the church could finally be completed in 2026. One of the best places to view the church is from a scenic park called Plaça de Gaudí.

Travel Tips

Visit the Towers: Climb one of the towers for an additional €10 ($10.40) to enjoy a closer view of the intricate designs and the city below.
Explore the Gaudí House Museum: Visit the architect’s residence to learn more about La Sagrada Familia for €24 ($25).

Mount Fuji, Honshu, Japan

Mount Fuji is an active volcano found approximately 62 miles (100 kilometers) southwest of Tokyo in Japan’s Honshu region. At 12,388 feet (3,776 meters), it’s the country’s tallest peak. On a clear day, you can see the volcano’s snow-capped peak from Tokyo.

Mount Fuji has been one of Japan’s most sacred mountains for centuries. It is a famous pilgrimage site, and thousands of tourists yearly hike to the top of the mountain. Luckily, the volcano has been dormant for over 300 years, and the last time volcanic activity was recorded was in the 1960s, so you don’t need to worry about any eruptions during your visit. Besides, the volcano is monitored 24/7.

Travel Tips

Hike During Climbing Season: Hike between July and early September, when trails are open and safe.
Visit the Fuji Five Lakes: Explore scenic spots like Lake Kawaguchiko for breathtaking views.

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

Dominating the Cape Town skyline, Table Mountain is one of the most unique natural landmarks in the world. Sitting on the pristine South African coast, this mountain has a fascinating flat top – hence the name. It’s a significant tourist attraction in the city, attracting over four million tourists yearly.

Admittedly, at 3,563 feet (1,084 meters) tall, Table Mountain isn’t one of the tallest mountains in the world, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most iconic. On top of the mountain, you can walk along a 2-mile (3.21-kilometer) level plateau. Take the cable car or follow the Table Mountain hike to reach the top. Either way, you’ll be treated to incredible panoramic views of Cape Town from above.

Travel Tips

Hike the Platteklip Gorge Trail: This direct trail takes 2-3 hours to the summit.
Take the Cable Car: Book a round-trip ticket for ZAR 430 ($23.15) to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Historical Places The Colosseum — © lucky-photo / Adobe Stock

The Colosseum is a Roman amphitheater in the city center of Italy’s capital. Construction of the Colosseum began in A.D. 72 under the emperor Vespasian. It then opened in A.D. 80, with Titus Caesar Vespasianus declaring 100 days of games as its inaugural festivities. At its peak, the Colosseum could accommodate 50,000 spectators, making it the most incredible amphitheater in Rome’s empire.

Today, the Colosseum’s remains stand proudly alongside the Roman Forum for all to see. Although walking around the Colosseum is possible, the best views are found outside. Having said that, walking along the arena floor and the upper levels is quite spectacular. It’s hard to believe so many people were once forced to fight to the death in what is such a beautiful landmark.

Travel Tips

Use the Metro: Take Line B to Colosseo Station for a quick and direct route to the site.
Get a Combo Ticket: Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill along with the Colosseum for a €22 ($22.86) combo ticket.