15 Iconic Places in the World for Your Bucket List

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When you’re drawing up your bucket list, there are some places on the planet that you simply cannot miss. All the following sites are instantly recognizable, and with good reason. From ancient archeology to natural wonders – and even an incomplete masterpiece – here are 12 of the best places to visit at least once in a lifetime.

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

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The symbol of Paris, this tower by the Seine is named for its engineer, Gustave Eiffel. It’s a popular place for marriage proposals, particularly on the top floor. The distinctive wrought-iron tower is also the tallest building in the city and thus offers breathtaking panoramas over the French capital.

Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Even in a city packed with ancient and absorbing sights, the Colosseum in Rome stands out. It’s the biggest ancient amphitheater ever built, and the largest still standing. Visit at night for a unique perspective. When the Colosseum is lit up, you can take a guided tour through the underground chambers and tunnels.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Many people pilgrimage to the lost city of the Incas each year, a destination shrouded in mystery, and often in mist. The elevation makes it a challenging trip, yet it remains one of the planet’s most popular destinations. Among the reasons to see Machu Picchu are the way the buildings sync seamlessly with the land, and the local wildlife.

Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain

Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, Sagrada Família, remains unfinished and is the world’s biggest incomplete Catholic church. The iconic building has been under construction since 1882, so there’s plenty to see inside and out. Don’t miss Gaudí’s other contributions to the Barcelona cityscape while you’re here, such as Casa Mila, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló.

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Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza, located on the outskirts of Cairo, are a marvel of ancient engineering. The Great Pyramid, built for Pharaoh Khufu, is the largest and most iconic of these structures. Standing tall for over 4,500 years, these pyramids have been a source of intrigue and admiration for centuries. Their precise construction still puzzles historians and engineers. Visiting Giza offers a glimpse into ancient Egyptian civilization and some of the most stunning sunset views over the desert.

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall symbolizes resilience and architectural expertise, spanning thousands of miles across northern China. Built over several dynasties, it winds through varied landscapes, from deserts to mountains. Sections like Mutianyu and Badaling are well-preserved and popular among visitors. A trek along this ancient fortification is a must-do, offering breathtaking views and a sense of the vastness of Chinese history.

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, London, England

Big Ben, the nickname for the Great Bell of the Clock Tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London, is an iconic symbol of the United Kingdom. The clock tower, standing at the heart of the city, offers a majestic sight, especially when lit up at night. The Houses of Parliament, adjacent to the tower, are masterpieces of Gothic Revival architecture.

Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

You cannot truly understand the Grand Canyon’s sheer scale unless you visit it in person. It’s so vast that it takes around four-and-a-half hours to travel between the North and South Rim. If you can, head there at different times of day, as the colors change as the sun moves across the sky. Sunrise and sunset are, of course, phenomenal.

The Acropolis, Athens, Greece

The Acropolis sits atop a flat, rocky hill looming over Athens. It’s a site of incredible historical and archeological importance. The most famous structure is the Parthenon, and at over 150 meters above sea level, there are sweeping city views over the Greek capital.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most instantly recognizable sites – and it’s incredibly Instagrammable. You’ll gain a new perspective on this icon by getting up close when the finer details become clear. Get up early, to be there when the gates open, for the best experience – and, of course, the finest photographs.

Antarctica

In the southern hemisphere, Antarctica is the world’s most remote and least visited continent. Ice and snow create an otherworldly, surreal feel, and you’ll see sights that exist nowhere else on Earth. The native wildlife – such as whales, penguins, and seals – also makes the epic journey worthwhile.

New York, USA

New York, New York, the city that never sleeps, the Big Apple. Call it what you will, at least one visit in a lifetime belongs on every bucket list. Times Square, Central Park, Bloomingdale’s, yellow taxis, and hot dog stalls make the city what it is. Some of the world’s finest museums and galleries also await.

Petra, Jordan

Petra is a breathtaking archaeological site carved into the natural rose-tinted sandstone cliffs and is Jordan’s most popular tourist attraction. The site lies in the desert southwest of Jordan, dating back to around 300 B.C. Al Khazneh, also known as The Treasury, is a Greek-style temple, and Petra’s most iconic sight.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is found off the northeastern coast of Queensland and comprises around 2,900 smaller reefs. It provides a vital habitat for many species of coral, fish, mollusks, other marine life, and seabirds. There are 900 islands here, too, some of which make ideal bases for scuba diving and snorkeling trips.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

If nature is your thing, you cannot miss the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador off your bucket list. The 18 archipelago islands have their own ecosystem, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Several species often seen here are unique to the islands, including the Galapagos penguin, marine iguanas, and giant tortoise. The islands are also abundant in unspoiled natural beauty.