15 Iconic Places in the World for Your Bucket List

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.

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Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

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.

Book Tickets in Advance – To avoid long queues, purchase your Eiffel Tower tickets online ahead of time, especially if you want access to the top floor. Ticket prices vary: 23.10€ (25.18$) for lift access to the second floor, 36.10€ (39.35$) for the summit via the lift, and 14.50€ (15.80$) for the stairs to the second floor. Book tickets online to skip lines.
Visit at Night for a Light Show – The Eiffel Tower sparkles for five minutes every hour after sunset, creating a magical experience best viewed from Trocadéro or the Seine River.

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.

Guided Tours: Opt for a guided tour to learn about the history of the amphitheater, including its underground chambers and gladiatorial combat. Tours cost around €51.88 (56.56$) and provide skip-the-line access.
Combine with Nearby Attractions – The Colosseum is close to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, so consider getting a combo ticket to explore all three sites efficiently.

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.

Acclimate to the Altitude: Spend a day or two in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before heading to Machu Picchu to help your body adjust to the high elevation.
Operating Hours and Tickets: Machu Picchu is open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Entry tickets must be purchased in advance and cost around 152 S/ (40$) for adults. Tickets are limited, so book early, especially during peak season.

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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Operating Hours and Tickets: The Sagrada Família is open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (April–September) and until 6:00 PM (October–March). Entry tickets start at 26€ (28.35$) for basic access and 30€ (32.71$) for guided tours. Book online in advance to skip the lines.
Visit During Golden Hour: The stained glass windows create a breathtaking light display inside the basilica in the morning or late afternoon.

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.

Operating Hours and Tickets: The Pyramids of Giza are open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. General site entry costs around 700 E£ (13.86$) for foreigners.
Wear Sun Protection: The desert sun can be intense, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to stay comfortable while exploring.

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.

Choose the Right Section: Mutianyu is less crowded and offers stunning scenery, while Badaling is the most accessible but can be very busy. At Badaling, the wall is open from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM (April–October) and 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM (November–March). Meanwhile, the Mutianyu section is open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM (April–October) and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November–March).
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Wall’s steep inclines and uneven steps require sturdy, comfortable footwear for a safe and enjoyable hike.

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.

Nearby Tours and Access: While the clock tower itself isn’t open to public tours, you can book a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament for around 34£ (37.09$), available on selected days. Tours provide fascinating insight into British history and governance.
Getting There: Take the Tube to Westminster Station on the Jubilee, District, or Circle Lines, which exits directly near Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It’s a convenient starting point for exploring central London landmarks.

Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA

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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.

Operating Hours and Entry Fees: The Grand Canyon South Rim is open 24/7 year-round, while the North Rim is open mid-May to mid-October, from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Entry to the park costs 20$ to 35$.
Take a Helicopter Tour: For a breathtaking aerial perspective of the canyon’s immense scale and beauty, consider a helicopter ride.

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.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: The Acropolis has uneven, rocky terrain, so sturdy footwear will make your visit more enjoyable.
Operating Hours and Entry Fees: The Acropolis is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (April–October) and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November–March). The last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Tickets cost 20€ (21.82$).

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.

Dress Respectfully: As a cultural and religious site, wearing modest clothing is recommended. Light, breathable fabrics will keep you comfortable in Agra’s warm climate.
Operating Hours and Entry Fees: The Taj Mahal is open daily (except Fridays) from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Entry costs ₹1,100 (13$) for foreign tourists. Night viewing is available from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM on select nights for ₹750 (9$) for foreigners.

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.

Pack Proper Gear: Layered, insulated clothing is essential to withstand Antarctica’s extreme cold. Waterproof gloves, boots, and UV-protection sunglasses are also a must.
Respect Wildlife Guidelines: Keep a safe distance from penguins, seals, and other animals to avoid disturbing their natural behavior, as per conservation regulations.

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.

Use Public Transport: The subway is the fastest and most efficient way to get around NYC, avoiding the city’s notorious traffic.
Top Attractions and Entry Fees: Visit the iconic Empire State Building. The entry fee is 79$ for adults.

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.

Operating Hours and Entry Fees: Petra is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (summer) and 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM (winter). Entry costs 50 JOD (70$) for a one-day ticket, with discounts for multi-day visits. Tickets must be purchased at the Petra Visitor Center.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Exploring Petra involves a lot of walking, often on uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear is essential.

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.

Reef Cruise: Book a reef cruise from a popular departure point like Cairns for an unforgettable experience. Prices start at 270 AU$ (171 $).
Visit During Dry Season: The best time to explore the reef is between June and October when water visibility is high and stinger risks are lower.

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.

Follow Strict Conservation Rules: The Galapagos is highly protected, so always stick to designated trails, avoid touching wildlife, and travel with licensed guides.
Pack for Variable Weather: The islands have distinct wet and dry seasons, so bring lightweight clothing, rain gear, and sturdy walking shoes for exploration.