What landmarks are a must-see?
There is no single must-see landmark, but a handful appear on nearly every list: the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu in Peru, the Taj Mahal in India, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Colosseum in Rome, Petra in Jordan and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The best choice for you depends on where you are traveling and whether you prefer ancient history, architecture or natural wonders.
World-famous landmarks
- Great Wall of China. Sections near Beijing such as Mutianyu are restored and less crowded than Badaling.
- Machu Picchu, Peru. The Inca citadel in the Andes. Entry is by timed ticket with daily limits, so book well ahead.
- Taj Mahal, India. The white marble mausoleum in Agra is most beautiful at sunrise. It is closed on Fridays.
- Pyramids of Giza, Egypt. The only surviving wonder of the ancient world, on the edge of Cairo.
- Colosseum, Rome. The great Roman amphitheater; book timed tickets in advance.
- Petra, Jordan. A city carved into rose-colored rock, reached through a narrow canyon called the Siq.
- Eiffel Tower, Paris. Book summit tickets online, or climb the stairs to the second floor.
- Angkor Wat, Cambodia. A vast temple complex best seen over two or three days.
- Sagrada Família, Barcelona. Gaudí's basilica, still under construction; tickets often sell out.
- Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro. The statue on Corcovado mountain with views over the city.
Natural wonders
The Grand Canyon (the South Rim is open year-round), Iguazu Falls on the Argentina–Brazil border, Patagonia's mountains and glaciers, Iceland's waterfalls and black-sand beaches, Halong Bay, the Northern Lights in Scandinavia or Iceland, and the Great Barrier Reef are equally popular with travelers who prefer nature to monuments.
Cities worth the trip
Paris, Rome, Kyoto, Istanbul, New York, Barcelona, Lisbon, Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro regularly top travelers' lists.
In the United States
Classic US landmarks include the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and Mount Rushmore.
Tips for visiting famous landmarks
- Book timed tickets online, especially in high season.
- Go early or late to avoid crowds and heat.
- Use official websites for tickets; resellers often charge more.
- Hire a licensed guide at complex sites such as Petra, Angkor or the Roman Forum.
- Check closures and dress codes for religious sites.
- Group nearby sights into one trip rather than flying across the world for a single landmark, and leave room for lesser-known places, which are often the highlights.
FAQ
What is the most beautiful city in the world?
It is subjective, but Paris, Venice, Kyoto, Prague and Rio de Janeiro are frequently named.
What are the most unusual sights in the world?
Places such as Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni salt flat, Cappadocia's rock formations and Turkmenistan's burning Darvaza crater are on many lists of unusual sights.
What country is best for tourists?
France, Spain, Italy and the US are among the most visited countries, but the best one depends on your interests and budget.
What are the New Seven Wonders of the World?
The Great Wall, Petra, Christ the Redeemer, Machu Picchu, Chichén Itzá, the Colosseum and the Taj Mahal, chosen in a public vote in 2007.