25 famous landmarks you must see (at least!) once in a lifetime

A remarkable symbol of the Inca civilization Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the most important historic landmark in South America. This monumental 15th-century citadel sits between dizzying Andes mountains blanketed by lush vegetation 2430 meters above sea level in Peru’s Cusco region. The Lost City of Incas only revealed itself to the world in the early 20th century – the Spanish colonizers never discovered it. Now it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. To visit, you will first need to travel to Aguas Calientes, a town approximately 9 kilometres from the famous site. From there you can either take a bus or trek up the mountain. Depending on your walking speed, the trek is at least 2 hours, but note that it is semi-difficult and quite steep, although the fruits of your labour will be well worth it. Due to high demand and visit limitations, booking in advance is non-negotiable.

Can you hear the chansons? We’re travelling to France! The capital city Paris has long been a symbol of romance, and the city’s main character, the Eiffel Tower, may have something to do with it. This iconic landmark is the top-most visited site in Europe, and since being erected in 1889, more than 250 million people from all over the world have travelled to see it. Auguste Eiffel designed this majestic structure for the 1889 World Fair, and it was never intended to be permanent. Luckily, it was never scrapped. To visit the viewing platform, make a reservation beforehand – note that the sunset hours in summer are most in-demand, so plan ahead. After dark, there’s also a light show every hour that turns the tower into a dazzling spectacle.

When you learn that the Great Wall of China was built to protect the lands from nomadic invaders, it makes sense. After all, it’s a series of fortifications. What makes this historic landmark so epic, however, is when you realize the setting and magnitude of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built more than two thousand years ago, the Great Wall of China measures over 21 thousand kilometres in length over a jagged green landscape with spectacular views. The most well-preserved and renovated parts of the wall are near Beijing, while more rural parts have fallen into decay and are slowly disappearing. The best time to visit is in springtime and autumn to avoid the sweltering summer heat and humidity.

When we think of famous landmarks, our minds automatically go to man-made structures around the globe. Some exceptions are the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park in the United States, and Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, which are all-natural wonders. And then, of course, there is Mount Fuji in Japan. Its iconic white snowy peak and picturesque silhouette are unmistakable. Japan’s highest mountain, which is actually an active stratovolcano, is located on Honshu Island and can be seen from many places, including Tokyo. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can consider climbing to the top – several hundred thousand people climb it each year. Alternatively, why not explore the Fuji Five Lakes region, which offers stunning vistas of the famous sacred mountain. Note that the weather in Japan is somewhat similar to that in Europe – the country enjoys all four seasons, so the best time to visit is between spring and late autumn.

One of the most iconic bridges in the Western hemisphere and the whole world, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is also the most photographed one. More than 10 million people visit each year to see this Art Deco-style bridge up close as it stretches over the Golden Gait strain – an entry point to San Francisco Bay. The bridge itself is quite epic, but the stunning surroundings add an extra layer of awe once you see it up close. If you’re an early riser, you can get a unique view by visiting in the early morning hours when the bridge is shrouded in fog. The best places to see it are at the north-end lookout at Marin’s Vista Point, or you could head to Baker Beach or the Lands End lookout. The best time to visit is from August to October when the weather is less misty than in the early summer.

While it may be a religious symbol, you don’t have to be a believer to find Rio de Janeiro’s colossal Christ the Redeemer landmark statue awe-worthy. Perched on top of Mount Corcovado, the 38-meter tall embodiment of Christianity’s central figure stands watching over Brazil’s second-most populated city. Completed in 1931, Christ the Redeemer is the largest Art Deco statue in the world. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike all the way up to the epic statue, but you can also take the tram, which offers beautiful views. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower temperatures, make sure to go in the early morning or late afternoon. The best time to visit Rio is between December and March if you want to enjoy the festival season. To head to the beaches, you can go in the shoulder season, which runs from April to October. Note that the low season runs between May and September.

Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is a Polynesian island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. While it belongs to Chile, it lies approximately 3700 kilometres to the east. Its mystical pull has very little to do with its remote location but more with what can be found on this tiny piece of land in the middle of nowhere. The world-renowned moai are huge human-like statues carved by the Rapa Nui people. What makes them so shrouded in mystery is the strange proportions – enormous heads with distinct noses, large chins, and forward-facing foreheads. The statues can be found scattered throughout the island. Easter Island is a real treat for eco-friendly travel, allowing you to enjoy the rugged natural beauty. In 2018, however, the island’s mayor announced that they would be reducing the number of tourists permitted on the island, and the length of stay was reduced from 90 to 30 days.

In the very heart of the country lies one of America’s most famous landmarks – the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Carved in the mountain the four faces of influential American presidents overlook the Black Hills National Forest. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln each represent significant phases for the US: birth, growth, development, and preservation of the nation. Initially, the idea was to create a monument that would attract tourists to South Dakota. It took about 4 years from idea to approval from the Congress, and carving began in 1927. It took 14 years to complete. One of the best times to see the 18-metre high heads is at sunrise – golden light illuminates the mountain in red and golden hues. And from May through to September the mountain is also lit up during the night.

The most recognizable landmark in Greece, and a hugely important historic site in the Western world, the Acropolis and the glorious Parthenon on top is an awe-inspiring sight visible from almost anywhere in the city of Athens. The famous monument dates back to the fifth century BC, but archeologists have found that the hill was inhabited even in prehistoric times. On the southern side of the hill, you’ll find a museum that has both stunning architecture as well as remarkable art. The Acropolis and the museum are connected by a pedestrian promenade which is not just a favourite for tourists but also for locals – this is a wonderful place to catch the sunset from.

A remarkable ancient city in a desert landscape, Petra in southern Jordan is not just a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a landmark that was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Once an affluent capital, Petra still looks magnificent even today despite the winds that keep shaping its surrounding landscape. While it could stand nature’s touch, it’s starting to be threatened by humans – Petra is often mentioned as one of the most endangered historic sites in the world. This means that responsible travel is a must. It’s a good idea to travel in the off-season (from December to February). You may need an extra layer of clothes but you’ll be able to enjoy this landmark place without the crowds.

Surrounded by myth and mystery, Stonehenge is an ancient wonder still enchanting visitors today. Dating back at least 5000 years, the iconic stone circle in Salisbury Plain is one of the most famous landmarks in England. The monolithic stones form two circles, and in the middle, there’s a horseshoe formation of stones with a great altar stone in the very middle. Over thousands of years, this place of ritual has attracted pilgrims, worshipers, and philosophers, among others. To visit this one-of-a-kind prehistoric marvel, you can take a train from London Waterloo to Salisbury – trains run every half hour and take one and a half hours. From there you can take a Stonehenge Tour bus that will take you nine miles to the landmark.

The most wonderful example of Moorish architecture and one of the most popular Spanish landmarks, the Alhambra charms anyone who sets eyes on this unique landmark in Granada. Perched on top of a hill, the fortress, castle, palace, and garden complex is truly kingly. Ornate decorations and absolute attention to detail are masterfully mixed in with straight geometric lines that are signature of any fortification. This iconic landmark attracts several thousand visitors each day and more than 2 million every year. You can book your visit up to a year in advance, and the entry fee for the whole day is surprisingly affordable – the general admission ticket is only 14 euros. You can also book a nighttime ticket to view the palace and its glorious gardens lit up in golden hues.

When in Rome, you have to visit the Vatican City even if you’re not there for its religious appeal. The grandiose headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church houses some of the world’s most spectacular works of art by Michelangelo, da Vinci, Raphael, and many more. Make sure to visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, or the Vatican Gardens for a bit of greenery. This is a place that makes heads turn and you’re guaranteed to leave with a pocketful of stunning pictures and memories. Entry to Vatican City itself is free, and you can book tickets for museums via the official Vatican website.

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is among the most famous castles in the world. The 19th-century Romanesque revival-style castle feels like straight out of a fairytale. Perhaps that’s why Disney’s creators drew inspiration from this real-life castle to draw the castle seen in Sleeping Beauty. The castle was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria, and in many ways, it represents his attempts to achieve grandiosity. What makes the castle so epic is the fact it is perched on a hill in stunning surroundings of Alpine foothills. While visiting the castle, you can also go on a hike and see the fierce waterfall near the castle as well as the Alpsee lake.

An otherworldly experience right in the heart of America – the Grand Canyon is both the largest and longest canyon in the world. This natural formation was created thanks to the Colorado River that forcefully carved its way through Arizona’s landscapes 5 to 6 million years ago. Whether you stop here just to get a glimpse of this natural wonder or decide to stay for longer (there are fantastic trekking and camping options available), you’re guaranteed to leave with memories for a lifetime. The top-most visited places are the North Rim and South Rim, and you’ll have to purchase an entrance pass to visit this national park.

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