25 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Whilst landmarks tend to have been around for a long time, new ones do pop up on the scene and others go through different levels of popularity. Here are my 25 most famous landmarks in the world in no particular order.

How many of these famous places have you visited? And which famous monuments will you be adding to your bucket list?

1. The Colosseum, Italy

Could over 7 million people be wrong – and that’s just in the last 12 months! That is how many people visit Italy‘s most popular tourist attraction the Colosseum in Rome each year. This ancient amphitheater was the site of Rome’s famous public spectacles like those seen in the movie Gladiator.

The Colosseum was the biggest amphitheater in the world during its time, seating over 70,000 people. The structure was constructed in 70 AD – yes it’s that old. It is 157 feet tall and remarkably well preserved considering its age.

Every ticket to the Colosseum also includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The Roman Forum is located next door to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill is also part of the area.

When you purchase this ticket online you will be given options for different times on the day you want to visit. Of course, the further ahead you book the more options will be available.

2. The Demilitarised Zone Korea

When I was researching this article I didn’t see the DMZ listed anywhere else as one of the landmarks of the world. I was quite surprised as the border between North and South Korea is often spoken of and appears on the news so I decided to put it in this post.

Also, visiting the DMZ is definitely in my top 5 ever day trips.

Korea has a fascinating war history, and any visitor to the country should definitely look into it. Full or half day tours are offered from Seoul to explore the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) which lies on the border between North and South Korea.

Any visit to this area outside a tour is not allowed. Visiting the DMZ is one of the most popular day trips in Korea.

Through this unique experience, you will learn about Korean war history. You will also get to see some sites of major interest, such as the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, the Dora Observatory, and the Korean War Memorial. These day trips out of Seoul are completely safe and include transport.

It is essential to book your DMZ Korea tour ahead of your visit as they sell out. This one day trip from Seoul is normally an early start with quite a bit of paperwork.

For me, the tour’s highlight was being able to go to the actual border between North and South Korea. The tension in the air is almost visible at the border of the Demilitarized Zone Korea. Soldiers from each side guard the border and are only steps away from each other.

I actually thought the South Korean border guard was a statue as he was so still! Until I saw the perspiration coming down the side of his face.

There are small huts along the border between North and South Korea. These huts were assembled so that meetings could be held with both sides without either side leaving their country.

Inside the huts are standard meeting tables – and this is your one opportunity to stand in North Korea and have your photo taken!

3. The Eiffel Tower, France

Built between 1887 and 1889 by French engineer Gustav Eiffel, the Eiffel Tower is made of iron rather than steel. It was built as one of the main attractions at the Paris World’s Fair in 1889.

Parisians quickly fell in love with The Eiffel Tower and more than 2 million visited in the first year that it was open. The tower symbolised French know-how and industrial genius.

Today nearly seven million people visit The Eiffel Tower every year. The top of the Eiffel Tower which can be visited is 276 meters. The other key viewpoint is on what is called the second floor which is 116 metres.

Ticket prices vary depending on how high you want to go and how you want to get there – stairs or lift. It is possible to take a lift all the way to the top (with the option to stop on the second floor) or to walk up to the second floor and then get a lift to the top.

July and August are the busiest times of year to visit The Eiffel Tower, but it is usually quite busy all year round. It is possible to book tickets two months in advance of your visit. I would highly recommend booking a skip the queue ticket for the Eiffel Tower ahead of your visit to Paris.

⇒ If you like beautiful French towns check out my posts on Saint Antonin Noble Val and Tarn et Garonne in France.

4. Big Ben, England

As the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, Big Ben is to London. Big Ben is actually a nickname that stuck. The name refers to both the clock and the clock tower that sits at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London.

The tower was completed in 1859. At that time it was the largest and most accurate clock in the world. Big Ben became a UNESCO-listed site in 1987.

In August, 2017 Big Ben was silenced. This marked the beginning of a four-year project to fully repair and restore both the clock and the clocktower. They also plan to install a lift which should make life much easier for those charged with keeping Big Ben in good condition ongoing.

The exceptions to the silencing are New Year’s Eve and Remembrance Day. There are no public tours available during the restoration period. However, one clock face can still be seen through the scaffolding.

5. Statue of Liberty, The United States

Arguably, the Statue of Liberty is the most iconic landmark in North America. Lady Liberty has her island within New York City. This copper statue was originally a gift to the United States from France.

The statue’s metal framework was designed by Gustave Eiffel, who was also responsible for one of the most famous world landmarks in France the Eiffel Tower

The Statue of Liberty was dedicated in 1886 but holds a tablet inscribed with the date of US independence, July 4 1776. A broken shackle and chains lie at her feet, symbolizing the recent abolition of slavery in the United States.

The statue became a symbol of freedom, particularly as it was often the first sight of the USA seen by incoming immigrants.

Today, at least 4 million people a year visit the Statue of Liberty. There is no charge for entrance to the monument but there is a cost to take the ferry from Manhattan to Liberty Island. The ferry also stops at Ellis Island.

Payable tickets must be booked in advance if you wish to climb up to the crown.

6. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

This freestanding bell tower is not just a famous monument but possibly one of the most famous buildings in the world. The “lean” is nearly four degrees and is because the foundation of the building is unstable.

The tower began to lean during its construction in the 12th century and unfortunately got worse up to its official completion in the 14th century. By 1990 the lean was 5.5 degrees. Repairs work took place during 1993 and 2001 that corrected the lean-to just under 4 degrees.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is not particularly tall at just over 55 metres – I remember being quite surprised at how small it was when I visited. The tower is located in Pisa’s Cathedral Square and also includes Pisa Cathedral and Pisa Baptistry.

If you’d like to go inside the tower and climb up to the top paid entry is required. It is possible to book a skip the line ticket for the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Otherwise there is no charge to see the building from the exterior and to take the famous photo where it looks as if you are holding up the tower!

7. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The pyramids are one of the most recognizable structures in the world. As well as being a site worth seeing, the history behind them is just as important. They pay a huge tribute to Egypt’s Pharaonic rulers and symbolize how strong of a civilization Egypt must have been.

Iconic pyramids to visit are the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Menkaure, Pyramid of Khafre and the Sphinx. Surrounding these structures are cemeteries that hold the tombs of queens and a daughter of the Pharaoh.

Booking yourself a tour is crucial to visit the pyramids. You’ll need a tour guide to share Egypt’s history, the incredible facts, and the construction of the last of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World’.

8. Sydney Opera House, Australia

One of the most famous buildings in the world, the iconic Sydney Opera House does not disappoint. One of the 20th century’s most iconic buildings it first opened in 1973 and is a must for any Sydney Itinerary.

This is a live, working building with performances day and night. I highly recommend taking a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House to find out all the backstories and to be able to explore the building. 

A second great way to visit the Opera house is to attend an opera. Yet again, this is a ticket to book far in advance as tickets for actual opera at the Sydney Opera House tend to sell out fast. 

The third way to experience the Opera House is through food and wine. The Opera House is home to one of Australia’s top restaurants, Bennelong.

If you are looking for something more casual there is no better way to finish off any day exploring Sydney than with a glass of wine at the Opera Bar. Like the fish markets, the Opera Bar is loved by locals and tourists alike.

The views from the Opera Bar Sydney are fabulous and the outdoor seating area is massive so no matter how busy it is you should be able to get some kind of seat. The wine list is long and there are lots of food options.

Opera Bar also offers up free water and sunscreen which you will need if you are sitting there on a nice day. A perfect way to finish up a day of visiting Sydney Highlights.

9. La Sagrada Familia, Spain

The Sagrada Familia is perhaps the world’s most famous unfinished landmark. Construction began on this Catholic Church in Barcelona Spain in 1882. La Sagrada Familia was designed by famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi.

Construction of the church began under the supervision of another architect, Francisco de Paula del Villar. However, Gaudi took over in 1883.

Progress on the construction of Sagrada Familia was slow as funding was private and it was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War. When Gaudi died in 1926 the church was only one quarter finished. He is buried in the crypt of Sagrada Familia.

Revolutionaries broke into the construction site in 1936, partially destroying Gaudi’s original model and setting the timeline back even further.

The latest estimate for the completion of Sagrada Familia is 2026.

Sagrada Familia receives approximately 4.5 million visitors every year. The number of tickets for sale as well as the entry times is limited. This is definitely a European landmark you want to book a skip the line ticket ahead of your visit.

Tickets can be purchased up to 2 months in advance and are available in 15 minute slots. Once you have entered Sagrada Familia you may stay for as long as you like. Entrance to the towers costs extra.

10. Golden Gate Bridge, The United States

The 1.7 miles long Golden Gate Bridge is world renowned and easily recognised by its orange colours. First opened in 1937, this single suspension bridge is anchored by twin towers.

This iconic bridge connects San Francisco to Marin County and over two billion cars have driven over it since it first opened.

There are several ways to get some great views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Take a cruise around San Francisco bay – potentially including the fantastic Alcatraz island and prison.

Head to the viewing platform at the Battery Spence military installation for some panorama shots. Baker Beach is a great spot to see the bridge at sunset.

However, my personal favourite way to see the Golden Gate Bridge is to hire a bike and cycle over it. Pick up a bike at Fisherman’s Wharf and head to the bridge.

On the other side is lovely Sausalito, a perfect lunch spot. It is then possible to cycle back or to take your bike onto the ferry from Sausalito back to Fisherman’s Wharf – a great day out.

11. Arc de Triomphe, France

The Arc de Triomphe sits at the western end of the Champs-Elysee in Place Charles de Gaulle and in the middle of one of the scariest roundabouts in the world.

This famous European landmark is a tribute to those who died fighting for France in the Napoleonic and Revolutionary Wars. The names of all French victories as well as the generals are inscribed on the arc. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War 1 lies underneath the Arc de Triomphe.

The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon. However, it was not completed until 1836. By this time Napoleon had been banished to Elba. He was never able to see the Arc de Triomphe but his remains passed through it on the way to Les Invalides.

Every year the Bastille Day parade on July 14 starts at the Arc de Triomphe and the Tour de France also finishes here.

It is possible to visit the Arc de Triomphe. Whatever you do don’t try to cross the road to get there – remember this is the world’s scariest roundabout. Instead take the underground passage from the Champs Elysee or one of the other roads leading into Place Charles de Gaulle.

It is free to visit the base of the Arc de Triomphe. However, there is a charge to climb the 280 stairs to the top of the Arce de Triomphe and some lovely views of Paris. And you won’t be surprised to hear that I highly recommend you book a skip the line ticket for the Arc de Triomph.

12. Sydney Harbour Bridge, Australia

This famous steel bridge first opened in 1932. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is nicknamed the coathanger due to its distinctive shape. Today the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a busy day and night with cars and pedestrians and a critical link between central Sydney and the northern suburbs.

There are several ways to experience Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll see it from many view points in Sydney, you can easily drive over it or walk both over it or under it.

But the best way to experience Sydney Harbour Bridge is to climb it. Yes, it is expensive. And you can’t take your camera which really hurts. But The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is fantastic.

I wouldn’t recommend it if you are scared of heights though – it is extremely safe and you are clipped in the whole time but it would be tough if you suffered from any type of vertigo.

There are three different options for tickets. The standard is the summit ticket which involves going to the top of the bridge (134m) and then back down in 3 1/2 hours. This involves 1390 stairs.

The express ticket does the same in 2 1/2 hours and is 1000 steps. The sampler ticket is 1 1/2 hours and only includes climbing a small portion of the bridge. 

The cost may then vary depending on the time of day. Tickets are booked in one-hour slots. Twilight and night are more expensive. I would highly recommend taking the twilight option as the sunsets in Sydney can be amazing. 

13. Brandenburg Gate, Germany

The Brandenburg Gate was commissioned as an entrance to Berlin’s most famous road, Unter den Linden, by Frederick William II. Construction of the gate finished in 1791.

The Brandenburg Gate has had a starring role in many of Berlin’s most well known moments. Napoleon paraded from Brandenburg Gate in 1806 after the Prussian defeat. Between 1814 and 1919 only the Royal Family was able to pass through the central archway.

The Nazis often used Brandenburg Gate as a party symbol. The gate managed to survive World War II albeit with some major damage. After the war, Brandenburg Gate was located in the Soviet zone. The Berlin Wall passed directly by the western side of the gate which meant passage was again closed.

After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, Brandenburg Gate came to symbolise freedom and the re-unifacation of Germany.

Today, the Brandenburg Gate is closed to traffic but it is easy to walk under its arches. Visiting the Brandenburg Gate is free.

14. Seattle Space Needle, The United States

This Seattle icon was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair. The futuristic design was inspired by Space Age aspirations. The Seattle Space Needle is located at Seattle Centre and provides 360 degree views of some of Seattle’s most scenic sights such as Mount Rainier and Puget Sound.

Today the Seattle Space Needle offers an all-glass floor and an open-air deck. The floor to ceiling glass also offers an outdoor observation deck with open air glass walls and glass benches.

The Oculus is a steel, wood, and glass staircase that connects the all-glass upper deck with a rotating glass floor. This glass floor offers a unique downward view of the Seattle Space Needle.

There are several different options for tickets. The Seattle City Pass includes the Space Needle. Or pre-book a skip the line ticket.

15. The Acropolis, Greece

The Acropolis is a fortress that sits on a flat rock overlooking Athens and contains the remains of several buildings of architectural significance such as the Parthenon.

The earliest origins of The Acropolis can be traced back to the fourth millenium BC. The composition of The Acropolis has of course changed over time. Various temples and buildings were built and destroyed over the course of the years. A major restoration project of The Acropolis began in 1975 to reverse the decay and damage of the centuries.

When visiting the Acropolis there are two ticket options. One ticket covers entry only to the Acropolis. The second ticket combines The Acropolis with six other archeological sites. Book a skip the line ticket to visit The Acropolis.

16. Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Burj Khalifa is Dubai’s famous skyscraper. Standing 828 metres high, it’s currently the world’s tallest building. It opened in 2010 and has since become an iconic symbol of the city.

The two observation decks of the Burj Khalifa are a must-see. As you can imagine, they offer spectacular views. One is located on the 124th and 125th floors of the building. The second one sits on the 148th floor. With an altitude of 555 metres, it’s the world’s highest observation deck.

I visited both levels. As you may expect the cost is higher to visit the 148th floor. To be honest I didn’t find much of a difference between the two floor choices – I guess it is more about having bragging rights to say that you have visited the top of the tallest building in the world!

Both the floors have indoor and outdoor areas. The viewing deck on 125 is enclosed so it is necessary to go down to the 124th floor to get outside. The 124th floor has a large open air area.

If you do choose to visit the highest point of Burj Khalifa you will also get coffee and snacks included in your visit. And on the 125th floor selfie wings have been painted on the wall for photos.

The whole area is done very well and there are lots of opportunities to purchase souvenirs, get a photo of yourself by a professional etc etc.

17. The Louvre Museum, France

The Louvre Museum is located in Paris, France and is the world’s largest art museum. In 2019 the Louvre was the most visited museum in the world, receiving over 9.6 million guests.

This iconic French museum opened in 1793 with just 537 paintings (there are over 38,000 objects on display these days). IM Pei’s iconic glass pyramid was completed in 1989, adding another element to this Parisian landmark.

Perhaps the most well known item in The Louvre Museum is the Mona Lisa. The original of this famous painting hangs in the Louvre today and has been since 1804.

Online tours are available but of course they don’t touch visiting the real thing. Tickets purchased on line are slightly more expensive than those purchased at the museum but they do offer the opportunity to skip the line with a timed ticket for The Louvre.

18. Mount Rushmore, The United States

The faces of former US Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln on a grand scale (the heads are 18 metres high) can all be seen on the granite face of South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore.

Sculptor Gutzon Borglum created the design and oversaw its production with his son between 1927 and 1941. He chose these four presidents to represent the United States’ birth, growth, development and preservation.

Mount Rushmore has featured in numerous films and tv programmes – my personal favourite being its starring role in Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest with Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint.

Nearly three million people visit Mount Rushmore each year. The mountain is over 1745m tall and the national park that is home to it is 1,278 acres. As this is a national park there are no fees to enter or to see the faces carved into the mountain. However, there is a fee for parking.

19. Uluru, Australia

Uluru or Ayers Rock is one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks. This large sandstone rock is located kind of in the middle of Australia in the southern end of the Northern Territory. It is 335kms south west of the nearest bit town, Alice Springs.

Uluru is one of the most important indigenous sites in Australia and is sacred to the Aboriginal people. It is also a World Heritage site.

The rock was christened Ayers Rock in 1873 by the surveyor William Gosse. In 2002 and the preferred name of the rock was changed to Uluru.

Uluru is 348 metres high and has a circumference of 9.4kms. Climbing of the rock is no longer permitted. However, there are still several ways to enjoy this famous Australian landmark.

One of the most common ways to experience Uluru is to walk around it on a tour – or if you’re a runner many like to run around it during their stay. It is possible to fly over the rock. Best of all is to plan your day around seeing the rock as different times. As the sun changes position in the sky Uluru appears to take on different colours.

Whilst Ayers Rock can be visited in a serious day trip from Alice Springs an icon of this magnitude deserves at least one sleep over. All types of accommodation is available near Uluru.

For boutique hotel lovers I recommend checking out the luxe tented resort Longitude 131. They are famed for their outdoor restaurant which serves local ingredients under the stars.

20. Stonehenge, England

Built over 5,000 years ago, the stone circle for which Stonehenge is best known was erected around 2,500 BC. Each stone is about 4 metres high, just over 2 metres wide and weighs about 25 tons.

Stonehenge is owned by the Crown but managed by English Heritage and became a UNESCO site in 1986. Today nearly 1 million visitors head to Stonehenge each year and crowds flock to see the Winter and Summer solstices set in each year.

It is possible to visit Stonehenge for free but alas you will struggle to capture a good photo from that distance. The standard tour of Stonehenge involves a 2.6 mile one way circular path with a handset filling you in on the history of Stonehenge.

The tour does bring visitors quite close to Stonehenge so it is possible to get some great photos. As always queues at Stonehenge can be lengthy so you may want to book a skip the line ticket for Stonehenge.

21. Hoover Dam, The United States

This concrete dam is on the border between Nevada and Arizona. The Hoover Dam was constructed during the great depression in the early 1930s.

Named after then President Hebert Hoover, it was opened by President Franklin Roosevelt.

In the early 1930s an entire city was built to home the 5000 workers on the dam, Boulder City.

The Hoover Dam created the largest reservoir in the US, Lake Mead. Today, Lake Mead not only supplies water to 3 states and Mexico it is also a popular tourist site. Today, nearly one million people visit the Hoover Dam each year.

The Hoover Dam structure is very art deco and cool – even the toilets! The highlight of visiting the dam is heading down 600 feet and seeing the turbines and learning about how they used water to cool the concrete so it would set faster and a whole bunch of ingenious and amazing things that were done to make this dam work.

The Hoover Dam is a half-day trip from Las Vegas. It takes about one hour to get to Hoover Dam and the total trip is 4 ½ hours.

22. The Alhambra, Spain

Located in Granada, Spain, the Alhambra is a palace and a fortress. It began as a small fortress which was built in 889 and was turned into a palace in the 13th century.

The name Alhambra comes from the Arabic for “red or crimson castle”. But it is not just a castle. It is also a royal palace, a fortress, gardens, a town and a summer retreat. It became a UNESCO site in 1984 and receives about 2.7 million visitors yearly.

Tickets to the Alhambra can be purchased up to one year in advance and there are 6 different ticket options depending on what you want to see and experience in your tour. None of these options come with a guide and you can book skip the line ticket for the Alhambra.

23. Bondi Beach, Australia

Bondi Beach is synonymous with Australia. Australia has many beautiful beaches but this is the one that has become the most famous. It is a beautiful big white sand beach. However, it is also only a few kilometres away from the centre of Sydney making it easily accessible.

It is very easy to visit Bondi Beach. Put on your bathers or cossie (Australia has many words for swimsuits), grab your towel and sunscreen and just head on down. It is as simple as that!

But do promise me that you will swim between the lines and listen to the life guards. Yes, this is a very popular beach but like most Australian beaches the tides are strong and there can be animal visitors.

Bondi Beach is as popular with locals as it is with tourists so you’ll be surrounded by both. It is also home to some of the most expensive real estate in Sydney so there are also quite a few good restaurants and bars. For the quintessential Australian brunch don’t miss Harry’s.

Bondi Beach is also the kickoff point for two of my favourite Sydney experiences. The first is the very instagrammed Bondi Icebergs Club. The club has amazing views over Bondi Beach and is known for its outdoor lap pool that seems to sit on top of the Ocean.

It is possible to visit Bondi Icebergs and have a swim, sauna or a nice meal in their restaurant.

Bondi is also the start – or the finish – of my favourite Sydney walk – Bondi to Coogee. This stunning walk takes in spectacular scenery and more beautiful Australian beaches and natural baths (check out the Coogee baths).

Along the way you will also walk past Bondi Icebergs and be able to get a great photo. If you’re finishing up in Coogee relax at the fantastic Coogee Pavillion and have a great meal or coffee or glass of Australian wine.

24. Buckingham Palace, England

Buckingham Palace began life as a house. The core of today’s palace was built as a home for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. It was acquired by King George II in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte.

The building was enlarged in the 19th century and became the London home of the monarch under Queen Victoria in 1837. Today it is still the home to the monarch King Charles.

Unlike some of the landmarks in this article, Buckingham Palace is still very much a working palace. It regularly plays a large role in major events in the United Kingdom with the King and his family appearing on the balcony for key events.

Buckingham Palace is only open to the public between July and October. Visitors can see the State Rooms and the gardens. If you are visiting at other times of the year the closest you can get is outside the gates (which still allows for some good photos), seeing the free changing of the guard, or visiting the Royal Mews.

25. CN Tower, Canada

Located in downtown Toronto, the CN Tower has been an iconic feature of the city’s skyline since 1976. It rises 553 metres up; an impressive height that gave it the title of the world’s tallest free-standing structure for 32 years.

In 2007, the Burj Khalifa took over this title, then in 2009, it was bumped into third place when the Canton Tower also surpassed its height. Today, it’s the world’s ninth tallest free-standing structure, but the tallest on land in the Western Hemisphere.

The observation deck of the CN Tower offers the best view in town. It features a glass floor you walk on if you really want to get your heartbeat racing.