15 Iconic Landmarks Everyone Needs To See At Least Once

Get a piece of paper and a pen, and then make a list of these 15 incredible places in the world that everyone needs to visit at least once. These places are completely iconic and need to be seen in person to be truly appreciated. Each one is inspiring and fascinating in its own way. They are landmarks for a reason! Start exploring them one at a time and try to check every one off your list! It will be hard to pick a favorite!
Eiffel Tower, France

Engineer Gustave Eiffel built this massive structure for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair). The Eiffel Tower was supposed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the famous French Revolution. While many people criticized the design and materials used for the project at the time, today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and remains the symbol of Paris.
Petra, Jordan

This is the ideal place for those interested in exploring Arab culture while immersing themselves in desert landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage site is also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Nabataeans created it in the 6th century BCE. Due to its strategic location, the site served as a major commercial and trading hub. Weirdly enough, this site was mostly unknown to the Western World until 1812, when Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt discovered it.
Taj Mahal, India

The Taj Mahal in India is probably the most famous love symbol in the world. This massive structure was commissioned by Shah Jahan I and dedicated to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who unfortunately died while giving birth. Today, thousands of tourists visit this site every year. Even though it may not be the best place to get an authentic Indian experience, it remains a popular destination for many.
Stonehenge, UK

Located in England, Stonehenge is a popular UNESCO site built between 3000 and 1520 BCE. To this day, we are not entirely sure what purpose this construction served. However, historians believe it was somehow a religious site. Unfortunately, today, we can only see an incomplete version of the original Stonehenge, as many stones have been removed or ruined throughout the centuries.
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza remain one of the most renowned African landmarks thanks to their iconic design and massive size. Located near Cairo, in Egypt, unlike Stonehenge, we know perfectly well what purpose they served. These structures were monumental tombs for the pharaohs ruling over Ancient Egypt. Built around 2575–c. 2465 BCE, the Pyramids of Giza remain a must-visit landmark for everyone heading to North Africa.
Bru na Boinne, Ireland

Bru na Boinne is probably among the least famous sites on this list, yet it is surely worth visiting. This structure, located in Ireland, is way older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza and dates back to around 3200 BCE. It consists of the three passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth. Bru na Boinne is a must-visit for all history lovers, as it gives travelers a great opportunity to visit an ancient site without the massive crowds of tourists typical of other popular landmarks.
Great Wall of China, China

The Great Wall of China is a massive construction rumored to be visible from the moon! Unfortunately, this is not true, yet it remains one of the most impressive structures built by humans. This enormous wall runs roughly 5,500 miles across northern China and southern Mongolia! Built over two millennia, the Great Wall of China is a must-visit for everyone heading to this country.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Located in Cambodia’s northern province of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat is a gigantic Hindu-Buddhist temple complex and was awarded the Guinness World Record for Largest Religious Structure in the World. According to this renowned institution, Angkor Wat measures a total of 162.6 ha and was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu under the commission of Suryavarman II. This structure was abandoned in 1432 before being restored in the 20th century.
Colosseum, Italy

The Colosseum in Rome is by far the most renowned amphitheater in ancient history. Back in the day, this structure was used to show gladiatorial shows and many other events, including the venatio, public hunts popular at the time. Today, this ancient site remains one of Italy’s most visited tourist attractions, welcoming millions yearly. If you decide to visit the Colosseum, make sure to check other nearby attractions, such as the Roman Forum and the Trevi Foundation.
Statue of Liberty, US

Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbour, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most visited sites in the USA. This massive structure was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and given to the Americans as a gift by the French. Not many people know that Gustave Eiffel, the same engineer who built the structure for the Tour Eiffel, was responsible for the metal frame of the Statue of Liberty.
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

We’ve all seen a photo of this humongous statue overlooking Rio de Janeiro. Thanks to its impressive size and Art Deco style, Christ the Redeemer has become the symbol of this unique metropolis. This statue was built by Albert Caqot from France and Heitor da Silva Costa from Brazil and created by Paul Landowski. Originally, Christ the Redeemer was supposed to hold a globe and a cross. However, the design was later changed.
Chichen Itza, Mexico

The site of Chichen Itza consists of the ruins of a pre-Colombian city created by the Maya. According to current estimations, this structure served as a military, religious, political, and commercial site and welcomed roughly 35,000 people. Unlike other places on this list, Chichen Itza is relatively recent and was built about a millennium ago. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for everyone heading to Mexico.
Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of those quirky landmarks you just have to see in person to really believe. The building is famous for tilting sideways but still standing tall after centuries of slightly leaning to the side. It’s not just a cool photo op, but a glimpse into some fascinating medieval architecture and engineering gone wrong. Climbing the spiral stairs to the top also gives you stunning views of Pisa, and it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is a massive orange structure that pops out against the foggy San Francisco skyline in an iconic and dramatic fashion. Walking or biking across the bridge gives you unreal views of the bay, Alcatraz, and the city, making it more than just a photo stop. It’s also an engineering marvel, highlighting the spirit of innovation and resilience during the Great Depression. Standing atop something so huge as you hover over the water is a very cool experience everyone should have!
Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is a must visit spot that just blows you away in person. The architecture is next-level, and walking around and seeing it up close is way more impressive than what it looks like in photos. There is always something going on within the opera house as well, from live shows to concerts. It is definitely a must-see, especially if you are already in the Sydney area.