Top 17 Famous Tourist Attractions: Landmarks of the World

Last Updated on 30th October 2025 by admin

Travelling is the best thing in life and there is no better way to explore culture, history and natural beauty of a destination than visiting famous tourist attractions. There are many famous landmarks in the world which are encountered by millions of people annually, starting with ancient ruins and moving to modern architectural marvels and wonders. You can either enjoy a trip to the great outdoors, or you can take in the life of a bustling city, there’s something for everyone.

To get some slightly memorable memories about your next trip, take a look at these new attractions opening around the world. This article will explore some of the most famous tourist attractions from around the world and the reasons why they are such great places. 

1. The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel tower is a famous landmark in Paris, France. This is the most recognized monument that was constructed by the Eiffel Company between 1887 and 1889 and designed by Gustave Eiffel. Originally, it was constructed as a temporary building to host the world fair in 1889 that took place in Paris in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.

Today, the Eiffel Tower is the most famous tower in the world, which still serves an important role in television and radio broadcasts. It is an architectural wonder and receives nearly 7 million visitors annually, other than any paid tourist attraction in the globe.

Altogether, the Eiffel tower has iconic status, magnificent views, light show, and an interesting history that makes it one of the best tourist attractions in Paris. Nowadays, the Eiffel tower is a significant tourist attraction site and a representation of French culture and engineering skills. 

2. Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic landmarks of New York City in the United States, located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was a French gift to the United States and was built between 1876 and 1924.

The statue is also the symbol of freedom and democracy, and it symbolizes the friendship between the two nations. The statue is 305 feet tall, including its pedestal, and composed of copper sheets which have oxidized to green over the years. It represents a woman who is holding a torch in one hand and a book in the other hand and the date of the US declaration of independence is written on it.

Statue of Liberty still serves as a significant icon of American values and beliefs, such as freedom, democracy and opportunity. It has also turned into beacon of hope and faith to other people in the world who are also in search of the same values.

3. Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a white marble ivory tomb on the south bank of Yamuna River in the Indian city of Agra. It is a UNESCO World Heritage and is generally regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings across the globe.

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan constructed it in the year 1632 to 1653 in memory of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal who died in 1631. The Taj Mahal is associated with love and is attracted by millions of tourists all over the world annually and is visited by 7 to 8 million people annually. It was also selected as a winner of the 7 wonders of the world in 2007.

Taj Mahal is a great structure that draws global tourists. It is a one most famous landmarks in India and the whole world due to its architectural beauty, history and its romantic symbolism. 

4. Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a famous archaeological site in the world and the most visited site in Peru, a discovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu is an incredibly beautiful site that is found in the center of the tropical mountain forest in Andes Mountains, Cuzco region and was located at 2,430 meters above the sea level.

In 1981, the government of Peru stated Machu Picchu as a Historical Sanctuary and two years later in 1983 UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. Machu Picchu was constructed toward the 15 th century (1450 AD) and it is assumed that it was a significant religious and cultural hub of the Incan civilization.

Machu Picchu is a popular Incan citadel in Peru. It is characterized by the magnificent architecture, outstanding engineering and wonderful preservation. The site is a historical and cultural landmark that is worth visiting.

5. The Great Wall of China

 The Great Wall of China is the largest man made structure in the globe. Great Wall of China refers to the chain of fortifications along the northern boundaries of China to counter invasion and attacks by other nomad groups.

It was constructed in 770 BC, and particularly well-known was the wall, constructed 220206 BC by Qin Shi Huang, first Emperor of China. It is a massive 13,000 miles or 21,000km in length and composed of stone, brick, tamped earth, and wood among others.

The Great Wall is a world heritage site of the UNESCO today and one of the most visited tourist sites in the world. It is a representation of the long and rich history of China, culture and natural beauty.

6. Sydney Opera House

Sydney opera house is a one of the most known architectural monuments in the world and a creation of the Australian creative spirit. It is situated on Bennelong point in Sydney Harbour and is recognized by its unique sail-shaped structure that can be easily identified in any part of the world.

The Opera House, designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and opened in 1973 officially, has over 1,500 performances every year, including opera and ballet performances, theatre and live music concerts. It has a distinct architecture which is a set of white shell-like roofs which seem to be floating elegantly above the harbor.

The Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO world heritage site with millions of visitors coming to explore and enjoy cultural practices, guided tours and spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge every year. It is a modern architecture masterpiece and one of the best tourist attractions in the world.

7. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the world’s most mysterious and ancient monuments located in Wiltshire, Southwest England. It is found on a chalk field to the north of the contemporary city of Salisbury. The height of each standing stone is approximately 13 feet and the width is approximately 7 feet that makes its weight 25 tons.

Stonehenge is the most important site of pre-historic monuments and it is the most popular tourist attraction site in England as well as it was constructed between 5,000 and 4,000 years ago.

Stonehenge is another interesting and mysterious place that keeps attracting people all over the world. Its powerful engineering, historical, cultural, natural beauty, and the length of existence is what makes it a real wonder of the ancient world. 

8. Christ the Redeemer

Rio De Janeiro is a busy city and has been one of the most renowned places in Brazil over the decades. The statue of Christ the Redeemer is one of the most recognizable features of the world, and this monument of Jesus is also one of the tallest statues in the world and was constructed between 1926 and 1931.

It was designed by Heitor Da Silva Costa, who credited the statue to a Frenchman who was commissioned to shape it. It receives millions of tourists annually and its popularity has turned it into a recognizable landmark of the South American and Brazilian continent.

The Christ the Redeemer is an incredible statue and icon of faith, culture and engineering. Being one of the most famous statues in the world, Christ the Redeemer keeps on inspiring people all around the globe, and this reminds us of the power of human imagination and belief.

9. Big Ben 

The Great Clock Bell of the northern end of the Palace of Westminster in London is known as Big Ben. The tower, in which the Big Ben is situated, is formally called Elizabeth Tower. It was built in 1859.

House of Parliament with its iconic clock tower is one of the most recognized landmark in London. You cannot leave London without seeing Big Ben, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world!

It is a representation of British culture and heritage and it has become an image of the London skyline. The great design and engineering of Big Ben, the historical and cultural role it plays have contributed to its fame as one of the best known tourist attractions in London. 

10. The Great Pyramids of Giza

One of the seven ancient wonders of the world, and wonderful works of architecture, the Great Pyramids of Giza. Its amazing architecture makes it one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world.

The Giza complex is composed of three large pyramids that were constructed in the honor of the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. Based on historical analysis, constructions of the Pyramids occurred between 2580 BC and 2560 BC.

The pyramids of Giza are renowned in terms of their outstanding engineering. It attracts and motivates the people throughout the world and provides an insight into the ancient great and mysterious civilization of the ancient Egypt.

11. Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is a 163-story high-rise structure and the most famous building in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was constructed between 2004 to 2010 and 828 meters above Dubai; currently the tallest structure in the world, which is a synergy of art, engineering and heritage.

Burj Khalifa has set a new standard of what can be possible when it comes to designing and engineering of marvelous high-rise buildings. World’s most famous buildings still holds these records, the tallest free-standing structure, tallest building, and most number of floors in the world.

Burj Khalifa is not only a engineering and design marvelous, but it also represents the luxury and opulence of Dubai while serving as a major tourist attraction from around the world. 

12. Colosseum or Coliseum

Colosseum or Coliseum in Rome, Italy is one of the most visited tourist attraction sites worldwide. The Roman Colosseum, formerly known in Latin as Amphitheatrum Flavium, was located just east of the Roman Forum.

Its construction started during the reign of emperor Vespasian in 70 AD and was finished in 80 AD. The Colosseum is the biggest oval amphitheater globally, the space of the whole structure is approximated 6 acre (24,281 m) and can seat about 50,000 individuals.

The Colosseum hosted numerous events such as gladiatorial matches, animal hunts and spectacles. Even though it was destroyed by earthquakes and human actions throughout the years, the Colosseum is still a representative of Rome as a symbol and one of the most famous tourist attractions in Italy. 

13. Petra 

Petra is an ancient city in Southwest Jordan and it was constructed more than 2,000 years ago (312 BC), by the Nabataeans. It is also renowned by its grand architecture including elaborate tombs and temples cut out of the rock cliffs.

Carved into a high-rise sandstone cliff, the Treasury is the most popular building in Petra due to the wide variety of carvings and ornamentation patterns. Another notable thing about Petra is its colorful past as it was an important commercial and cultural center in the ancient period.

As a one of the most famous sites in the world, Petra is a stunning and wonderfully unique architectural site that boasts of breathtaking natural environment, historical importance, and awe-inspiring design.

14. Neuschwanstein Castle

The Neuschwanstein Castle is a beautiful Romanesque Revival palace constructed in the 19 th century in Schwangau, Bavaria, Germany. This historic structure is well known because of its fairy tale like status and was the basis of the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Walt Disney.

It was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the architect Christian Jank designed it and was built between1869 and 1884. Neuschwanstein Castle has turned out to be a tourist destinations and over the years millions of people visit the castle.

Altogether, the mixture of fairytale design, affinity with King Ludwig II and popularity as a tourist destination precondition the fact that Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most familiar and famous castles in the world. Also, the castle is located in a scenic area with stunning mountain and countryside scenery. 

15. Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a free standing bell tower which is situated in the city of Pisa in Italy and was constructed during the period of 1869 to 1884. It is one of the most famous Italian monuments, which is most commonly described as having a special tilt. The historical value and the unique look of the tower has made it one of the most popular tourist attractions; it attracts millions of visitors annually.

It is also known by its great architecture such as its white marble outside and its magnificent carvings and also by the great engineering works which have enabled it to stand centuries despite its lean. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a masterpiece created by human hands and human power and it still fascinates people worldwide.

It has made it a popular tourist site and icon in Italy because of its unusual tilt, exquisite design, and its rich history. Even with its precarious lean, the tower remains as an example of how much people can invent and how the power of architectural wonders can be everlasting. 

16. La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia refers to a famous basilica in Barcelona in Spain. It is one of the greatest attractions to visit in Barcelona, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi that is an excellent example of modernist architecture.

Gaudi spent more than 40 years of his life working on the project until his death in 1926, and construction began in 1882, which is yet to be finished to this day, and is projected to be finished by 2026, the 100th anniversary of his death. The basilica is also known due to its complex and extravagant facades, its high towers and gorgeous windows which are decorated with stained-glass.

La Sagrada Familia is not only an art and architecture masterpiece, but also a vision of faith, creativity and perseverance. Although the building is more than a century old, it still fascinates people of the world with its delicate details. 

17. Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is a complex of temples situated in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and is among the biggest religious constructions in the world. It is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and was constructed in the early 12 th century by King Suryavarman II.

The complex lies on 400 acres and has a number of temples, shrines and reservoirs. It is also a tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site with millions of visitors all over the world annually. The temple is among the significant and renowned national landmarks.

Angkor Wat being one of the most amazing and exclusive historical places in the world still amazes and attracts tourists all over the world to come and experience the magnificent grandeur of this ancient marvel.

These 17 famous landmarks around the world represent the achievements of human history and showcase the unique beauty and diversity of our planet. Whether you are interested in engineering marvels, historical sites, natural wonders, or cultural icons, there is always something to discover and learn from them.