TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Traveling the world allows people to see many aspects of life from different perspectives, and that also includes marveling at the beauty of famous landmarks across the globe. Often, people splurge to see the wonders of these architectural feats in person. So, if you are one of them, here are some of the world’s top landmarks to write on your bucket list.
List of Famous Landmarks Worth Visiting
U.S. News and many travel experts hailed Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, Sydney Opera House, and Paris’s Eiffel Tower among the most sought-after famous landmarks in the world. Beyond these wonderments, other destinations are also mentioned:
1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is a famous landmark nestled near Siem Reap, which has gained the glorious reputation of Cambodia’s cultural and architectural heritage. Once the spiritual heart of the mighty Khmer Empire, this awe-inspiring temple complex now remains the largest religious monument in the world and a breathtaking testament to ancient ingenuity.
Beyond its grandeur, the vast Angkor Archaeological Park offers travelers an immersive journey through centuries of history, with intricately carved sanctuaries, serene stone faces at Bayon Temple, and panoramic vistas that unveil the timeless spirit of the Khmer civilization.
2. Sydney Opera House, Australia
Perched on the edge of Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Opera House is a radiant symbol of Australia’s creative spirit and cultural sophistication. Designed by visionary Danish architect Jørn Utzon, its gleaming sail-like structures have become an enduring emblem recognized across the globe.
What sets this marvelous place apart is the pulsating artistic energy it exudes as the building houses multiple performance spaces, including the grand Concert Hall and the intimate Playhouse, where world-class operas, ballets, symphonies, and theatrical productions captivate audiences year-round.
3. Eiffel Tower, France
As the beating heart of Paris, the Eiffel Tower reigns supreme among the world’s most famous landmarks. Beneath its romantically pleasing vista, visitors can climb nearly 700 steps or ascend by elevator to witness sweeping panoramas of Paris’s skyline.
For a truly memorable experience, indulge in a refined meal at Madame Brasserie or the Michelin-starred Jules Verne, and be a witness to French gastronomy meeting celestial views.
As night descends, the tower’s hourly light show transforms it into a radiant beacon of wonder, or what people call an unmissable spectacle, capturing the soul of Paris in every shimmering spark.
4. The Great Wall of China, China
Standing tall as one of humanity’s most extraordinary feats of engineering, the Great Wall of China winds across the mountains and deserts of northern China like an ancient dragon. The famous landmark was built over 3,000 years ago and perfected during the Ming dynasty, stretching more than 13,000 miles.
Travelers can easily stroll along timeworn stones, glide up by cable car, or simply pause to absorb the awe-inspiring scenery that shifts with the seasons. More than just a relic of defense, the Great Wall is a living testament to China’s enduring spirit and timeless grandeur.
5. The Acropolis, Greece
Dominating the skyline of Greece’s capital, this monumental citadel houses the legendary Parthenon, whose majestic columns whisper tales of gods, philosophers, and democracy’s earliest dawn. The Acropolis offers both the sweeping vistas of modern Athens and architectural grandeur that extends beyond mankind’s awestruck.
A visit to the nearby Acropolis Museum deepens the experience, unveiling exquisite sculptures and relics that illuminate the spiritual and cultural sophistication of classical Greece.
6. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
When it comes to Italy’s most whimsical masterpieces, the Leaning Tower of Pisa reflects as a marvel of medieval ambition and engineering imperfection. Climbing its 294 spiral steps rewards visitors with sweeping views of Pisa’s historic skyline, while its neighboring treasures, the Cathedral and Baptistery, complete a tableau of Gothic and Romanesque splendor. What once began as a structural misfortune now endures as one of the world’s most enchanting accidents, symbolizing Italy’s charm.
7. The Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Rising majestically from the golden sands of the Giza Plateau, the Great Pyramid of Giza is an eternal testament to ancient Egypt’s ingenuity and spiritual grandeur. Built around 2550 B.C. for Pharaoh Khufu, this colossal tomb, crafted from over two million limestone blocks, remains the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, defying both time and imagination.
For many years, no trip is complete without a close encounter with the enigmatic Great Sphinx, whose silent gaze has watched over Giza for millennia. Travelers can also enjoy exploring the neighboring pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, each revealing new layers of Egypt’s royal legacy.
8. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Zambia
As one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls straddles the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, cascading more than 350 feet into the gorge below. Its breathtaking spectacles earned the name of “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “The Smoke That Thunders,” thanks to the waterfall’s roaring curtain of mist and spray.
From the Zimbabwean side, visitors are treated to panoramic viewpoints drenched in mist, while thrill-seekers can edge closer from the Knife-Edge Bridge or even swim at the Devil’s Pool when water levels permit. If fortune favors, a rare lunar rainbow, described as a moonlit arc shimmering through the mist, can be witnessed between February and August.
9. Statue of Liberty, United States
The Statue of Liberty embodies the enduring ideals of freedom, hope, and unity that define the American spirit. This colossal figure of Lady Liberty was gifted by France in the late 19th century, who has welcomed millions of immigrants seeking new beginnings on American shores.
Her torch, a timeless beacon of enlightenment, continues to symbolize the triumph of democracy and the promise of opportunity.
Those who wish to see the greatness can embark on ferries from Battery Park to Liberty Island, with the option to explore Ellis Island, once the historic gateway for newcomers to the United States.
10. Mount Fuji, Japan
Majestic and serene, Mount Fuji rises nearly 12,400 feet above sea level. Its snow-capped summit pierces the clouds like a divine crown over Japan’s landscape. Located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this jaw-dropping peak is not only the country’s highest mountain but also a revered spiritual symbol woven deeply into Japan’s cultural and artistic heritage.
Though classified as an active volcano, Fuji has rested peacefully since its last eruption in 1707, allowing millions to marvel at its perfect symmetry from afar or to challenge themselves in a sacred pilgrimage to its summit. From scenic hikes and lakeside viewpoints to relaxing hot springs and cultural shrines, there’s an abundance of things to do in Mount Fuji that capture both its natural grandeur and spiritual essence.
Traveling to witness these remarkable sites is more than a pursuit of beauty, as it’s a journey through humanity’s greatest stories, carved in stone, art, and spirit. Each famous landmark offers a window into the ingenuity and cultural depth that have shaped civilizations across time.
Editor’s Choice: Angkor Wat Named TripAdvisor's Top Landmark in Asia for 2025
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