If you’re dreaming of exploring the world, then why not plan your travels around some of the most intriguing and iconic world landmarks. Here’s the top 10 world landmarks which are bound to inspire travel and wanderlust in all, from the famed Monte Carlo Monaco casino, to the Statue of Liberty and the Great Wall of China.
Top 10 world landmarks
1 – Statue of Liberty – New York, U.S.
The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island, in Upper New York Bay. The iconic 151-foot, 225-ton copper statue was a gift from France to the US, and over the years has come to symbolise freedom and democracy. For the millions of immigrants who entered the US via New York between 1886 and 1924 it not only became a reassuring world landmark that they had arrived in the land of their dreams, but also became a symbol of hope. Today, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most popular attractions to visit in New York City. Make sure you leave time to climb the stairs up to the crown. While it’s 363 steps to the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views.
2 – Eiffel Tower – Paris, France
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the world’s most popular and romantic world landmarks. The creation of Gustave Eiffel, work on this iconic 300-metre landmark started in 1887, and it was completed in just over two years. The tower typically welcomes more than 7 million visitors a year, with those who head to the top reward with spectacular city views.
No visit to this iconic world landmark would be complete without dining at the famed 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant. Located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, diners can enjoy breath-taking views of the Palais de Chaillot and of the Trocadero. Make sure you also visit the Eiffel Tower after dark, when this world landmark puts on a dazzling light show every hour.
3 – Monte-Carlo Casino – Monaco
The Monte-Carlo Casino is known as one of the most glamorous and elegant destinations in the world. The grand Belle Epoque building is located in the Carré D’Or – home to some of the most desirable properties for sale in Monaco Monte Carlo. Popular rooms inside the Monte-Carlo Casino include the Salle des Ameriques, filled entirely with slot machines and the Salle Médecin, which is for table games. Incidentally, it is this room which James Bond visits in the film Golden Eye. If you fancy visiting this famed Monaco casino and seeing if Lady Luck is on your side, you’ll need to adhere to the casino’s dress code, which requires that “proper attire” is worn at all times. Make sure you leave time for a bite to eat at the famed Café de Paris, a chic brasserie located within the Casino Square and known as the place to see and be seen.
4 – Elizabeth Tower & Big Ben – London, UK
The Elizabeth Tower forms part of the Palace of Westminster in London. It is home to one of the world’s most famous horological masterpieces. The 96-metre tower was designed by architect Charles Barr and Augustus Welby Pugin in 1835 after the old Palace of Westminster was burned to the ground in a fire in 1834. Completed in 1859, the clock became the most accurate and largest four-faced striking and chiming clock in the world. This world landmark is often mistakenly called Big Ben. This moniker refers to the clock’s great bell, which is technically called the Great Bell of Westminster. The bell tolls on the hour, with four other bells chiming at 15, 30, and 45 minutes past the hour.
5 – Christ the Redeemer – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This art deco statue of Jesus Christ overlooks the city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It was designed by Polish-French sculptor Paul Landowski and built by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and French engineer Albert Caquot. Located in the Tijuca Forest National Park at the top of the Corcovado mountain, the statue stands some 30-metres tall, while its arms stretch out 28-metres. It was constructed between 1922 and 1931 and is made from reinforced concrete and soapstone. Its iconic status has made it one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and one of the most striking world landmarks.
6 – Red Square – Moscow, Russia
This Red Square in Moscow is one of the city’s most popular attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Centrally located, the Red Square separates the Kremlin from the historic merchant quarter, known as Kitai-gorod. Spanning more than 23,100 metres square, the Red Square was initially designed to serve as a marketplace and is now used for official ceremonies and even pop concerts. Surrounding this world landmark is a host of attractions, including the Kremlin, Lenin’s Mausoleum, the cathedrals of St. Basil and Kazan, and the State Museum of Russian History.
7 – Great Wall of China – China
The Great Wall of China is the longest wall in the world, spanning more than 13,100 miles. Built more than 2,3000 years ago, the wall snakes across the Chinese countryside, although swathes of it now lie in ruin. The best-preserved part of this world landmark dates from the Ming Dynasty and runs for some 5,500 miles east to west from Mount Hu near Dandong to Jiayu Pass which is just west of Jiuquan. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, no visit to China would be complete without visiting this fascinating world landmark.
8 – Leaning Tower of Pisa – Italy
Construction on this famous world landmark began in 1173, yet it wasn’t until more than 200 years ago that it was finally completed. Thousands of tourists’ flock to the city of Pisa to view this unusual bell tower that leans at a 10-degree angle. While it was designed to stand perfectly straight, the building started leaning during construction. The foundations of this world landmark were injected with cement grouting in the 1920sto help stabilize it. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of four buildings that make up the ceremonial complex of Piazza dei Miracoli, or the Square of Miracles. Climb to the top of the tower, soak up the views, then explore the historic Baptistery and Pisa Cathedral.
9 – Sydney Opera House – Sydney, Australia
This iconic building is one of Australia’s top tourist attractions and one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. Indeed, the sculptural elegance of the building has made it one of the greatest symbols of 20th century architecture, with US architect Frank Gehry stating that it “changed the image of an entire country.” Work commenced on this world landmark in 1959 and took 14 years to complete. It was opened with great fanfare by Queen Elizabeth II on Oct. 20, 1973. Visit this world landmark and enjoy a range of performances, events, and exhibitions, as well as delicious dining options.
10 – Pyramids of Giza – Cairo, Egypt
Located just outside of Cairo along the River Nile, these iconic man-made structures are more than 4,500 years old and are the last remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. These awe-inspiring world landmarks were originally commissioned by King Khufu around 2,500 BC. The Great Pyramid is the largest and soars some 147-metres into the sky. The Pyramids of Giza also include the Sphinx, a mysterious monument made of limestone which features a lion’s body and a pharaoh’s head.
Which famous world landmark do you fancy visiting first?
