1.
Eiffel Tower, Paris
The symbol of Paris and one of the most
photographed structures in the world, a visit to
the Eiffel Tower is a must for all travelers. Few
landmarks inspire such a passion for travel as
this single iron structure.
Young travelers heading out on the road for the first time, couples looking for a special getaway, artists
looking to spur their creativity, and romantics of all types are all drawn to Paris. This is a city where
history and culture collide and where travelers of all kinds can find the experience they're after.
2. The Colosseum, Rome
The most famous and largest structure still standing from the Roman Empire, the Colosseum is also the
biggest attraction of modern-day Rome. It's been a bucket-list destination of travelers for generations.
And it does not disappoint.
Set in the heart of the city, the Colosseum is an easy place to visit. Direct flights from around the world
land in Rome daily, making it a destination you can visit in a weekend if you choose. Wander through
Rome's ancient streets, tour the colosseum, and if time allows, plan a trip to other areas of Italy.
3. The Acropolis, Athens
Perched above present day Athens, the Acropolis
draws you up and in. Follow in the footsteps of
ancients as you walk up the same steps that have
been walked on since 438 BC - 2,500 years.
Views out over the city are incredible as you walk
between the meticulously restored ancient
buildings. Near the end of the day, you'll want to linger and watch the sunset from the stairs near the
entrance. This is a nightly ritual in Athens.
The site is also impressive looking up at it from the city below. Spend an evening dining on a rooftop
patio to soak in the view of the hilltop ruins lit up at night.
4. The Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is the one sight in India that all
travelers need to see. The country is filled with
incredible cities and fabulous places to visit, but the 17th-century Taj Mahal is the one place that says
you've been to India.
This mausoleum, commissioned by the Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, is known
internationally as a symbol of love. This fantastic structure, made with inlaid precious and semi-
precious stones, has to be visited to be fully appreciated.
Its riverfront setting, surrounding gardens, and reflecting pools are also what make the Taj Mahal so
special.
5. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
If you've visited places like the Colosseum in
Rome or the Acropolis in Athens, built over 2,000
years ago, you may think you have a good handle
on ancient sites. But the Pyramids of Giza take
ancient to a whole other level. These were built
over 4,500 years ago. Tourists were coming to see
these magnificent structures literally thousands of
years ago.
Located just outside Cairo, the pyramids, which is also where you'll find the Sphinx, are easy to get to,
and tours are easy to arrange. A sunset camel ride around the structures is a wonderful experience.
6. Great Wall of China
In a land of modern cities and towering skyscrapers, the Great
Wall of China, built between the 14th and 17th centuries, is a
stark contrast but a striking image that all visitors to China
should see.
A stroll along the top of the wall provides an incredible view of
the structure snaking off into the distance. The wall stretches an
astounding 21,196 kilometers, through some remote areas.
Many travelers seeing the sights of China choose to visit the wall on easily organized tours from
Beijing, a relatively short motorcoach ride away.
7. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Surrounded by jungle and, in some cases, overgrown with huge trees and roots, the ancient structures
of the Angkor complex may look like a movie set to some visitors.
Wandering through Angkor Wat, the main centerpiece of the complex, it's easy to feel like you've
entered another era. This is without a doubt, one of the most impressive sites in Southeast Asia and the
main reason many people visit Cambodia.
The stone faces peering out over the buildings and gates are images that you won't soon forget.
8. Petra, Jordan
You may have an Indiana Jones feeling as you walk through a 1.2-kilometer-long narrow crack in the
sandstone hills and emerge into a hidden city. First built over 2,000 years ago and lost to the outside
world for 600 years, the city was only discovered in 1812.
Stunning buildings are carved directly into the red rock walls and are wonderfully preserved, just
begging to be explored and photographed.
If you arrive early, an eerie silence, coupled with long shadows, give this abandoned city a special feel.
9. Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge is one of those places that makes you ponder
what went on here over 4,500 years ago. It's long been a
mystery to historians, and has captured the imagination of
countless visitors. Despite the large number of tourists that
descend on Stonehenge, the place still has a mystical feel.
At the site, giant stones, some standing, some fallen, are
set in two roughly circular patterns that are oriented to highlight the summer and winter solstices. For a
truly memorable experience, plan your visit during one of these times.
An easy day trip from London, Stonehenge can easily be worked into your UK itinerary.
10. Borobudur, Indonesia
Set in a steamy jungle with three volcanoes
providing the backdrop, Borobudur is Indonesia's
top tourist attraction.
Borobudur dates from the 9th century and is one
of the largest Buddhist temples in the world. It's a
fascinating place to wander about. Over 500 Buddhas are spread around the site, some of which sit
under ornate stupas.
Try to visit early in the morning when you'll have the best chance of experiencing a bit of early mist,
and the view to the volcanoes will be the clearest.
11. Bagan, Myanmar
While this ancient site may not be on the
average traveler's radar, it's another of Southeast
Asia's bucket-list attractions.
Spread out over a lush plain are more than
10,000 sacred structures dating from 1044
through to 1287. Hire a bicycle and pedal your
way from one amazing structure to the next, or take a tour. Some of the structures can be entered, but
the real beauty is the sheer number that dot the landscape.
For an aerial view, consider taking a hot air balloon tour at dawn.
12. Sydney Opera House
Like many other attractions around the
world, the Sydney Opera House is one of
those places that is easy to identify and
obviously associated with Australia. A
photo of yourself in front of the white sails screams Australia.
The Sydney Opera House was built in several stages and officially opened in late 1973. To fully
experience the building, take a tour inside to see the unique shape and hear the exceptional acoustics.
Soak up the view from the Opera House area back towards the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.
13. Mount Kilimanjaro
The highest peak in all of Africa, this majestic
mountain – a dormant volcano – is one of the most
recognizable symbols of the continent. The
snowcapped peak is an impressive 5,985 meters
(19,340 feet) and is often the backdrop to
photographs of the wild animals that roam
Amboseli National Park and other areas.
You can see this beautiful sight from afar or tackle the multi-day hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro
for the fantastic views over the land and to watch the sunrise.
14. The Louvre, Paris
If there is one museum in the whole world that you
absolutely must see in your life, it's the Louvre. Even
if you are not a fan of museums, this one is worth the
trip to Paris to see.
Although most people know it as the home to the most
famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa, this is
just one of the reasons to visit the Louvre.
The museum holds countless masterpieces by the greatest artists that have ever lived. But even the
building itself is an icon. The glass pyramids and the 18th-century building are recognizable to almost
everyone, and have been shown in countless movies.
15. Forbidden City, China
Like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace, in Beijing is one of the top
places to visit in China. The sprawling complex dates from the 14th and 15th centuries and is a
spectacular example of historical China.
Over the centuries, the palace has housed 24 Ming and Qing Emperors. Inside the city, the Palace
Museum holds over 340,000 artifacts showcasing the treasures of China's dynasties. In front of the
Forbidden City is the massive Tiananmen square.
16. Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Sitting atop a hill across the river from the center of the city,
Prague Castle casts an imposing aura over its surroundings. The
castle is an incredible collection of buildings constructed from the
9th to 14th century.
Stroll over the ornate 14th-century Charles Bridge spanning the
Vltava River and head up the hill to wander the narrow, twisty
streets in the castle complex. The castle is one of the largest in the
world, and around almost every corner is a historical building,
church, or open square.
17. Château de Versailles, France
The wealth and grandeur of 17th-century France is on display at the incredible Château de Versailles.
The château and the grounds are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and should be near the top of your
touring plans when in France.
The Château de Versailles has an unbelievable 2,300 rooms housing some of France's most impressive
interior design work, especially in the world-famous Hall of Mirrors. Other important rooms include
the King's State Apartment and the Queen's Apartment.
The grounds of the château encompass 800 hectares, and one of the most impressive sights is the
Gardens (Les Jardins). Geometrical pathways follow immaculately trimmed hedges past serene pools
all surrounded by lawns cut to within an inch of their life.
18. Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is the most well-known and highest
mountain in Japan. Often pictured snowcapped,
this dormant volcano is both a spiritual site and
one of the top tourist attractions in Japan.
Soaring 3,776 meters high, Mount Fuji is one of
three Holy Mountains, all of which are
UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hiking to the top of the mountain is a popular thing to do in Japan. Each year, nearly 300,000 people
follow one of four routes to the top. One of the most popular things to do is time your hike so that you
reach the summit just before sunrise.
Mount Fuji is located 100 kilometers east of Tokyo and is easily accessible via public transit and tours.
