In a nutshell
- There are places everyone knows, whether they’ve been there or not. But which are the most famous? We show you 35 of the world’s most renowned landmarks.
- From unique buildings and natural wonders to remarkable statues, our list covers them all.
- Just a quick disclaimer: there’s no official ranking. Creating one would take a massive survey. We chose this order based on visitor numbers, unique features, and a few other key factors.
The Icons: Top 1-5 of the World’s Most Famous Places
Eiffel Tower
Where? Paris in France
Visitors per year: about 7 million
We have put THE icon par excellence in our number 1 spot: the Eiffel Tower. It’s hard to believe that it used to be hated. Today, everyone knows and loves the “naked steel tower”.
Many tourists even travel to Paris just for the Eiffel Tower. It may not be the most visited on our list of places, but it is still probably the most popular and best-known landmark in the world.
The Eiffel Tower has three levels that you can go up to. That is particularly worthwhile at sunset. The absolute highlight comes at night: every hour, the Eiffel Tower twinkles in flashing lights for 5 minutes.
Our tip for the Eiffel Tower: book a ticket for the second level. The view of Paris from there is super impressive and it is usually less busy than the top.
Statue of Liberty
Where? New York in the USA
Visitors per year: about 4 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Another French building has made it to second place: the Statue of Liberty. It was a gift from France to the USA and has stood in New York City Harbour since 1886.
It goes without saying that one of the most famous cities in the world also has one of the most famous landmarks of the world. The Statue of Liberty is not even the only landmark from New York City on this list.
But first, let’s go back to the Statue of Liberty. In Lady Liberty, a staircase leads up to her crown and the torch. From there you have an impressive view of NYC. In addition, almost all boat tours through New York City pass by the statue.
Our tip for the Statue of Liberty: we recommend that you do not drive directly to the Statue of Liberty. It’s time-consuming and you can’t see it as well from the pedestal as you can from a distance. Instead, take the free Staten Island Ferry past the statue. You’ll get the best photos.
Pyramids of Giza
Where? Giza in Egypt
Visitors per year: about 14 million
Wonder of the Ancient World and UNESCO World Heritage Site
It’s about time we got to one of the oldest known sights in the world. At least as far as buildings are concerned.
The pyramids of Giza have been standing in the middle of the desert for over 4,500 years and are the only wonder of the ancient world that still exists. Even the Romans called them ancient.
The largest of them – the Pyramid of Khufu – was even the tallest building in the world for almost 4,000 years. Until it was replaced by Cologne Cathedral in 1880.
Fun fact about the pyramids of Giza: it is still not known exactly how the huge pyramids were built in the first place. With a huge ramp, a kind of crane or by aliens?
Great Wall of China
Where? In the northeast of China
Visitors per year: about 10 million
Wonder of the modern world and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Our list goes from one superlative to the next. In 4th place: the Great Wall of China, the longest wall in the world and a modern wonder of the world.
However, the Great Wall of China is not a single continuous wall. It consists of a wild mix of several walls that are not all connected to each other. Some of the walls even run side by side or cross each other. But even a single wall counts as the longest wall in the world.
The entire Great Wall of China is ten times as long as this single wall – over 13,000 miles in total! And it stretches over mountains, through deserts and forests. Some parts are weathered and overgrown, others can be visited. And over 10 million people do this every year.
Fun fact about the Great Wall of China: yes, the Great Wall of China is huge. But no, you can’t see it from space. This is a widespread myth that has been disproved by many astronauts.
Taj Mahal
Where? Agra in India
Visitors per year: about 8 million
Wonder of the modern world and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Let’s keep going with the wonders of the modern world. The Taj Mahal in India is one of them and is therefore one of our top 5 most famous places in the world.
The beautiful, huge structure was built almost 400 years ago as a mausoleum by a Great Mogul for his deceased wife. Legend has it that he wanted to have a second, black Taj Mahal built for himself on the other side of the river. But this never happened. Instead, the Great Mogul lies next to his great love in the white Taj Mahal.
Fun fact about the Taj Mahal: the four towers of the Taj Mahal are slightly tilted outwards so that they do not destroy the mausoleum if they collapse in an earthquake.
The Stars of Their Continents: Top 6-10 of the Most Famous Places in the World
Colosseum
Where? Rome in Italy
Visitors per year: about 12 million
Wonder of the modern world and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ranked 6th among the world’s most famous landmarks, Europe finally makes a comeback on this list. The Colosseum is THE iconic landmark of Italy. If you’re in Rome, you absolutely have to see it!
The Romans built the huge amphitheater almost 2,000 years ago. And it still stands, even if it is no longer complete. It has been damaged by earthquakes, fires and stone theft over the years. But you can still visit it.
Gladiator fights, animal fights and even naval battles took place in the Colosseum. Yes, they actually flooded it – crazy!
Our tip for the Colosseum: go to the toilet before your visit. Sounds weird, but the queues outside the toilets in the Colosseum are super long. If you avoid them, you can definitely enjoy the Colosseum more.
Cristo Redentor in Rio de Janeiro
Where? Rio de Janeiro in Brazil
Visitors per year: about 2 million
Wonder of the modern world and UNESCO World Heritage Site
The statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor in Brazilian) is simply iconic. A visit is an absolute must on a trip to Brazil.
The statue stands over 120 feet tall on a mountain in the middle of Rio de Janeiro, overlooking the entire city. From below, it looks surprisingly small, but once you’re standing at its base, it’s truly impressive!
At night, the statue is illuminated, like almost every other famous sight. But the Cristo Redentor can do something really cool: it is sometimes illuminated in such a way that it looks as if it is wearing certain clothes. For example, he has already worn Neymar’s jersey.
Our tip for the Cristo Redentor: one of the best spots to photograph the statue of Christ the Redeemer is the Heliponto Mirante Dona Marta. You are still a long way from the statue, but much closer than from Rio de Janeiro.
Grand Canyon
Where? Arizona in the USA
Visitors per year: about 6 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Grand Canyon is gigantic! It is almost 2,000 square miles in size and looks like something from another world.
The Colorado River has carved huge gorges into the rocks over millions of years. With the orange colors, they just look cool. In the gorges you can hike, raft or drive from viewpoint to viewpoint.
With 6 million visitors a year, the Grand Canyon is only the second most visited national park in the USA, right behind the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, it is definitely the most famous.
Our tip for the Grand Canyon: drive to Yaki Point for the sunset. This is a less crowded viewpoint, but the view is still spectacular.
Mount Everest
Where? In the north of Nepal
Visitors per year: about 30,000
UNESCO World Heritage Site
From one natural wonder to the next: Mount Everest has made it to number 9 on our list of the most famous places in the world.
The highest mountain in the world rises almost 29,000 feet into the sky. In comparison, airplanes fly at altitudes between 29,500 and 42,000 feet.
Every year, around 500-600 people successfully climb Mount Everest. But the ascent is brutal: icy cold, little oxygen and extreme weather conditions. Needless to say, no one from our team has ever dared to go up.
Fun fact about Mount Everest: it costs an average of 65,000 dollars to climb Mount Everest. Depending on how much support you need, it can cost up to 90,000 dollars. It’s crazy that so many people still do it!
Sydney Opera House
Where? Sydney in Australia
Visitors per year: about 10 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The most famous place in Australia is definitely the Sydney Opera House.
It became famous for its unique design. The sail-shaped roofs are not only striking but also incredibly cool! No wonder it’s the most photographed landmark in Australia.
The Opera House hosts operas, concerts and theater performances almost every day. You can also take a guided tour of the opera house. These are available daily in different languages.
Our tip for the Sydney Opera House: The best view of the Opera House is from the Harbour Bridge or on a harbour cruise.
Highlights with Cult Status: Top 11-15 of the Most Famous Landmarks in the World
Big Ben
Where? London in England
Visitors per year: about 20 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
There are many places in London that are known worldwide. The most famous of these is Big Ben.
Technically, only the massive bell in the tower is called Big Ben, but people usually refer to the entire clock tower by that name. Officially, though, it’s called the Elizabeth Tower.
By the way, only Brits are allowed inside the tower, but luckily, Big Ben is just as impressive from the outside.
Our tip for Big Ben: on the other side of the Thames at Westminster Bridge is a tunnel with a viewpoint. You can take really nice photos there. However, you may have to queue to get in.
Machu Picchu
Where? In the south of Peru
Visitors per year: about 1.5 million
Wonder of the modern world and UNESCO World Heritage Site
In the middle of the mountains of Peru lies the next famous sight: Machu Picchu. The ancient city is so hidden up there that it was only rediscovered in 1911. Before that, it had been forgotten and abandoned for over 300 years.
During this time, the city was overgrown by nature. Today, the ruins are still standing and you can visit them. You can get to Machu Picchu either by train, bus, on a guided tour or on an impressive hike.
Our tip for Machu Picchu: we recommend the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Tina from our team did it and found it incredibly beautiful.
Burj Khalifa
Where? Dubai in the United Arab Emirates
Visitors per year: about 2 million
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the youngest attraction on our list. It is not even 20 years old, but has immediately made a name for itself as the tallest building in the world and should therefore not be missing from our list.
The Burj Khalifa has several viewing platforms on different floors. The highest is on the 154th floor at a height of over 1,800 feet. In perfect weather conditions, you can see 50 to 62 miles from there.
Our tip for the Burj Khalifa: combine your visit with the Dubai Fountain Show. It takes place daily from 6 pm to 11 pm directly at the Burj Khalifa.
Times Square
Where? New York City in the USA
Visitors per year: about 42 million
Here comes another little celebrity in New York City: Times Square.
It appears in almost every movie and series set in New York City. And it is the 4th most popular movie location in the world! It goes without saying that it also makes it onto the list of the world’s most famous places.
Times Square is the beating heart NYC, buzzing with giant neon signs, bustling crowds, and lively street performers. No matter the time of day, there’s always something happening—especially on New Year’s Eveat the famous ball drop.
Our tip for Times Square: just a few streets away you will find the vegan restaurant P.S. Kitchen. The food here is delicious.
Golden Gate Bridge
Where? San Francisco in the USA
Visitors per year: about 11 million
For the next attraction, we jump from one coast of the USA to the other. San Francisco is home to the famous Golden Gate Bridge.
It competes with the Tower Bridge in London for the title of the most famous bridge in the world. However, we would say that the Golden Gate Bridge is even more impressive. The huge red structure simply looks amazing!
Our tip for the Golden Gate Bridge: our favorite photo spot is Battery Spencer at the Marin Headlands. You’ll take the best photos from here.
In the Spotlight: Top 16-20 of the World’s Most Famous Places to Visit
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Where? Pisa in Italy
Visitors per year: around 5 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is probably the most famous construction error in the world. It began to lean as early as the 12th century. The ground was simply too soft for the heavy tower.
But in a way, that was its blessing. Without the flaw, it would certainly never have become so famous. And today it is one of the most popular photo spots for tourists pretending to hold it up.
Fun fact about the Leaning Tower of Pisa: the tower is not the only leaning tower in Pisa. The whole of Pisa was built on soft ground. This is why, for example, the bell tower of the church of San Nicola leans as well.
Niagara Falls
Where? Between the USA and Canada
Visitors per year: about 18 million
The Niagara Falls are a pure force of nature. With their huge masses of water, they are definitely one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world and therefore also one of the most famous.
The falls form a natural border between the USA and Canada. You can see them from both countries. However, you have the better view of Niagara Falls from the Canadian side. You can either go to one of the viewing platforms or take a boat tour to the falls.
Fun fact about Niagara Falls: in the 19th century, Niagara Falls once stopped for 30 hours. A huge ice jam blocked the Niagara River. During this time, you could walk around in the riverbed.
Stonehenge
Where? In the south of England
Visitors per year: about 1.5 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Stonehenge is the oldest of the world’s most famous places. Among buildings, of course. It is even a few hundred years older than the pyramids of Giza!
But that’s why the huge stones are also a great mystery. Nobody knows why the stones were built like this. It could have been a temple, a star map, a settlement or something else entirely. But that makes the sight even more impressive.
Fun fact about Stonehenge: Stonehenge was auctioned off in 1915. The lucky bidder was called Cecil Chubbs and was actually only at the auction to buy dining chairs. He later handed Stonehenge over to the British government.
Chichén Itzá
Where? On the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico
Visitors per year: around 2.5 million
Wonder of the modern world and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Chichén Itzá is the Mayan site par excellence and is therefore definitely one of the most famous places in the world. El Castillo is the highlight of the site. The pyramid was built so that the shadow of a snake glides down the steps at the equinox. How cool is that?
But the complex is even bigger than this pyramid. Chichén Itzá used to be the Mayan capital. So there are plenty of other ruins to see.
Our tip for Chichén Itzá: combine your visit with the Ik-Kil cenote. Cenotes are karst caves that are filled with water. Perfect for cooling off after your visit to Chichén Itzá.
Sagrada Família
Where? Barcelona in Spain
Visitors per year: about 3.5 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
It’s no wonder the Sagrada Família became one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It had everything going for it: a famous architect and a truly unique church. Gaudí began building it at the end of the 19th century, but it is still not finished.
One reason for this is the elaborate design. The façade alone is really impressive with its incredible amount of detail. And the interior is just as impressive with tall columns, small details and huge stained glass windows.
Our tip for the Sagrada Família: visit the Sagrada Família either in the morning or in the evening. There are slightly fewer tourists than at midday and the sun is then positioned so that it shines through the stained glass windows. This makes the church even more beautiful than it already is.
Famous Masterpieces: Top 21-25 of the Most Famous Places in the World
Angkor Wat
Where? In the north of Cambodia
Visitors per year: about 2.5 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Angkor Wat is the largest temple complex in the world. It is so big that the Vatican City would fit inside three times!
The temples date back to the 12th century. However, the buildings are still well preserved. In some places, however, nature has taken over. Entire trees have grown on top of the temples. This looks super cool and creates a totally enchanted atmosphere.
Fun fact about Angkor Wat: the stones used to build the temple city come from over 30 miles away. They were probably shipped here using an ingenious system of canals.
Great Barrier Reef
Where? East of Australia
Visitors per year: about 2 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
After the largest temple complex in the world, let’s continue with the largest coral reef in the world – a real natural wonder!
The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 1,500 different species of fish. They live in a maze of different corals. No other place is as vibrant underwater. It’s perfect for snorkeling and diving.
However, the reef is under threat from climate change, a plague of starfish and shipping traffic. Hopefully it can regenerate so that we can keep it on this list for many years to come.
Fun fact about the Great Barrier Reef: unlike the Great Wall of China, you really can see the Great Barrier Reef from space. It’s almost as big as Germany.
Notre-Dame
Where? Paris in France
Visitors per year: about 13 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Notre-Dame is the second landmark from Paris on our list of the world’s most famous attractions. And the church has earned its place. It is visited by around 13 million people every year. That’s almost twice as many as the Eiffel Tower.
The church is a Gothic masterpiece and simply looks beautiful.
In 2019, the huge church caught fire and some parts even collapsed. But that made Notre-Dame even more famous. And since the end of 2024, it has been rebuilt and you can visit it again from the inside.
Our tip for Notre-Dame: as soon as the towers are reopened to visitors (probably in fall 2025), you must visit them. From the towers you have a great view of Paris and you can see the gargoyles on the roof up close.
Empire State Building
Where? New York City in the USA
Visitors per year: about 4 million
After the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, New York City has another true icon: the Empire State Building. Located in the heart of Manhattan, it was the tallest building in the world for nearly 40 years. And if that wasn’t enough to make it famous, its role in King Kong surely did.
From the Empire State Building, you have an incredible view of Manhattan. Especially at night, when the whole city lights up.
Our tip for the Empire State Building: for the best photos of the Empire State Building, we recommend a visit to the Top of the Rock. The view of the Empire State Building is beautiful.
Vatican City
Where? Rome in Italy
Visitors per year: about 5 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Vatican City is the smallest state in the world. The famous St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Vatican Gardens and a few other small buildings just fit on the 108 acres.
But they are all packed with exciting history and beautiful works of art. The ceiling painting in the Sistine Chapel is, of course, at the top of the list.
Our tip for the Vatican City: take the east entrance on Via della Conciliazione, which is much more impressive than the north entrance to the Vatican City.
A Little Less Spotlight: Top 26-30 of the Most Famous Places in the World
Acropolis
Where? Athens in Greece
Visitors per year: about 4 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Acropolis is one of the most famous places of ancient times. It is a hill that rises right in the middle of Athens. On top of it stand ancient temples, with the Parthenon being the most popular. It’s truly impressive how much of it is still preserved!
From the Acropolis, you have an amazing view over Athens. You can enjoy it on a circular walk on the Acropolis.
Our tip for the Acropolis: from Lykavittos – the other large hill in Athens, which you can see at the back right of the picture – you have a really beautiful view of the Acropolis.
Table Mountain
Where? Cape Town in South Africa
Visitors per year: about 5 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Table Mountain is THE landmark of Cape Town. It is simply impressive – over 3,500 feet high and completely flat at the summit. This is how Table Mountain got its name. It looks like a large table and the clouds that pass over it like a tablecloth.
The view from the top is spectacular. You can see Cape Town, Lion’s Head, the Cape of Good Hope and the sea. It couldn’t be more beautiful.
Our tip for Table Mountain: check out all the options for getting up and down the mountain beforehand. There is not only the cable car. You can also go hiking (please don’t go alone!), take a guided tour or abseil down the mountain.
Hagia Sophia
Where? Istanbul in Turkey
Visitors per year: around 13.5 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Hagia Sophia is the most famous place in Turkey. The huge mosque stands in the middle of Istanbul.
In its early days, it was once a Christian church. And for even longer than it has been a mosque! Hard to believe, isn’t it? Inside, however, you can still see a few Christian mosaics.
The combination of Islamic and Christian elements is what makes it so special – and famous. The huge dome has definitely contributed to this.
Fun fact about the Hagia Sophia: there are two large marble cubes in the Hagia Sophia. Nobody knows exactly what they are there for. They could have been fountains or have a religious significance.
Palace of Versailles
Where? Versailles in France
Visitors per year: about 7 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Palace of Versailles has made it to the 29th place on our list of the most famous places to visit in the world. The last attraction from France on our list – but what an attraction!
The palace is one of the most impressive palaces in the world. So much luxury and splendor in one place. The Sun King Louis IV had it built in the 17th century and spared no expense. Many rooms are almost completely gilded, there is a huge hall of mirrors and ornate gardens.
Our tip for the Palace of Versailles: if you visit the palace on a Saturday in summer, you can watch the colorful water features in the garden at night. However, you need to get your tickets as early as possible. They sell out pretty fast.
Alhambra
Where? Granada in Spain
Visitors per year: about 2.5 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Let’s stick straight to famous palaces. This time, however, it is not one in gold and baroque, but rather one from 1001 Nights. The Alhambra is one of the most visited landmarks in Spain.
The Moorish palace owes this to its small gardens, elaborate mosaics and elegant arches. The Alhambra is actually more of a small city, with towers, museums, viewing platforms and palaces.
Our tip for the Alhambra: visit the Alhambra directly at 8:30 am when it opens. Most visitors don’t arrive until 9 am, so you’ll have it almost to yourself for half an hour.
More Secret Highlights: Top 30-35 of The World’s Most Famous Places
Halong Bay
Where? In the north of Vietnam
Visitors per year: about 8 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 31st place, we finally have another small natural wonder. Off the coast of northern Vietnam, nearly 2,000 towering limestone islands rise from the waters of Halong Bay. Cruising through them by boat is an unforgettable experience.
Some of the rocks have small beaches or caves that you can visit. And between them you will always find floating villages of fishermen.
Our tip for Halong Bay: besides Halong Bay, be sure to visit Cat Ba Island. It’s the largest island in the bay and much quieter than the smaller, more crowded ones.
Salar de Uyuni
Where? In the southwest of Bolivia
Visitors per year: about 60,000
Next on our list of the world’s most famous places is the complete opposite of Halong Bay: the salt desert Salar de Uyuni. It is the largest salt desert in the world and truly unbelievably huge. Los Angeles would fit into the desert 8 times!
The Salar de Uyuni looks like something from another planet. Just endless white as far as the eye can see. After rain, the salt desert is even more impressive, transforming into the largest mirror in the world. You’ve probably already seen a photo or two of it on Instagram.
Our tip for the Salar de Uyuni: we recommend visiting the Salar de Uyuni in April, May, October or November. These are the transition months between the rainy and dry seasons. During these months, you have the best chance of seeing the desert both dry and wet.
Djemaa El Fna
Where? Marrakech in Morocco
Visitors per year: about 8 million
UNESCO World Heritage Site
You’ve almost reached the end of our list of the most famous places in the world. We have put a famous market in third last place. The Djemaa El Fna is the heart of Marrakech. A wide variety of stalls are set up in a huge square and there is a lot going on, especially at night.
You are almost flooded with impressions: colorful spices, jugglers, traditional music, delicious food smells, but unfortunately also snakes and monkeys that have to pose for the tourists.
Our tip for Halong Bay: the best view of the market is from the café Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier.
Zayid Mosque
Where? Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates
Visitors per year: about 5.5 million
Everyone probably knows that the United Arab Emirates like to design superlatives. And they haven’t stopped at the Zayid Mosque either. It may not be the largest mosque in the world, but it has the largest chandelier and the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world.
The mosque itself is also beautiful. It is completely white with golden decorations- a really great photo opportunity!
Fun fact about the Zayid Mosque: the materials for the mosque come from all over the world. Germany, for example, contributed with the largest chandelier in the world, which we just mentioned.
Fuji
Where? In the center of Japan
Visitors per year: about 300,000
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Last but not least, we have Mount Fuji for you. The highest mountain in Japan looks simply majestic with its white peak and surrounded by flat terrain.
You can climb the volcano, which is over 12,000 feet high. However, many other people do this, especially in the high season in July and August. So maybe you’d rather just admire it from afar? You’ll get great photos either way. At least if Mount Fuji is not obscured by clouds.
Our tip for Mount Fuji: you have a great view of Mount Fuji from Fuji-Hakone National Park and Fuji-Q Highland. You can even see it from Tokyo.
These were the most famous landmarks in the world
Which of the most famous places have you already seen? What landmark do you think should be added to the list? We’re looking forward to your comment!