37 Most Iconic Places in the World

What makes somewhere iconic? Is it the history attached to an area? Maybe it’s the cultural impact of something or a certain location with deep meaning? It could just be a structure, monument, or natural wonder that is breathtaking to look at. Whatever the case, the one thing all of these iconic places have in common is how much they are revered and visited by people from across the globe. 

Monuments such as the Effiel Tower and Taj Mahal are visited by millions of tourists every year, while other travelers seek out natural wonders such as Yellowstone National Park and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Then there are famous cities like Las Vegas, Tokyo, Rome, Los Angeles, and Paris that are high on people’s wish lists. All these iconic places are incredible for different reasons and deserve a spot on your must-visit list. 

So get your pen and paper ready to write down all the iconic places in the world you need to visit. 

1. Notre Dame de Paris, Paris, France

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Notre Dame de Paris is an incredible example of French Gothic architecture. Taking 182 years to complete (1163–1345), Notre Dame has been modified consistently over the centuries. It became popular amongst the general population when Victor Hugo released Notre Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), resulting in the cathedral becoming a must-see tourist destination. 

Tragically Notre Dame caught fire during renovation work in 2019 and suffered serious damage. Talks were held as to whether it should be destroyed due to the damage, but the French government is committed to restoring the cathedral to its former glory, with April 15, 2024, set as the date for its official reopening. 

2. Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia

The former capital of the Khmer Empire is a massive complex that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was home to the ruler of Cambodia from the 9th to 15th centuries and consists of over 1,000 temples. Nobody quite knows why the kingdom was abandoned, but many believe it was a combination of natural disasters, lack of water, and disease. 

Angkor is now a top tourist spot in Cambodia and attracts around 2 million people every year. The major attraction is Angkor Wat, a massive Buddhist temple that is a symbol of Cambodia. Angkor Wat appears on the national flag and is an excellent example of Khmer architecture.

3. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho, USA

America’s first national park is an incredible area of land that contains mountains, forests, grasslands, and unique wildlife. Covering a mammoth 2,219,791 acres, Yellowstone National Park has the oldest and largest public bison herd, the famous attraction Old Faithfulgeyser, and plenty of walking trails and camping locations for those who like to get outdoors. 

There are many different species of wild animals that reside in Yellowstone, so if you do camp there, be careful of your surroundings. The last thing you want is to wake up and come face to face with a bear looking for its next meal. 

4. Great Wall of China, China

Covering 13,170 miles, the Great Wall of China is a giant fortification that runs across the northern top of China. Built to keep out roaming enemies from Europe, the Wall also functioned as a border wall so China could tax goods coming in from Silk Road. There are over 20,000 watch towers dotted along the wall as well as garrisons, barracks, and other buildings. 

While rumors still persist that you can see the Great Wall of China from the moon, this is not true. The only way you can experience this man-made construction is by visiting China and scaling the Wall yourself. But be warned, some parts of the Wall are extremely steep and challenging. 

5. Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia

A fine example of modern architecture, the Sydney Opera House is a performance center in the heart of Sydney situated on the Sydney Harbor. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the Opera House consists of several different theatres where lives music, concerts, and other shows are held weekly. 

Guided tours occur daily and you can even climb the Syndey Opera House roof, giving you incredible views of the harbor and the surrounding suburbs of Sydney. 

6. New York Public Library, New York City, USA

The second largest public library in the United States is an impressive building established in 1895. It’s said to house over 55 million books covering every topic and subject you can think of. Along with the public areas of the library, there are several research buildings that make up the complex.

The New York Public Library is also a part of modern pop culture, having featured in many different media over the years, including being seen at the beginning of Ghostbusters and in the disaster movie The Day After Tomorrow. 

7.  Taj Mahal, Agra, India

The Taj Mahal is one of the most impressive structures in the world. Built as a shrine to Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite wife, the massive marble mausoleum is estimated to have cost around $1 billion to complete. Made up of burial chambers, a mosque, and a guest house, the Taj Mahal is made from marble, stone, bronze, and other precious materials.

The interior decorations are also striking and the long reflecting pool adds another element to the grandiose garden surrounding the Taj Mahal. Attracting more than 6 million visitors a year, the Taj Mahal remains India’s most seen monument. 

8. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

Standing some 1,083 feet tall (roughly the same as an 81-story building), the Eiffel Tower is one of Paris’ most famous landmarks. Built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, the iconic place was officially unveiled as part of the 1889 World Fair (Universal Expo).

There are three levels to the structure which people can visit, with the first two accessible via stairs and the final level reached by elevator. It remains the world’s most visited paid monument in the world, with over 250 million people having visited the Eiffel Tower since it opened to the public in 1989.

9. Buckingham Palace, London, UK

The royal residence once home to Queen Elizabeth II is now King Charles III’s palace to live in after the Queen’s recent passing. Originally built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703, the royals took over in 1837, with Buckingham Palace remaining the home of the monarchy in the United Kingdom since then. 

The palace has an incredible 775 rooms that include 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, 78 bathrooms, 52 principal bedrooms, and 19 staterooms. There’s also a cinema, pool, doctor’s surgery, post office, and jeweler’s workshop. The interior is influenced by 19th-century design and has a very regal feel to it. 

10. Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Archaeological Park, Peru

A favorite tourist destination of people visiting South America, Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel erected on the Andes Mountains. The history of the Incas is unknown (they didn’t keep records), but most archeologists believe Machu Picchu to be where the Inca emperor Pachacuti once lived. 

The UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in 1450 before the Incas left a century later during the time of the Spanish conquest. It remains a very popular place for tourists and the views from the mountain are jaw-dropping. 

11. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. Measuring 2,716 feet high, the tower consists of 163 floors that can be reached by 57 elevators and eight escalators. The crown jewel of the structure is the outdoor observation deck, named At the Top, which offers amazing views of the surrounding areas. 

Burj Khalifa holds 15 world records in regard to its height and rooms inside the hotel, such as having the world’s highest nightclub (found on the 144th floor).

12. Central Park, New York City, USA

For a massive metropolis, New York has a lot of great parks and green areas. Central Park is a favorite of many, as evident by the 42 million people that visit yearly.

Covering 843 acres, the rectangle-shaped park includes many different landmarks, statues, structures, bridges, and lakes. You can stroll through the green vegetation and take in the sights and sounds, eat at one of several restaurants, or take a tour of the park with a guide. 

13. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, France

Located just off the coast of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is a centuries-old monastery with a population of just 29. Inside the walled construction are over 60 different buildings, with Mont Saint-Michel protected by the French as monuments historiques. Looking at the abbey, it’s not surprising to know it’s a major tourist attraction, with 3 million people visiting yearly. 

14. The White House, Washington DC, USA

The White House is the official home of the President of the United States of America. Designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban, the building took eight years to complete, with President John Adams the first to move into the residence in 1801. Since then every American President has lived in the Oval House. Many have used their time in the White House to add new rooms, extend the wings, and update the decor, putting their own spin on the iconic place. 

Fun fact: Director Roland Emmerich has destroyed the White House in three of his movies, Independence Day, 2012, and White House Down. 

15. Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Even if you have no interest in religion, you have most likely seen an image of Christ the Redeemer. The 98-foot-high structure is built in the image of Jesus Christ standing with his arms outstretched. Located at the peak of Corcovado mountain, Christ the Redeemer looks out over the city of Rio de Janeiro and is meant to represent the followers of Christianity. 

It is easily accessible by tram and then bus, but for those who want the full experience, you can hike up the mountain and take in the views along the way. 

16. St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, Russia

Although constructed by Ivan the Terrible, St. Basil’s Cathedral is a beautiful structure in Moscow’s Red Square. Built between 1555 and 1561, the cathedral represents the Russian Orthodox Church and consists of 10 chapels and nine different colored and designed domes corresponding to a variety of churches.

Along with the Kremlin and Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that still holds services every Sunday. 

17. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, USA

The Black Hills mountain range is home to a remarkable man-made creation known as Mount Rushmore. The brainchild of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, the mountain design consists of four, 60-foot-tall sculptors of the most popular American Presidents. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln were chosen for their impact on American history and culture. 

The building started in 1927 and was finished in 1941 by Borglum’s son after Gutzon passed away. 2 million visitors attend Mount Rushmore per year and talks continue about adding more faces, with Franklin D. Roosevelt the most requested President.

18. Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island itself isn’t that impressive, but the reason this iconic place is such a tourist attraction is due to the giant statutes that are littered around the island. Close to 1,000 statues, called moai, were constructed by the Rapa Nui people between 1250 and 1500. Each statue is a different size and weight, but they all feature small bodies with large heads. 

Archeologists believe the moai were constructed as symbols of power and authority and represent the religion of the Rapa Nui people, although there is still some conjecture about the true meaning of the Easter Island statues. 

19. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

Getting a photo holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a must for anyone who visits this Italian landmark. The free-standing tower has a four-degree lean due to being built on soft foundations. While it looks like it might topple over at any minute, the structure has been stabilized and is safe for tourists to walk up, which is an experience within itself. 

20. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA

Connection San Franciso with Marin County, the Golden Gate Bridge is a 1.7-mile bridge that was once the longest and the tallest suspension bridge in the world. Consisting of six lanes of traffic, as well as bike lanes and footpaths for pedestrians, the bridge is one of the first things that comes to mind when people mention San Francisco. 

Crossing the bridge into Marin County, there is a lookout area where you can take great snaps of the bridge and San Francisco. 

21. Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau, Germany

When you think of Disney castles, Neuschwanstein Castle is the type of building that comes to mind. This gorgeous Bavarian construction was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869 but was never fully completed. Ludwig used the castle as his private residence until he passed away in 1886, with the castle soon opened to the public to visit not long after his death. 

Like many castles from the 19th century, Neuschwanstein Castle has a classic look and feel, with the interior decorated with ornate furnishings, paintings, murals, and lots of gold trimming. More than 1.5 million people visit every year, making the castle a very popular German attraction. 

22. The Acropolis, Athens, Greece

Athens has many famous old ruins throughout the city, but The Acropolis is at the top of most visitor lists. The ancient citadel is situated above Athens and consists of several famous buildings, including the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike. There are 21 buildings all up in various stages of decay that you can wander around and take snapshots of as you soak in some Greece history. 

23. The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

The largest pyramid on earth is a huge man-made structure (not constructed by aliens) built as the tomb for the Fourth Dynasty pharaoh Khufu. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it’s a magnificent building that stands 481 feet tall and is made up of approximately 2.3 million blocks. 

Next to the Great Pyramid of Giza is the Great Sphinx, another famous Egyptian structure based on the mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion. Both are major tourist attractions that millions of people visit every year. 

24. Statue of Liberty, New York, USA

America is home to many iconic places, particularly New York City. The Statue of Liberty is one of the city’s greatest attractions. A gift from the French, it was designed by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and is a statue of the figure Lady Liberty. Standing with her right arm raised while holding a torch, in her left hand she clutches a tablet representing the constitution and America’s book of laws. 

The first thing immigrants would see when arriving in New York, the Statue of Liberty is a representation of the American dream that so many people hoped they would achieve. While you can visit the Statue of Liberty via ferry, you can no longer climb to the very top. 

25. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls isn’t just any old waterfall. Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, it’s the largest in the world. Over 500 million liters of water tumbles down the falls per minute. Scottish explorer David Livingstone was the first man to ever see the falls in 1855, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The falls are home to a variety of unique species and two national parks are located on either side of the river that leads to the waterfall. It remains a major tourist attraction for people visiting Zimbabwe. 

26. The Western Wall, Jerusalem, Israel

This ancient limestone wall is a very important part of the Islamic faith. Dating all the way back to 19 BC, the Western Wall is a small part of a larger wall that is the only remaining part of the Second Jewish Temple. It is believed to surround the site where the Prophet Muhammad was last seen before ascending to paradise. 

Built by Herod the Great, the Western Wall has a rich and complex history tied to several religious faiths.

27. La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain

The unfinished church has been under construction since 1822 and is expected to be finished sometime in 2026. Architect Francisco de Paula del Villar began work on the church before quitting and being replaced by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, who dedicated his life to working on the structure until his death. Work continues on the church today, funded by donations and sponsorships.

Tourists can visit La Sagrada Familia and view certain parts of the inside, which combines Gothic architecture with Art Nouveau. The result is a spectacular but unhinged creation full of weird statutes, strange symbols, and ghastly structures that look like nothing you will have ever seen. 

28. Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

Officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Blue Mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that still acts as a functioning mosque today. Constructed between 1609 and 1616, this impressive structure has five main domes, six minarets, and eight secondary domes. While it looks incredible from the outside, the interior is even more spectacular. The walls are lined with more than 20,000 handmade blue titles that form over 50 different tulip designs. 

There are also over 200 stained glass windows, ostrich eggs in the chandeliers (apparently they detract spiders), thick, lush carpets on the floor, and hundreds of lamps. The lamps were once encrusted with gold and jewels but have been pillaged by thieves, put into storage or acquired by museums. 

29. The Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Is there a grander sight than the Colosseum? Built in 80 AD, this monumental structure was where the great gladiator battles of Ancient Rome were held. It was estimated to hold between 50,000 to 80,000 people during its heyday, with an average audience of around 65,000. As well as gladiator battles between men, the Colosseum played host to animal hunts, mock sea battles, re-enactments of famous Roman victories, and executions. 

While still standing, the Colosseum has been damaged over the years due to earthquakes and the weather. Even in its half-destroyed state, it’s an impressive creation that is a must-visit for anyone visiting Rome. Tours allow you access inside the Colosseum where you can see just how incredible a building it is. 

30. The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand

Once the official residence of the Kings of Siam (the monarchy who ruled Thailand), The Grand Palace is now a popular tourist destination in the heart of Bangkok. Construction on the Grand Palace began in 1782 and was completed three years later, with King Phutthayotfa Chulalok the first noble to live there. 

The Grand Palace is split into several different sections containing many types of buildings, such as the royal residence, meeting halls, worship areas, and pavilions. One of the most famous buildings inside the four-walled complex is Wat Phra Kaew, more commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Inside this majestic temple is the famous green jade statue of Buddha. Made of gold and semi-precious green stone, it was created in the 15th century and was reportedly made by the sage Nagasena with the help of some gods.

While it is still used for official ceremonies, the Grand Palace is open to tourists and gives a fantastic insight into the history and culture of ancient Thailand. 

31. The Lost City, Petra, Jordan

Movie fans will recognize the Lost City from Indiana Jones and the Las Crusade. In the Harrison Ford starring archeological action flick, Indiana Jones discovers the Cup of Christ is hidden in the ancient city. In the real world, the Lost City was once home to the Nabataean people. A giant city carved into a sheer cliff face, the Lost City is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. 

Access to the City is through a narrow corridor in the mountains just outside of Jordan. It was once a major trading center in the Middle East dating back to 312 BC. The Nabataeans were eventually conquered by the Romans and the decline of the city began, and it was eventually abandoned around 700 AD.

Incredibly archeologists have only scratched the surface when it comes to discovering the city, with archaeologist Zeidoun Al-Muheisen of Jordan’s Yarmouk University telling National Geographic, “We have uncovered just 15% of the city. The vast majority – 85% – is still underground and untouched.”

32. The Korean Demilitarised Zone, North and South Korea

The Korean Demilitarized Zone is the border between North and South Korea. With both countries in the news so much over the past few decades (especially North Korea), this area has become a hot tourist destination. You might think a border is pretty boring, but when you consider the history it represents between the two countries it divides, it’s quite the experience visiting the zone. 

The buffer between the two countries is around two miles and you will need a tour guide if you want to visit. There are many restrictions and rules that must be followed when visiting the DMZ, but it will certainly be worth it. Not only will you learn a great deal more about the violent history between these two nations, but standing in no man’s land between two countries that dislike each other is quite surreal. 

33. Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England

Nobody is quite sure what Stonehenge represents. Consisting of two circular structures – one inner and one outer – made from large stones, it has been connected to everything from Pagan rituals to the legend of King Arthur. Dating back to around 3000 BC – 2000 BC, Stonehenge is one of the UK’s great attractions. 

Owned by the Crown, Stonehenge is unsurprisingly a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts tens of thousands of people a year. It has often been referenced in pop culture, from movies to music, with This Is Spinal Tap being one of the funniest movies to feature the ancient stone construction. 

34. Ha Long Bay, Ha Long, Vietnam

Vietnam is a beautiful country, and there is no better way to spend your time there than visiting Ha Long Bay. Covering an area of 600 square miles, there are hundreds of small islands scattered throughout the bay. Of the roughly 2,000 islands, only about 40 are inhabited by people. Fishing and tourism are the two main sources of income for those who live their lives in this tropical paradise, with Ha Long Bay now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

35. Blue Domes of Oia, Santorini, Greece

You haven’t been to Greece unless you post a picture of yourself with the Blue Domes of Oia in the background. Santorini has more than 200 churches and cathedrals scattered across the famous island, but none are as popular as the Blue Dome churches of Oia. Built close to each other on a cliff, these remarkable buildings offer breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea as well as fantastic photo ops for those looking to capture their next Instagram shot.

There are two churches with blue domes in Oia that everyone visits and you’ll recognize them from postcards. They are the churches of Agios Spiridonas (Saint Spyridon) and Anastaseos (the Church of the Resurrection). Once you’ve got your tourist shot, be sure to wander around Oia and visit some of the other churches that might not be as impressive outside but are incredible on the inside. 

36. Big Ben, London, UK

When people mention London, some of the first things that come to mind are the Queen (now the King), cups of milky tea, football, cockney accents, and the Great Bell, otherwise known as Big Ben. Part of the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben is a 316-foot clocktower with four faces that is a great help telling the time if you’re not wearing a watch or don’t have a phone on you. 

It’s recently undergone renovations that took four years to complete, in which time much of the clock was covered by scaffolding and tarpaulins. It is now once again free from any coverings, with the updated clockface visible for all to see. 

37. Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

Honoring those who died during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, the Arc de Triomphe is another Paris monument visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year. Located at one end of the Champs-Élysées in the middle of a crazy roundabout with 12 different exits, it’s another iconic place that is worthy of visiting. 

The names of all the French victories and Generals are inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe and the Tomb of the Unknown Solider resides below the structure. Visitors can go below the surface and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier while also climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and gazing out on the streets of Paris. 

Every year the Bastille Day parade beings at the Arc de Triomphe as a sign of recognition to those who laid the foundations for the city of Paris. It is meant to inspire Parisians and make them feel grateful for the free world they live in.