Travelers are always looking for inspiration to guide their adventures. Coming up with a list of places to visit can be challenging when you’re staring at a globe. What are the top tourist attractions in the world? The most iconic sites that all travelers have on their bucket-list of things to see around the globe?
Some destinations just stand out above the rest. Many are the type of places where you can take a photo, and it requires no explanation to identify the location: the Eiffel Tower or the Colosseum. But some places are less well known to new travelers or those who have not yet ventured out to the more exotic destinations. These can often be the most rewarding to visit.
For many of these attractions, it’s what they symbolize and the destinations they represent that make them so significant. In other cases, it is the site itself that makes it worth visiting the country.
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.
Head up the tower for spectacular views over the city, and don’t miss a chance to see the tower lit up at night.
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. Statue of Liberty, New York City
America is full of great sights and places to visit, but it’s the Statue of Liberty that represents the United States like no other place. This symbol of freedom in New York City was gifted by the French to the American people in 1896.
Of all the attractions in New York City, this is one every tourist must see. The best thing to do at the Statue of Liberty is to take a ride up to her crown and soak up the view over the city. Access to the statue is via ferry, also a highlight of a visit.
If you don’t have time for a tour, you can still see the statue without leaving Manhattan. Head to Battery Park for the best views. You can also see the Statue of Liberty on a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry. See our guide to touring New York City by water on the NYC Ferry System.
4. Corcovado and Cristo Redentor, Rio de Janeiro
Keeping a watchful eye over the citizens of Rio de Janeiro from his perch atop Corcovado mountain is the stunning statue of Cristo Redentor. This huge 30-meter-high statue with its arms wide open in a welcoming gesture has been one of Rio’s top tourist attractions since 1931.
The harbor of Rio de Janeiro is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. The views from the top of the 709-meter Corcovado look out over this beautiful sight, including Sugarloaf Mountain and the city perfectly poised for beautiful photographs. The best way to get to the top is a ride up through the forests of the Tijuca National Park on the 3.5-kilometer Corcovado Rack Railway.
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. Niagara Falls, Canada & USA
On the border between the United States and Canada, these great falls have been drawing explorers and travelers for centuries. Just over an hour from the city of Toronto, Niagara Falls is easy to get to, and the town is a fun place to spend a night or two.
Walk up to the edge of the falls, stroll along the paved walk lining the gorge for different views, or take a boat tour for a close-up look at the water pouring over the lip of the gorge above you. For a bird’s-eye view, head up the Skylon Tower to look out over the falls.
At night, see the falls lit in different colors. If you’re visiting in winter, watch the huge plume of mist rising into the sky above the falls.
Niagara Falls is easily reached from Toronto, Canada, or Buffalo, New York
8. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
A fun town with a Boho vibe, Ubud is high on the list of things to see and do in Bali. Located inland in a lush area, the town has a wide range of cultural and natural attractions. A must-see is the Sacred Monkey Forest, a dense site of towering trees, river gorges, historic temples, and of course, monkeys. Hundreds of monkeys live in this protected area and wander freely on the pathways providing non-stop entertainment.
Just out of town are the world-famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces. Descending from a ridge to the valley below, the terraces flow according to the landscape.
Ubud features prominently as a destination for shopping, many of Indonesia’s best artisans have shops here selling everything from Batik fabrics to ornate jewelry.
Ubud is also known as a place to work on your inner well-being, countless yoga studios and wellness retreats are located here.