Do you remember the first time you saw that world-famous attraction that you’d been dreaming of seeing for years?
Sometimes high expectations can leave you feeling underwhelmed when you finally get to see a world wonder with your own eyes, but in the case of the true icons, they are somehow even more impressive, captivating, and profound than you imagined.
But which ones are worth the effort to go and see?
The Visited Travel App recently ranked the ‘wonders of the world’ according to data from its users, and the top 10 makes a pretty inspiring bucket list:
- 10. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
- 9. Leaning Tower Of Pisa, Italy
- 8. Versailles Palace, Paris
- 7. Big Ben, London
6. St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
Speaking from personal experience, even if you are not Catholic or even religious, St Peter’s Basilica is absolutely worth your time as a traveler.
Purely from an architectural standpoint, the sense of grandeur and historical significance is almost overwhelming.
For any trip inside, ensure you are respectful as it is a place of worship, and be ready for stringent security checks and potentially long lines if you go at a busy time.
Top tip: It’s best to avoid St Peter’s during major Catholic religious celebrations such as Easter or Christmas as you may find you can’t access all parts of it. Check online before you travel.
5. Empire State Building, New York
Is any trip to New York complete without taking in the city’s skyline from atop the Empire State Building?
Sure, it’s not the tallest building in the world anymore; it’s not even the tallest in the city, but there’s a reason why it was awarded the top U.S. attraction in Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards in both 2022 and 2023.
Top tip: Consider taking a trip to the observation deck at dusk to watch the sunset and then into the night where you’ll see the Big Apple light up and glow.
4. La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
Work to build this unique, Gaudi-inspired basilica first began back in 1882 and it is still ongoing to this very day – but don’t let that put you off, the Sagrada Familia is as unique as the Barcelona streets it occupies.
It’s not the cheapest way to do it (around $32), but a guided tour is a great choice to fully appreciate the intricacies of this amazing building and its story.
Top tip: Note that opening hours for the Sagrada Familia change throughout the year and it always opens later on Sundays – it is a place of worship after all.
3. Venice, Italy
One of Europe’s most iconic and romantic cities gets a place on this list all to itself, and it’s no wonder why.
Venice is like nowhere else on Earth and has an undeniable draw for travelers around the world thanks to its rich history and gorgeous canals.
Top tip: You may want to reconsider visiting this year due to overcrowding, new tourist taxes, and some resentment towards visitors by locals who are tired of tourism.
2. Colosseum, Rome
More than 4 million people a year visit this iconic Roman amphitheater, which is one of Italy’s most important attractions.
It’s almost 2,000 years old and covers an impressive area of around 6 acres – it’s a distinct and imposing shape on the Roman skyline.
Top tip: Consider whether you actually need to go inside the Colosseum to appreciate it. It gets very busy in the peak months and costs close to $20 to go inside, when in fact some of the best views of it are from outside.
1. Eiffel Tower, Paris
The number one rated world attraction is instantly recognizable to any traveler from anywhere in the world – the Eiffel Tower.
The centerpiece of Paris, this one of the world’s most visited sights and as such, it’s best to pre-book your tickets online for your visit if you want to go up and enjoy the amazing views over the city it offers.
Top tip: My personal view is that the Eiffel Tower is best viewed from below, preferably in a boutique café with a croissant and a strong coffee.
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