TripAdvisor has unveiled the top landmarks of 2016, as voted for by travellers. There are some world famous popular sites and some lesser known locations, all over the world. Let’s take a look:
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is an ancient city which is the highlight of a visitor’s trip to Peru. It can get very crowded there and the altitude can be startling, but the views make it worth it. TripAdvisor reviewers recommend hiring a tour guide to hear all about the history of this incredible piece of archaeology.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, Abu Dhabi
This mosque is made from crisp white marble and is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. It is one of the few mosques in Abu Dhabi to open itself to non-Muslim visitors. You must dress appropriately, but clothing can be provided free of charge.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
This temple was built a very long time ago, but it has remained one of the most exquisite temples in Asia. The most notable thing about it is that it faces the West; symbolically, this is the direction of death, which has led to historians speculating about the origins of the temple.
St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Italy
Rome is a city full of noteworthy churches, but none quite as magnificent as the St. Peter’s Basilica. After 120 years of construction, it was completed in 1620 and is the largest, grandest religious building in Italy. The inside contains many famous pieces of art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà dome.
Taj Mahal, India
Built out of love, this architectural feat is simply a must see, bucket-list hit. The Taj Mahal is actually one of three sites in Agra, India to have been granted UNESCO World Heritage status.
Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, Spain
Formally known as the Mezquita, this is one of the greatest Islamic sites in Europe. It has been extended three times, with one particular addition of note; a cathedral. This is why it is often described as a Mosque-cathedral.
Church of the Savior on Spilt Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia
This church is officially known as the Church of the Resurrection of Christ, but an assassination attempt on Tsar Alexander II in 1881 granted it the above nickname. A truly opulent display of Russian architecture, it took 24 years to build and went over budget by 1 million roubles.
The Alhambra, Granada, Spain
The Alhambra is an incredible fusion of a palace and a fort. It’s no surprise that for the majority of tourists in Granada, it is regarded as a must-see and as such, is crowded. 6000 visitors every day in the summer months cram into this love letter to Medieval Moorish culture.
Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Washington DC, USA
Gazing at the reflecting pool, this enormous tribute to Abraham Lincoln is the highlight of many visitors trips’ to Washington DC. You can read the inspiring words of the Gettysburg address next to the 19 foot statue. On the steps below, Martin Luther King delivered his famous ‘I have a dream’ speech.
Milan Cathedral, Italy
135 spires, 3400 statues and 600 years in the making: no wonder this Gothic cathedral is the centrepiece of extravagant Milan’s skyline. Purchase a ticket to marvel at the stained glass windows and the crypt.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA
You’ve probably seen it many times in films, but nothing compares to seeing it in real life. It is so large that the top of the bridge may occasionally disappear in the mist. You can also walk or cycle the length of the bridge (1.7 miles).
Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya) Turkey
Istanbul is filled with important monuments from Turkish history, but this one is of particular religious importance. It is currently being restored so that it will truly represent the Christians and Muslims side by side.
Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium
Visit this square day or night, and you will be taken in by its charm. Stop and get some traditional Belgian waffles or visit the Belgian beer museum.
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of France, particularly after last year’s horrific terrorist attacks, where it became synonymous as a pillar of strength. No matter how many times you have seen it, nothing compares to seeing it lit up in the flesh.
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France
Straight in at number 15 is another Parisian gem. If you’ve ever seen the Disney film, this cathedral brings it to life. Look up to the bells and you will expect to see Quasimodo cowering from his tormentors. Incredibly detailed, it takes your breath away every time.
Great Wall at Mutianyu, Beijing, China
Bring your hiking shoes and your camera. The views from this area of the wall are particularly stunning, as you see the wall surrounded by lush green countryside. It can be difficult to get to, so if visiting on a day trip, allow most of the day.
Acropolis, Athens, Greece
The Acropolis is considered to be the most important ancient site in the Western world. It was first inhabited in 3000-4000 BC, and today stands tall over the city. It’s particularly breathtaking at night, when it is illuminated.
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Take the train to go and visit this awe-inspiring statue. Just don’t forget to take a look at the views of the city below! It can often get very crowded and the clouds may impact your view of the Big Man himself, but worth a visit!
Big Ben, London, UK
We have our first UK based entry! Big Ben isn’t the clock itself, but actually the bell that rings on the hour-nicknamed after the man who designed it. Whenever you are in Central London, its difficult not to find yourself hearing the chimes.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
These ancient ruins symbolize the intelligence of the Mayans who designed and inhabited it. If you book a tour, at the end you can go for a cooling swim and sample lots of tequila, according to TripAdvisor reviewers!
Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), Bangkok, Thailand
No visit to Bangkok is complete without visiting this stunning temple. It features the famous Reclining Buddha. You must take off your shoes and socks to enter the temple.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The pinnacle of the Dubai skyline, this skyscraper is a true tribute to modern engineering. Head to the top for stunning views of Dubai, and grab a drink at the Skyline bar.
Australian War Memorial, Canberra, Australia
This museum, memorial and archive aims to help visitors understand the Australian experience of war. Each evening, there is a ceremony which is truly moving and a must-see for anyone interested in military history.
Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
Another classic ‘desktop background’ landmark, the Opera House is an impressive piece of architecture located on the harbour. Many recommend seeing it from the inside, as a tour inside can be ‘commercialised’.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kyoto, Japan
Described by travellers as ‘simply magical’, this shrine was built to honour Inari, God of Rice. The multiple gates make it seem never-ending and it’s recommended you go there early for postcard worthy photographs.
