10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the World:
Mother Earth, along with humanity, has co-created some of the most spectacular places on this planet. From sprawling cities to spectacular national parks, it is hard to keep your bucket list stagnant. Keeping in mind iconic attractions, culture, food, and ease of travel, these are the best places in the world to visit!
10. Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge is one of those places that makes you ponder what went on here over 4,500 years ago. It's long been a mystery to historians and has captured the imagination of countless visitors. Despite the large number of tourists that descend on Stonehenge, the place still has a mystical feel.
9. Niagara Falls, Canada & USA
At the site, giant stones, some standing, some fallen, are set in two roughly circular patterns that are oriented to highlight the summer and winter solstices. For a truly memorable experience, plan your visit during one of these times.
These great falls have been drawing explorers and travelers on the border between the United States and Canada 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.
8. Great Wall of China
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.
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. 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, 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. The Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is the one sight in India that all travelers need to see. The country is filled with incredible cities and fabulous places to visit, but the 17th-century Taj Mahal is the one place that says you've been to India.
This mausoleum, commissioned by Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, is known internationally as a symbol of love. This fantastic structure, made with inlaid precious and semi-precious stones, must be visited to be fully appreciated.
Its riverfront setting, surrounding gardens, and reflecting pools are also what make the Taj Mahal so special.
5. The Acropolis, Athens
Perched above present-day Athens, the Acropolis draws you up and in. Follow in the footsteps of ancients as you walk up the same steps that have been walked on since 438 BC - 2,500 years.
Views out over the city are incredible as you walk between the meticulously restored ancient buildings. Near the end of the day, you'll want to linger and watch the sunset from the stairs near the entrance. This is a nightly ritual in Athens.
4. Machu Picchu, Peru
If you plan to see only one attraction in South America, this is the place to come. The ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu is arguably the most impressive ruined city in the world.
Much of the attraction comes from its location, high in the jungle-clad mountains of Peru. Set on a high plateau with soaring green mountains, the setting is surreal. The sheer tenacity of the original builders to create this amazing place in what would have been an impenetrable jungle is, in itself, impressive.
Visitor numbers are now limited to a maximum per day, so the experience has been greatly enhanced.
3. Statue of Liberty, New York City
America is full of great sights and places to visit, but the Statue of Liberty represents the United States like no other place. The French gifted this symbol of freedom in New York City 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.
The site is also impressive looking up at it from the city below. Spend an evening dining on a rooftop patio to soak in the view of the hilltop ruins lit up at night.
2. 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.
1. The Colosseum, Rome
The most famous and largest structure still standing from the Roman Empire, the Colosseum, is modern-day Rome's biggest attractionn a bucket-list destination for 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 worldwide 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 plan a trip to other areas of Italy if time allows.
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