The best tourist attractions in the world: 12 ideas for travel
Top 12 tourist attractions in the world
When deciding to go on a trip, it can be difficult to choose where to go. Our planet is so diverse and multifaceted that the list of places to visit is probably endless. Even an avid traveler can find it hard to know which destination to choose, what emotions to go for and what atmosphere to experience. What to say about the newcomer, whose eyes are scattered at the sight of these endless options.
Some attractions are so important and famous that visiting them seems like a matter of course. Other tourist destinations may not immediately spring to mind, but that does not make them any less memorable or interesting.
Start with our ranking of the best sights in the world to spend your vacation on. It will help you make your own list of places every traveler should visit.
1. Eiffel Tower, France
It is one of the iconic man-made structures that is visited by several million people each year. The Eiffel Tower is probably the first place with which one associates a trip to France. The symbol of Paris attracts romantics, artists and tourists from all over the world. Nicknamed the "Iron Lady" because of its airy construction, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most photographed structures in the world.
Tourists can climb the tower by steps or use the elevator, admire the architecture of the city from a bird's eye view and relax on the terrace, have lunch in cafes or restaurants, visit the office of Gustave Eiffel on the upper level or admire the night view of the tower with golden illumination, and of course - take magic photos on its background.
2. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
To understand the significance of this site, it is worth remembering that tourists have been coming here for thousands of years. The Pyramids, as well as the nearby Sphinx, have given rise to so many mysterious legends and myths that the flow of those who want to touch their history even more than 4,500 years after their creation has not subsided.
The only surviving miracle of the world embodies the technical achievements of ancient civilization and demonstrates how strong was the will of the pharaohs, who were able to subdue so many people to build such colossal structures. The pyramids are located not far from Cairo. They are easily accessible by local transportation, and there are many different tours with half-day and full-day excursions, as well as walks around on camels.
3. Colosseum, Italy
Like the Eiffel Tower for Paris, the Colosseum is an icon for Rome. It is one of the world's major historical landmarks, consistently on travelers' wish lists for generations, and is the largest monument since Roman times. The amphitheater of Flafius, whose construction began as early as 72 B.C., still serves as a model for the construction of modern arenas.
To see the place where gladiators fought, the aviaries where lions were kept, the panorama from the upper tiers, the underground tunnels - for such a rich and bright recreation is enough even for a weekend trip, because the Colosseum is located in the center of Rome with direct flights from all over the world. But popularity breeds crowds, so if you do not want to stand in line to visit, you can book a tour in advance, and in the case of guided tours, visit the areas closed to the general public.
4. Statue of Liberty, USA
The Statue of Liberty has become not only the country's calling card as a tourist destination, but also a global symbol of freedom. One of the most iconic places, a must on the list of the world's best sights, and one of the largest statues was a gift from France to the United States in 1896.
A good view of the statue is from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan. But the best way to appreciate the monument is on a short ferry ride to Liberty Island. Tourists can climb the pedestal, view the inside of the statue, or admire views of the New York Bay. The crown is also open for visits, but you should worry about a ticket there several months in advance. During the tour of the Statue of Liberty, you can also visit the Museum of Immigration and Ellis Island.
5. Mount Fuji, Japan
This natural tourist attraction is a symbol of Japan and a spiritual center. Mount Fuji rises 3,776 meters and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with two other of the three Holy Mountains.
Fuji is actually a dormant volcano covered with a white snow cap, located a hundred kilometers east of Tokyo. It is Japan's tallest mountain, with about 300,000 people traveling to the top each year on four trails. There are many different sightseeing tours on Fuji - with visits to lookouts at different heights, hot springs, cable cars, lakes, and hiking up the mountain. If you find the time to get to the top before sunrise, you'll remember it for the rest of your life.
6. Stonehenge, UK
Rating of popular attractions in the world is impossible to imagine without the structure, which for hundreds of years has been haunting historians, scientists and lovers of mysteries. And even the huge number of tourists visiting Stonehenge cannot diminish the mysticism and mystery inherent in this place.
The megaliths of Stonehenge have towered over Salisbury Plain for over 4,500 years. The giant stones, some recumbent, others still standing, create two roughly circular patterns oriented around the summer and winter solstice. These periods are the best times to visit the site. In addition to these, it's also worth spending time at the Stonehenge Visitor Center to learn more about the history and artifacts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
7. Taj Mahal, India
India's most famous landmark, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum mosque built by order of the Padishah of the Mughal Empire, Shah Jahan, in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. This masterpiece of architectural art has become a famous declaration of love, and its appearance resembles a luxurious palace from Arabian fairy tales.
The mausoleum is mostly built of white marble, decorated with multiple floral patterns and instructed with precious and semi-precious stones. The beautiful gardens around and the pools reflecting the surrounding splendor make a fantastic place for a memorable photograph. Try to visit the Taj Mahal at dawn or dusk, when the snow-white building changes color because of the play of light.
8. The Great Wall of China
According to a popular Chinese proverb, no one can consider himself a hero if he has not been to the Great Wall of China. It could also be said that no one can call himself a keen traveler if he has not visited this iconic landmark. The structure is more than 21 kilometers long and contrasts vividly with the image of the modern state with its tallest skyscrapers and advanced technology.
The monumental structure, also known as the "Long Wall," was built between the 14th and 17th centuries, rises 6-8 and sometimes up to 16 meters and in some places is wide enough to pass 10 people. A walk along the wall will surprise you with a view of its unusual structure with watchtowers and surrounding scenery. Several restored sections of the wall are open to tourists.
9. Machu Picchu, Peru
The mysterious Inca city of Machu Picchu plunges travelers headlong into the atmosphere of the old Indiana Jones adventure films. Even destroyed by time, this city is impressive in its scale and the very ability of an ancient civilization to create such a structure high in the jungle-covered mountains. The Inca citadel is one of South America's top attractions.
The road to Machu Picchu will be a separate point of your trip. You can get here by train, admiring the scenery of the mountains on the way, then by bus, or you can take a hiking route along the Inca Trail (for the hardy travelers). The number of visitors to the park per day is limited, so it's best to buy your tickets in advance. Despite the rather difficult climb, this ancient city has rightfully earned its place in the list of the "new Seven Wonders of the World."
10. Niagara Falls, USA and Canada
An amazing construction of nature, the Niagara River Falls Complex is located on the border of the United States and Canada and attracts travelers from all over the world with its beautiful scenery and good infrastructure. It is far from being the highest, but it is certainly one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, showcasing the beauty and indestructible power of nature.
Here you can walk along the cobblestone paths along the gorge, take a boat ride and look closer at the water pouring from the precipice, admire the waterfall at night, when it is illuminated with different colors. You can also climb the Skylon Tower for a panoramic view or even view the falls from a helicopter. There are many hotels nearby, so these places are popular for family vacations or romantic weekends.
11. Grand Canyon, USA
A majestic natural landmark and one of the key attractions for the United States should definitely be on your list of places to visit. Standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon feels like standing on the edge of the world. It is never the same throughout the day and looks different at different times of the year. It makes you want to come back, and one visit probably won't be enough.
Picturesque hiking trails run from the edges of the canyon to the Colorado River. Hiking trails range from simple hikes with observation points to more challenging hikes with a descent into the canyon. Either way, the unique scenery, carved out of the rocks, will be a memorable experience. Visitors can also take mule rides, go guided trips to waterfalls, or go white water rafting on the Colorado River.
12. Chateau Versailles, France
The grandeur and beauty created by human hands are combined in the incredible ensemble of the Palace of Versailles. The castle, built in the 17th century, and its grounds are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and should definitely be on your wish list if you are planning a trip to France.
The former residence of French kings, Château Versailles has 2,300 rooms that rival each other in luxury and decoration. Here are the best pieces of French interior design, such as the Hall of Mirrors and the Royal Apartment. The gardens around the château with geometric paths, hedges and swimming pools deserve special attention.
