20 Of The World’s Best Tourist Attractions That Will Amaze You
CindyHave you ever gone on vacation only to realize the place you're visiting is completely different from how it was described? There's a lot of debate about whether certain places are with the hype they receive, but some places definitely live up to their reputation. Here's a list of twenty tourist attractions that deserve all the hype they receive.
1. Mont Saint Michel
Situated between Brittany and Normandy, Mont Saint Michel is one of France's most stunning tourist destinations. The ancient, gothic-style Abbey is the main attraction, seated high on the island's mountain. Even from a distance, it's an absolutely impressive sight. However, with hundreds of stairs, few people make it to the top. The winding streets and quaint shops below the Abbey offer a unique and magical French experience that feels like going back to medieval France.
2. Machu Picchu
The ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu is nestled over 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains. Constructed in the early 1400s, it is a testament to the awe-inspiring architecture and engineering of the Incas. The intricate stonework of the Machu Picchu Stairs of Death and the Machu Picchu Sun Temple make a trip to Peru well worth it.
3. The Smithsonian
The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., is a treasure trove of knowledge and the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. With twenty-one museums housing hundreds of millions of objects and specimens and a National Zoo, it has something for everyone. Some of the most famous Smithsonian museums are The National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum.
4. The Alhambra
The Alhambra in Granada, Spain, is a popular tourist destination for its stunning architecture and rich history. This grand palace is an excellent example of Moorish architecture with its intricate tilework, lush gardens, and breathtaking views of Granada. Its beautiful mix of art and architecture is a truly awe-inspiring sight.
5. The Grand Teton
The Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is a nature-lover's paradise with over 310,000 acres of breathtaking nature. It's an excellent area for hiking, kayaking, or just taking in the view. The lush valleys, mountain meadows, lakes, and jagged peaks of the Teton Range make this one of the most picturesque attractions in the United States.
6. The Duomo
Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the early 1400s, The Duomo, or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, is the crowning jewel of Florence. Its iconic red brick dome is the largest in the world and was constructed without a supporting structure. Its architectural secrets are still unknown. If you visit the Duomo, you can enjoy climbing the 463 stairs to take in the views of Florence.
7. The Path of the Gods
For any hiking enthusiast, The Path of the Gods, known as Sentiero degli Dei in Italian, offers some of the most breathtaking coastal views in the world. This hiking trail runs along the Amalfi Coast in Italy, providing an incredible blend of Mediterranean nature and colorful coastal towns. The gorgeous seaside, lush vegetation, and charming villages make this hike an incredible experience.
8. Cliffs of Moher
If you're a fan of Harry Potter, you might recognize the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. It's one of Ireland's most famous natural attractions, with its stunning views that stretch for miles, the sheer drop over the Atlantic Ocean, and several species of birds and plants. This astonishing 700-foot cliff truly captures the raw power and wonder of nature.
9. Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the world's largest religious monument and a popular tourist attraction. This incredible temple complex is a true masterpiece of Khmer architecture, with its intricate carvings and towering spires. Seeing monks walking and praying at the temple creates a magical experience for visitors.
10. The Louvre
The Louvre in Paris is home to some of the most iconic artwork and centuries of rich history. Originally built as a fortress in 1190 and converted to a museum centuries later, this museum is the perfect tourist attraction for any art and history lover. Housing over 35,000 masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, it's easy to see why the Louvre is the most visited museum in the world.
11. The Catacombs of Paris
The burial site of over six million Parisians might not seem like an ideal tourist attraction, but visiting The Catacombs of Paris is an experience unlike any other. It offers a unique glimpse into the city's history as you walk through the dimly lit tunnels lined with bones.
12. La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is a testament to Antoni Gaudí's genius and vision. Construction began in 1882, and 1884 Antoni Gaudí became the chief architect. It is the world's most iconic basilica, which is actively under construction, and the second most-visited basilica in the world.
13. The Grand Canyon
Imagine visiting a place where 1.2 billion-year-old rocks are right next to 250 million-year-old rocks. Extending 277 miles, the Grand Canyon is an incredible tourist attraction and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Its immense size and beautiful layers of red rock create a beautiful and incredibly humbling landscape.
14. The Colosseum
The Colosseum in Rome is an amazing symbol of ancient Roman architecture and the vastness and grandeur of the ancient Roman Empire. The massive amphitheater, once the site of gladiatorial contests and games, is the most well-preserved amphitheater in the world.
15. The Vatican Museum
The Vatican Museum is home to over 20,000 works of art collected by the different popes over centuries. From the Sistine Chapel, with its breathtaking ceiling painted by Michaelangelo, to several museums and galleries spreading across nine miles, the Vatican Museum is a journey through art, culture, and religion.
16. St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is one of the world's largest and most beautiful churches. It was constructed over the grave of St. Peter, one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles. Its grand dome, designed in part by Michelangelo, dominates the Vatican skyline.
17. The Peace Memorial Museum
The Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima is a visually striking reminder of the devastating impact of nuclear war. The museum features personal artifacts and harrowing testimonies from survivors of the Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Visitors of this museum typically describe it as a profoundly moving experience.
18. Gyeongbokgung Palace
The Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, Korea, is a majestic and stunning tourist attraction. The grand palace was once the home of the royal family during the Joseon Dynasty and provides a glimpse into the country's history. The beautiful palace, pavilions, and tranquil gardens are a must-visit in Seoul.
19. Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal in India is one of the world's most beautiful and iconic buildings. This white marble mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife as a symbol of eternal love. The intricate carvings, stunning gardens, and reflective pool are unparalleled in beauty, especially at sunrise and sunset.
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Marianne Paluso
