30 Places to Start a Landmark-Themed Bucket List

Starting a bucket list from scratch can be overwhelming. Of course you want to see every monument in all the cities you can possibly visit. So where does a landmark-loving traveler begin? Fortunately, we've hand-picked the best places for you to begin your landmark-themed bucket list. Read on to discover why you should start checking flight prices to get to these natural, archeological and man-made sites around the world.

In Paris, France, the Arc de Triomphe, a monument Emperor Napoleon had commissioned in 1806, sits centrally at Place de l'Étoile, the famous spot where 12 different streets meet. It literally marks the the land commemorating "The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier," a memorial honoring the lost lives of soldiers in World War I. The historical value of the Arc is only one reason to add it to your bucket list. Once you climb to the top and get a glimpse at this side of Paris, you'll never want to leave.

There are too many great landmarks of the world that rest in Egypt—all the more reason to add the whole city to your bucket list as a "must-see" site. One of the standing landmarks that should be on this bucket list, in particular, is the Great Sphinx of Giza. This mysterious sculpture is one of the oldest known to mankind, estimated to have been built somewhere around 2613-2181 BCE, about the time Pharaoh Khafre (who it's guessed that the Sphinx was designed to resemble) would have had it erected. Fun fact: This fascinating human-headed lion was originally carved from one piece of limestone!

If you knew the work it took to get the enormous pieces if the Statue of Liberty from France, where it was constructed, to Liberty Island in New York City, where it stands now, you'd be quick to put it on your landmark-based bucket list. The view from the crown is spectacular, but if you don't do heights, stopping by the base and peering up at the draped and crowned beauty, or waving to Lady Liberty as you pass by on a ferry, counts as a visit.

This highly photographed landmark, the Sydney Opera House, is easy to recognize, being an iconic design and internationally famed symbol of Australia. Jørn Utzon won an architectural design contest in 1957 that made his rough drawing of the Opera House into reality. From a distance, the jutting angles and curved silhouette are to be marveled at, but it's necessary to see this structure face-to-façade to admire the intricate tile work and unexpected angles that can only be spotted on closer examination.

See erosion at its finest as you peer down the sides of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The reddened walls, waterfalls and wondrous wildlife that fill the canyon make it a standout landmark (and a timeless favorite) to include on our themed bucket list. You've got over 270 miles of canyon (length) to choose from, but if you're a family traveling with young children, you'll find the best options for all at the South Rim entrance.

In Karamura, Japan, the Great Buddha, a giant bronze statue, is one of the front-running landmarks to see in Asia. Created in 1252 and made to depict Amida-butsu (Amitabha Buddha), a history of typhoons, earthquakes and other natural occurrences have done major damage to the Buddha. Since then, priests have worked hard to repair and restore it as much as possible for spectators to view. There is also a temple restored with much love for worshippers, or curious visitors, to enter and be enchanted by.

Not only a "must-see" landmark for the presidential faces carved into it, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota is an iconic American site based off of the reasons these specific men were chosen. The sculptor who imagined Mount Rushmore, Gutzon Borglum, picked George Washington to represent the birth of the U.S., Thomas Jefferson to Symbolize the nation's growth, Theodore Roosevelt symbolizes the economic growth we are capable of achieving and Abraham Lincoln was chosen to signify the preservation of the country.

Definitely a lover's' landmark, the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, has an interesting history behind it. Designed as a mausoleum to honor his late wife, the palace-like structure was built by Shah Jahad in the mid-1600s as a memorial to his favorite spouse (he had more than one wife in his lifetime). Although there are gorgeous gardens and a guest house included as parts of the Taj Mahal, the main attraction, central to the entire landmark, is the white marble tomb, where eternal love rests in peace.

The two 29-story Al Bahr Towers, aka "Pineapple Towers," in Abu Dhabi are cool twin landmarks with a practically genius design. Because of the heat caused by the extreme sun in Abu Dhabi, these towers were made with moveable, umbrella-like panels that react to the position of the sun, blocking the strongest rays while taking in all the benefits of indirect sunlight. The design is of Islamic inspiration and represents the creativity, ingenuity and culture of the United Arab Emirates.

Image Courtesy of @spencerpa440 via Twenty20

America shared an intimate moment with the Berlin Wall in Germany when former President Ronald Reagan famously called for its removal in a 1987 speech. Much of the wall is destroyed and gone, but the remnants that still stand have been painted with touching murals, some of haunting scenes of what life was like on the wrong side of the wall. Add this partially standing landmark to your bucket list and be connected to people who were divided between 1961 until 1989 by one wall.

In Tanzania, not too far from Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro stands majestically high at over 19,000 feet high. It's the tallest mountain in Africa and has three volcanic cones, 2 that are extinct and one that's dormant. Visitors are able to climb the mountain, however this isn't a site for climbers who lack experience. For its vastness, millions of years worth of geological history and shrinking glaciers that make it so valuable to scientific research, Kilimanjaro scores big on our landmark-themed bucket list.

Isn't it funny how the best landmarks to visit are the ones considered to be ruins? Usually the story of how places like these got ruined in the first place is apiece of their claim to fame. In the case of Acropolis of Athens in Greece, an ancient town center estimated to have been built as early as mid-fifth century BCE. The greatest damage done to one of the most significant buildings in the settlement, the Parthenon, happened in 1687 when Venetians turned took it over. Now crumbling pieces of this ancient civilization waits for travelers from all over the globe to visit and cross it off their bucket lists.

This one should already be on your bucket list if you haven't already seen it up close. The Eiffel Tower, designed in 1889 by Gustave Eiffel, is legendary as a symbol of Paris, France. Only built to last for 20 years, the tower was put with surprising speed (2 years, 2 months and 5 days to be exact), and improved in design by Monsieur Eiffel so that it still stands to this day. Take a ride up on the tower to peer down on Paris, the one-of-a-kind city with monuments that are just as rare and special.

Like other landmarks on this list, the much of the history behind the Stonehenge monument in Wiltshire, England, is unknown. The mystery began somewhere around 5,000 years ago when the first of these eerie stones, all similar in shape and size, were erected. With other ancient monuments nearby, Stonehenge is clearly a central and significant link to the past, even if no one has figured out exactly how that may be—yet.

This Spanish, Barcelona-based landmark is so epic it began construction in 1882 and is still being built. Started by architect Francisco de Paula del Villar, but taken over and more prominently known as a work of Antoni Gaudi, the Sagrada Família is a basilica unlike any other architecture in the world. Gothic and art nouveau blend romantically here and it's hard to imagine what this grand-mark will look like once it's finally complete. The basilica is projected to be finished in 2026, the 100 anniversary of Gaudi's passing (you don't have to wait until then to add it to your bucket list).

Did you know that Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak at 12,388 feet tall, is an active volcano? It hasn't erupted since 1707, so don't worry. Climbing to the snow-capped top isn't an issue either. The volcanic mountain can be seen with adults and children of all ages making their ways up and down the sides during climbing season (July-September). If they can do it, you can at least add it to your bucket list and plan on doing it!

Stretching over 13,000 miles across northern China, the Great Wall is still everything its namesake promises. Although construction for the wall first began around 220 BCE as one of the ambitious construction projects taken on (originally started out as small, disconnected walls), much of the Wall as we see it today is from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Between the 14th and 17th centuries, the mini-walls were repaired, built onto and joined together, an effort well-worth adding to your bucket list.

It's okay to broadly include the Himalayas on your bucket list, but we recommend targeting Mount Everest, on the border of Nepal and China, more specifically. The tallest summit on Earth (above sea level) at over 29,000 feet high, Everest has become the peak of life achievements for some, and the unfortunate fate of others. With other options available to view Everest there's no need to put yourself in danger (only expert climbers with years of experience should even think of attempting the climb).

It doesn't matter if you're religious or not, the "Christ the Redeemer" statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is impressive enough in size and construction to add to your bucket list. Made of concrete and soapstone, the colossal statue's arms reach over 90 feet in length and, including it's pedestal, stands over 100 feet in height. Despite being struck by lightning more than once, restoration efforts have ensured this inspirational statue, standing with open arms to symbolize peace, holds up for a long time to come.

As the third largest hotel in the world, separated onto its own artificial island, Burj Al Arab is a landmark you definitely want to see in your lifetime. As the supposed "most luxurious hotel in the world," it's not going to be cheap to stay here. Fortunately, even if you aren't loaded with Burj money, a trip to Dubai will do, where you can view this sail-shaped building, a jaw-dropping addition to the city skyline.

Nothing will prepare you for the in-your-face ancient ruins of Rome, Italy. When you first arrive, more than likely you'll spot the centrally located Colosseum (it'll be hard to miss). Even by today's standards, the Colosseum was enormous. Constructed in 70 AD, in its hay day the amphitheater could seat over 50,000 people to watch gladiators combat. After four centuries of active use, it was neglected and began to crumble. Fortunately, more recent restoration and repair efforts keep it maintained enough for us to be able to put it on our landmark based bucket list and visit (eventually).

We assume that humans have never been more intelligent than we are today, but ancient Mayan and Itza people could've given us a run for our money. Their technology wasn't computerized but landmarks left behind, like "El Castillo" on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, prove that their in-depth knowledge of astronomy and math gave them key advantages. For instance, at "El Castillo," during 2 days each year (the spring and autumn equinoxes), a shadow appears in the exact place a serpent is carved to make it look like the snake is moving, until the shadow fades completely into the stone head. A must-see, for sure!

If you've ever looked at a picture of Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii, you've more than likely seen the Diamond Head Crater hanging out in the background. This inactive volcanic crater, over 300,000 years old, sits at the southern tip of Oahu, the most populated Hawaiian island, and grants those who hike to the top an unforgettable view of Paradise. The hike is lined with rails and ends with stairs, so all ages, from young to old, can be found matching up it's trail.

The well-known Big Ben Clock Tower in London, England, is a landmark that's synonymous with the city name – and a pretty reliable way to tell time. When it was first built in 1859, it was the largest clock in the world. Still known for using it's original mechanisms (although a backup motor is in place), Big Ben is still famous for its accuracy. One of the more conveniently located landmarks on our list, the clock tower sits right next to the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames and near the London Eye.

The ancient Incan landmark, Machu Picchu in Peru, is believed to have been the humongous estate of Emperor Pachacuti throughout the 1400s. This cultural center is made up of about 200 structures that contributed to astronomical, religious and agricultural growth of its time. What's most fascinating about this site is that instead of being totally made up of local people, human remains and artifacts found on-site prove that Machu Picchu was home to an array of people who migrated from different lands and improved their living conditions through diversity as one community.

Did you know that when construction started on Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa in 1173, the tilt this landmark is most famous for happened unintentionally? The ground it was set on was too soft on one side and the foundation sunk down with its weight. The tower kept on sinking into the 14th century, when it was completed. Only in modern history has the lean been corrected and stabilized, but at least now you know it won't fall on you while you're waiting to get in!

The island commune of Mont-Saint Michel in Normandy, France, worked as an effective defensive fort against British forces around the 8th century. Now the medieval isle, spiraled with historical buildings, old stone homes and topped off with a breathtaking monastery is a mesmerizing mark of land that attracts millions of bucket listers each year.

Just when you think you already knew about all that London has to offer, The Shard comes along. Try looking away from the captivating design of this 95-story skyscraper. It's tough. Not only is it the tallest building in the U.K., earning it approval to join other landmarks on our bucket list, the literal sharpened design is stimulating just from staring at the exterior. The Shard is a fairly new building, inaugurated in 2012 and encasing restaurants, hotels, apartments, retail stores and more, making it an example an inclusive design if the future.

Another mysterious landmark with partially unknown origins is St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia (officially known as Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat). It's known that Ivan the Terrible had the cathedral constructed in 1552 (completed in 1560), but besides that, most other news is urban legend. Originally the exterior of the cathedral was white with golden domes, but in 1860 was revamped to the more festive colors still painted on. A hidden staircase found in the walls during the 1970s leads visitors around this curious landmark that you should see at least once in person.

Still roaring between the borders of Canada and the United States, Niagara Falls is no less of a must-see landmark than it's ever been. Three smaller falls (Horseshoe Falls being the tallest drop at 188 feet) make up the gargantuan waterway. These falls have played a large part in American history, including being a border crossing area for slaves on the Underground Railroad. Formed during the last ice age, the Falls are stunning but also work as a powerful hydroelectric power source. No landmark themed bucket list would matter without including this timeless location.