The Most Famous Places, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the places you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 4, 2024 06:15

Deciding where to visit can often feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of outstanding destinations. By collecting opinions on the most renowned sites, it becomes easier to prioritize what might appeal most to individual preferences. This process aids in distilling a diverse array of experiences into a digestible list, helping potential visitors to make informed decisions. Each vote cast on this site contributes to a more refined and community-driven ranking, reflecting real-time public sentiment and interest. As more people participate in the voting, the accuracy and value of the list improve, offering a dynamic guide that evolves with trends and collective tastes. This ongoing engagement ensures that the list remains relevant and useful for anyone planning their next adventure.

What Are the Most Famous Places?

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60
votes
Benh LIEU SONG · CC BY-SA 3.0

Eiffel Tower

Gustave Eiffel

Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris, France that has become an iconic symbol of the city and is known for its stunning views of the city from the top.
The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark located in Paris, France. It is a wrought-iron lattice tower and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. The tower has become an enduring symbol of France's romantic and artistic culture.

Height: 330 meters (1,083 feet)

Weight: 7,300 tons

Construction Period: 1887-1889

Architecture Style: Structural Art Nouveau

Number of Visitors per Year: Approximately 7 million
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49
votes
Great Wall of China

Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications built along the northern borders of China to protect against invasions. It is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and attracts millions of tourists every year.
The Great Wall of China is a massive fortified structure that stretches thousands of miles across Northern China. It is considered one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and an extraordinary architectural achievement. The wall was initially built as a defense system to protect the Chinese empire from invading forces. Today, it stands as a symbol of China's rich history and its grandeur.

Length: Approximately 13,171 miles (21,196 kilometers)

Height: Varies from 15 to 30 feet (4.5 to 9 meters)

Width: Varies from 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.5 meters)

Material: Primarily stone, brick, tamped earth, and wood

Construction Period: Began in the 7th century BC and continued until the 17th century AD
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21
votes
Yann; edited by Jim Carter · CC BY-SA 4.0

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is a stunning mausoleum located in Agra, India, that was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Taj Mahal is a magnificent white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is considered one of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces in the world and represents the epitome of Mughal architecture. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it was completed in 1648.

Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

Architectural Style: Mughal

Materials: White marble, semi-precious stones

Construction Period: 1632-1648

Dimensions: Height: 73 meters (240 ft), Length: 58 meters (190 ft)
Taj Mahal in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular monument in India
4

8
votes
Elcobbola · Public domain

Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and democracy located in New York City, USA. It was a gift from France to the United States and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.
The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was a gift from the people of France to the United States and is an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy. The statue depicts a robed female figure representing Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, holding a torch in her right hand and a tablet inscribed with the date of the American Declaration of Independence in her left hand.

Location: Liberty Island, New York Harbor

Height: 305 feet (including pedestal)

Weight: 450,000 pounds

Material: Copper

Construction: Built in France, shipped to the United States in 350 individual pieces and assembled on site
Statue of Liberty in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful woman statue
5

8
votes
Martin St-Amant (S23678) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Machu Picchu

The Inca civilization

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city located in Peru that was built in the 15th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its stunning views of the Andes Mountains.
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is renowned for its remarkable architecture, stunning landscape, and historical significance. Built in the 15th century, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Location: Andes Mountains, Peru

Construction Period: 15th century AD

Architectural Style: Inca

Elevation: 2,430 meters (7,970 feet)

Type: Citadel
Machu Picchu in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful place in Peru
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular hill
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular seven wonders of the world
6

14
votes
Colosseum

Colosseum - an ancient amphitheater located in Rome, Italy, that was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and attracts millions of tourists every year.
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an ancient Roman amphitheater located in the center of Rome, Italy. It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. Construction began under Emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and was completed in AD 80 under his successor, Titus. The Colosseum was primarily used for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and mock naval battles, providing entertainment for the Roman population.

Type: Amphitheater

Location: Rome, Italy

Construction Period: 72 AD - 80 AD

Capacity: Estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators

Dimensions: Height: 48 meters, Length: 189 meters, Width: 156 meters
7

11
votes
Ricardo Liberato · CC BY-SA 2.0

Pyramids of Giza

Pyramids of Giza is a group of ancient Egyptian pyramids located near Cairo, Egypt. They were built as tombs for pharaohs and are one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.
The Pyramids of Giza are an ancient complex of monumental structures located on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt. These pyramids were built as tombs for the pharaohs during the Old Kingdom period of ancient Egypt. The complex consists of three main pyramids: the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren), and the Pyramid of Menkaure (Mycerinus).

Age: Built around 2,500 BC (over 4,500 years ago)

Height of the Great Pyramid: 146 meters (481 feet)

Base length of the Great Pyramid: 230 meters (756 feet)

Number of blocks used in the Great Pyramid: Approximately 2.3 million

Weight of each block used in the Great Pyramid: About 2.5 tons
8

1
votes
Jason Pratt · CC BY 2.0

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls located on the border of the USA and Canada that are known for their breathtaking beauty and power. They are one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America.
Niagara Falls is a natural phenomenon located in the Niagara River, which separates Canada (Ontario) and the United States (New York). It consists of three waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls (located in the US), and the Bridal Veil Falls (also located in the US). The Horseshoe Falls are the most famous and largest of the three, measuring 671 meters (2,200 feet) wide with a drop of 57 meters (188 feet).

Location: Niagara River, between Canada and the United States

Number of Falls: 3 (Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls)

Height: Horseshoe Falls: 57 meters (188 feet); American Falls: 21-30 meters (70-100 feet); Bridal Veil Falls: 55 meters (181 feet)

Width: Horseshoe Falls: 671 meters (2,200 feet); American Falls: 323 meters (1,060 feet); Bridal Veil Falls: 17 meters (56 feet)

Water Flow Rate: Horseshoe Falls: 2,271,247 liters (600,000 gallons) per second; American Falls: 104,000 liters (27,000 gallons) per second; Bridal Veil Falls: 567,811 liters (150,000 gallons) per second
Niagara Falls in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular landmark in Canada
9

5
votes
Petra

Petra - an ancient city carved into the rock located in Jordan. It was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate water management system.
Petra is an ancient city located in the southern part of Jordan. It is famous for its intricate rock-cut architecture and its rose-colored sandstone cliffs. The city was established as early as the 4th century BC and was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. It is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

Location: Southern Jordan

Architecture: Rock-cut

Material: Rose-colored sandstone

Established: 4th century BC

Capital: Nabatean Kingdom
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7
votes
Bjørn Christian Tørrissen · CC BY-SA 4.0

Angkor Wat

King Suryavarman II

Angkor Wat is a temple complex located in Cambodia that was built in the 12th century. It is the largest religious monument in the world and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
Angkor Wat is a massive temple complex located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It is considered the largest religious monument in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 12th century, Angkor Wat is an important symbol of Cambodia and its rich cultural heritage.

Size: 162.6 hectares (402 acres)

Architectural Style: Khmer Empire-style

Height of Central Tower: 65 meters (213 feet)

Length of Outer Gallery: 187 meters (614 feet)

Construction Period: Between the 12th and 13th centuries

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Ranking factors for famous places

Historical Significance

The place should have a rich history or be associated with an important historical event or figure.
Cultural Importance

The place should hold cultural value or represent the heritage and traditions of a particular community or country.
Architectural Marvel

The site should showcase incredible architectural design or engineering, illustrating human achievement in construction and design.
Natural Beauty

The place should possess exceptional natural beauty, showcasing awe-inspiring landscapes or unique ecological features.
Popularity and Interest

The site should attract a high number of tourists, demonstrating public interest and global recognition.
Accessibility and Amenities

The site should be easily accessible by public transport or major highways and have adequate facilities and amenities for tourists.
UNESCO World Heritage Status

Places that are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites are considered significant for their cultural or natural value and influence.
Media Coverage and References

The place should be well-known and frequently referenced in movies, books, TV shows, and other forms of media.
National and International Recognition

The site should be recognized and celebrated by local and global communities, as well as hold significance in national or international events.
Longevity and Preservation

The site should have been well-preserved over time for future generations to experience and appreciate.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous places. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Place is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2056 views
182 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Place once every 24 hours. The rank of each Place is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most famous places

When it comes to famous places, the world is filled with an abundance of awe-inspiring destinations. From natural wonders to man-made marvels, these places have captured the hearts and imaginations of people all over the globe. Some of the most famous places in the world include the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal in India, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, and the Grand Canyon in the United States. These iconic landmarks have become symbols of their respective countries and are visited by millions of people each year. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventurer, there's something for everyone on this list of the world's most famous places.