The Most Popular Landmark, Ranked

Choose the landmark you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 5, 2024 06:42
When planning a vacation or a day trip, one often faces the challenge of selecting which landmarks to visit, given the multitude of options. A ranked list of landmarks, curated based on public opinion, can provide insight and save time, ensuring that one experiences the most esteemed sites according to collective preferences. This dynamic ranking system allows you to participate by voting for your preferred landmarks. As votes accumulate, the rankings update to reflect current public favor. Your participation not only contributes to a more accurate and representative listing but also aids others in making well-informed decisions about where to travel next.

What Is the Most Popular Landmark?

  1. 1
    67
    votes
    One of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower attracts millions of visitors each year to its observation decks and restaurants.
    The Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark located in Paris, France. It is a wrought-iron lattice tower that stands tall at 324 meters (1,063 feet) and is situated on the Champ de Mars. The tower is an architectural marvel, renowned for its unique design and panoramic views of the city.
    • Year Built: 1889
    • Height: 324 meters (1,063 feet)
    • Location: Champ de Mars, Paris, France
    • Structure: Wrought-iron lattice tower
    • Construction Time: 2 years, 2 months, and 5 days
    Eiffel Tower - Paris, France in other rankings
  2. 2
    44
    votes
    Statue of Liberty - New York City, USA
    Elcobbola · Public domain

    Statue of Liberty - New York City, USA

    Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi
    An iconic symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-see for anyone visiting New York City.
    The Statue of Liberty is a colossal neoclassical sculpture located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It is a symbol of freedom and democracy, welcoming immigrants arriving in the United States. The statue is recognized worldwide as an iconic landmark of New York City and the United States.
    • Height: 305 feet (93 meters)
    • Weight: 450,000 pounds (204 metric tons)
    • Materials: Copper sheets (gilded with gold leaf) on a framework of steel
    • Year of Completion: 1884
    • Dedication: October 28, 1886
  3. 3
    31
    votes
    A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal is a stunning example of Mughal architecture and a monument to love.
    The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, combining Persian, Islamic, and Indian influences.
    • Location: Agra, India
    • Year of Construction: 1632-1653
    • Architectural Style: Mughal Architecture
    • Material: White Marble
    • Height: 73 meters (240 feet)
    Taj Mahal - Agra, India in other rankings
  4. 4
    13
    votes
    Great Wall of China - China
    Jacques-Nicolas Bellin · Public domain
    A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China is a marvel of engineering and one of the most visited attractions in China.
    The Great Wall of China is a world-renowned fortification located in northern China. It stretches approximately 13,171 miles (21,196 kilometers) from east to west, making it the longest man-made structure in the world. Built primarily to protect China from invasions, the wall dates back to different dynasties starting from as early as the 7th century BC.
    • Length: 13,171 miles
    • Historical Timeline: 7th century BC - 17th century AD
    • Construction Materials: Stone, brick, wood, and other materials
    • Width: 15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters)
    • Height: 16-26 feet (5-8 meters)
    Great Wall of China - China in other rankings
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, Machu Picchu is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient cultures and history.
    Machu Picchu is a breathtaking ancient Inca citadel located in the eastern Andes Mountains of Peru. It sits at an impressive elevation of 7,970 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level, providing awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. This architectural marvel is considered one of the most beautiful monuments in the world, with its intricate stonework and harmonious integration with the natural landscape. Machu Picchu showcases the exceptional architectural abilities and precision of the Inca civilization, depicting their advanced knowledge of construction and engineering.
    • Location: Eastern Andes Mountains of Peru
    • Elevation: 7,970 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level
    • Architectural Style: Inca
    • Construction Period: 15th century
    • Design: Stone structures, terraces, and plazas
    Machu Picchu - Peru in other rankings
  6. 6
    1
    votes
    One of the most recognizable buildings in the world, the Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cultural icon of Australia.
    The Sydney Opera House is a world-renowned multi-venue performing arts center located in Sydney, Australia. It is considered one of the most distinctive and iconic buildings of the 20th century, representing Australia's cultural identity and architectural excellence.
    • Location: Bennelong Point, Sydney, Australia
    • Construction Period: 1959-1973
    • Architectural Style: Expressionist Modernism
    • Architectural Features: Sail-like roof shells
    • Number of Performance Rooms: 4
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    The tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa is a marvel of modern architecture and engineering, and a popular tourist attraction.
    The Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the tallest man-made structure in the world, standing at a height of 828 meters (2,722 feet). The design of the building was inspired by Islamic architecture, particularly the spiraling minaret of a mosque. The construction of Burj Khalifa started in 2004 and was completed in 2010.
    • Height: 828 meters (2,722 feet)
    • Floors: 163
    • Elevator speed: Up to 10 meters per second (32 feet per second)
    • Observation decks: Two, located on the 124th and 148th floors
    • Total glass area: About 26,000 square meters (280,000 square feet)
  8. 8
    11
    votes
    Stonehenge - Wiltshire, England
    Stefan Kühn · CC BY-SA 3.0
    A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world, Stonehenge is a mystery that continues to fascinate visitors.
    Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England. It is composed of a ring of massive stones, standing upright and arranged in a circular pattern. The monument attracts millions of visitors each year and is considered one of the most iconic and mysterious landmarks in the world.
    • Age: Constructed between 3000 and 2000 BCE
    • Location: Wiltshire, England
    • Structure: Consists of large upright stones forming a circular pattern
    • Size: The largest stones are approximately 30 feet (9 meters) tall and weigh around 25 tons
    • Purpose: The true purpose of Stonehenge is still debated, but it is believed to have had religious, ceremonial, or astronomical significance
  9. 9
    7
    votes
    Petra - Jordan
    Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Petra - Jordan

    The Nabataeans
    A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world, Petra is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history and culture.
    Petra is an ancient city located in Jordan, known for its extraordinary architecture and stunning rock-cut monuments. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful and iconic landmarks in the world. Petra was established around the 6th century BC by the Nabataeans, an ancient Arab civilization, and was a major trading hub and capital city. The city is famously recognized for its intricate carvings and structures carved directly into the rose-colored sandstone cliffs.
    • Location: Jordan
    • Date of establishment: 6th century BC
    • Architectural style: Rock-cut
    • Material: Rose-colored sandstone
    • World Heritage Site status: Yes
    Petra - Jordan in other rankings
  10. 10
    3
    votes
    A towering statue of Jesus Christ, Christ the Redeemer is a symbol of Brazil and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
    Christ the Redeemer is a gigantic statue of Jesus Christ located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It stands atop the Corcovado mountain, overlooking the city and providing stunning panoramic views. The statue is an iconic symbol of both Rio de Janeiro and Brazil as a whole.
    • Height: The statue stands at approximately 30 meters (98 feet) tall, excluding its pedestal and the 8-meter (26-foot) base.
    • Armspan: The arms of the statue stretch out to a width of 28 meters (92 feet).
    • Material: The statue is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone.
    • Weight: Christ the Redeemer weighs around 635 metric tons (625 long tons; 700 short tons).
    • Construction: Construction of the statue began in 1922 and was completed in 1931.

Missing your favorite landmark?

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Ranking factors for popular landmark

  1. Cultural significance
    The landmark's historical and cultural impact, including its associations with important historical events, famous people, or distinctive cultural practices.
  2. Recognizability
    A popular landmark should be easily recognizable, whether it's through its iconic shape, design, or color.
  3. Visitor experience
    This includes factors such as the accessibility of the landmark, the quality of visitor facilities, and the availability of tours or interpretive information.
  4. Popularity and visitation
    The overall popularity of the landmark, including the number of visitors it receives each year, can indicate its significance to both locals and tourists.
  5. Historical and age value
    The age and historical background of the landmark can play a role in its popularity and significance.
  6. Cultural and educational aspects
    Does the landmark offer educational opportunities, such as exhibitions, workshops, or guided tours, that enrich the cultural understanding of visitors?
  7. UNESCO World Heritage status
    Landmarks that are designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO generally possess outstanding universal value and may be more significant than other landmarks.
  8. Contribution to local identity
    The landmark's importance to the identity of a city, region, or country should be considered. This could relate to its symbolism, cultural identity, or role in shaping the local landscape.
  9. Social media presence and media coverage
    Social media popularity and media coverage can contribute to a landmark's overall popularity and help to raise its international profile.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

  • 2316 views
  • 200 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most popular landmark

The world is full of breathtaking landmarks that captivate our imagination and inspire us with their grandeur. From ancient monuments to modern architectural marvels, these iconic structures have become symbols of human ingenuity and creativity. But with so many landmarks to choose from, which one is the most popular? At StrawPoll, we conducted a survey to find out which landmark is the most beloved among people around the world. The results were surprising, with several iconic structures vying for the top spot. From the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Great Wall of China, people had their favorites. But what makes a landmark popular? Is it its historical significance, its architectural brilliance, or simply its beauty? Our survey revealed that it's a combination of all these factors and more. People are drawn to landmarks that have a story to tell, a unique design, and a sense of cultural or national identity. So, what is the most popular landmark? You'll have to read on to find out! But one thing is for sure, the world is full of amazing landmarks that continue to capture our hearts and imaginations.

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