A True World Traveler Can Find These Landmarks In Each City

Landmarks are important features for any national, regional, or civic identity. They are also strong draws for visitors, bringing in important tourist money and increasing national reputation abroad. In fact, some landmarks are so famous that they can come to outshine the city or even the country itself. Think of the Sydney Opera House or the Seattle Space Needle, then try and think of another attraction in the area. If you’re not from the city itself, you may know little else about it other than its most famous building or natural feature.

One sign of a true world traveler is knowing more than just the most famous landmarks. Each city has more to offer than its most well-known destinations. These great landmarks are tied intricately with the history and culture of each city, indivisible from the stories that surround them. This quiz is a test of how deep a traveler’s knowledge goes, beyond the easy-to-identify towers, arches, churches, temples, commercial centers, government buildings, and natural features that most often adorn the brochures, websites, and films that advertise the city. See which ones are most familiar and we’ll see how deep your knowledge goes!

Question 1

Yellowstone National Park

This 3.5 million square kilometer National Park is remote a far from any large cities, yet it still handles more than four million visitors a year. Its most famous attraction, Old Faithful, is simply too alluring to resist: the impressive geyser regularly spews water over a hundred feet in the air. As a result, the airport at Yellowstone’s nearest city handles many more visitors than its small population can muster. While little known for attractions other than the Park, it's worth a visit on its own.

Question 2

Machu Picchu

It’s high altitude history! These Inca ruins lie almost 8,000 feet above sea level, making them one of the highest major tourist attractions on earth. A short 80 kilometers from the nearest city, Machu Piccu was nonetheless extremely difficult until recent years. Now it handles an ever-increasing number of tourists ready to hike the UNESCO World Heritage site. How ancient Incans made the trip hundreds of years ago remains an object of fascination for many students of the mountain city.

Question 3

Burj Khalifa

This inspiring, shining skyscraper was the tallest building in the world when it was inaugurated in 2010. Towering over the city skyline, it took over five years and cost over a billion dollars to construct. Inspired by local architecture, this engineering marvel may be the most impressive modern landmark in the Arabian Peninsula. Its impressive, ultra-modern design has been featured in films from Fast and the Furious to Mission: Impossible. It seems unlikely to be surpassed any time in the future.

Question 4

La Sagrada Familia

It’s a Medieval construction project in the modern age. Work began on this incredible cathedral over a hundred years ago and continues to this day. Designed by renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, this is the centerpiece of the city’s revival that started in the late 19th century. Meant to invoke the feeling of nature, particularly the sea, the Sagrada Familia cathedral may be the most impressive church of the modern world. Tickets to see the inside sell out quickly, be sure to see get them ahead of time!

Question 5

Charles Bridge

Charles Bridge has survived countless conflicts to become one of central Europe’s most visited landmarks. Built over 500 years ago by king Charles IV, this Baroque masterpiece is one the most iconic symbols of the city. Interestingly, its most famous feature, the rows of over 30 statues that line the bridge on both sides, was added hundreds of years after its original construction. Today, the internet is littered with photos of tourists’ favourite statue on the bridge- there seems to be no clear winner!

Question 6

Duomo di Firenze

This 15th Century Renaissance wonder is considered architect Filippo Brunelleschi’s masterwork, and has come to define the skyline of this much-visited city. So complex was the construction of the dome that the exact method builders used was lost, only to be rediscovered in modern times. It took over a century to build, and almost two centuries if the addition of the façade in the 19th century is counted as well. Still a functioning church, it hosts countless tourists each year.

Question 7

Empire State Building

Arguably the most iconic skyscraper on earth, this 102-story building was completed in 1931 amid the worst parts of the Great Depression. It has since stood the test of time, and has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and is a must-have photo for any tourists visiting the city, who can see it from many of its neighbuorhoods, or boroughs as they are called locally. Many enjoy going to the observation deck on the top, despite the higher views accessible elsewhere.

Question 8

Eiffel Tower

Perhaps the most iconic landmark on earth, the Eiffel Tower was constructed for the World’s Fair of 1889- it was the entrance gate for the original fair. This monumental tribute to iron craftsmanship was very much a promotion for French engineering acumen, a fact not lost on many visitors. In fact, it was meant to be demolished after the fair, but was simply too alluring an attraction to tear down. Today it is the most visited paid monument in the world- almost 7 million people went to the top in 2015.

Question 9

Buckingham Palace

Get as close to royalty as you can at Buckingham Palace! The primary residence of the most prestigious family and administrative centre for the monarchy, this royal residence was last remodeled in the 1820s, and its architecture reflects the era wonderfully. Less visited than the city’s other famous landmarks, it nonetheless remains an important and enjoyable stop for any tourists, particularly fans of the Queen. It’s gotten more press then usual recently thanks to a spate or Royal weddings and births.

Question 10

Dom Luis I Bridge

This bridge was the longest bridge in the world when it opened to great fanfare in 1886. This impressive iron bridge was designed by Theophile Syrig, a student of Gustave Eiffel- which may explain its similar look to the iconic tower. It’s another great example of late 19th Century ironwork. While long since outshined by many longer bridges, it remains a central feature of the European city. Much of the bridge is closed to car traffic today, but it is an important thoroughfare for public transportation.

Question 11

Colosseum

We who are about to die, salute you! Probably the most famous event space in history, the Colosseum hosted countless live shows the likes of which the world has never seen since. From fighting animals to people to full-on naval battles in the middle of the city, the entertainment in this marble monstrosity has yet to be repeated in the 2,000 years since its construction. Its reputation, however, lives on. Historical note: gladiators probably didn’t begin battles with, “we who are about to die salute you.”

Question 12

St. Joseph’s Oratory

St. Joseph’s Oratory is a worthwhile visit for any fan of cathedrals or 20th Century design. This tribute to 20th century Catholic architecture was completed in the 1960’s, and its design represents the style of the age perfectly. While construction began much earlier, the building was swept up in the social movements of the time and redesigned to reflect the modern tastes of the growing urban population. An important landmark for any visitor to the city- and don’t worry, there aren’t that many stairs.

Question 13

Oriental Pearl Tower

Truly the pearl of Pudong, this broadcast tower was built in the 90’s for a city growing in international stature. This bulbous building remains the most recognizable landmark of the city’s industrial and commercial district despite having been overshadowed by much larger and more impressive structures in recent years. It’s still worth a trip to the top for an excellent view of the river and the historical Bund district, which features many buildings constructed in the booming 19th Century. Take a ferry across the river or try the underground tunnel.

Question 14

CN Tower

This building stood as the world’s tallest building for decades, and remains one of the world’s tallest freestanding towers. Completed in 1972, the CN Tower was the tallest building in the world for over 30 years before finally being officially dethroned by the Burj Khalifa. Funded by the Canadian National (CN) Railway, this tower gave its city a recognizable skyline. Now attracting over 2 million visitors a year, it remains a consistent tourist attraction for the city. The view from the top is simply unbeatable.

Question 15

Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill is one of the more relaxing and casual seats of government, with gentle, rolling grass hills and a peaceful statuary overlooking the river. While construction of this seat of government began as early as 1869, with the declaration of an independent government, this capitol building took on its modern form as recently as 1927. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s a great stop for tourists, who often enjoy a picnic lunch out front of the building before moving on to further attractions.

Question 16

Griffith Observatory

Odds are, you’ve seen a move or TV show filmed right here, but probably haven’t seen the filming location itself. While more people may be familiar with the surrounding area than the building itself, the Griffith Observatory has been the site of countless film and television appearances. It’s also a great location to film the city itself. Most visitors, in fact, are more interested in the view than the many scientific and astronomy exhibits contained inside. On a clear day, you can see the entire city.

Question 17

Terracotta Army

It’s shocking that this massive archaeological treasure was only discovered in 1972. A few miles outside the city, the Terracotta Army lay buried for centuries after the death of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first great Emperor. Only one small part of a much larger funerary structure, the terracotta warriors contains almost 10,000 handcrafted figures, all dedicated to the afterlife of one man. In fact, the entire necropolis spreads over several kilometers surrounding the city, and more is being unearthed everyday. A rumoured greater mausoleum, with a sea of mercury, is yet to be found.

Question 18

Taj Mahal

Probably India’s most iconic building, the Taj Mahal was completed in the mid 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. A tomb for the empress, who was of Persian origin, it’s a marvel of Muslim and Hindu architecture combined during one of India’s golden ages. Attracting over 7 million tourists a year, it’s one of the world’s most visited, and certainly most recognizable, landmarks. Parts have closed recently due to damage caused by so many tourists, but restoration efforts are underway.

Question 19

Cristo Redentor

Cristo Redentor, or Christ the Redeemer, is one of the world’s more modern landmarks, this masterpiece of art deco expression in a Catholic country was completed in 1931. A truly iconic symbol of South America, well-known for its outstretched arms, it is almost as wide as it is tall. Visible from much of the city, and more importantly, the beach, it sits atop a tall cliff that is a must-see for many tourists. It’s also a favourite monument to destroy in many disaster movies.

Question 20

Hagia Sophia

Perhaps no major landmark has witnessed as much turmoil as the Hagia Sophia. It witnessed countless wars, rulers, and empires during its almost 2,000-year history. This impressive structure was both a church and a mosque before being converted into a museum in the early 20th century. Its architectural style, most visible in its pronounced domes, is said to have changed the course of architecture forever, inspiring many buildings now well-known in the Italian renaissance, Russian expansion, and Arab golden age.

Question 21

Hermitage

Hermitage is one of the largest museums with one of the most extensive collections in the world- the pride of the city. Despite being open to the public since 1832, little of this museum’s collection is on permanent display. Still, it boasts one of the largest painting and coin collections in the world. Founded in the mid-18th century by Catherine the Great, it was a symbol of a once-peripheral nation that had achieved a cosmopolitan status. It celebrates its anniversary on December 7th.

Question 22

Jemaa el Fnaa

Established over 1,000 years ago, this massive market square was one of the first UNESCO Oral and Intangible Human History Masterpieces. In other words, the physical construction and natural surroundings of the market square may be unimpressive, but the constantly changing retinue of hawkers, dancers, singers, snake charmers and soothsayers means that Jemaa el Fnaa changes every night. Famously a great place to get pickpocketed, visitors to the medina should be on alert as much for thieves as they should great deals.

Question 23

Victoria Harbour

One of the largest harbors and busiest ports in the world, Victoria Harbor has been expanded and reclaimed for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Much of its expansion has been recent, particularly under British rule, and once included an airport. The area around Victoria Harbour is renowned as a shopping heaven, attracting tourists from the mainland and around the world alike. While the metro has several ways to cross the harbor underwater, many visitors still prefer to take the historic Star Ferry.

Question 24

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is one of the largest, and probably the most well-known, Taoist buildings on earth. This impressive wooden structure was built in the early 15th century during a nationalist revival following the expulsion of Mongol invaders. Every year, Ming and Qing emperors would lead a procession to the temple to ensure a good harvest. It was secularized in 1918 and is now open to the public as a tourist attraction. The surrounding park is often enjoyed by locals looking to exercise or just take a break.

Question 25

Spanish Steps

Perhaps one of the less impressive landmarks in a city with an impressive number of landmarks, the Spanish Steps became internationally renowned in 1953 thanks to Audrey Hepburn. Designed by Italian architects and paid for by French money, the steps are so-named because they lie in the Spanish square. Having undergone a recent renovation, they are now able to handle the incredible number of tourists who pose for photos on various steps. The surrounding square is now filled with famous brands like Cartier and Louis Vitton.

Question 26

Petronas Towers

Don’t mistake this engineering marvel for a Harry Potter spell! This twin tower masterpiece made international headlines when it was consecrated the tallest building in the world in 1998, a title it retained for 6 years (the Petronas Towers remain the tallest twin towers in the world). Their design mimics that of local architecture, updated for the new Millennium. Designed by an Argentinian architect, their construction marked a new era of Asian involvement in global affairs and helped boost business for the entire Pacific Rim.

Question 27

Great Pyramid Complex

The Great Pyramid is one of the few surviving Ancient Wonders of the World and remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. When it was constructed thousands of years ago, the complex stood some distance from the capitol, but today the expansion of the city- now one of the most populated cities on earth- means the ancient monument has been almost entirely swallowed by suburbs. While the many tombs contained within are said to be protected by magic, archaeologists continue to excavate the site today, apparently unafraid of any curse.

Question 28

Brandenburg Gate

Northern Europe is not as well-known for massive monuments as southern and western Europe, but the Brandenburg Gate and surrounding environs are an exception. This Neoclassical monument was fashioned after the Propylaea, one of the grand entrances to the Greek Parthenon itself. A symbol of national unity and peace, the gate is notably devoid of the bellicose iconography often associated with the Arc de Triomph of other great cities. It served as a site of the reunification ceremony after the end of the Cold War.

Question 29

Parthenon

The Parthenon was one of the most well-preserved Classical structures, at least until an accidental ammunition explosion destroyed much of the building in the 17th century. As a symbol of early democracy and Western civilization in general, this may be one of the most reproduced landmarks on earth. Originally constructed in the 5th century BC, it quickly became a centre of urban life and public affairs- despite its official status as a temple of worship. Today it is the most visited monument in the country and is undergoing near-constant restoration.

Question 30

Alhambra Palace

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered a jewel of early Muslim architecture and stood as the great fortress of Arab and North African presence in Al-Andalus for over 500 years. Its design and architecture remain unique symbols of a newly discovered Muslim identity in foreign lands, and, despite years of neglect following its capitulation in the 15th century, it remains an important historical and architectural masterpiece. Its gardens include many rare flora imported from the Arabian Peninsula, which, despite years of neglect, still fascinate horticulturists today.

Question 31

Grand Place

Grand Place is one of the largest squares in western Europe and a great destination for shopping, eating, or just people watching. Established in the 10th century, Grand Place was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site almost exactly 1,000 years later. The commercial and governmental centre of the city, it quickly became the centre of national life after the country was officially recognized in 1839. For a city with few memorable monuments (despite its vaunted place in modern European affairs), Grand Place is one attraction tourists can’t avoid.

Question 32

Schönbrunn Palace

Built over the 16th and 17th centuries, this impressive imperial complex is one of the most important examples of central European Baroque architecture. Its 1,441 rooms and sprawling gardens contain a lifetime’s worth of history to explore. It was the seat of power of the imperial family for centuries before being occupied by Allied forces after World War II and was finally turned over to the newly formed post-war government. Today it is the nation’s most visited tourist attraction, with countless activities including live Mozart concerts and film showings.

Question 33

Forbidden City

It’s unlikely you could ever explore all of the Forbidden City, even after large parts of it were destroyed. Perhaps the most recognizable landmarks of the great capitol, this sprawling palace complex was, for many years, the largest residence in the world, containing the largest square in the world. Despite destruction by several fires, invading forces, and regressive Emperors, it has stood the test of time and remains one of the most curious landmarks to explore in the world. Surrounding monuments and gardens make it more than a day trip for tourists.

Question 34

Kamari Beach

Kamari Beach is one of the original beach destinations for western and northern European tourists, enjoyed as a vacation spot as early as the last century, before beach vacations were common. For a nation more visited for its ancient monuments and ruins, this landmark stands out as a draw for less academically-minded visitors. Its volcanic black sands are as photographed as its blue-domed residences, which are meticulously maintained as much for the sake of visitors as for the actual residents of the island.

Question 35

Potala Palace

Potala Palace is the highest elevation major landmark on earth. This magnificent palace was constructed in the mid-17th century and remained the seat of government until the 1950’s. A combination residence, temple, administrative and military centre, the Potala Palace was the centre of civic and religious life. Built on top of the former red and white palaces, its unique color scheme is emblematic of the city and the people over which it dominates. After some recent restoration, it now handles many tourists.

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