We Asked Travel Buffs If They Recognized These Locations, And They Didn't. Who Does?
- by Rose Moore
- – on
- in Lifestyle
Any traveler knows that there are spots in the world that not many people know about - those little hidden gems that we try to keep to ourselves so that they don't get spoiled with tourists and too many people. However, these are few and far between, and the majority of people keep coming back to the same famous landmarks and destinations again and again. Whether those are world class beaches with the best surf and whitest sands, or historical landmarks made famous by their stories (and inevitably turned into full blown attractions with museums, plaques, and souvenir stands at every corner), these are the places that everyone goes to - or at least, that everyone wants to have seen at least once.
How much does everyone know about the top travel destinations in the world? Who is the kind of person that can name all of these thirty five places from just a picture and a brief description - whether they are bucket list items or lesser knows spots? Maybe you've even got your own photos in front of them and know what visiting is like... or maybe you can only name one or two, because your travel might take you to far flung lands but you hate spending time at crowded tourist spots that often look better on Instagram than they do in real life? Test your travel knowledge to find out if you are a landmark buff, or a secret location seeker...
What's the name of this distinctive building?
This famous building in LA was designed by Frank Gehry, and his signature style is evident in the sweeping curves and the stainless steel exterior. It is one of two homes for the LA Philharmonic, and while the shapes of the interior may be unusual, the wood clad inner concert hall is known for its incredible acoustics. Since its creation, the famous concert hall has been referenced in pop culture, including in an episode of The Simpsons, and has featured in many films.
Where is this watery city?
While most cities in the world are divided by stone streets or (at the very least) dirt roads, this is one of the few cities where the main thoroughfares are all water, and if you don't want to walk, it's boats and gondolas that will get your from A to B. The city is built on over a hundred islands, and is known for being a center of the arts and glass blowing - as well as being ranked one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Where is this red tower?
This is one of many towers in the world that has a similar shape (inspired by the Eiffel Tower), but this is particularly distinctive because of the reddish orange and white coloring (thanks to air safety regulations). In the midst of a packed metropolis, this is also more than a tourist attraction and observation tower, as it serves as a broadcast tower as well. For those who want to come visit, though, the building at the base features museums and restaurants under the tower's two observation decks.
What's this famous area of New York City?
New York City is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world, with people travelling from all over to see this incredible city - and not just for specific landmarks. While everyone wants to see the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, there are other areas of the city that are fantastic just to meander around. This is one of the busiest and most touristy, home to the famous electronic billboards and the broadway shows in theaters that surround the area.
What's the name of this monument to love?
Many famous monuments in the world are built for political and religious reasons - chapels, temples, landmarks to the founding of the country, that sort of thing. This famous building, however, is a testament to love - a mausoleum built to house the tomb of the Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of the Emperor Shah Jahan in the 1600s. Stunningly white, this stunning example of Mughal architecture includes gardens and a building complex as well as the famous white dome above the tomb itself.
What is this harbor landmark?
This waterfront concert hall was designed by architect Jorn Utzon, and opened to the public in the 1970s. The building is recognizable by the concrete 'shells' that make up the white roof, but it's so much more than just a single concert venue. It is actually a multi-level venue with performing artists putting on over 1500 shows in a year - and with recording studios, restaurants, cafes and bars in addition to the main venues. Some notable guests to the venue have included Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II.
Name this famous holy building
Italy is dotted with famous churches - unsurprisingly, given the religious history of the country! This, however, is one of the most famous, found in Vatican City itself. The Renaissance building is said to be the burial site of St Peter (one of Jesus's apostles), and it is also the burial site of many of the past Popes. One of only a handful of Major Basilicas in the world, it is a stunning piece of architecture - as well as of Christian history.
Name this geographical landmark
Known as one of the Pillars of Hercules, this massive rock has become a major tourist destination, with most people coming to see the tunnels within... or the nature reserve and the hundreds of monkeys that live on top of the rock. Despite being far from the UK, this is also a destination for those who love their British traditions - with everything from pub food and high teas to red phone boxes, thanks to being a long standing British Overseas Territory.
What's the name of this Moscow landmark?
It's not uncommon for cities to grow up around a central plaza, usually what would have been a market square in the early days of history. This is no different, as this cobbled space in the heart of Moscow was once a market, and is now the ultimate tourist destination. On one side of the square sits Lenin's Mausoleum, while the stunning St Basil's Cathedral sits on another, with it's riot of colorful and decorated domes and purely Russian architectural style.
What are these ancient monuments?
These massive ancient monuments have been listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and it's not hard to see why. The three stone structures (tombs, for the great kings of the past) were once gleaming white, although most of the original siding is now long eroded away by the harsh desert. The rest of the complex including the Sphinx, the massive statue that guards the complex, as well as the tomb of Tomb of Queen Khentkaus I.
Name this famous waterfall
Not all of the great tourist destinations of the world are man made - and there is something about a stunning waterfall that will strike awe into the heart of any visitor. These three famous falls straddle the US/Canada border, and are some of the most powerful waterfalls in North America. Travelers to the falls can take the famous Maid of the Mist out on the water to get as close as possible to the falls, although you can also choose to stay a little drier in the parks and observation decks nearby.
Where is this bronze statue?
This bronze statue was created by Edvard Eriksen, and is based on the fairy tale of The Little Mermaid. The statue was inspired by a ballet of the original Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale, and commissioned by Carl Jacobsen (whose family also gave us Carlsberg beer!). Now, she sits on a rock in the water, gazing out and searching for her human love... and attracting an incredible number of tourists who have come to see this small statue as an iconic landmark for the city.
What is this South American landmark?
This Incan citadel appears on almost every travel bucket list, and with good reason. Perched on the top of a mountain, the complex is the most famous icon of Incan civilization. The ruins of temples, baths and more dot the site, and while there are plenty of guides to show you around, the history of the site is still shrouded in mystery. More adventurous travelers can choose to forgo the bus up to the ruins, and instead take the Incan Trail, a four day trek into the mountains.
Which tower is named after a food?
This skyscraper in the City of London is one of the more recent landmarks that draws tourists each year, having been opened only in 2004. The building is known for its unique shape, rounded at every point and curving gently upwards to the peak at the top - which is also a bar, with unsurprisingly stunning views over the City. As well as the 40th floor bar, the 38th and 39th floors feature private dining rooms and a restaurant for tenants.
Name this big wheel
Another London landmark, this giant ferris wheel on the banks of the River Thames was built to celebrate the Millennium, and (unlike the Dome) has become one of the most popular attractions in London. From the pods that line the wheel, visitors can gaze out over the city, and when the half hour trip is over, London's SouthBank is the perfect place to continue to explore, with a stroll along the banks of the Thames and the opportunity to check out festivals and events.
Which Scottish lake is this?
The Highlands of Scotland are famous for their many lakes (or lochs, to use the local language), dotted among the rolling hills of the landscape. This famous loch is best known for the elusive 'monster' who is said to lurk beneath the calm waters, but there is more to see here should visitors fail to spot her. The ruins of Urquart Castle are some of the most picturesque in the area, and the village of Drumnadrochit has become an ideal tourist spot for anyone coming to the area.
Which famous street is this?
This famous central street is home to the most famous casinos in the world, in a desert city known for its gambling, shows and nightlife. Studded with massive hotels and casinos, it is home to such famous places as the Bellagio and Caesar's Palace, but the casinos aren't the only attractions here. World famous restaurants and bars dot the landscape, and in the daytime, each of the hotels boasts incredible pools for sunbathing and lounging (and recovering from the night before)!
Where is this market?
Travelers love to explore the bazaars and marketplaces of the world, with many of these being tourist destinations as well as the place where those who actually live in the area can buy anything from carpets to jewelry to spices. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest of this kind of market in the world, and has over 4000 shops - making it the forerunner to the modern shopping malls of the world. Which city is it in?
Where is this massive wall?
The longest wall in the world is another major bucket list destination - although the rumors that it is so enormous that it can be seen from space don't have any real truth to them (sorry). The first walls built to keep out the marauding barbarians were as early as the 7th century BC, but the wall has been built and re-built time and time again, with some of the best known building work done from 220 - 206 BC.
What natural landmark is this?
This stunning canyon is a testament to the power of persistence, carved into the rock by the river at the bottom over the centuries. Many travelers will spend time hiking through the national park and down into the canyon itself, camping out along the way and spending time by the banks of the river that created it. Less adventurous visitors (or those with less time) can simply gaze over its splendour from several viewpoints, including the Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped observation point that juts out over the depths.
What's the name of this famous bridge?
As well as the Wonders of the Ancient World, there are the Wonders of the Modern World - which includes this bridge. When it was built in 1937, it was the longest and the tallest suspension bridge in the world, and though it has since been overtaken by newer structures, it remains one of the most recognizable landmarks of the California city where it reaches across the water. Still a very functional road bridge, it is also a popular spot for tourists to bike across and take in the stunning views.
What is the name of this famous French tower?
Definitely one of the most famous landmarks in Europe, if not the world, this massive tower is named after the Engineer who designed and built it. In the heart of the city of Paris, tourists flock to this romantic spot to gaze up at the tower, and to visit one of the two observation decks and look out over the city. Next to both the river Seine and the Champ Des Mars, a beautiful green space, there is plenty to see even if you don't go up the tower itself.
Which city boasts this famous castle?
Given the long military and royal histories of Europe, it is not surprising that castles (and the ruins of castles) can be found around every turn. This particular castle sits above the city, one of the best preserved, with tours through everything from the Great Hall to the Crown Jewels. Working canons still sit on the walls, and are set off at points throughout the day, booming over the city as a whole. Of course, the city itself is also a popular tourist attraction, even for those who just want to look at the castle from afar.
Which theme park is this?
There is no doubt that the House Of Mouse has built some of the world's most famous theme parks, with Disney-themed parks in Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai as well as two in the US. Each of these resorts features many of the same landmarks, including the Disney castle, but this was the first to open, back in 1955. Since then, it has expanded from a single park to a resort, including a second park, California Adventure World, as well as extra hotels and Downtown Disney.
Which village is known for this honey colored stone?
England is packed with picturesque villages, that often appear as though they have gone unchanged for centuries. Many of the buildings have, in fact, stayed largely the same, although they have obviously been renovated, updated and repaired over the decades. This particular area is known as one of the most charming, especially for the honey colored stone used to build the cottages and churches that line the streets. Visitors can choose to enjoy the small villages, or take tours of some of the historic houses and gardens in the area.
Name this ancient monument.
This magnificent ancient amphitheater was built during the Roman Empire to host the gladitorial combats, holding somewhere in the vicinity of 65,000 spectators for these bloody matches between men, chariots and animals for the pleasure of the Emperor. It was even flooded for massive water battles to play out for the crowds. Now, it is one of the biggest tourist spots in Rome, although damage to the structure means that shows are more likely to be held outside, using the walls as a backdrop.
Name this famous city tower.
Like many modern cities, Toronto boasts an impressive landmark tower, that stretches into the skies above the city to become a major part of the skyline. When built, this was the tallest tower in the world, although that record has since passed on to the Burj Kalifa in Dubai. One of the Modern Wonders of the World, the tower is a popular tourist destination, with a revolving restaurant looking out over the city, observation deck and the EdgeWalk for adventurous visitors.
Name this famous Rio statue
This massive religious statue looks out over Rio De Janiero, and has become the most iconic landmark of the area. It stands at almost one hundred feet high, not including the pedestal at the base, and is located at the top of the Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park. While the statue can be seen from afar, it's definitely worth the trip to take the scenic Cog Train up the mountain to gaze up at the statue from below - as well as out over the views of the city.
Name this famous park
There are few parks in the world more famous than this one - a massive green space in the middle of New York City, which is also known as the Lungs of New York. The park itself features wide open spaces where people sunbathe and play, as well as fountains and paths, lakes (which freeze over for ice skating in the winter) and even a small castle, as well as a zoo. Playgrounds, theaters and museums also exist in the park.
Name this famous beach
This iconic Australian beach is definitely a must see for visitors to Sydney, and not just those who want to learn how to surf. Surfing is, of course, still one of the most popular things to do here - whether you are a novice or an experienced surfer, along with plenty of other watersports. Visitors can take boats out to do some whale watching, or just enjoy the beach and the many bars and restaurants that dot the shore with spectacular views.
Which US area is this?
Also commonly referred to as the 90210, this is one of the most famous areas of California, and has become a destination for serious shoppers, with dozens of expensive designer boutiques to browse (especially on Rodeo Drive). The area is also known for incredibly luxurious hotels and palm tree lined streets, as well as for the possibility of spotting some of the famous celebrities that live in the area (and can often be seen at star studded events at the hotels).
What's the name of this Gaudi-designed building?
Antoni Gaudi is one of the world's most famous Spanish architects, known for his unique and nature-inspired style. This is his life's largest work, although by the time of his death in 1926, it was still famously unfinished. Since then, the church has been added to, but remains incomplete - with a potential completion date put at 2026. Despite still being unfinished, it is a huge tourist attraction with plenty to see - and at sunset, when the light blazes through the stained glass windows, it is unmissable.
Name this famous arch
This stunning arch may be surrounded by traffic, being located at the junction of twelve straight avenues, but that doesn't do anything to reduce the charm of the monument. Visitors can still get to the arch itself via an underground tunnel (and should avoid trying to get through the traffic circle itself, for obvious reasons!), and once there, it's possible to climb the stairs to the top and look out over the city. The Arch also features the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - a torch that is lit every evening.
Name this temple
This Cambodian temple complex is one of the largest in the world, and has temples dating back as far as the first half of the twelfth century. Since then, the complex has expanded and is now a massive one, and travelers usually take multiple days to explore the space. Sunrise and sunset are known as two of the best times to visit - not least to avoid the heat of the day, but to watch the spectacle and catch the reflection of the temple and sky in the water.
Name this greek monument
This ancient citadel above the city of Athens is one of the most recognizable ruins of Greek civilization, with the remains of temples, the stadium, statues and so much more to see. The site is also home to a stunning (and thankfully, air conditioned) museum, as well as a restaurant with stunning views out over the city. Taking an early morning hike up the hill to this site is an incredible way to experience it, although as such as popular tourist site, it's usually incredibly crowded.