1.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Eerie and majestic, Angkor Wat is a pilgrimage that must be taken by anyone venturing into Cambodia. The UNESCO
World Heritage site is one of the finest preserved Ancient Cities and stretches over 400km2 in Angkor Archaeological
Park. Highlights include the Temple of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, which isa Bayon temple.

2. Machu Picchu, Peru

Perched high up on a mountain and accessible by foot or by a long, windy ride, Machu Picchu is the Ancient City of the
Incas which remained hidden only up until the last century. If you’re fit as a fiddle, brave the 2-day Inca Trek through the
jungle and wake up to the city as it glows with the sunrise from the Sungate.

3. Taj Mahal, India

A constant on the Seven Wonders of World lists, the Taj Mahal is so highly acclaimed that one TripAdvisor user has been
bold enough to claim that “you haven’t lived until you’ve visited it.” Built in 1632, the white marble mausoleum houses
the tomb of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

4. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, Abu Dhabi

An absolute gem of the modern world, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center may have only been completed in 2007, but
it has already garnered much media attention (remember that controversial photograph of Rihanna posing in front of it?
Yeah, you do). It’s wonders include 82 domes of seven different sizes and a library pregnant with classic Islamic books
and publications.

5. Basilica of Sagrada Familia, Spain

Considered by this writer as the “Church that is never complete”, it’s been over 100 since its conception and Gaudi’s
ultimate work is still “under construction”. An artwork in itself, carved sculptures of the testament riddle its facades,
colourful florals top its spires and pillars resembling a forest of trees are housed within. Riddled with Catholic symbolism
but crafted as a masterpiece, it’s one of the greatest creations of a single artistic mastermind.

6. St Peter’s Basilica, Italy

According to Catholicism, St Peter’s Basilica houses the body of the disciple, St Peter, who is also known as the guardian
of the gates to heaven. As an architectural piece, it is majestic, the domes stretch high above and may be climbed all the
way, or can be accessed (half the way) via elevator.

7. Milan Cathedral, Italy

Milan may be the capital of Italian fashion, but it also holds a capital “duomo” Cathedral in its square. An immense
construction, it’s best viewed and photographed on the outside with its brilliant white facade leaving you absolutely
flawed. Make sure you make the climb up to the top of the Cathedral for pristine views over the city.

8. Alcatraz, USA

The infamous prison island off the coast of San Francisco is an undisputed “must visit” when in San Fran. It’s a
completely alternate feeling from the other winners on this list, harbouring a more eerie and haunted atmosphere. Its
journeyed from being a military garrison to a military prison to being the home of Native American activists and now
remains abandoned and open for tourists.

9. Corcovado - Cristo Redeemer, Brazil

Watching over the city of Rio de Janeiro, is a giant statue of Christ the Redeemer who stands at an impressive 30 metres,
which doesn’t include its 8 metre pedestal. Second only to its panoramic views of the city which include Sugar Loaf
Mountain. Originally designed as a statue of Christ holding a globe, it now features Christ opening his arms to embrace
the world instead.

10. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Another San Fran entrant and the only other bridge to have beaten our Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge
is named so as it spans the Golden Gate strait, connecting the city to Marin County. A symbol of the city, what makes
this suspension bridge so exceptional are its eye-catching colours, impressive pillars (750ft) and magical views.

11. Eiffel Tower, France

The iconic symbol of France is visited by millions yearly and is unsurprisingly the most visited monument in Paris.
Originally criticised when it was first erected in 1889 for its design, more than 100 years on it stand synonymous with the
city. Guess it’s Alexandre Gustave Eiffel (designer) who is laughing now, haw haw haw.

12. Church of the Savior on Blood, Russia

Also known as the Church on Spilt Blood and the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, this St Petersburg is a
breathtaking part of Russian history. Architecturally it rivals other modern churches like Sagrada Familia, it is a feast for
the eyes that features colourful pinnacles and brilliantly painted murals.

13. Notre Dame Cathedral, France

French for “Our Lady of Paris” (Notre-Dame de Paris), this building has been hailed as being one of the finest examples
of French Gothic architecture. From sculptures to stained glass it can be studied for hours by the curious mind and, like
many other churches and cathedrals, you are able to climb up its towers for a close-up view of its bells and gargoyles.

14. The Alhambra, Spain

One of the Moorish wonders of the south of Spain, The Alhambra sits high above the city of Granada. In a word, it is
exquisite and has been hailed as featuring the country’s most well known Islamic architecture. Split into two tour
segments, book your ticket early or arrive early to secure your “entrance time” and wander the gardens until your
allocated time.

15. Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), Turkey

A trip to Istanbul would not be complete without feasting your eye on Ayasofya. It has been the home to multiple
religions, including Islam and Christianity and now stands as a museum of history.

16. Charles Bridge, Czech Republic

The postcard image of Prague in the Czech Republic is that of the Charles Bridge - so remember to bring your camera.
Built from the 14th to 15th Centuries, it features a continuous alley of Baroque-style statues from Christianity and
connects the Lesser Quarter of Prague to the Old Town.

17. Great Wall of Mutianyu, China

Not the Great Wall itself, but rather a section of it that lies in Huairou County, a short distance away from the city of
Beijing. What makes this section in particular so significant? Aside from connecting Jianjou and Lianhuachi, it’s one of
the best preserved sections of the Wall itself and sits almost completely surrounded by forest.
18. Lincoln Memorial and Reflection Pool, USA

Immortalised in marble and overlooking a pristine reflecting pool in Washington, DC, Abraham Lincoln sits tall at
approximately 19 feet. Visited by the millions every year (and one Lisa Simpson at least once in her lifetime), he’s a
symbol of leadership and freedom.

19. Burj Khalifa, UAE

Welcome the tallest building in the world (to date). Standing at 828.8 metres tall (what a number), Burf Khalifa was
constructed in 2004 and sits in Downtown Dubai. And if you’re having problems seeing it, there must be something
wrong with your eyes because it stands out like crazy.

20. National September 11 Memorial & Museum, USA

Erected on the site of the Twin Towers of New York City sits a National Memorial to honour the victims of 9/11. Two
fountains encompass the spaces where each tower stood and are etched with the names of those who died. A “Survivor
Tree” which was recovered from the rubble of the tragedy also sits in the complex as a stark reminder of the event.

21. Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), Thailand

One of the three major temples in Thailand's capital, while all are spectacular in their own way, the Temple of the
Reclining Buddha commands attention measuring 15 metres in height and 43 metres in length. Its most impressive
feature however is its feet, which are inlaid with mother-of-pearl comprising of 108 individual panels each symbolising
various aspects of Buddha.

22. Chichen Itza, Mexico

One of the ancient ruined cities of the Mayan people, the temple of Chichen Itza is perhaps the most famous located in
Mexico. It features a square pyramid with steps of 45 degrees leading up to its summit. One of its most remarkable
features is the statue of the head of the serpent deity at the base of the northeastern staircase. During the spring and
autumn equinoxes, the shadows hitting the staircase make it seems as those the serpent is “wriggling” down the stairs.

23. Sydney Opera House, Australia

Woohoo! We made it onto the list. Australia had to pip somewhere and where she does, it’s for the Opera House.
Brimming with iconic architecture, TripAdvisor users have called it the “Taj Mahal of Oceania”. What do you think?

24. Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur’s Twin Towers scrape the sky creating a beautiful archly with their connecting bridge which stands at 170
metres above the crowd. And yes, you can walk across it, tower to tower, if you dare

25. Panama Canal, Panama

Named one of the seven wonders of the modern world by The American Society of Civil Engineers the Panama Canal has
played a significant role in history, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans to open up international marine trade for
the country. At 77.1 kilometres long, today it takes just over 20-30 hours for ships to pass through.