10 top-rated tourist attractions in the world 

There are 195 countries in the world, each with its own culture and distinct tourist attractions. For many of these attractions, it's what they symbolize and the destinations they represent that make them significant. From massive glaciers, staggering mountains to plains dotted with wild animals; Earth sure is incredible. 

Every country has landmarks and natural wonders that are internationally recognizable. Some destinations, however, just stand out above the rest. It is not easy to choose the best places in the world. 

We have compiled a list of the 10 most iconic tourist sites that are a must-visit for travelers. 

Eiffel Tower, Paris 

For 130 years, the Eiffel Tower has been a powerful and distinctive symbol of the city of Paris. Considered as one of the most photographed structures in the world, the Eiffel tower was built for the 1889 World's Fair— to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution. 

This is a city where history and culture collide and where travelers of all kinds can find the experience they're after. Eiffel Tower is not only a common city icon but also becomes a symbol of love for many couples from all over the world. It is because of thousands of marriage proposal made under the beautiful tower every year.

The Colosseum, Rome 

The most famous and largest structure still standing from the Roman Empire, the Colosseum is also the biggest attraction of modern-day Rome.  

It is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, and is still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world today, despite its age. Set in the heart of the city, the Colosseum is an easy place to visit. Direct flights from around the world land in Rome daily. 

Niagara Falls, Canada & USA

On the border between the United States and Canada, every year, millions of travelers come to see the spectacular beauty of Niagara Falls. It's always free to walk into Niagara Falls State Park to see the Falls, and it's open 365 days a year!  What makes Niagara Falls so impressive is the amount of water flowing over. Most of the tallest falls in the world have very little water flowing over them. It's the combination of height and volume that makes Niagara Falls so breathtaking. 

Niagara Falls is in a public location on Niagara Parks land, hence, it's free to visit. 

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Home to one of the 25 wonders of the world, Blue Lagoon Iceland is a place where the powers of geothermal seawater create transformational spa journeys. Pools and hot tubs often serve as a hub of social activity in Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is famous for its incredible skin treatment. In the lagoon itself, all guests are treated to the silica mud mask, and the algae mask can also be purchased for use in the water. Contrary to popular belief, the Blue Lagoon isn't a naturally-occurring phenomenon. It's made from a nearby geothermal power plant's discharge. 

Statue of Liberty, New York City

The United States of America is full of great sights and places to visit, but it's the Statue of Liberty that represents America like no other place. The Statue of Liberty is a 305-foot statue located on Liberty Island in Upper New York Bay, off the coast of New York City. The statue is a personification of liberty in the form of a woman. This symbol of freedom in New York City was gifted by the French to the American people in 1896. 

Santorini, Greece 

Santorini is a Greek island in the middle of the Aegean Sea. First of all, it is a natural wonder of the world. Its world-famous volcano, which constitutes a magnificent sight and attraction of Santorini, formed the island and gave it its current shape and geomorphology through a massive volcanic eruption, thousands of years ago. 

Spectacular sunsets, traditional whitewashed houses and the breathtaking sights of the ocean make this island the best place for tourists to visit. Things to do in Santorini include swimming/sunbathing at the black volcanic sand beaches on the eastern and southern coasts and visiting the archaeological site of Acroteria, an Ancient Minoan settlement buried under lava. 

The Acropolis, Athens

Over the centuries, the Acropolis was many things: a home to kings, a citadel, a mythical home of the gods, a religious center and a tourist attraction. It has withstood bombardment, massive earthquakes and vandalism yet still stands as a reminder of the rich history of Greece. Views out over the city are incredible as you walk between the meticulously restored ancient buildings. Near the end of the day, you'll want to linger and watch the sunset from the stairs near the entrance. 

Great Wall of China

In a land of modern cities and towering skyscrapers, the Great Wall of China, built between the 14th and 17th centuries, is a stark contrast but a striking image that all visitors to China should see. A stroll along the top of the wall provides an incredible view of the structure snaking off into the distance. 

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney. Like many other attractions around the world, the Sydney Opera House is one of those places that is easy to identify and obviously associated with Australia. It was built in several stages and officially opened in late 1973. Located on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, it is widely regarded as one of the world's most famous and distinctive buildings and a masterpiece of 20th century architecture.    

Prague Castle, Czech Republic

The Prague Castle is an ancient symbol, one of the most important cultural institutions of the Czech State. The structure was formerly used as a seat of power for kings of Bohemia and Roman emperors. Currently, it is used as the official residence of the Czech Republic president. The castle is an incredible collection of buildings constructed from the 9th to 14th century. 

The castle is one of the largest in the world, and around almost every corner is a historical building, church, or open square. Notably, the castle grounds are entirely free to visit. There are some areas you need a ticket to enter, but most of the castle grounds are free to visit, including multiple courtyards, gardens, the Deer Moat, the entrance of St. Vitus Cathedral, and more.