Towers have been built throughout history for a variety of purposes, including defense, communication, and observation. Today, many of the world’s most famous towers are popular tourist destinations, offering stunning views and unique experiences. Here is a list of 14 of the most famous towers in the world, in no particular order:
EIFFEL TOWER, PARIS, FRANCE
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in the world. It was built in 1889 for the World’s Fair and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in France. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower for stunning views of Paris.
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
LEANING TOWER OF PISA, PISA, ITALY
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most famous and photographed buildings in the world. It was built in the 12th century and began to lean soon after construction began. The tower is now over 4 degrees off center, but it has been stabilized and is safe for visitors to climb.
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
BIG BEN, LONDON, ENGLAND
Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the Clock at the Palace of Westminster in London. It is one of the most famous clock towers in the world and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take a tour of the clock tower and learn about its history.
Big Ben, London, England
CN TOWER, TORONTO, CANADA
The CN Tower is a communications and observation tower in Toronto, Canada. It is the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere and offers stunning views of the city. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower or walk on the EdgeWalk, an outdoor platform that circles the tower.
CN Tower, Toronto, Canada
BURJ KHALIFA, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It offers stunning views of the city and the desert. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower for a truly unique experience.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
QUTUB MINAR, DELHI, INDIA
The Qutub Minar is a minaret in Delhi, India. It is one of the tallest brick minarets in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can climb the stairs to the top of the minaret for stunning views of the city.
Qutub Minar, Delhi, India
GREAT WALL OF CHINA, CHINA
The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that were built over centuries to protect the Chinese Empire from invaders. It is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in the world and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can walk along the wall or take a cable car to the top for stunning views.
Great Wall of China, China
COLOSSEUM, ROME, ITALY
The Colosseum is an oval amphitheater in Rome, Italy. It was built in the 1st century AD and was used for gladiatorial contests and other public events. It is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in the world and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take a tour of the Colosseum or watch a reenactment of a gladiatorial contest.
Colosseum, Rome, Italy
TAJ MAHAL, AGRA, INDIA
The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum in Agra, India. It was built in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in the world and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take a tour of the Taj Mahal or watch a light show that is projected onto the building at night.
Taj Mahal, Agra, India
ANGKOR WAT, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
Angkor Wat is a Hindu temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia. It was built in the 12th century and is one of the largest religious monuments in the world. It is also one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in Southeast Asia. Visitors can take a tour of Angkor Wat or watch a sunrise or sunset over the temple complex.
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia
MACHU PICCHU, CUSCO, PERU
Machu Picchu is an Inca city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It was built in the 15th century and is one of the most famous and iconic archaeological sites in the world. Visitors can take a tour of Machu Picchu or
Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru
PYRAMIDS OF GIZA, GIZA, EGYPT
The Pyramids of Giza are a complex of three pyramids in Giza, Egypt. They were built in the 26th century BC and are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The pyramids are also one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in the world. Visitors can take a tour of the pyramid complex or walk around the pyramids and take in the views.
Pyramids of Giza, Giza, Egypt
CHICHÉN ITZÁ, YUCATÁN, MEXICO
Chichén Itzá is a Mayan city located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. It was built in the 9th century and is one of the most famous and iconic archaeological sites in Mesoamerica. Visitors can take a tour of Chichén Itzá or climb the Kukulkan pyramid for stunning views of the city.
Chichén Itzá, Yucatán, Mexico
STATUE OF LIBERTY, NEW YORK CITY, USA
The Statue of Liberty is a neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor in New York City, in the United States. The copper statue, a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its metal structure was built by Gustave Eiffel. The statue is a popular tourist destination and is a symbol of freedom and democracy. Visitors can take a ferry to Liberty Island and climb to the top of the statue for stunning views of the harbor and the city.
Statue of Liberty, New York City, USA
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, SAN FRANCISCO, USA
The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the one-mile-wide (1.6 km) strait connecting San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The bridge is one of the most internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco and California. It is frequently closed to car traffic on weekends to allow people to walk, bike, and skate across it. It is a popular tourist destination and offers stunning views of the city and the bay.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA
Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts center in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It is one of the most famous and iconic buildings in the world. The opera house is a popular tourist destination and offers a variety of tours and performances. Visitors can take a tour of the opera house or watch a performance in one of its many venues.
Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
These are just a few of the many famous towers in the world. Each tower has its own unique history and story to tell. If you have the opportunity, be sure to visit one of these towers and experience it for yourself.