10 Famous Landmarks You've (Probably) Never Been To

Posted on Friday, 1 February 2019

How many of the following global landmarks have you visited?

Sagrada Familia - inside

The outside of Sagrada Familia has helped make Barcelona one of the world's most popular and iconic cities, but how many of us have been inside? The interior is just as dazzling and extravagant, but you'll need to book well in advance to see it!

Great Wall of China - by the sea

Most of us will have seen images of the Great Wall and some of us may have actually walked along it, but how many of us have glimpsed the point where the wall meets the sea? Known as the Old Dragon's Head because it looks like a dragon entering the water, you'll find this dramatic location at Shanhaiguan.

Stone Henge, England

It's a world-famous landmark, but how many of us have actually seen it up close? As remarkable as the 3,000-year-old stone circle is, it does look surprisingly small when viewed ‘in the flesh' - and even more diminutive seen from the air. However, it's still a must-see landmark that remains shrouded in mystery.

The Atomium – Brussels, Belgium

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This futuristic structure comprises nine steel spheres connected by tubes enclosing escalators and stairs. The central sphere is accessed by a lift. While it may seem like something from the 23rd century, this iconic landmark was in fact constructed in 1958. The spheres contain exhibit halls and various public spaces.

Petra, Jordan

Most visitors take a tour bus to The Siq on the way to Petra. Having taken a snap, they usually just board their bus again. However, the vast city of Nabatean covers 100 square miles, comprising scores of temples, tombs and towers, not forgetting the huge en-Nejr theatre. A spellbinding landmark that most of us haven't seen - yet!

  

Inside the Sydney Opera House

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We're all familiar with the amazing seashell structure of the Sydney Opera House, but how many of us have actually been inside? The interior is arguably even more amazing than the outside.

  

Golden Gate Bridge

Many of us have seen the mighty Golden Gate Bridge in Hollywood films such as Superman (1978) or in the spooky Hitchcock thriller Vertigo (1958), but how many of us have seen it for real? This splendid crossing is definitely worth the effort to go and see.

The Hollywood Sign

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Just like Stone Henge, the famous Hollywood sign is rather small when seen up close (the letters are just 13m high). However, there's still something special about seeing this legendary landmark, which once read 'Hollywoodland'.

Taj Mahal

Agra is not one of India's most attractive cities, but it has one very big saving grace: it's home to the magnificent Taj Mahal. It's a mausoleum built to house the tomb of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's favourite wife. Commissioned in 1632 and finished in 1654, it's one of India's best-preserved landmarks, and one of 37 UNESCO World Heritage Sites found in the beguiling south Asian country.

Burg Al Arab, Dubai - inside

If you've been to Dubai you've probably seen the amazing Burj Al Arab, the fifth biggest hotel on the planet. Interestingly, 39% of it is not inhabitable. While the exterior is a sight to behold, you might want to pop inside for an (expensive) drink and witness the extravagant interior - and when we say extravagant, we really mean it!

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