I admit it. I am a sucker for good packaging and compelling experiences. This means, among other things, that I love design. Any type of design, really, but my travels have taught me that I draw inspiration from great architecture. My sister and I got to talking and here’s our “Top 15″ list of places we’d go (or have gone) just to see a building or structure.
THE CLASSICS
Eiffel Tower
Paris, France
courtesy of besttraveldestinations.com
#2
Parthenon
Athens, Greece
I’ve seen the Parthenon from every angle except the one that matters — inside. It’s gorgeous, especially when lit at night and viewed from the Plaka, the neighborhood at its base. Not sure why I didn’t go to the top of the Acropolis and walk through the Parthenon. I have some unfinished business in Athens, it seems.
courtesy of uniquedestination.gr
#3
The Colosseum
Rome, Italy
My first metro train ride in Rome was to the Colosseum station. When I rode the escalator up to ground level and walked outdoors, I was in total complete awe — a sense that never left me during the 18 hours that I spent in the “Eternal City.” Ancient ruins mingling with everyday modern life. I didn’t have the opportunity to tour the inside, so this architectural beauty remains on the bucket list.
courtesy of aviewoncities.com
#4
La Sagrada Familia
Barcelona, Spain
This is Gaudi at his best. His architectural plans were so ambitious that architects and engineers have been continually building on it for 130 years. They estimate that it will be finished in the first third of the 21st century. We’ve seen it, but when it’s done, we are going back to see the masterpiece in its entirety.
courtesy of gothereguide.com
FANTASIES BROUGHT TO LIFE
Red Square
Moscow, Russia
courtesy of Oddee.com
Southwest Bavaria, Germany
courtesy of bing.com
#7
Taj Mahal
Agra, India
Taj Mahal — the finest example of the Mughal architectural style — was built by emporer Shah Jahan as a tribute to his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal after her death. It’s essentially a mausoleum but the building’s sheer size and the unbelievably ornate detail it contains, speak volumes about the depth of Shah Jahan’s love.
courtesy of goheritageindiajourneys.com
BRILLIANT FEATS OF CONSTRUCTION
Pyramids
Giza, Egypt
courtesy of friendlyplanet.com
#9
Petra
Jordan
A city carved into rock? Need we say anything more?
Petra (courtesy of uncorneredmarket.com)
#10
Burj Khalifa
Dubai, UAE
Tallest man-made structure in the world and such a display of extreme extravagance!
courtesy of scelnews.com
#11
Macchu, Picchu
near Cusco, Peru
This 600 year old estate was built nearly 8,000 feet up into the Andes mountains. Without written records to tell us their motivation, the Incas have left us to speculate how and why they built this city in such a dramatic landscape. Despite the rigorous trek to get there, we think it’s worth the effort.
courtesy of culturefocus.com
INTERESTING & MYSTERIOUS
Stonehenge
near Amesbury, UK
Archaeologists believe the monument was built anywhere between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. There’s such mystery about its construction that we want to see it first hand.
courtesy of gizmodo.com
#13
Easter Island
This Polynesian island considered a territory of Chile is sprinkled with nearly 900 giant stone heads and torsos. Scientists are still trying to understand why — and more interestingly how — the ancient Polynesians moved the 30-foot statues, each weighing in at 80+ tons.
courtesy of Inkas.com
#14
Pompeii, Italy
Mt. Vesuvius erupted in AD79 burying the neighboring city of Pompeii under 20 feet of ash. 1700 years later, the town was accidentally rediscovered and ongoing excavations for the past 230+ years have revealed that the eruption preserved a day of Roman life in intricate detail — people, animals, food, homes all frozen in time.
courtesy of destination360.com
#15
Ankgor Wat
Angkor,Cambodia
This buddhist temple in northwest Cambodia dates back to the 12th century. With its beehive-like appendages, Angkor Wat is considered a masterpiece of Khmer architecture.
courtesy of angkorwat.net
So, what’s on your list?
Fantastic list! I’ve been fortunate enough to see about half of those. The ones that really stand out, in my opinion, are Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal and Angkor Wat.
Seen some of them and planning the others, there’s something magical in each and every one of those buildings!
Cool! Thanks for your note. But, please do tell. Which one was your favorite? And, what’s next on your wishlist?
Awesome list!! I have some more traveling to do!
Finally got to see Moscow! It’s incredidibly magnificent. I’m thinking it’s one of the best looking cities ever…the downtown area that is!
Hey Tim,
I was wondering how the trip went. It sounds like you had a great time and that it worth the adventure. I saw a few of the photos you first posted about your trip. I can’t wait to see more. Thanks for sharing
Hi! I love this post and I would make these trips with you. Ankgor Wat is calling me
!
Helena!! Hola, Chica! Thanks for your comments. I know, right? Angkor Wat is amazing … and so are most of the other sites. So many places in the world left to see … We’d love to have you join us
I totally agree with your list. I haven’t seen most of the places in person but yes, I would go just to see them, pretty packaging and all.
As I currently live in France, each time I’m in Paris I cannot resist the Iron Lady. During the day she’s lovely, but at night she’s spectacular, especially each hour when she literally sparkles.
Love your site by the way; I’ve been reading and following from afar!
Hey Tanya!
Thanks for your comment
. It’s great to meet a fellow traveler and foodie. We definitely feel you — on several fronts!
The “Iron Lady” is gorgeous, especially at dusk when you can make out the city around her but see her in all her shining glory. And, we <3 the French Riviera and will definitely be checking out your blog to hear your adventures in Nice.
Random aside … Are you getting ready for the Cannes Film Festival next month? It’s such a tiny area, I can imagine all the stars and paparazzi are probably just an interruption to everyday life. LOL!