To learn the history of a new destination, travelers should look no further than its most famous buildings. Of course, there are other ways to discover the local culture, which can be reflected in the food, the textiles, and the dialects, but it’s the buildings that often reveal the most about a place. Local landmarks are, in essence, silent witnesses to past eras, kingdoms, and tastes. They can also offer us clues to what the future holds (not to mention make for a great travel gram too).
Consider this lineup to be a travel bucket list of sorts. These must-see buildings are renowned for various reasons—some for their architectural charm, others for their historical significance, and many for a healthy mix of both. A fair amount of them are well-known, of course: Think Europe’s museums, churches, and other notable landmarks whose replicas live on in souvenir shops and countless photos. There are also a decent number of marvels on this list designed by famous architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, and Oscar Niemeyer. But there may be a few spots you’ve never heard of, buildings off the beaten path, which are worthy of a visit too.
Here, AD rounds up famous buildings from around the world that you’ll be glad you’ve seen when you look back on your travels. It’s been said that travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer—and we couldn’t agree more.
1. Hagia Sophia (Istanbul)
The first building to include a fully pendentive dome, Hagia Sophia is a paragon of Byzantine architecture. It was built as a Christian church by emperor Justinian I in 537, but it now serves as a mosque.
2. The Guggenheim (New York City)
