The Most Stunning Man-Made Sites in the World

We asked the Couchsurfing Community what the most beautiful man-made sites around the world are. Here are there answers:

Alhambra, Granada, Spain

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Located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain, this palace and fortress is one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in Spain. Situated on a hill above the city, it is quite a hike to reach, but once you do it is absolutely stunning inside.

Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE

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The Burj Khalifa, located in the heart of Dubai, continues to rise above the competition as the tallest building in the world at 2717 feet. There’s an observation deck on the 124th floor, but it’s equally as impressive from the fountains that surround it at street level.

Celsus Library, Ephesus, Turkey

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Built in 117AD, this monumental piece of Roman archeticture was built as a tomb for Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus who was the governor of the province of Asia The archaeological site of Ephesus is located about an hour south of Izmir, or 20 minutes from the beautiful beach town of Kuşadası.

Dougga Archaeological Site, Tunisia

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Built in the early 100s AD, Dougga was a small Roman city located on a hill with a sweeping view of the surrounding countryside. What remains are some of the best preserved ruins of Roman architecture from the period, including a theater that could hold 3,500 people. The archaeological site of Dougga is located about 2 hours southwest of Tunis and is reachable by private tour or local bus (and then a short taxi).

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

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The most recognizable monument in the world located in, arguably, the most beautiful city in the world.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, USA

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When it was built in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. It connected the two sides of the San Francisco Bay and has been one of the most famous landmarks of the United States ever since. This photo is taken from Marshall Beach, which you can easily hike down to from the Presidio. Fun fact, the paint is not a shade of gold, but orange.

Machu Picchu, Peru

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The famous Inca city high in the Andes Mountains that has captivated millions over the years. Best reached by a multi-day hike on the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek, this is a must-see for all adventurers!

Petra, Jordan

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Nicknamed the ‘Rose City’ this archaeological site located in southwestern Jordan was once the capital of the Nabatean kingdom. It’s most recognizable landmark is the “Khazneh” which is Arabic for “Treasury” although it is now understood to have been an incredibly two story tomb.

Sydney Opera House, Australia

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Located on the Sydney Harbor, this incredible Opera House is a must-see for any architecture lover. The Opera House hosts many different types of performances, about 1,500 a year and is visited by about 1.2 million people.

Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Budapest, Hungary

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Built in 1913, the Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the most visited and maybe most grand thermal bath in Budapest. The architecture is stunning, and the complex features 18 pools, 10 saunas/steam rooms, and options to book massages, facials, and more.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India

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Located in Agra, just a few hours outside New Delhi, this incredibly white-Ivory tomb was completed in 1643 as a mausoleum to Mumtaz Mahal, the favorite wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is visited by nearly 6 million people every year and is considered by many to be the most beautiful site in India.

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