A landmark building in New York City, this 102-story skyscraper was the world's tallest building for almost four decades, before it was surpassed by the World Trade Center's North Tower in 1970.

One of the 20th century's most distinctive and recognizable buildings, Sydney Opera House has been a symbol of the city and, in fact, Australia ever since it was officially opened in 1973. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country. It was also in the running to become one of the New7Wonders of the World. Love this? Now try guessing these UK landmarks from their super close-ups.

A landmark building designed by one of the 20th century's most important architects, Frank Lloyd Wright, this museum has been a New York City icon since it opened in 1959. It's also been featured on the silver screen many a time, including notable appearances in Men in Black and Mr Popper's Penguins. 

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is one of the most visited in New York City and its most notable feature remains its cylindrical gallery – it contains a ramp inside that rolls out from ground level up to the ceiling skylight in a continuous spiral. The collection features Impressionist, early modern and contemporary art, including paintings by Paul Cézanne and Vasily Kandinsky. Now take a look at the world's most beautiful museums.

Known as the Queen of the Aegean, Santorini is often dubbed one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. Balmy temperatures, sugar-cube architecture and plush accommodation have enticed visitors for decades.

Designed and built by engineer Gustave Eiffel’s company, the Eiffel Tower in Paris is tipped as the most visited paid monument in the world. The tower has three observation decks, two restaurants and a small apartment Eiffel built for himself. 

A dominant feature of Barcelona’s skyline, the Sagrada Família has been a work in progress since 1882, when construction started. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, the basilica is expected to be finished by 2026 – the centenary of Gaudí’s death. Take a look at the world's most beautiful cathedrals.

Built at the start of the 20th century, the Lincoln Memorial is dedicated to the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The memorial’s frieze has inscriptions of the 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death and the dates on which they joined. The memorial is part of the larger National Mall that includes the Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument and the US Capitol.

The largest pyramid in the Giza complex, on the outskirts of Cairo, the Great Pyramid is more than 481-feet (147m) tall. One of Egypt’s most popular attractions, it was originally built for pharaoh Khufu and has intrigued people around the world ever since. Now read 22 new secrets of the world's ancient wonders revealed.

Originally a royal residence in the 11th century, the Palace of Westminster was mostly demolished in a fire in 1834 and rebuilt as we know it later in the 19th century. Today, it’s the meeting place for both houses of parliament in the United Kingdom – the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

Built by the Inca people in the 15th century, Machu Picchu is one of South America's greatest wonders. Never found by Spanish conquistadors, it wasn’t discovered by the Western world until American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham was led there by a local in 1911, and major clearing and excavation began in 1912. 

Rising from Dubai’s Zabeel Park, the Dubai Frame is positioned with a view of the old city on one side and modern landmarks on the other. The top of the frame is an observation deck.

Stretching along Brazil’s Atlantic shore, Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro plays host to millions of people taking part in its New Year’s Eve celebrations and most years it’s the official venue for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. In 2013, some three million people gathered on the beach to listen to Pope Francis’ mass in Brazil. 

Opened in 1932, Sydney Harbour Bridge is the tallest steel arch bridge in the world, and connects the Sydney Central Business District and the North Shore. Together with the Sydney Opera House, the bridge forms the postcard-perfect view of Sydney. Check out 29 of the world's most beautiful bridges.

This cathedral’s distinctive green and pink marble exterior; its monumental dome designed by Brunelleschi; and Vasari’s frescoes of the Last Judgement have been attracting art and architecture lovers for centuries. Read on for incredible stories behind the world's most historic cities. 

Officially called Liberty Enlightening the World, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France. The monument was designed by sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, and the internal structural elements of the statue were realized by none other than Gustave Eiffel. Take a look at the world's most jaw-dropping sculptures and statues.

Forming two Doric colonnades, leading from the main entrance of the Vatican to St Peter’s Basilica, the towering columns are a defining and instantly recognizable part of St Peter’s Square.

Usually visited by almost two million people every year, Christ the Redeemer is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most popular attractions. Unveiled in 1931, it’s undergone extensive restorations several times due to erosion, high winds and lightning.

An icon of the Golden State, this was both the longest and the tallest suspension bridge of its time. It’s also a popular filming location and has featured in such films as A View to a Kill, San Andreas and Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

Finished in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. It’s also among the world’s most expensive – it cost a total of $1.14 billion (£1.1bn) at today’s value. Discover more of the incredible bridges in every US state.