Does your group love visiting impressive architecture while sightseeing? Check out these destinations with architectural wonders you won’t want to miss.
For those who love stunning architectural sites and coupled with incredible sightseeing, what better way to explore a passion for great design than to visit world-famous locations with a group. This guide to the world’s best architectural wonders will give you a comprehensive list of places that your group of architecture buffs (or anyone that appreciates beautiful destinations) won’t want to miss. Keep reading for tips on choosing tours, how to book accommodations nearby, navigating travel logistics, finding places to eat and more.
Acropolis in Athens, Greece
Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash.
Athens is a focal point of ancient architectural wonders that still blows tourists’ minds to this day. The Acropolis citadel dates back to the 5th century BC and remains standing despite historical damage from wars, sieges and natural decay over time. The Parthenon, arguably the most famous feature of the Acropolis, is a temple that still remains (mostly) standing on the Athenian hill. Within the Parthenon itself there are decorative sculptures, pillars and other architectural designs, all dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena. The Acropolis has been rebuilt and kept up over time by architects and sculptors across the centuries that make sure to take into account the preservation of the wonder’s integrity. The Propylaea, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike and the Theatre of Dionysus also remain intact and are impressive sights to behold from the top of the hill if you make the trip.
The city of Athens does offer various tours for group travel, including options with private guides and small group tours with souvenirs included. These specific tours will be offered at sunrise and sunset, with some larger tours offered during the busier hours in the middle of the day. Some tours even combine the Acropolis itself with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, so make sure to double check your tour’s itinerary for more detailed information.
Anyone who appreciates ionic architectural wonders will be astonished by these sites’ lasting construction, but Athens is also a great spot for groups to visit because there is so much ground to cover. If someone wants to see more sites than others, there are plenty of meeting points within the Acropolis itself. Approximately three million people visit this location each year–so make sure to visit in the morning or late evening to avoid large crowds.
Public transport can be taken to and from the location, and cars and taxis are able to make their way from more central locations like the Athens International Airport or lodging accommodations like hotels and Airbnbs located closer to the city center. While reaching the Acropolis itself does require a walk up to the monuments, it is a great plan for those who enjoy sightseeing while hiking, and there are different accessibility accommodations available if needed.
Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash.
A list including impressive architectural wonders would not be complete without taking note of the tallest building in the world. The Burj Khalifa reaches heights of over 2,700 feet and 163 floors, making it a wide space for your group to cover. This skyscraper of all skyscrapers offers many different experiences for those looking for different activities. The At the Top SKY observation deck on floor 148 is the world’s highest outdoor observation deck at 1,821 feet, and it overlooks the Persian Gulf for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If those extreme heights are not for you, check out the At the Top deck, which includes access to floors 124 and 125. Make sure your group is prepared for the express elevator, which takes you up many floors at once and includes a stunning light show within the elevator that covers the history of the building. Most tours bundle a few floors and activities, ranging from visiting observation deck views to lunch and dinner tickets to half-day tours of Dubai. Make sure to see the Dubai Mall Fountain Show via water taxi for the best views of Burj Lake and the Burj Khalifa. Make ticket reservations ahead of time to be prepared for your trip.
The building functions as a hotel, nightclub, restaurant and tourist destination alike, so accommodations are never far away. If you want to stay elsewhere, though, there are plenty of reputable hotels near the building in the city center of Dubai, including hotels with English-speaking concierges.
The Burj Khalifa is located in central Dubai, making it convenient to reach from a variety of locations. The metro train takes visitors straight there from the Dubai International Airport, or taxis and buses are available as well. The airport also has car rental services if you’d rather be responsible for your own transportation.
Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Photo by Chait Goli on Pexels.
Rome is known for its proximity to historic architecture and ruins, including the Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Leaning Tower of Pisa and more. The Colosseum, though, is definitely the standout pick here as it remains just intact enough for visitors to get a feel for what the arena was like when it was first built. The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world to this day, but is now just used for group tours and individual exploration. Tours for groups larger than 10 people often require separate tickets than if tourists were to visit individually. Back in the day, it was used for contests among gladiators, executions, plays, reenactments and more. The original construction was damaged due to earthquakes and robberies, but the Colosseum still stands as one of Rome’s most popular and recognizable attractions. It’s even one of the New Seven Wonders of the World!
Tours are offered at many points throughout the day, often bundled with other architectural wonders within the city. The Colosseum itself offers walking tours of just the amphitheater, but tours can also be on a bus and bundled with other attractions depending on what your group feels like doing. The airport is not far from the city center and plenty of public transportation routes (including taxis) head toward the area of the Colosseum.
Note: If your group is looking to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it is a short day trip via train from Rome to Pisa to see the historic leaning building. This is definitely worth it to see the tower’s construction and flair for the dramatic. Group tours are offered frequently, but booking ahead of time is always a good idea.
Empire State Building in New York, USA
Photo by Todd Quackenbush on Unsplash.
The pinnacle of architecture within the New York skyline, the Empire State Building is one of the most recognizable architectural constructions in the world. This iconic landmark hosts millions of visitors each year, boasting its impressive art deco design and 102 floors to the masses of tourists. While the Empire State Building is primarily used for office spaces nowadays, there is a fleet of restaurants, bars, observation decks and gift shops for those looking to get the full New York tourist experience. Maybe even pick up matching I Heart NY shirts for your group on one of the ground floors! The Empire State Building, a part of its very own zip code, opened in 1931 as the tallest building in the world at the time. While it is not the tallest today, it is a staple in the Big Apple and shouldn’t be skipped on your next trip.
Tickets are required for going up into the building and visiting the observation decks, but you can visit the ground floor for free. Observation decks are located on floors 86 and 102. Different tickets are available by group size, and some even offer a twice-in-a-day visit so that you can see the city views during the daytime and nighttime.
Getting to the Empire State Building is not difficult, as there are plenty of subway, bus, taxi, sightseeing buses and walking routes in central New York. Driving is not recommended, however, as the downtown Manhattan traffic can add hours to your plans and parking rates (if you can find any) are not cheap. It is highly recommended to stay in a hotel downtown close to the building and take a taxi or a nice walk through the city to get there.
Note: A short walk away is the Chrysler Building, an impressive runner up in terms of New York architectural wonders. If your group is traveling based on architecture sightseeing, this is a place you won’t want to miss!
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey
Photo by Lewis J Goetz on Unsplash.
The Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul is one of many architectural wonders that has undergone construction, reconstruction, entire building changes and more during the time since it has been erected. It has served as a church, a mosque, then a museum, and in 2020 it once again became a mosque. Today, it stands as one of the most beautiful and eye-catching displays that Istanbul has to offer. The mosaic artwork and marble flooring located on the inside is reason enough to visit, but there’s also a “wishing column” made of marble and bronze that is always damp to the touch and said to have magical healing properties.
There are multiple guided tours within the space, ranging from basic to a more in-depth experience that includes the surrounding area. For all experiences, official guides wear badges while in the Hagia Sophia, taking visitors to the upper floor where your group can have the most detailed look at the intricate architecture within the dome. While those of all religions are welcome to visit the mosque, it is recommended to follow cultural customs while visiting. This includes dressing modestly, removing shoes at the entrance and checking times when the mosque is open to avoid disturbing prayer.
Public transportation is offered to the Hagia Sophia from the airport, but it is highly recommended that your group takes taxis or cars to the destination, as it is the most convenient. The Hagia Sophia is a little less than an hour away from the airport by car and your group will be able to travel from there to your accommodations easily.
National Centre for the Performing Arts (The Giant Egg) in Beijing, China
Photo by 龔 月強 on Pexels.
The Beijing National Centre for the Performing Arts, appropriately nicknamed “The Giant Egg,” was designed by French architect Paul Andreu and opened in 2007. The Egg boasts a glass- and titanium-based dome-shaped construction, completely surrounded on all sides by a man-made moat. A long corridor goes right underwater from the entrance to the main music halls. This unbelievable architectural design is something that you definitely won’t regret seeing.
Tickets are required before entrance and the Egg is closed on Mondays, so make sure to plan ahead for the best experience. There are opera, orchestra and theater performances that your group can attend while in the area. The Egg also offers a coffee shop, gift shop and more inside that your group can check out at their leisure. Make sure to visit in the evening to see the dome lit up in bright colors for a view you won’t soon forget.
The Egg can be reached by bus or subway, as it is located along primary transportation routes. It is conveniently located near other Beijing attractions that your group may want to visit, such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Photo by Gustavo Nacht on Unsplash.
Rio’s Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum is one of the many architectural wonders Brazil, perched atop a beautiful, scenic cliffside with the blue beach and Guanabara Bay down below. However, its main appeal is its flying-saucer-like shape, reminiscent of UFOs only seen in movies. The panoramic views of the city skyline and natural splendor nearby can be seen through the windows spanning the entire midsection of the building, and for members of your group that admire smaller artworks, there are paintings, sculptures and more that line the walls inside.
Tickets are required ahead of time and can be bought online. Tickets are half-price for students, teachers and seniors, and on Wednesdays the museum is free to everyone. For larger groups, there are guided tours and sightseeing cruises of the Bay nearby that you may want to take advantage of. There are plenty of Brazilian cuisine options in and near the museum–all great places to visit on your trip.
The Niteroi neighborhood is a short day trip from the more central parts of Rio where most people choose to make their accommodations, but is worth the visit for this alone! The closest bus stop from downtown Rio is located on Rua Presidente Pedreira, with just a short walk to the museum. Car rentals and taxis are also good options, as plenty of parking is available nearby. All museum entrances are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers if this is something your group needs to take into consideration.
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France
Photo by Hannah Reding on Unsplash.
While most people envision the iconic Eiffel Tower when thinking of Parisian architectural wonders, make sure your group doesn’t overlook the beautiful and inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral. That is not to say skip the Eiffel Tower, but there is a lot to do at Notre Dame for groups that value fine gothic architecture, gargoyles and impressive medieval stained glass.
Notre Dame’s skip-the-line passes for group guided tours are the best way to visit the cathedral, especially if you’re in a group that wants to learn every last detail about the architecture. The guides at the cathedral are immensely trained, serving as experts on its construction and history. There are also bundled tours including other landmarks in Paris that can accommodate larger groups.
There are plenty of accommodations nearby, as Notre Dame is centrally located in France’s most notable city. It can be reached by public transportation, driving or walking depending on where you stay, but traffic can be quite difficult to navigate if your group chooses to drive. Parisian drivers are notably confident, so if you or a group member is not used to driving in the city, maybe take the metro or a scenic one-hour walk from the Eiffel Tower for a collection of Parisian culture and experiences along the way.
At the moment, the cathedral is mostly cordoned off due to the fire that broke out in 2019. However, careful reconstruction is underway and the cathedral is set to reopen in December 2024. Waiting until then to book your trip is more than worth it to see the panoramic views of Paris that 387 steps up the tower offers.
Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
Photo by Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz on Pexels.
The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is a stunning historic gothic basilica located in the city center, where many accommodations and lodging spaces lie. It sees nearly 5 million visitors per year, and with good reason. The intricate, towering spires on the basilica are carved with impressive designs and sculpture work. The basilica is a noticeable part of Barcelona’s gothic district, standing tall above the rest of the city’s urban landscape.
The Sagrada Familia offers tours that can be booked through the website. For groups of 9 or fewer there are a variety of individual tours to choose from, including a guided tour with access to one of the towers. For groups of 10-30 there is also a guided tour option. Groups access the Sagrada Familia through a separate entrance, so be sure to ask a guide which 0ne to use. Skip-The-Line tickets can also be reserved ahead of time, but if your group doesn’t want to spend the extra cash, consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon when larger groups are not as prevalent.
Feel free to use the metro train or bus to visit, following signs to Park Güell. If you choose to drive or take a taxi, beware of traffic congestion and limited parking options. There are multiple parking lots and garages nearby the monument, but not all spaces can be reserved ahead of time. Most areas of the basilica are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, but the towers and other areas may not be as easy to get to.
Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia
Photo by Sean Bernstein on Unsplash.
The Sydney Opera House, arguably one of the most notable architectural wonders in the world, is a stunning musical venue with sail-like shells jutting from its main structure. Each hall within the opera house is topped with these interlocking panels that serve as both their roof and walls. Nearby you’ll see the Sydney Harbour Bridge, another great architectural feat. For those feeling brave, take in views of the opera house from the top of the bridge with BridgeClimb Sydney, an iconic Australian experience that takes you on a guided journey to the top of the span’s arch.
Make sure to book both venue tours and any performance tickets early in order to ensure your group can all visit at the same time. The Opera House receives almost 11 million visitors per year, so securing tickets ahead of time is a great idea to reserve a spot for your whole group. Most halls within the Opera House seat thousands, but seats near each other fill up fast. The best time to visit is during the non-peak season of September and October, as there are fewer visitors than other points in the year and the weather is still relatively agreeable.
The Opera House is accessible by bus, train, light rail, ferry and the free wheelchair-accessible Courtesy Bus that operates between Circular Quay and the street level entrance of the Sydney Opera House. There is also a paid parking garage if your group is traveling by car, but spaces are limited, so make sure to book your space online ahead of time.
These architectural wonders are sure to enchant groups who appreciate intricate design, unique attractions and compelling destinations. But don’t stop here! Subscribe to Leisure Group Travel for more group travel guides, tips, ideas and itineraries for your next trip.
Taylor Anderson–Chicago
