The Taj Mahal has been ranked number two in a list of the world's most loved landmarks. The iconic monument garnered an impressive 22 million Google searches between the months of August 2022 and July 2023, which indicated just how enduring its popularity is. Last year, in 2022, the Taj Mahal saw over 3.3 million visitors.
This grand monument has had its rightful place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list since 1983. The symbol of love claimed second place for the second year running, albeit with a slightly lower score. The stunning marble mausoleum in Agra received a score of 7.60 and houses the tombs of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Travel experts at Bounce compiled a list of the most celebrated monuments of the world, the rankings for which were based on a variety of factors, including number of visitors annually, Instagram posts, entry prices, and ratings on Tripadvisor–on which Taj Mahal scored a perfect 5/5. The 2022 report was revisited this year to analyse if visitor preferences changed this year.
Here is a roundup of the top 4 landmarks on this year's list besides the Taj Mahal.
Coming in at number one for the second year in a row, Niagara Falls has been crowned as the best-loved landmark in the world. With an impressive score of 9.5/10, the stunning landmark offers fantastic views and is free for all to visit, garnering a footfall of 13 million visitors in 2022. The Niagara Falls retained its five-star rating on Tripadvisor and was posted over 3.7 million times on Instagram.
The Grand Canyon follows close behind the Taj Mahal in third place, scoring 7.57. The Grand Canyon saw more than 4.7 million visitors the previous year and had 4.3 million Instagram posts to its name.
Located in Arizona, the remarkable attraction is 446 km long and 29 km wide, with a depth of over 6,000 feet. Visitors can take in the incredible views from various points, including Yavapai Observation Station, Desert View Watchtower and Mather Point.
In fourth place is London's iconic landmark, with a score of 7.31. Located in England, the Big Ben opened in 1859 and is a representative of the four nations of the United Kingdom. The clock tower features four shields:
A rose for England
A thistle for Scotland
A shamrock for Ireland
A leek for Wales
The landmark has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. With nearly 3.4 million posts on Instagram and a 4.5/5 rating on TripAdvisor, Big Ben remains a popular tourist attraction throughout the year.
San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge completes the roundup, coming in at the fifth position. The incredible suspension bridge garnered a 4.5/5 rating on Tripadvisor with 3.3 million posts on Instagram. The 2.7-km-long bridge, recognised as one of the wonders of the Modern World, connects San Francisco city to Marin County.