Global Icons: The Hits and Misses of My Travel Bucket List

After a horrific few weeks, I wanted to post something of lighter fare.

Exploring the world’s most famous landmarks is an exciting adventure—but not all icons live up to their hype. While some places left me in awe, others didn’t quite meet my expectations. Here’s my take on the global landmarks that impressed me and those that fell a little short.

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The Disappointments: When Reality Didn’t Match the Vision

Big Ben, London

I’ll admit it: Coming from the US, I thought Big Ben was taller. The iconic clock tower (now officially called the Elizabeth Tower) is just 316 feet tall—roughly equivalent to a 27-story building. Its architecture and detail are impressive, but it wasn’t the towering marvel I’d imagined.

Doesn't it look like a skyscraper? Image: Shutterstock

The Grassy Knoll, Dallas

Standing at the infamous site where President Kennedy was assassinated, I was surprised by the smallness and ordinariness of the place. I'd envisioned a grand boulevard lined with towering buildings, and because it was such a monumental event in US history, my imagination had magnified the scene.

Wait, this is the Grassy Knoll people have been talking about? (Image: Shutterstock)

The Mona Lisa, Paris

The Louvre’s most famous resident underwhelmed me for one reason: the crowd. The painting is miniature—only 30 by 21 inches—and it’s nearly impossible to get close enough to appreciate it. I spent more time navigating tourists than admiring the lady's enigmatic smile.

My first thought: "This is ridiculous." (Image: Shutterstock)

The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen

While steeped in cultural significance as a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, the Little Mermaid statue is relatively small and certainly more petite than it looks in photographs—just over 4 feet tall. It sits unassumingly by the harbor, blending into the surroundings. It’s charming, but I found it lacked the grandeur I'd expected.

Photos give an impression of size that doesn't show in real life (Image: Shutterstock)

The Show-Stoppers: Icons That Lived Up to the Legend

The Rift Valley, Kenya

Nothing prepared me for the breathtaking Rift Valley. The vast expanse, dotted with flocks of pink flamingos on its alkaline lakes, felt like stepping into a nature documentary.

Vast and awe-inspiring (Image: Shutterstock)

The Grand Canyon, USA

Pictures don’t do the Grand Canyon justice. Seeing it in person, with its layers of red rock stretching endlessly into the horizon, was a humbling experience that no photo could replicate.

The size and grandeur is overpowering (Image: Shutterstock)

The Akosombo Dam and Adome Bridge, Ghana

The Akosombo Dam is a testament to engineering brilliance—its sheer size and the power it generates for Ghana are awe-inspiring. Equally impressive is the Adome Bridge, Ghana’s only suspension bridge. Spanning the Volta River, the bridge is set against a backdrop of lush green hills that amplify its beauty. Some even consider it among the world’s most picturesque bridges, thanks to its graceful arch and scenic surroundings.

In real life, the Akosombo Dam is truly impressive (Image: Shutterstock)

The Adome Bridge features strongly in The Missing American (Image: Kwei Quartey)

The Empire State Building, New York

An Art Deco masterpiece, the Empire State Building is as grand inside as outside. Its observatories offer unmatched views of the Manhattan skyline.

I've admired this building since childhood (Image: Shutterstock)

The Statue of Liberty, New York

Climbing the stairs to the crown with my grandmother was an unforgettable experience. Standing atop Lady Liberty and looking at the harbor felt like touching history.

We usually see the exterior of the Lady With The Lamp;
this is the spiral staircase inside (Image: Shutterstock) 

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Plan Your Visits: Know What to Expect

Iconic landmarks are part of our shared cultural imagination, but knowing what to expect can help you avoid disappointment. Researching size, accessibility, and crowds can make or break your visit. While some places—like the Adome Bridge or the Grand Canyon—are even more stunning in person, others, like the Little Mermaid or Mona Lisa, might underwhelm at first glance.

What global landmarks have exceeded or fallen short of your expectations? Share your travel tales in the comments!