Tourists have been traveling to see architecture since the discovery of the Great Pyramids, but recent years have seen a big increase in the number of lovers of structures who travel. Looking to get in on the action, many national and international cities have been commissioning bridges, concert halls, and anything else that can capture both the eye and imagination.

Below are top spots to see the best of both the past and future. The top 50 travel spots for architecture buffs are full of sights for those who want to hop a plane, or even take a road trip, to view them in person.

Top American Travel Spots For Architecture Buffs

You don’t have to leave any of the 50 states to see these architectural wonders.

1. San Francisco : See the Golden Gate bridge, China Town, Fisherman’s Wharf, and more all in one city. This article includes restaurant and hotel reviews, along with San Francisco for kids. There is also information on walking tours and the city in a day. A must see sight for architecture buffs includes The Painted Ladies, an ornately decorated Victorian home.

2. Boston : Although the capital of the United States contains many historical landmarks, this city contains impressive architectural appeal. Buildings from the colonial era still remain, including the Old North Church and Old State House, where the Declaration of Independence was born. Other architectural goodies include the John Hancock Tower and Quincy Market. This article from “The Boston Herald” shows how to enjoy the city at half price.

3. New York : With museums, bridges, churches, and more, New York is one of the most recognized cities in the world. Building styles include everything from art deco, to the most recent in American architecture. You can also see lesser known synagogues, clubs, theatres, and more. A must visit for any architecture buff or lover of travel.

4. Chicago : Architecture buffs with a special love of skyscrapers will enjoy this city. From the well known Sears Tower to the lesser known 311 South Whacker Drive, a trip to the top of these buildings can show you four states all at once. Famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright has various buildings throughout the city which are open to the public. The local paper also has tips on where to shoot your photos, take a happy hour on the water, and more.

5. Los Angeles : Buildings such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall and Getty museum are a must visit for architecture buffs. The city also boasts historical Hollywood buildings such as the Roosevelt Hotel and Mann’s Chinese Theater. Other architectural achievements include churches, galleries, neighborhoods, and more.

6. Portland : Lovers of green architecture will enjoy this city. Portland architects design their buildings to blend in with their surroundings, making for a distinctive visit. There are also many municipal fountains worth viewing, along with the Pioneer Courthouse Square and other destinations.

7. Seattle : Come for the Space Needle, stay for the architecture. The Seattle Architecture Foundation takes great pride in showing visitors the artistic side of the city. Various tours include Architecture 101, Art Deco, Gay Pioneer Square, and many more. Don’t forget to have a look at the gigantic glass public library.

8. Philadelphia : Another city with a historic past, Philadelphia has options for architecture buffs who enjoy both past and present works. Famous homes include those of Walt Whitman and Betsy Ross. The local paper has more resources for visiting the city and planning your trip.

9. Las Vegas : Not just a hot spot for parties and gambling, this Nevadan city also has options for the architecturally minded. AskMen.com lists the top five design destination including the Crystals, El Cortez, and Beijing Noodle. The number one spot? The Veer Towers combines unbelievable design to create a work of wonder.

Top European Spots For Architecture Buffs

From the ancient to the modern, this continent is full of delights for architecture buffs, along with buffs of history, shopping, travel, and more.

10. Barcelona : The variety of Roman, Gothic, Baroque, Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture is worth a visit alone to this Spanish city. Famous architect Antoni Gaudi designed many of the whimsical buildings in the city and even left an unfinished masterpiece. Can’t miss architectural stops include Casa Batlio and Sant Pau del Camp cathedral.

11. Vatican City : Located in Italy, this small city/country is home to some of the most ancient and well known churches in the world. From St. Peter’s Basilica to Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel, pictures alone cannot do justice to architecture buffs. This site lists many well known and lesser known structures. They include architect and date of construction, some of which pre-date the birth of Christ.

12. Rome : As long as your in Vatican City, take a tour of the surrounding Italian city. Best known for The Colosseum, there is far more to see. Fountains, churches, palaces, monuments, aqueducts, and more can occupy any number of days. This site has photos and information on some of the more lesser known Roman structures.

13. London : From Big Ben to London Bridge, architecture buffs will find much to enjoy in this city. There are also many historic houses, Buckingham palace, squares, and much more. A must see site includes 30 St. Mary Axe, the 46 story building of the Swiss Reinsurance Company designed by architect Norman Foster.

14. Paris : With sites like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, this city is well known for its architecture. Palaces, churches, and even apartment buildings can keep architecture buffs occupied for days. The site also has information on parks, restaurants, and more.

15. Berlin : With buildings dating back to the Dark Ages, there is a variety of architectural wonders in this German city. In addition to the Reichstag and remains of the Berlin wall, there is much to see. This site contains the building, architect, and year built.

16. Amsterdam : Visit here for modern architecture developed organically within historic buildings. The city is probably best known architecturally for its Canal Rings Houses. There are also works by H. P. Berlage, the “father of modern Dutch architecture.”

17. Prague : Known as the city of golden spires, it is the capital of the Czech Republic. Must visits include Hradcany, or Prague Castle, which spans 570 meters. Other must see destinations include Charles Bridge, The Astronomical Clock, and Old Prague City Hall.

Top Asian Travel Spots for Architecture Buffs

Visit architectural wonders that are still in progress or hundreds of years old on the largest continent.

18. Dubai : Located in the United Arab Emirates, this small country and city have come a long way from twenty years ago. Most famous for its indoor ski mountain in the middle of the dessert and sailboat hotel, there are many more treats for architecture buffs. With both historical sites like Bastakiya Quarters and the Grand Mosque to newer, grander structures, the past and future combine in one city.

19. Beijing : The Olympic stadium we all saw during the summer games is not the only architectural reason to visit this city. The recently constructed headquarters for China state television has to be seen to be believed. It is 230 meters high and contains no right angles. If older architecture is your thing, there is no shortage of palaces and temples to keep any buff occupied. If you’re still not convinced, the Great Wall and Forbidden City can push any lover of architecture over the top.

20. Istanbul : See both Christian and Muslim architecture influences in this Turkish city. The Hagia Sophia was constructed in the 6th century and was the largest church of its time. You can also visit the Topkapi Palace, the Istanbul Pavilion, and even a glass and steel box tucked inside a masonry.

21. Hong Kong : Named best skyline by Diserio.com, this city has 43 buildings measuring over 200 meters tall. Even the airport itself is an architectural marvel. If the contemporary buildings aren’t enough, try checking out the older buildings such as the Legislative Council Building and Fringe Club.

22. Chandigarh : This is one of the most significant urban planning experiments of the 20th century. Le Corbusier, a French architect-planner, designed this Indian city to be the first planned city of its kind. Everything from roads to bodies of water are planned. A must see for architect buffs of this nature.

23. Tokyo : Paper walls, ancient gardens, and more highlight this as one of the most architecturally unique destinations in the world. Popular visits include the Omotesando Building, Tokyo Tower, and Sky Tree. The city is also a must visit for technology buffs.

24. Singapore : Visit here for a blend of both Asian and British architecture. Must sees include the Singapore Land Tower, Temasek Tower, and DBS Building. This site has more on what to see and where to stay.

25. Kuala Lumpur : Best known for the Petronas Towers, this city has won various architectural awards. Styles include colonial, Asian, Malay, Islamic, and contemporary. Recommended visits on this site include KTM Headquarters, the Memorial Library, and Railway Station.

26. Agra : See the Taj Mahal up close and personal in this city. The structure includes the main gateway, garden, mosque, guest house, and mausoleum. The city also contains the styles of Gothic, Victorian, and Art Deco.

27. Israel : From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, you will find many historic pieces of architecture. There are also many modern buildings to see. This article examines the architecture of Israel as it has developed over the last 50 years.

Top South American Travel Spots for Architecture Buffs

Cross the equator to get a first hand look at these architectural achievements.

28. Buenos Aires : Get architectural influences from Italian, French, and Spanish designs all in one city. For the best in residential architecture visit the Southern streets of La Boca, San Telmo, and Montserrat. Other must see sites include the Theatro Colon and Casa Rosada, where Eva Perron gave her famous speech.

29. Brasilia : Another planned city, this one is located in Brazil. Architect Oscar Niemeyer took on the task of designing and planning a huge majority of the buildings for a city meant to contain 500,000 inhabitants. His projects range from a tiny roadside shrine to an apartment building designed for 5,700 families.

30. Peru : From the capital of Lima to the historic temples, Peru contains some of the most recognizable architecture of South America. Must see destinations include Machu Picchu’s Temple of the Sun for its design in stone masonry and stunning views. Other destinations include colonial Lima, Cusco’s Inca Masonry, and others.

31. Rio de Janeiro : This Brazilian city is best known for it’s enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer. It is also famous for destinations such as Ipanema and Copacabana. Lesser known architectural achievements include the Museu de Arte Contemporanea and the Nova Catedral Metropolitana.

32. Santiago : The capital of Chile, architecture buffs will enjoy this city. Popular stops include the Red House and Palace of the Mint. There are also parks, museums, and restaurants that boast impressive designs.

33. Cusco : Located in Peru, this city boasts several different architectural styles. They include Pirka, Cell, Enchased, Sedimentary, and Cyclopean. Essential stops include Palace of the Incas, the Temple of the Sun and of the Sun Virgins, and Santo Domingo Cathedral.

34. Sao Paulo : If you are an architect buff who enjoys a large population, this is the city for you. With over 18 million inhabitants, this city is best known for its skyscrapers. There are also many works by architect Prédio Martinelli.

35. Bogota : This Colombian city is a mix of civil, religious, and domestic architecture. Churches and theaters highlight the architectural achievements of the city. This article contains tons more on the styles.

Top African Travel Spots For Architecture Buffs

Often called the “cradle of life,” the continent also has stops for the architecture buff.

36. Egypt : Visit here for some of the most prominent and ancient architectural structures. From the Sphinx to the Pyramids of Gaza, there is much to see and do. The modern city of Cairo also has architectural wonders.

37. Casablanca : Most famous for its starring role in a movie of the same name, this city is located in Morocco. A variety of styles combine in this historic, quaint setting. Must sees include the Habous Quarter, Hassan II Mosque, and Place des mers-Sultan.

38. Johannesburg : Visit this South African city for a unique architecture experience. Travel to the top of the Carlton Centre to get a view of it all. Or take a look at the Nelson Mandela bridge, museums, or other attractions.

39. Cape Town : The second largest city in South Africa, it is the most popular tourist destination in the continent. Climb one of the many mountains to get a view of the entire City Bowl. Popular destinations include the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the Two Oceans Aquarium.

40. Marrakech : In this Moroccan city, you can find thousand year old buildings, as well as modern structures. It also contains both scenic mosques and synagogues. This article has more on what to see and do while you’re there.

Top Miscellaneous Travel Spots For Architecture Buffs

Didn’t see what you wanted to visit above? Then take a look at the below top spots for architecture lovers.

41. Sydney : Come for the Opera House, stay for a host of Australian architectural marvels here. It contains both historical and modern feasts for the architecture buff. Darling Harbour, The Rocks, bridges, museums, and much more will highlight your trip.

42. Mexico City : Previously the Aztec capital, the city is now capital of the country and one of the most populous in the world. Architecture buffs will enjoy the Zocalo, Palacio Nacional, and even the home where Frida Kahlo lived and worked. If the above isn’t enough for you, take a trip a few miles outside of the city to the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacan.

43. Ottawa : Didn’t think you could find prominent Gothic architecture in North America? Then visit this Canadian city for the Parliament Buildings, St. Michael’s Cathedral, and more done in the style. Archiseek also has other architectural information on other buildings in the city.

44. Montreal : Get a healthy dose of French architecture by visiting Quebec’s capital. From the old buildings in downtown to the more modern in uptown, there is much to see. The Travel Channel gives this complete weekend guide to visiting Montreal.

45. Chichen Itza : Visit one of the few remaining structures of the Mayan empire by stopping here. Located in the Yucutan peninsula of Mexico, structures include The Temple of the Warriors, The Nunnery, and even The Ball Court where a soccer-like game was played. An added bonus is the numerous majestic beaches that are a drive away.

46. Auckland : Located in New Zealand, this city is ideal for architecture buffs who enjoy a little adventure. Climb the Harbour Bridge, play a sport in Eden Park, or visit any other number of attractions. There are also historic Maori settlements and Howick Historical Village. Simply click on a landmark to get more information.

47. Melbourne : Through aggressive measures to keep and restore historic buildings, Melbourne has preserved much of its architecture. Notable buildings include the Royal Exhibition Building and Federation Square. This site has much more, along with recommendations and more information.

48. Puerto Rico : Located just South of the United States, you don’t need a passport to go there. Be sure to check out the capital, San Juan, for many historic Spanish architecture. There are also fortresses, churches, and more.

49. Arabah : The Petra monument of this ancient Jordanian city dates back to the B.C. period. It was used for all sorts of trade in the Arabic kingdom, and since it is made of rock, is still distinguishable to this day. The nearby city of Amman also has interesting architectural structures.

50. The Philippines : Stop here for architecture influenced by the Spanish Colonial period. There are also touches of Japanese, Malay, Hindu, Chinese, and even American structures in the area. Highlights include Fort Santiago and Paco Park, along with many churches and lighthouses.

No matter where you travel, make sure you are prepared before checking out any of the top 50 travel spots for architecture buffs. Visit the U.S. Department of State to get information on travel warnings, local laws, and more.