35 'I' Landmarks That Should Be on Every Traveler's Bucket List

Going on a trip to see the world’s most beautiful landmarks is an exciting experience that wakes up your senses and makes you want to explore.

From old wonders that tell stories of the past to natural places that amaze us, these destinations invite travelers to go and see something truly special.

In this unique collection, we show you areas that start with the letter ‘I,’ each giving you a look into our planet’s different cultures, landscapes, and histories.

Whether you want peace on a quiet island, to see huge monuments, or to experience lively traditions, these landmarks captivate and inspire you.

Get ready to be amazed by Japan’s floating gate, feel small beside powerful waterfalls, and learn stories from ancient ruins. Join us on this incredible journey, where every turn reveals a new wonder to discover.

1. Inishmore, Aran Islands, Ireland

Inishmore is the largest of the Aran Islands, located off the western coast of Ireland. It’s renowned for its rugged landscapes, ancient stone forts, early Christian ruins, and traditional Irish culture preserved by the residents.

Main Attractions: Dún Aonghasa, a massive pre-historic stone fort perched on 100-meter cliffs.
Popular Activities: Exploring archaeological sites, cycling around the island, and experiencing Irish culture and traditions.
Famous Dishes: Seafood like fish stew and mussels, Irish brown bread, Aran Island goat’s cheese.
Best Time to Visit: May to September for milder weather and fewer crowds.

2. Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima, Japan

Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine on Itsukushima Island, famous for its iconic floating torii gate that appears to float on the water during high tide. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers mesmerizing scenery and a unique architectural marvel.

Main Attractions: The famous red torii gate seemingly floating on water.
Popular Activities: Visit the shrine, go on boat tours, and admire scenic views.
Famous Dishes: Anago (saltwater eel), momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes).
Best Time to Visit: March to May and October to November.

3. Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Stretching along the Argentina-Brazil border, Iguazu Falls is a magnificent waterfall system comprising 275 cascades, making it one of the largest in the world. The powerful falls create a breathtaking natural spectacle.

Main Attractions: The awe-inspiring cascades of the massive waterfalls.
Popular Activities: Viewing from different vantage points, boat tours, and hiking trails.
Famous Dishes: Asado (grilled meats), empanadas, yerba mate tea.
Best Time to Visit: August to December.

4. Ise Grand Shrine, Mie Prefecture, Japan

The Ise Grand Shrine is a revered Shinto shrine complex dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess. It’s renowned for its traditional architecture and serene natural surroundings. The shrines are rebuilt every 20 years using ancient techniques.

Main Attractions: The Naiku and Geku shrines were rebuilt periodically using ancient methods.
Popular Activities: Visit shrines, explore Okagyu Forest, and participate in purification rituals.
Famous Dishes: Ise-be snacks, akamoku red rice, Ise-udon noodles.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall.

5. Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Isla Mujeres is a picturesque island off the coast of Cancun, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and relaxed atmosphere. It offers incredible opportunities for snorkeling and diving amidst vibrant coral reefs.

Main Attractions: Pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and El Garrafon Natural Park coral reefs.
Popular Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming with whale sharks, town explorations.
Famous Dishes: Ceviche, bikinis (fish in banana leaves), marques itas (crepes).
Best Time to Visit: December to April.

6. Izgrev, Sofia, Bulgaria

Izgrev is a historic neighborhood in Sofia, Bulgaria, known for its unique architectural style and features colorful neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque houses and buildings from the early 20th century.

Main Attractions: The ornate and vibrant neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque architecture.
Popular Activities: Walking tours, photographing the colorful buildings, visiting cafes.
Famous Dishes: Banitsa (cheese pastry), kebapche (minced meat rolls), айрян (yogurt drink).
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall for milder weather.

7. Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru

The famous Inca Trail is a multi-day hiking route that leads to the iconic Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by stunning Andean mountain scenery and archaeological wonders.

Main Attractions: The ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu amidst Andes landscapes.
Popular Activities: Hiking the 4-day Inca Trail, exploring Machu Picchu, and guided tours.
Famous Dishes: Ceviche, lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), cuy (roasted guinea pig).
Best Time to Hike: May to September.

8. Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Ipanema Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Rio de Janeiro, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, lively atmosphere, and iconic black-and-white patterned boardwalk lined with bars, restaurants, and hotels.

Main Attractions: Long stretch of soft sand, clear waters, and “Dois Irmãos” mountain peaks.
Popular Activities: Sunbathing, beach volleyball, people-watching, beach culture.
Famous Dishes: Açaí bowls, pão de queijo (cheese bread), caipirinhas.
Best Time to Visit: December to March.

9. Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Hawaii

Iolani Palace is a grand 19th-century royal palace in Honolulu that served as the official residence of the Hawaiian monarchs. It’s a magnificent example of Renaissance-style architecture in the United States.

Main Attractions: Ornate interior design, lavish throne room, rich history.
Popular Activities: Guided tours, exploring palace grounds, cultural events.
Famous Dishes: Poi (taro paste), laulau (meat in taro leaves), Hawaiian plate lunches.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round.

10. Ipatiev Monastery, Kostroma, Russia

The Ipatiev Monastery is a 14th-century Russian Orthodox monastery in Kostroma, renowned for its stunning architecture, religious significance, and connection to the Romanov dynasty. It’s a glimpse into Russia’s rich history and culture.

Main Attractions: Monastery Cathedral, Trinity Cathedral, Archiepiscopal Chambers.
Popular Activities: Exploring monastery complexes, religious services, and history tours.
Famous Dishes: Borscht, pelmeni (dumplings), kvass (fermented bread drink).
Best Time to Visit: May to September.

11. Isola Bella, Stresa, Italy

Isola Bella is a picturesque island in Lake Maggiore. It is famous for its stunning 17th-century Baroque palace and meticulously designed gardens, making it a gem of Italian architecture and landscaping.

Main Attractions: Palazzo Borromeo palace and its terraced gardens with fountains and sculptures.
Popular Activities: Exploring the palace, strolling through gardens, and boat tours around the island.
Famous Dishes: Risotto alla Milanese, ossobuco (braised veal shanks), gelato.
Best Time to Visit: May to September.

12. Ipoh Railway Station, Ipoh, Malaysia

The Ipoh Railway Station is an iconic colonial-era railway station in Ipoh, Malaysia. It’s renowned for its unique architecture, which blends Eastern and Western styles with Moorish arches, domes, and intricate embellishments.

Main Attractions: The striking sultan-style architecture featuring Moorish influences.
Popular Activities: Admiring the architecture, photography, visiting the nearby old town.
Famous Dishes: Ipoh white coffee, chicken rice, egg tarts, bean sprout chicken.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though evening visits allow you to see the station’s illuminated beauty.

13. Ishtar Gate, Istanbul, Turkey

The Ishtar Gate was an ancient entrance to Babylon, featuring glazed brick reliefs of animals. Its impressive reconstruction can be seen at the Pergamon Museum in Istanbul.

Main Attractions: A reconstructed gate with intricate animal relief carvings.
Popular Activities: Exploring Pergamon Museum’s antiquities and cultural events.
Famous Dishes: Döner kebab, baklava, Turkish coffee.
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November.

14. Iolkos, Volos, Greece

Iolkos was an ancient Greek city, the mythical homeland of Jason and the Argonauts. Today, it’s an archaeological site near Volos offering glimpses into Greek mythology and history.

Main Attractions: Remains of ancient Neolithic settlement, harbor, Argonautic Expedition Museum.
Popular Activities: Archaeological tours, museum visits, nearby beaches, Mount Pelion.
Famous Dishes: Tsipouradika meze platters, tsipouro brandy, grilled octopus.
Best Time to Visit: May to September.

15. Isla del Sol, Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

Isla del Sol is a striking island in Lake Titicaca, believed to be the birthplace of the Inca civilization. It’s home to numerous archaeological sites and offers breathtaking lake views.

Main Attractions: Ruins like the Roca Sagrada, Inca terraces, and panoramic lake vistas.
Popular Activities: Hiking, visiting archaeological sites, boat tours around the island.
Famous Dishes: Trucha (trout from Lake Titicaca), tucumanas (plantain pastries).
Best Time to Visit: May to October.

16. Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, Oda, Japan

The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine is an ancient silver mine and a UNESCO World Heritage site in Japan. It is known for its well-preserved mining tunnels, structures, and traditional mining towns.

Main Attractions: Historic silver mine shafts, tunnels, and mining buildings.
Popular Activities: Underground mine tours, exploring the traditional town, cultural festivals.
Famous Dishes: Iwami-zushi (pressed sushi), Iwami beef, and sake from local breweries.
Best Time to Visit: April to November.

17. Iyanbito Cave, Black Mesa, Navajo Nation, USA

The Iyanbito Cave is a unique sandstone cave on the Navajo Nation’s lands in northeastern Arizona, adorned with ancient petroglyphs and rock art created by the Ancestral Puebloans.

Main Attractions: Well-preserved petroglyphs, rock art, and geological formations inside the cave.
Popular Activities: Guided tours, learning about Navajo culture and history.
Famous Dishes: Navajo tacos, fried bread, mutton stew.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall.

18. Içmeler Beach, Marmaris, Turkey

Içmeler Beach is a stunning stretch of shoreline near Marmaris, renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft golden sand, and lively atmosphere with beachfront restaurants and bars.

Main Attractions: Picturesque beach with clear waters and soft sand.
Popular Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, water sports, beach dining and nightlife.
Famous Dishes: Turkish kebabs, meze platters, baklava, Turkish coffee.
Best Time to Visit: May to October.

19. Ishasha Plains, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

The Ishasha Plains is a remote area within Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is famous for its tree-climbing lion population, which can often be spotted lounging in the branches of fig trees.

Main Attractions: Opportunities to see lions resting in the trees, a rare behavior.
Popular Activities: Safari drives, wildlife viewing, birdwatching.
Famous Dishes: Luwombo (meat and vegetable stew), rolex (chapati wrap), Ugandan coffee.
Best Time to Visit: December to February and June to July (dry seasons).

20. Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington, Virginia, USA

The Iwo Jima Memorial is an iconic statue depicting the famous flag-raising event during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, honoring the sacrifices of US Marines.

Main Attractions: The massive bronze statue commemorating the Iwo Jima flag-raising.
Popular Activities: Visiting the memorial, learning about the historic battle, and taking photographs.
Famous Dishes: Crab cakes, chili dogs, local seafood dishes.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall.

21. Inca Bridge, Machu Picchu, Peru

The Inca Bridge is a semi-circular carved trail hugging the cliffside. It leads to the iconic Incan citadel of Machu Picchu and offers stunning views of the ancient ruins and Andean landscapes.

Main Attractions: The precarious trail carved into the cliffside has views of Machu Picchu.
Popular Activities: Hiking the trail, visiting Machu Picchu, photography.
Famous Dishes: Ceviche, lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), pisco sours.
Best Time to Visit: May to September.

22. Isola Madre, Lake Maggiore, Italy

Isola Madre is one of the Borromean Islands in Lake Maggiore. It is famous for its beautiful English-style botanical gardens, adorned with exotic plants, flowers, and peacocks roaming freely.

Main Attractions: Scenic botanical gardens with diverse flora and resident peacocks.
Popular Activities: Exploring the islands’ gardens, palace tours, and boat tours.
Famous Dishes: Risotto, lago maggiore agrodolce (sweet and sour fish), Novara rice pudding.
Best Time to Visit: April to October.

23. Iron Bridge, Shropshire, England

The Iron Bridge is an iconic cast iron arch bridge over the River Severn in Shropshire, considered a pioneering monument of the Industrial Revolution and a symbol of engineering prowess.

Main Attractions: The world’s first cast iron bridge of its kind.
Popular Activities: Crossing the historic bridge, visiting museums, riverside walks.
Famous Dishes: Shropshire fidget pie, Shrewsbury biscuits, Ludlow sausages.
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Fall.

24. Ine no Funaya, Kyoto, Japan

In no Funaya, traditional boat houses are built over the waters of the fishing village of Ine. They offer a unique glimpse into Japan’s historical waterfront architecture and way of life.

Main Attractions: Wooden boat houses built on the water’s edge.
Popular Activities: Boat tours, visiting the village, trying local seafood.
Famous Dishes: Ine sushi, grilled fish, sea bream rice bowls.
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November.

25. Inti Ñan Museum, Quito, Ecuador

The Inti Ñan Museum is an archaeological and ethnographic in Quito focused on the cultures and traditions of Ecuador’s indigenous communities, featuring a replica of the Incan sundial.

Main Attractions: Replica of the Incan sundial and indigenous cultural exhibits.
Popular Activities: Guided museum tours, watching cultural performances, and workshops.
Famous Dishes: Locro de papa (potato soup), llapingachos (potato patties), canelazo (hot fruit beverage).
Best Time to Visit: June to September.

26. Irish National Stud & Gardens, Kildare, Ireland

The Irish National Stud & Gardens is a historic stud farm and visitor attraction. It is home to world-class horse breeding facilities, beautiful Japanese Gardens, and St. Fiachra’s Garden.

Main Attractions: Horse breeding facilities, Japanese Gardens, St. Fiachra’s Garden.
Popular Activities: Guided tours, garden strolls, horse exhibitions.
Famous Dishes: Irish stew, soda bread, boxty (potato pancakes).
Best Time to Visit: May to September.

27. Ice Hotel, Jukkasjarvi, Sweden

The Ice Hotel is a unique and fleeting hotel constructed entirely from ice and snow each winter in the village of Jukkasjarvi. It features sculpted ice rooms, bars, and chapels.

Main Attractions: Intricately carved rooms, bars, and art installations made of ice.
Popular Activities: Overnight stays, ice sculpting classes, northern lights viewing.
Famous Dishes: Reindeer dishes, Swedish meatballs, lingonberry treats.
Best Time to Visit: December to April.

28. Isla de la Plata, Ecuador

Isla de la Plata, or “Poor Man’s Galapagos,” is an island off Ecuador’s Pacific coast, famous for its abundant wildlife like blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and marine iguanas.

Main Attractions: Diverse wildlife viewing opportunities on the island.
Popular Activities: Hiking trails, snorkeling, birdwatching tours.
Famous Dishes: Encebollado (fish soup), ceviche, patacones (fried plantains).
Best Time to Visit: June to December.

29. Inle Lake, Shan State, Myanmar

Inle Lake is a vast freshwater lake surrounded by mountains and floating villages in Myanmar’s Shan State, known for its unique leg-rowing fishermen and traditional stilt-house communities.

Main Attractions: The lake’s stilt villages, floating gardens, and iconic leg-rowing fishermen.
Popular Activities: Boat tours, visiting floating markets and villages, hiking nearby trails.
Famous Dishes: Inle Lake fish curry, htamin jin (rice pancakes), avocado salads.
Best Time to Visit: November to February (dry season).

30. Inca Terraces of Moray, Cusco, Peru

The Inca Terraces of Moray are an impressive series of circular terraces carved into a hollow near Cusco. The Incas are believed to have used them for agricultural experiments.

Main Attractions: The concentric circular terraces and their unique construction.
Popular Activities: Exploring the terraces and learning about Inca engineering and agriculture.
Famous Dishes: Rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers), cuy chactado (fried guinea pig).
Best Time to Visit: April to October (dry season).

31. Island of Mozambique, Nampula Province, Mozambique

The Island of Mozambique is a UNESCO World Heritage site off the coast of Mozambique. It is known for its rich history as a Portuguese colonial trading post and well-preserved architecture.

Main Attractions: Historic Stone Town with Portuguese forts, churches, and colonial buildings.
Popular Activities: Walking tours, visiting museums, swimming and snorkeling.
Famous Dishes: Peri-peri chicken, matapa (peanut and vegetable stew), fresh seafood.
Best Time to Visit: May to November (dry season).

32. Iya Valley, Tokushima, Japan

The Iya Valley is remote and scenic in Tokushima Prefecture. It is famous for its vine bridges, steep mountain trails, and traditional thatched-roof villages nestled amid lush nature.

Main Attractions: The vine bridges are suspended over dramatic gorges and pristine mountain scenery.
Popular Activities: Hiking trails, crossing vine bridges, exploring villages, and hot springs.
Famous Dishes: Iya soba (buckwheat noodles), Iya udon, river fish dishes.
Best Time to Visit: April to November.

33. Isla del Cocos, Costa Rica

Isla del Cocos is a remote Pacific island belonging to Costa Rica. It is renowned for its incredible marine biodiversity, pristine beaches, and diving and snorkeling opportunities.

Main Attractions: Unspoiled natural environment, diverse marine life, and clear waters.
Popular Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, wildlife watching for sharks and rays.
Famous Dishes: Fresh seafood like tuna, mahi-mahi, lobster, and coconut-based dishes.
Best Time to Visit: December to May (dry season).

34. Inca Trail to the Sun Gate, Peru

The Inca Trail to the Sun Gate is the final stretch of the famous Inca Trail. It leads hikers to the iconic Sun Gate, which overlooks the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.

Main Attractions: The breathtaking view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.
Popular Activities: Hiking the Inca Trail, reaching the Sun Gate at sunrise.
Famous Dishes: Pachamanca (meat and vegetables cooked underground), cuy (roasted guinea pig).
Best Time to Hike: May to September (dry season).

35. Ifugao Rice Terraces, Cordilleras, Philippines

The Ifugao Rice Terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Cordilleras mountains of the Philippines. They feature stunning terraced rice paddies carved into the mountains by the Ifugao people.

Main Attractions: The extensive and intricate rice terraces are built into mountain slopes.
Popular Activities: Hiking trails, visiting traditional Ifugao villages, and cultural immersion.
Famous Dishes: Pinunukan (blood stew), buko salad (young coconut salad), and Ifugao rice dishes.
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November.

Final Thoughts

As we journey through these ‘I’ landmarks, we are reminded of the wonderful places in our world.

From the calm shores of Isla Mujeres to the tall Irazú Volcano, each place offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Whether you want peace at Ine no Funaya’s boat houses or to have fun in Ibiza’s nightlife, these landmarks invite you to explore.

Experience different cultures, taste local foods, and make lasting memories that will change how you see things.

This journey shows the diversity and beauty around us, inviting you to go on your adventure and find hidden gems.

Let your desire to travel guide you, and may these ‘I’ landmarks give you a lifelong passion for exploration.