Sometimes, you don’t have to travel across the globe to experience the wonder of iconic landmarks. Around the world, creative cities and theme parks have built their own versions of famous attractions. These replicas may not match the size or grandeur of the originals, but they deliver plenty of charm, fun, and photo-worthy moments. Here are ten fascinating replicas of world-famous landmarks that you can actually visit.
Eiffel Tower – Las Vegas, USA
The Las Vegas Strip is known for recreating global landmarks, and the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas is one of the most recognizable. Standing at half the height of the original in Paris, this replica still offers a spectacular view of the city’s glittering lights.
Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck, dine at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, and pose with a nearly perfect backdrop that feels just as romantic as the real deal in France.
Taj Mahal – Dhaka, Bangladesh
In a small village outside Dhaka, a full-size replica of India’s Taj Mahal was built by a wealthy Bangladeshi filmmaker who wanted locals to enjoy its beauty without traveling abroad. Constructed using imported marble and granite, the monument is remarkably detailed.
Open to the public, this site draws both locals and international travelers who are amazed by the architectural precision and the story behind its creation.
Christ the Redeemer – Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal’s Cristo Rei statue in Almada, across the river from Lisbon, was inspired by Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Though it’s slightly shorter, the statue stands on a tall pedestal and offers panoramic views of the capital city and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
Built as a symbol of gratitude for Portugal being spared from the destruction of World War II, the monument has become a spiritual and tourist attraction alike.
Stonehenge – Virginia, USA
Known as Foamhenge, this quirky replica of Stonehenge was built entirely out of styrofoam in Natural Bridge, Virginia. Originally created as a roadside attraction, it mimics the layout and appearance of the real Stonehenge in England.
Though it’s not ancient or mystical, it’s a playful and educational stop. Kids and adults alike find joy in posing among the giant foam stones.
Leaning Tower of Pisa – Niles, Illinois
You don’t have to go to Italy to see a tilting tower. In Niles, Illinois, just outside Chicago, stands a half-size replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Built in the 1930s as part of a YMCA recreation area, it remains a beloved local landmark.
The replica was recently restored, and the surrounding plaza now includes fountains, benches, and a stage for summer concerts, making it a fun and photogenic stop.
Parthenon – Nashville, USA
Nashville may be known for country music, but it’s also home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. Located in Centennial Park, it was built in 1897 for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition and has been preserved ever since.
Inside, visitors can find an art museum and a 42-foot statue of Athena, just like the ancient original. This is one of the most accurate and impressive architectural replicas in the world.
The Great Sphinx – Shijiazhuang, China
China has a number of replica landmarks, and one of the most intriguing is the Great Sphinx in Shijiazhuang. Modeled after the original in Giza, Egypt, this full-size replica was created as part of a movie set and later became a tourist spot.
Although controversial for its resemblance, it offers a unique opportunity for those who may never travel to Egypt. Its eerie desert surroundings make the photos even more surreal.
Venice – Macau, China
At The Venetian Macau, you’ll find an entire re-creation of Venice’s canals, bridges, and architecture. Gondoliers sing as they steer boats through the indoor waterway, giving visitors the feel of a romantic Italian escape without leaving Asia.
The architecture is detailed, with replicas of Venetian landmarks like the Rialto Bridge. Paired with luxury shopping and dining, it’s become one of the most Instagrammed attractions in Macau.
Eiffel Tower – Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo Tower, painted in bold red and white, takes inspiration from the Eiffel Tower in design but adds its own flair. It’s slightly taller than the original and functions primarily as a broadcasting antenna, though it’s also a tourist attraction.
From its observation decks, visitors enjoy views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Tokyo Tower is not just a tribute but a cultural icon of its own in the heart of the city.
Egyptian Pyramids – Las Vegas, USA
Las Vegas appears again, this time with the Luxor Hotel and Casino, which replicates the iconic pyramids of Egypt. With a giant black glass pyramid, a towering Sphinx, and themed interiors, it creates a flashy version of ancient history.
Inside, the hotel features an Egyptian theme with statues, murals, and pyramid-inspired decor. It’s not historically accurate, but it delivers visual excitement and entertainment.
These replicas may not replace visiting the originals, but they offer travelers fun, creative, and sometimes surprising ways to experience famous landmarks. Whether built for entertainment, education, or admiration, each site adds something special to its community and invites a fresh look at global culture.
