Climbable Monuments: Tourist Structures You Can Scale

When it comes to travel, some folks like to take it easy, and then there are those who prefer to add a dash of adventure to their sightseeing. Climbing monuments offers just that: a thrilling blend of history, culture, and physical challenge. Imagine scaling ancient walls where history whispers in every nook or conquering modern marvels that test your endurance. This list is for the latter group, showcasing monuments around the globe that not just invite admiration from afar but also a closer, hands-on experience.

1. Eiffel Tower (Stairway to panoramic views)

Yes, you can actually climb the Eiffel Tower rather than taking the elevator! This iconic French monument offers visitors the chance to scale 674 steps up to the second floor, where the city of Paris sprawls beneath in all its glory. It’s a unique way to experience the tower, offering a sense of achievement along with stunning views. Climbers also bypass the longer elevator queues, getting a more intimate encounter with the tower’s intricate ironwork. Plus, the second floor has shops, restaurants, and an immersive history of the tower, rewarding your efforts with both knowledge and spectacular sights.

2. St. Peter’s Basilica Dome (A heavenly view above Vatican City)

For those looking to combine a spiritual journey with a physical one, scaling the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is a must-do. Climbers can ascend 551 steps to reach the top of the world’s largest church dome, designed by Michelangelo. The climb is not for the faint-hearted but offers unparalleled views over Vatican City and Rome. Halfway up, climbers can take a breather and marvel at the interior of the dome, getting up close with the magnificent mosaics and architectural details. Reaching the summit offers a sense of serenity and achievement, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s most historic cities.

3. Sydney Harbour Bridge (Climb the iconic “Coathanger”)

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, affectionately known as the “Coathanger” due to its arch-based design, offers an adrenaline-pumping climb over one of Australia’s most famous landmarks. This climb is no walk in the park, with various options available, including a twilight ascent for those seeking the magic of Sydney lit up at dusk. Equipped with a climbing suit and linked to a safety wire, climbers navigate ladders, catwalks, and arches to reach the summit, 440 feet above sea level. The panoramic views of Sydney Opera House and the surrounding harbor are breathtaking. It’s a unique blend of thrill, beauty, and a peek into Australian culture and history.

4. Great Wall of China (Step into history)

Walking along the Great Wall of China is one thing, but climbing its steep, uneven steps immerses you in history in an entirely different way. Stretching over 13,000 miles, this ancient monument offers various sections to climb, each presenting its own challenges and views. The section at Badaling is the most popular, being well-rested and relatively easy to navigate, making it suitable for families. For a more rugged and less crowded experience, the sections at Jiankou and Simatai offer a more adventurous climb. This is not just a climb but a journey back in time, with each step telling stories of dynasties long past.

5. Statue of Liberty (Staircase inside an icon)

The Statue of Liberty stands as a symbol of freedom and democracy, and visitors have the unique opportunity to climb to its crown for an inside look. The climb involves 354 steps, equivalent to a 20-story building, and takes visitors through the narrow, winding staircase inside the statue’s pedestal right up to the crown. The view from the crown’s windows offers a unique perspective of New York Harbor. Due to the limited space, only a few visitors are allowed each day, making it a special experience. It’s a physical challenge that rewards climbers with a personal encounter with one of America’s most iconic symbols.

6. Duomo di Milano (Gothic splendor from above)

The magnificent Duomo di Milano, one of Italy’s largest and most striking cathedrals, offers an opportunity to climb its spires and terraces. With 251 steps leading to the rooftop, climbers are rewarded with up-close views of the Gothic architecture, including the intricate marble statues that adorn the exterior. From the top, the panoramic view of Milan is unmatched, offering a new perspective on the bustling city below. It’s a unique way to experience the cathedral, away from the crowds and closer to the artistry and craftsmanship of its builders. This climb is a blend of physical exertion, architectural admiration, and breathtaking views, making it a must-do for any visitor to Milan.

7. Machu Picchu (Ancient stairs to the clouds)

Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan city set high in the Andes Mountains, is itself a monumental climb, but scaling Huayna Picchu, the peak overlooking the ruins, takes the adventure to another level. This steep climb involves narrow paths and sharp drop-offs, but it’s worth it for the unparalleled views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains. Only 400 visitors are allowed to make the climb each day, preserving the path and ensuring a more intimate experience. The climb is challenging, requiring a good level of fitness, but reaching the top feels like touching the heavens, with the clouds rolling in below. It’s an unforgettable experience that combines natural beauty, ancient history, and personal achievement.

8. St. Paul’s Cathedral (Whispering Gallery and beyond)

London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral offers a unique climbing experience inside one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The climb to the Whispering Gallery is just the beginning, with its unique acoustic phenomenon where whispers can be heard clearly across the circular wall. Beyond the gallery, 528 steps in total lead to the Golden Gallery, the highest point accessible to the public. This vantage point offers panoramic views of London, from the River Thames to the Shard. The climb through the cathedral’s interior also gives visitors a closer look at its artistic and architectural details, making it a rewarding journey both visually and physically.

9. Tower of Pisa (Leaning into the climb)

The Leaning Tower of Pisa offers a climbing experience like no other, with its famous tilt adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement. Climbers ascend 294 steps, leaning with the tower as they go, which makes for a truly unique sensation. The spiral staircase offers glimpses of the bell chamber and, finally, leads to a view that spans the city of Pisa and its surroundings. Despite its lean, the climb is perfectly safe, thanks to extensive conservation efforts. Reaching the top not only provides a sense of accomplishment but also offers a new perspective on this architectural wonder and its place in history.

10. CN Tower (EdgeWalk for the brave)

For those who find climbing stairs too mundane, Toronto’s CN Tower offers the EdgeWalk, the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk on a 5 ft wide ledge encircling the top of the tower’s main pod. At 1,168 feet above the ground, it’s not a climb in the traditional sense but a heart-pounding journey around the edge of one of the world’s tallest freestanding structures. Participants are tethered to an overhead safety rail, allowing them to lean out over Toronto with nothing but air beneath them. This thrilling experience offers unparalleled views of the city and Lake Ontario. It’s a test of nerve as much as it is a unique way to experience the monument, proving that sometimes, the best way to see a place is from the edge.

This article was written by a human and edited with AI Assistance