The most iconic landmarks have a way of getting stuck in our brains before we ever see them. Take the Eiffel Tower: its singular spire has been reproduced on countless postcards and T-shirts, making it instantly recognizable even for those who have never set foot in Paris. Whether historical or contemporary, natural or human-made, landmarks become synonymous with a destination while also functioning as top attractions. Monuments, meanwhile, typically pay homage to figures or events. From the memorials dotting Washington, D.C.'s National Mall to the Communist-era statues in Budapest’s Memento Park, these stirring, visually striking sites offer a window to a destination's past and present.