This year has brought the revitalization of tourism after much of the world had to resort to creative ways to enjoy at-home vacations for the greater part of two years. Although travel enthusiasts are now anxiously booking their next adventures free of COVID-19 restrictions, inflation and rises in the cost of living around the world have brought new complications in budgeting for hopeful travelers. A recent study by Slingo provides a helpful overview for those with some of the world's most famous destinations in mind. Calculated with the prices of entrance tickets (no tour guides included) and a nearby hotel, here is a list of the most expensive landmarks to visit in 2022.
10 Mount Rushmore, USA
Undoubtedly one of the most recognizable landmarks of the USA, Mount Rushmore finds itself on this list despite free entrance for visitors. An up-close look at these famous sculptures of US Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln may come at no cost, but a night at the closest hotel in the astonishing Black Hills of South Dakota will cost around $273.46.
- Entrance - Free
- Hotel - $273.46
- Total - $273.46
9 Burj Khalifa, UAE
The Burj Khalifa, located in the notoriously opulent city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, currently holds the title of the tallest building in the world at 2,717 feet. Travelers visiting Dubai typically expect to pay top dollar for services during their stay, so it should be no surprise that an elevator ride to the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa comes with a high price tag.
- Entrance - $99.60
- Hotel - $204.80
- Total - $304.40
8 Easter Island, Chile
The famous statues of Easter Island located on the Chilean territory of Polynesia is a uniquely exotic landmark that draws in tourists from all over the world. Its reputation is reflected in one of the highest entrance fees on this list of destinations.
- Entrance - $75.24
- Hotel - $229.48
- Total - $304.72
7 Uluru, Australia
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a monolithic sandstone in northern Australia and is considered sacred ground to local indigenous groups. This journey out to the Australian wilderness in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a marvelous one but comes at a cost.
- Entrance - $25.69
- Hotel - $311.29
- Total - $336.98
6 Capitol Hill, USA
A visit to Capitol Hill comes with a free entrance, not to mention the long list of other sights nearby like the Supreme Court, the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian Museum, the National Gallery of Art, and numerous parks. Hotels in the area, however, do not go easy on the wallet.
- Entrance - free
- Hotel - $344.48
- Total - $344.48
5 Sagrada Familia, Spain
The largest Roman Catholic to have not yet finished construction, the Sagrada Familia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site found in Barcelona, Spain. This iconic building is the legacy of famed Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, and his mixture of Art Nouveau, Gothic design, and Catalan Modernism brings in flocks of architecture aficionados and casual visitors alike.
- Entrance - $26.22
- Hotel - $336.20
- Total - $362.42
4 Big Ben, England
This worldwide representative of London, England, can be enjoyed with no extra cost while exploring everything London has to offer, but local hotels come with a hefty price tag.
- Entrance - free
- Hotel - $390.65
- Total - $390.65
3 Statue of Liberty, USA
A trip to New York City calls for a look at the representative face of the USA, which is the Statue of Liberty. A visit to the museum on the first floor followed by an elevator ride up to her crown comes with a reasonable fee, but hotel prices in the area are on the steep side. The combined price places this icon in the top 3 most expensive landmarks to visit.
- Entrance - $22.39
- Hotel - $415.51
- Total - $437.90
2 Palace of Versailles, France
The second most expensive spot on this list goes to the Palace of Versailles in France. This 17th-century royal residence immerses travelers into the rich history of France amid the iconic architecture of the time period.
- Entrance - $20.17
- Hotel - $427.35
- Total - $447.52
1 Eiffel Tower, France
France also claims the top position, with the Eiffel Tower in Paris ranking as the most expensive landmark to visit. This world-renowned monument needs no introduction, but it should be known that entrance fees with elevator access will cost $27.03.
- Entrance - $27.03
- Hotel - $427.35
- Total - $454.38