If traveling was free, you would never see me again....There are such beautiful places on earth that it is impossible to let go of the travel urge. Not only are the natural landscapes a tempting sight, but there are numerous man-made attractions too that will make you fall in love with them.
Different countries have different kind of architecture but with the help of creative architects, certain buildings simply stand out and become a masterpiece. While it is not easy to pick and choose or rank these architectural beauties in a particular order, we bring to you some of the most incredibly beautiful buildings in the world that are sheer examples of architectural craftsmanship.
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
Having consumed 40 years of the veteran Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, this Gothic art Nouveau cathedral is still not complete and is expected to be ready anytime between 2017 and 2026.
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey
Originally designed to serve as a church, Hagia Sophia or the 'Holy Wisdom', was later used as a mosque and now stands as a museum. This domed monument is an architectural wonder and is an epitome of Byzantine architecture, which remained the largest cathedral on earth for about a thousand years before Seville Cathedral took over the title in 1520.
Burj Al Arab, Dubai, UAE
An awe-inspiring sail-shaped hotel, Burj Al Arab is an iconic building that has 60 stories with powerful diagonal braces. The highlight of this hotel is its 600-foot tall atrium – the world's tallest - that reveals itself once you step inside.
Tiger's Nest Monastery, Paro District, Bhutan
Bhutan's most sacred shrine, the Tiger's Nest Monastery is built on a rock 2,600 feet above the Paro Valley. Breathtakingly attractive, the entire complex looks quite precarious and is built around a cave.
Gresham Palace, Budapest, Hungary
Hit by the WWII and columnists' abuse, this magnificent building is now a Four Seasons Hotel that absorbed a $125 million for its restoration. The hotel lobby features a radiant glass covered shopping arcade now but was earlier a get-together place for Budapest's elite.
The Guggenheim, Bilbao, Spain
Imbibing a complex architecture with a titanium-clad exterior, this gleaming museum will stun you beyond belief. Designed by Frank Gehry, this building is a work of fine art that reflects the late 20th-century thinking.
Nelson-Atkins Museum's Block Building, Kansas City, MO
Whenever you will say think-out-of-the-box, this is the first thing that will strike you. The sequence of lustrous boxes with frosted glass stands calmly on the green lawn and looks unbelievably beautiful after the sun sets and they begin to glow. The underground galleries get a striking effect when the sunlight is filtered and hits them.
Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
Australia's most popular building is a multi-venue performing arts center and is an icon of the country's technical and creative achievement. The building is a dramatic work of 20th-century architecture with soaring shell-shaped sails that sit atop a huge red granite platform. It is located at the end of Bennelong Point and is the focal point of the Sydney Harbour.
The Golden Temple, Amritsar, India
A combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture style, the Golden Temple is a popular Sikh shrine that welcomes all and sundry with open arms. It looks even more splendid with the lake amplifying its reflection and lights adding to its glory at night.
The Institute For Sound And Vision, Hilversum, Netherlands
Stunning and captivating, this huge media collage is the work of a talented graphic artist, Jaap Drupsteen. The building is nothing but a four-sided mural with images from Dutch television directly baked onto cast glass.
Wat Rong Khun, ChiangRai, Thailand
This pure white contemporary Buddhist temple is purity personified. Featuring crazy ornate sculptures and a Golden Buddha sitting inside to bless you once you have overcome the sorcery cast by this magnificent shrine, the place is sure to leave you dumbstruck.
Christian Dior Store, Omotesando, Tokyo
Looking like a huge, radiating transparent box, the Christian Dior store at Omotesando is a treat to the eyes. It looks even more gorgeous at night when the lights dress it in white.
