Ever wonder how much it costs to take those iconic pictures?
So did we.
That’s why we put together this list of 65 of the world’s most photographed areas, and how much it costs to actually snap that shot yourself.
The list is in order from cheapest to the most expensive.
Let’s take a closer look…
Sydney Opera House, Australia
Much of the Sydney Opera House is open to the public, but to take a tour or watch a concert requires an admission fee.
Price: $0
Photo by Rex Walters (Flickr)
Twelve Apostles, Australia
Accessing the Twelve Apostles is free. There’s even a visitor information center with tips, maps, and more.
Price: $0
Photo by sukhchander (Flickr)
Havana, Cuba
Havana is the capital city of Cuba and has photo opportunities on almost every street corner.
Price: $0
Photo by timsnell (Flickr)
Frauenkirche Dresden, Germany
The Frauenkirche Dresden is a Lutheran Church built in the 18th century. It was re-built after being destroyed in WWII. Entrance is free, but donations are suggested.
Price: $0
Photo by swusch (Flickr)
St. Peter’s Basilica, Holy See
There is no entrance fee to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, but donations are welcomed. Remember to dress appropriately with shoulders and legs covered.
Price: $0
Photo by kunalmehta (Flickr)
Giant’s Causeway, Ireland
Giant’s Causeway is a natural rock formation located in Northern Ireland. Access to the site is free, but expect to pay a little for parking if you drive.
Price: $0
Photo by falco500 (Flickr)
Venice, Italy
The “City of Water” has 117 islands accessed by an interconnecting maze of bridges or waterways. Photo ops are everywhere.
Price: $0
Photo by mswern (Flickr)
Mt. Fuji, Japan
Mount Fuji can be photographed from a number of places in Tokyo, but the best is on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Observatory in Shinjuku-ku. Entrance is free.
Price: $0
Photo by skyseeker (Flickr)
Loch Ness , Scotland
The 23 mile (37km) long fresh water loch is allegedly home to “Nessie” the famous Loch Ness monster. Monster or not, the area is breathtaking and free to take pictures.
Price: $0
Photo by mendhak (Flickr)
Burj Al Arab, United Arab Emirates
Burj Al Arab (Tower of the Arabs) is one of the tallest and most expensive hotels in the world. Pictures can be taken for free outside the hotel; however, you’ll need a room or dinner reservation to enter the hotel.
Price: $0
Photo by Jon Rawlinson (Flickr)
Redwood National Park, California
Redwood National Park – unlike most National Parks – is free to enter. One of the best places to photograph is Fern Canyon, just a short hike from Gold Bluffs Beach.
Price: $0
Photo by Jeremy Weate (Flickr)
Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California
The Golden Gate Bridge can be photographed from San Francisco, Marin, or on the bridge itself. There’s no fee to walk or bike across, but expect a lot of people and noise on the weekends.
Price: $0
Photo by Duncan Hull (Flickr)
Niagara Falls, USA/Canada
Entrance to the massive Niagara Falls is free. However, many visitors take a Maid of the Mist boat ride that get you soakingly close to the falls for $17 per adult.
Price: $0
Photo by Nicholas Schooley (Flickr)
Angel Falls, Venezuela
Entrance to Canaima National Park and Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world, is $5.
Price: $5
Photo by David Kjelkerud (Flickr)
Victoria Falls , Zambia/Zimbabwe
Whether you visit Victoria Falls from Zambia or Zimbabwe, expect to pay $5 for the entrance fee.
Price: $5
Photo by Steve Jurvetson (Flickr)
Great Wall of China , China
The Badaling and Juyongguan sections of the great wall are closest to Beijing and are often very crowded. If you prefer fewer crowds, try the Mutianyu section which is still within reasonable distance from Bejing. Entrance fees vary, but expect to pay between $5-10.
Price: $5-10
Photo by Jack Zalium (Flickr)
Bran Castle in Transylvania, Romania
Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle, is a big site for Romanian and foreign tourists alike. The admission fee is $6.
Price: $6
Photo by Kyle Taylor (Flickr)
Tower of Belém, Portugal
The best place to take a picture of The Tower of Belém is from the banks of the river Tejo. However, if you want to see inside, the entrance fee is $7 or free on Sundays.
Price: $7
Photo by Cris (Flickr)
The Kremlin, Russia
Located in the heart of Moscow is the Kremlin complex which includes four palaces and four cathedrals enclosed by brick walls and towers along the Moskva River. Entrance to the square is $8.
Price: $8
Photo by Dennis Jarvis (Flickr)
Hall of Supreme Harmony, China
Located within the Forbidden City, the Hall of Supreme Harmony is one of the largest wooden structures in all of China. The entrance fee is $10.
Price: $10
Photo by Jorge Lascar (Flickr)
Great Pyramids, Egypt
To enter the site of the Great Pyramids of Egypt it’s $10. Expect to pay more to enter the actual pyramids themselves. The Pyramid of Menkaure is $5 and the Great Pyramid of Khufu is $17. If you are a student, bring a student ID for up to 50% off.
Price: $10
Photo by annemarieangelo (Flickr)
Dome of the Rock, Israel
The Dome of the Rock is a shrine located in old Jerusalem. The entrance fee is $10.
Price: $10
Photo by isawnyu (Flickr)
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
There are no entrance fees to Mount Rushmore, however parking is $11 per vehicle.
Price: $11
Photo by Zach Den Adel (Flickr)
Mont St. Michel, France
Mont St. Michel is located on a tidal island, meaning it’s only is an island at high-tide. It’s $12 to enter the Abby. Be sure to check the tide schedule before visiting if you want to see Michel surrounded by water.
Price: $12
Photo by neiljs (Flickr)
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
Church, turned Mosque, turned museum… Hagia Sophia is one of the most famous sites in Istanbul. The entrance fee is $12.
Price: $12
Photo by satanoid (Flickr)
Stonehenge, England
Stonehenge is located roughly 90 miles (145km) west from central London. The entrance fee for Stonehenge is $13 for adults and includes a complementary audio tour.
Price: $13
Photo by Fire At Will [Photography] (Flickr)
Statue of Liberty, New York
A ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Libery is $13. However, if you’re happy shooting from a distance, take the free Staten Island ferry.
Price: $13
Photo by NOAA Photo Library (Flickr)
Ephesus , Turkey
Ephesus was once a Greek city, then a Roman one. Regardless of who owns it, it remains one of the largest cities on the Mediterranean. Admission is $13.
Price: $13
Photo by Dennis Jarvis (Flickr)
Atomium, Belgium
The Atomium is a monument in Brussels built for the 1958 World’s Fair. Tickets cost $15.
Price: $15
Photo by aditya karnad (Flickr)
Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built for the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. While you can take free shots of the Taj Mahal from any local roof top, to access the site costs $15.
Price: $15
Photo by Dennis Jarvis (Flickr)
Hermitage Museum, Russia
With over 3 million works of art, the Hermitage is worth the $15 entrance fee. It’s free on the first Thursday of every month. Pictures can be taken of the building outside for free.
Price: $15
Photo by Dennis Jarvis (Flickr)
Temple of Athena, Greece
To visit the Acropolis of Athens it’s $16 which includes access to all major monuments around Athens.
Price: $16
Photo by Dennis Jarvis (Flickr)
Eiffel Tower, Paris
Pictures can be taken of the Eiffel Tower from all over Paris for free. However, it’s $17 to take an elevator to the top (or $11 to the second floor.)
Price: $17
Photo by jeroen_bennink (Flickr)
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The ancient ruins of Angkor Wat are arguably the most impressive in the world. A one-day entrance ticket costs $20 (3-day $40, 7-day $60).
Price: $20
Photo by Dennis Jarvis (Flickr)
Banff, Canada
Banff is located in Alberta and boasts some of the best skiing and most dramatic landscapes in Canada. It’s $20 for a one-day vehicle park entrance.
Price: $20
Photo by Fikret Onal (Flickr)
Big Ben, England
While you can snap free shots from several locations in London, it costs $20 to access Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Price: $20
Photo by kozumel (Flickr)
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
The Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) was once thought to be the most beautiful square in the world. Access to the square is free, but t’s $20 to climb the tower.
Price: $20
Photo by Pål Nordseth (Flickr)
Yosemite National Park, California
Ansel Adam’s famous black and white photographs of Yosemite are world-renowned. See the pictures – and the park itself – for $20.
Price: $20
Photo by Cea.(Flickr)
Uluru in Northern Territory, Australia
Uluru (aka Ayers Rock) is located in central Australia. The park entrance is $25, but flights to Alice Springs can range from $100-500 and shuttles to the park are around $45.
Price: $25
Photo by Nitin Gajria (Flickr)
Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina
Iguazu Falls is located between Brazil and Argentina. Most people enter from the Argentinian side as there are less issues with VISAs and entrance fees. From Argentina the park entrance is $25.
Price: $25
Photo by Jeremy Engleman (Flickr)
Colosseum, Italy
Pictures outside the Colosseum can be taken for free, but to enter it’s $25.
Price: $25
Photo by kamenatehla.sk (Flickr)
Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa
Table Mountain can be photographed from Cape Town or visitors can take the cableway to the top for $25 roundtrip.
Price: $25
Photo by Andi Gentsch (Flickr)
Empire State Building, New York
The best place to take a picture of the Empire States Building is from the “Top of the Rock” or Rockefeller Center. Tickets are $25 per adult. If you prefer to head to Observatory Deck of the Empire States Building it’s $22 per adult.
Price: $25
Photo by Antoine Gady (Flickr)
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
At 277 miles (446 km) long and about 5,000 feet (1524 m) high from the rim to the Colorado River, they call it “Grand” for a reason. There’s a $25 vehicle entrance fee into the Grand Canyon National Park.
Price: $25
Photo by World-wide-gifts.com (Flickr)
Tikal, Guatemala
To see the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, there’s a park entrance fee of $25 per person. Keep in mind this doesn’t include transportation to the park.
Price: $25
Photo by Dennis Jarvis (Flickr)
Bullfight, Spain
Bullfighting is a long tradition in Spanish culture. To watch a fight in Madrid, expect to pay between $25 to $150 depending on the event and requested seats.
Price: $25-150
Photo by pasotraspaso (Flickr)
Ruins Comalcalco, Mexico
The ancient ruins of Comalcalco are located in the Yucatan and cost $45 for entry which also includes admission to the museum. All Mexican ancient ruins cost between $30-55 for entrance.
Price: $45
Photo by Dennis Jarvis (Flickr)
Torres del Paine (Patagonia), Chile
The Patagonian mountains of Chile are perhaps the main attraction of the country (well, besides the wine region). Park entrance is $35 and round-trip transportation from Puerto Natales to the park is $35. Most visitors spend a few days hiking the region. Expect to pay about $50 for lodging (not including bedding) or $30 for camping (not including gear).
Price: $70
Photo by rrjakubowski (Flickr)
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Milford Sound is located on Southland’s southwestern coast. Many people chose to visit Milford Sound on a day cruise which ranges from $70 for one and a half hours, up to $600+ for a full day cruise.
Price: $70-600
Photo by ranigraff (Flickr)
Polar Bears, Arctic
A polar bear tour from Alaska costs roughly $75-150. This does not include transportation getting to the northern most point for better viewing.
Price: $75-100
Photo by Jenny Varley (Flickr)
Carnival, Brazil
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is one of the largest celebrations in the world. Tickets to most events cost around $75-150. This doesn’t include transportation to the event or accommodations.
Price: $75-150
Photo by Juliana Coutinho (Flickr)
Halong Bay, Vietnam
The best way to explore Halong Bay is on a traditional junk boat. Multi-day trips – including activities and meals – can be booked from $100+.
Price: $100
Photo by lianne504 (Flickr)
Petra, Jordan
The “Rose Red City” is one of Jordan’s main sites. Buses make day trips from Amman which cost around $35 roundtrip. Entrance to Petra is $125.
Price: $125
Photo by Dennis Jarvis (Flickr)
Sahara Desert, Africa
To visit the Sahara Desert from Morocco, a 3-day, 2-night tour costs around $250+.
Price: $250
Photo by bachmont (Flickr)
Easter Island, Pacific Ocean
Easter Island is located almost in the middle of the South Pacific and getting there can be costly. Once on the island, tour prices vary depending on the number of days. Expect to pay $400-450 for a 4-day group tour.
Price: $400-450
Photo by World-wide-gifts.com (Flickr)
Jungle Tour, Borneo Malaysia
Heading into the thick Borneo jungle of Tanjung Puting National Park is an experience not to miss. Multi-day tours (4-day/3-night) include transportation, accommodations and meals run about $500.
Price: $500
Photo by Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk (Flickr)
Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, Peru
There are several ways to get to Machu Picchu, including hiking the famous Inca Trail ($500-550, includes all costs) or simply taking a day train ($100, includes round trip train from Cusco to Machu Picchu). Entrance to Machu Picchu is $100.
Price: $500-550
Photo by pablosnr (Flickr)
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
While day trips to the reef are possible, most people prefer to book a 3-day live-aboard which includes accommodations, meals and diving.
Price: $500-750
Photo by Jon Connell (Flickr)
Gobi Desert, Mongolia/China
The Gobi Desert – Asia’s largest desert -spans across China and Mongolia. For an 8-day tour, prices range from $1,000 to $2,000.
Price: $1,000-2,000
Photo by c.hug (Flickr)
Galapagos, Ecuador
Because the Galapagos are located 845 miles (1,360km) off mainland Ecuador, it can be quite expensive just to get there. Once there, expect to pay $1,500 + for a 3-day cruise of the islands.
Price: $1,500
Photo by Bill Bouton (Flickr)
Safari, Africa
Many countries in Africa offer safaris including Kenya, Botswana, and Tanzania. Prices range, but on average a 7-day safari will cost between $1,500 and $2,000.
Price: $1,500-2,000
Photo by Stuart Richards (Flickr)
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
The prices for hiking Kilimanjaro vary depending on the number of days and specific route. Most treks are five to seven-days and cost between $1,500-2,000 including park fees.
Price: $1,500-2,000
Photo by Mike McHolm (Flickr)
Glaciers, Antarctica
Most people who visit Antarctica take a cruise, which ranges from $3,500 – $10,000 for 10+ days.
Price: $3,500-10,000
Photo by peterp (Flickr)
Everest, Nepal
Climbing Mount Everest is not cheap. Prices range from $30,000 to 65,000 depending on the tour operator you choose… and well, you get what you pay for. ‘Nuff said.
Price: $30,000-65,000
Photo by Tim Gage (Flickr)
Planet Earth
Sir Richard Branson is at it again, booking trips to space through Virgin Galactic for $200,000.
Price: $200,000
Photo by NASA Goddard Photo and Video (Flickr)
Did we forget a great location? If so, leave let us know in the comments below!
Featured Image Credit: Tax Credits
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