The top 7 new tourist attractions around the world
While 2020 was a year marked by closures, lockdowns and travel being paused for most people, 2021 has been filled with reopenings, rebooked trips and new projects coming to life after a year put on hold.
The travel industry is still on the mend and facing challenges, but there is a lot to look forward to as we head into the holiday season and 2022. Here's a look at the top new tourist attractions you should consider putting on your travel list for next year.
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Summit One Vanderbilt
If you've been dreaming of views of the New York City skyline, check out Summit One Vanderbilt. It's the city's newest observation deck that sits above Grand Central Terminal.
The views are stunning, but that's not the only thing that Summit One Vanderbilt has to offer. Interactive art installations throughout the space offer unique new ways to experience the city.
Levitation "sky boxes" suspend visitors over the city, and the two-story mirrored space (Transcendence) transports travelers into what feels like a tesseract from "Interstellar." There's also a room called Affinity that's filled with silver balloons and mirrors.
But no matter where you are within the Summit One Vanderbilt space, you'll be sure to see a different view of the Big Apple in all its captivating beauty.
Related: 3 ways to experience New York City, whether you’re on a budget or have money to burn
Munch Museum
Art lovers can head to the newly reopened Munch museum in Oslo, Norway. The museum, which houses the world's largest collection of art from Edvard Munch, first opened in May 1963, but it has undergone a major renovation in recent years. The new Munch museum opened in October and offers 11 galleries filled with more than 200 works of art on permanent display.
Tickets for adults are 160 NOK (about $18.50), but kids 15 and younger can visit for free.
Marvel's Avengers Campus at Disneyland
Of course, we can't talk about the best attractions without mentioning Disneyland's newest addition: Marvel's Avengers Campus.
If you're a fan of Marvel superheroes such as Spiderman, Black Widow and the Dora Milaje, you may have the chance to meet them while at the park. You can also check out attractions like Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure (the area's newest attraction) and Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout!
No Disney park area would be complete without food options. Check out superhero favorites Pym Test Kitchen and Shawarma Palace while there.
Related: Everything you need to know about visiting Disneyland
Little Island
Another newly opened attraction in New York City you won't want to miss is Little Island. Head to Pier 54 along the Hudson River to experience this floating park made from 132 concrete platforms that sprout from the water like tulips.
The park offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city, with more than 100 trees, 350 different flower species and lots of activities for the entire family. The area also has an amphitheater (The Amph) that hosts all sorts of performances and events. There are nearby food trucks, too, so you can grab a bite to eat while visiting.
It's starting to get colder in New York, so you may want to hold off on visiting this spot until spring. But if you're planning a trip to New York during the warmer months, make sure you add this to your must-do list.
CopenHill climbing wall
Denmark is now home to the world's tallest artificial claiming wall. While CopenHill in Copenhagen, Denmark, technically opened in 2020, 2021 is the first year U.S. travelers really had the chance to check it out.
On the side of the almost 280-foot-tall building is a wall that expert climbers can scale. There are 10 routes to the top, all with varying levels of difficulty, but you'll need to be an experienced climber (and at least 18 years old) to take part. This is most certainly not for beginners.
The wall is the newest addition to CopenHill, which also offers a number of other outdoor activities. The building roof slopes down, providing an area filled with places to run, hike and even ski or snowboard.
Related: Denmark has reopened to fully-vaccinated US and UK travelers
Sky Lagoon
For those who prefer relaxation to an adrenaline rush, there's Iceland's new thermal spa near downtown Reykjavík. Sky Lagoon is an oceanside geothermal lagoon that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
Passes to the spa start at 6,990 ISK (around $54), but you can purchase more expensive passes that include a seven-step spa treatment called The Ritual.
If you're lucky (and time your visit right), you might even experience the northern lights while you take a tip in the warm waters of the lagoon.
Related: Iceland trip-planning from A to Z: Glaciers, geothermal spas and lava caves
'Game of Thrones' studio tour
No matter what you think of the final season of "Game of Thrones," I think we can all agree that the filming locations and set design were stunning. Many filming locations in Belfast, Ireland and Dubrovnik, Croatia, have been popular tourist spots for years, but a new studio tour is set to open at Linen Mills Studio in Northern Ireland at some point this year.
Related: Unbelievable castles from 'Game of Thrones' you can visit in real life
Once it officially opens (at the time of writing, the website promised a date sometime this year), the studio tour will take visitors through real sets used in the show with original set pieces, weaponry, props, costumes and more. The tour has been developed in partnership with HBO, and it is set to be the only permanent, officially licensed "Game of Thrones" experience in the world.
The studio is in the midst of hiring for the attraction now, so our fingers are crossed that the opening will stay on track for later this year. Winter is coming, after all.
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.