9 of the World's Most Incredible Fountains

Some people might find this wide-eyed guy a little creepy, but I think he is pretty cool. Covered with moss and two giant, shiny crystal eyes, he has a nozzle stuck in his mouth to create the remarkable fountain, which also serves as the entrance for Swarovski Kristallwelten Wattens, or the Swarovski Crystal Worlds museum. It’s a striking display of art with an environmentally friendly theme.

You already know I love bridges, so how could I resist a bridge fountain? The two-tiered Banpo Bridge over the Han River is home to the spectacular Moonlight Rainbow Fountain. It is the world’s longest, with 380 water jets and over 10,000 multi-colored LED lights. The water jets line both sides of the bridge and are set to music to create an entertaining light show.

Related: 10 of the Most Beautiful Bridges in the World

I will always remember my first visit to Millennium Park when I saw Crown Fountain at night. It was a truly unique experience and I was amazed and impressed by the creativity and sense of community here. The faces were so friendly, and the fountains coming out of their mouths (after puffing out their cheeks) onto the visitors framed an image that might just stay with me forever.

If you’re a bit quirky like me and attracted to the unusual, then you’ll want to visit the whimsical Stravinsky Fountain on your next trip to Paris. The amusing fountain features 16 black and brightly colored sculptures that move and spray water. The sculptures were designed by composer Igor Stravinsky and represent characters from his music. So fun!

When I think of dramatic and one-of-a-kind water features, the Fountains of Bellagio come to mind immediately. Seeing the fountain show is one of the most beautiful and spectacular things you can experience when you’re in Las Vegas. The Bellagio fountains come alive, blending complex choreography with beautiful displays of color, light and motion of the water.

When you are visiting Barcelona, take the subway out to the Montjuïc neighborhood to see the Font Màgica (Magic Fountain). It is one of the most fabulous things you’ll see during your trip. Be sure to arrive after dark so you can see the dazzling colors light up the fountain. If you have time, stay for multiple shows since they all offer different colors, music and water choreography.

The impressive People’s Friendship Fountain features 16 gleaming gold sculptures wearing national costumes that represent the republics of the Soviet Union. The fountain, created in the 1950s, is quite large and very beautiful, using 4,000 cubic meters of water and 800 nozzles that send water 24 meters into the air. You’ll find it at the All-Russian Exhibition Center.

This understated, yet splendid, fountain opened in 1932 as a gift to the city of Sydney from J.F. Archibald to commemorate the alliance between Australia and France in World War I. Located across from the cathedral in Hyde Park, the landmark’s sculptures pay homage to the French. It serves as a central resting spot for tourists and for local workers on lunch breaks.

Really, I should have moved on and selected a fountain from another part of the world. But I just couldn’t leave out this wonderful Chicago landmark which has to be one of America’s finest fountains. If you are in Chicago, walk through Millennium Park and then through Grant Park to Buckingham Memorial Fountain. You’ll enjoy taking photos, and Lake Michigan is right across the street so you can sit, relax and enjoy the view!

Note: For many of these fountains, the best time to visit is in the summer. You know, because it’s warm outside.