A list of impressive wonders worth seeing no matter where they are on the planet. Some of them natural, some man-made. All of them are worthy of your admiration.
What are they? Where are they? Let’s take a look together!
7 Wonders Of The Modern World
1. The Great Wall of China
Location – Huairou District, China, Asia Pacific (See on Map)
This colossal fortification runs across the northwestern border of China. The fact that the wall is approximately 21,196 km makes this man-made structure even more insanely incredible.
Travel to Mutianyu (approx. 70 km from Beijing) to visit the Wall. The general admission fee is approx. 40 Yuan (CNY). Avoid visiting during holidays if you want to dodge the crowds, and it’s open all year round!
Full Guide: The Great Wall Of China
2. Taj Mahal
Location – Agra, India, South Asia (See on Map)
This glorious ancient structure is said to be the personification of King Shah Jahan’s love for his beautiful and devoted wife, Mumtaz – who died from a postpartum haemorrhage (not so glorious).
The architecture of this mausoleum is full of insane grandeur – which draws around 8 million travellers annually. It’s not just the ivory-marbled building, but the scenic Yamuna River and the spacious gardens that add to the beauty.
Full Guide: The Taj Mahal
3. The Colosseum
Location – Rome, Italy (See on Map)
It’s one of the most incredible amphitheatres to have withstood the test of time. Even in its 2000-year-old ruined state, the Colosseum still exudes an alluring grandeur. An iconic symbol that reminds all of the imperial power Rome once held.
Despite its grandeur, the Colosseum saw some of the bloodiest gladiator battles, animal hunts, executions and even mock naval battles, flooding the arena. How insane is that? (not the bloody bit).
To explore, you’ll be charged a ticket fee of 12 EUR. This wonderful attraction is open all year round, except on January 1st and December 25th.
Full Guide: The Colosseum
4. Petra
Location – Southwestern Desert, Jordan (See on Map)
It’s not wrong to call Petra a geographical and historical marvel. Nestled amidst the Maroon-ish and orange-shaded valleys and sandstone mountains, here’s a city carved entirely out of rock.
The precision and detailed carvings make it worthy of being called a world wonder. Thanks to its breathtaking shades, it’s also called the ‘Rose City’.
The best time to visit is from March to May and September to November. The entrance fee is around 50 Jordanian dinars.
Full Guide: Lost City of Petra
5. Machu Picchu
Location – Peru, South America (See on Map)
Found perched atop the glorious Andes Mountains, against the breathtaking mountain sceneries is the crowned jewel of the ancient Inca civilization – Machu Picchu.
There are still many mysteries that archaeologists are trying to unravel here, but the architecture and the astronomical significance linked behind some of these structures simply justify their inclusion in the list of world wonders.
It’s simply breathtaking. May to September is the driest and the best time to tour this glorious ancient city. Ticket prices vary depending on the section you hope to tour.
Full Guide: Machu Picchu
6. Christ The Redeemer
Location – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (See on Map)
This 38-metre-high statue of Jesus is one of the most majestic statues you could ever witness in real life or on-screen. It’s one of the most iconic symbols of Brazil – built to pay homage to the anniversary century of Brazil’s independence.
This statue is something you will always find in your scenic vicinity when travelling around Rio de Janeiro, whether you are going by train or trekking up the verdant peaks in the surroundings.
Full Guide: Christ The Redeemer (Statue)
7. Chichen Itza
Location – Cancun, Mexico (See on Map)
Chichen translates to Itza’s Well’s mouth. It was built under the Mayan civilizations. On top of the pyramid is an ancient temple with a bloody history of sacred rituals.
There are over 365 steps. Each side has 91 steps – one for each day of the year – reflecting the incredible scientific knowledge of the Mayans. It is said that twice a year during the Spring and Autumn equinoxes, a shadow falls on the pyramid in the shape of a snake.
Full Guide: Chichen Itza
7 Natural Wonders Of The World
1. Mount Everest
Nepal and China
Standing tall at 8849 metres in height, only a few attempts to reach the highest point on Earth have been made. Those who dare to can start the climb from the Nepal or Tibet (China) side.
It’s a mountain hike unlike you’d ever experienced before. The best time to visit/trek is from May to September.
2. Northern Lights
Antarctic and Arctic
It’s one of nature’s most magical shows; also known as Aurora Borealis. These colourful dancing lights put on quite a show, and it’s unforgettable!
The best time to witness this phenomenon is from December through March. Some rare times even from August.
3. The Grand Canyon
Arizona, USA
This carved landscape is found next to the Colorado river in Arizona. It’s approx. 277 miles long and 18 miles wide.
The canyon looks otherworldly in every way and it’s considered to be one of the most unique places to hike on Earth. Spring is the best time to visit and discover its terrestrial wonders.
4. Paricutin Volcano
Western Michoacán state, Mexico
This cinder cone-shaped volcano is in Mexico. While the volcano is still highly active, you can rarely detect any noises emanating from it. The mountain itself exudes a very terrestrial feel.
The best time to visit is from January to April when rainfall is minimal.
5. The Great Barrier Reef
East Coast, Queensland, Australia
Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1981, it’s the largest coral reef system to exist on the planet. The Great barrier reef is formed with over 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands extending over 2300 kilometres.
It’s home to countless marine species. The best time to explore this underwater universe is from June to October.
6. Victoria Falls
The border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Africa
Let’s chase one of the largest waterfalls on Earth (height -108 metres, width -1708 metres). This titan of a waterfall is birthed by the Zambezi River, twice the height of Niagara Falls.
Travellers could enjoy this roaring, gushing spectacle from different vantage points and still be stunned by its magnificence.
7. Harbour of Rio De Janeiro
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Another incredible creation of mother nature; also known as Guanabara Bay. Considered to be one of the largest natural deep water bays on Earth, this colossal expanse of water is held by a granite rock formation.
It homes over 130 small islands, and it’s quite a scenic coastal landscape. September and October are the best months to visit.
7 Ancient World Wonders
1. Great Pyramid of Giza
Egypt
Let’s start with the only ancient world wonder you can still visit. Built around 4000 years ago, on the west side of the Nile, this colossal tombstone is the resting place of Pharaoh Khufu.
Made with 2.3 million stone blocks and weighing a total of 5.75 million tons, this is a titan of a creation.
2. Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Present-day Iraq
While there’s the lack of evidence of a hanging garden, ancient historians like Diodorus Siculus have described its existence (thereby confirming) as a great feat of agricultural engineering.
The hanging gardens are believed to have been created in 600 B.C.E by the ruler of Babylonia at the time: Nebuchadnezzar II.
3. Statue of Zeus at Olympia
Greece
Created by the ancient prodigy sculpturer – Phidias, this majestic statue was 12 metres tall and depicted the mighty God Zeus sitting on a gold-crusted throne, with gems of ebony and ivory on it.
Unfortunately, the statue was destroyed by an earthquake in the 5th Century B.C.E.
4. Temple of Artemis
Western Turkey
The temple was originally built to pay homage to the Greek Goddess of hunting – Artemis. Records show that the building was completed in 550 B.C.E. It stood gracefully at a height of 11 metres (55 metres wide).
The temple’s refined sculptured creations and architecture were unfortunately later destroyed, rather unjustly.
5. Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
Turkey
The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus was designed between 353 and 350 B.C.E by the greek architects Pythias and Satyrus. It was built for the governor of the Persian Empire and his wife Artemisia II of Caria.
The building stood roughly 41 metres tall and it was carved with stunning details, making it a real work of art.
6. Colossus of Rhodes
Greece
This giant statue of the Greek God Helios was erected in the Rhodes islands, between 292 – 280 B.C.E. This 33-metre statute was brought to life by the sculpturer Chares of Lindos.
It stood tall to greet the travellers to Rhodes Island but was destroyed by an earthquake in 224 B.C.E.
7. Pharos (Lighthouse) of Alexandria
Egypt
This incredible structure is said to have been the original model for lighthouses. At a height of 107 metres, it was used as a navigational landmark for voyagers on the coast.
The structure was built at the harbour of Alexandria and with time it underwent heavy deterioration following numerous earthquakes.
Our Very Own List Of 20 World Wonders
Below is a compilation of the 20 best world wonders based on our very own preferences. Let’s go!
1. Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
This enormous rainforest (6.7 million km²) is one of the few that is holding steadfast against the brutalities inflicted by humans. It covers much of northwestern Brazil, extending to Colombia.
You can hike and explore this otherworldly forest – home to some of the most insanely rich ecosystems.
2. Iguazu Falls, Brazil
Let us catch some monster falls! Iguazu falls is 32 metres taller than Niagara and almost 1600 metres wider. While the Iguazu National Park homes these colossal falls, it was also declared a UNESCO site in 1984.
Absolutely stunning, and it offers a unique viewpoint from both the Brazil and Argentinian sides.
3. The Nazca Lines, Peru
This wonder is one of the most intriguing ones! From a bird’s-eye view, these lines on the Peruvian coastal plain look almost terrestrial. Scientists believe these lines were created by the Nasca people from around 1-700 A.D.
There are over 10,000 lines, some as wide as 300 metres. Some of these lines depict insanely symmetric animal forms.
4. Yellow Stone National Park, United States
This National Park is one of the most captivating natural assets of North America. Nestled on top of a dormant volcano in Wyoming, this place is home to some of the hottest springs and geysers on the planet.
It’s also home to the largest population of grizzlies, wolves and buffalos.
5. The Citadel of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Sigiriya is an ancient fortress built atop a rock overlooking the verdant landscape of central Sri Lanka. It’s nothing short of an architectural work of art.
The place is filled with water gardens, stunning art pieces, and defensive structures built under the rule of King Kasyapa.
6. The Forbidden City, Beijing
This vast imperial city belonged to the rule of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and as the name suggests, access was barred to most subjects in the domain.
Explore its 6 centuries-old history, embedded in the stunning palaces and courtyards. 178 acres of pure imperial wonder to see.
7. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
Built in the 12th century, this alluring leaning tower was once a world wonder. The leaning form can be quite fascinating to observe from a distance.
But you can climb over 300 marble stairs to witness one-of-a-kind views of the cityscape, Arno River and mountains in the distance.
8. Grand Avenue of the Sphinxes, Luxor, Egypt
This sphinx-lined-up lane is also known as Rams Road. While being part of the stunning Karnak temple complex, this 3000-year-old avenue is 2,700 metres long.
Much of the ruins were reconstructed and if you get the chance to visit here, it would literally be a walk-through history.
9. Great Wildebeest Migration, Tanzania, and Kenya
We are talking about nearly 1.5 million wild beasts migrating to the Masai Mara in Kenya. It is incredible to observe the entire movement – which usually happens when the rainy season ends between August to September.
10. Arches National Park, United States
This red-rocky landscape is full of natural stone arches (Visitors/hikers have counted over 2000 arches in the park). But they are not the only formations here. We are talking about towers and other balanced rock formations. Hiking/camping is going to be ethereal here.
11. Bell Rock Lighthouse, United Kingdom
Meet the world’s oldest lighthouse. This salt-washed tower can be found off the coast of Angus. It was built between 1807 and 1810. The structure is approximately 35 metres tall, and can only be accessed by a helicopter during low tide.
12. Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines
Explore this million-year-old water channel and the otherworldly aspects of this underground river on the Island of Palawan. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and is considered the world’s largest navigable underground river. The cave system extends up to 24 km.
13. Salar de Uyuni (World’s Largest Natural Mirror) Bolivia
Visit the world’s biggest salt flat. When it rains – with no place for the water to drain, it just gathers and transforms the whole salty layers into colossal mirrors. Walking on it is going to be insanely epic!
14. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, Angkor Wat is simply breathtaking to gaze at from afar. Back in the 12th century, this temple complex was believed to be one of the biggest religious structures at the time. The unique towers of the complex stand at an approximate height of 65 metres.
15. Stonehenge, United Kingdom
This nearly 5,000-year-old monument is now a world heritage site. The reason behind the existence of this structure is still under speculation. But! the henge consists of rings of stones that are aligned with the sun – which indicates the impressive calculation feats at the time.
16. Cliffs Of Moher, Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher are located on the southwestern tip of the Burren region, County Clare. The cliffs are approximately 214 metres high. Visitors can spot the Aran Islands and Maumturks Mountains in Connemara Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins and Loop Head to the South.
17. The Terracotta Army, China
This was one of the most epic archaeological findings of the 20th century; Terracotta sculptures showcasing the armies of the 1st emperor of China. There’re three pits, in total there’re 8000 soldiers, 130 chariots and 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses.
18. Easter Islands, Chile
The giant stone statues that dominate the Hanga Roa were carved out of volcanic rock thousands of years ago. It is definitely a very fascinating man-made heritage site.
Its true purpose or its exact engineering methods are still not known. Hence, we certainly consider it a world wonder.
19. Mount Fuji, Japan
This active volcano is widely considered to be the poster child of Japan. Located at the border of Shizuoka and Yamanashi, hikers have access to one-of-a-kind tours that enable them to explore this mountain and immerse in its raw beauty.
20. Table Mountain, South Africa
Strictly flat on top, this plateau is home to a rich variety of flowers and plants with super unique features. Take a cable car to the top or hike. Tour these incredible landscapes and learn about the rare ecosystem here.
Nichola is a writer/editor and a shy foodie who shares a very soft spot for all things travel. She considers herself to be an island girl at heart, and nothing excites her more than learning about new places people can explore and biting into a slice of sweet melon on a hot and sunny day.
She has specialized in travel writing for over 5 years, all the while being a lifelong (die-hard) anime fan!