There are so many beautiful sights to see in the world, that it would probably be impossible to get through them all. With so many wonderful things to see, how do you narrow it down? Of course, the most exciting places are the ones that you are personally interested in, but there are some unmissable places that you should add to your bucket list. Warning: this article will leave you wanting to book your flight and go!
Taj Mahal, India
Not only is the Taj Mahal one of the most architecturally stunning buildings in the world, but it also has an incredibly romantic backstory. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. A truly beautiful tribute, the Taj Mahal is made out of acres of white marble and precious stones, based in a sublime and peaceful setting by a sacred river. In 1983, it became one of the Unesco World Heritage sites.
When to visit: Many visitors descend on the Taj Mahal throughout the cooler months of October, November or February.
How to get there: The Taj Mahal is in Agra. From the UK, you cannot get a direct flight. Instead, it is best to fly to New Delhi and then catch a domestic flight. From Agra, you can catch an electric bus or park nearby.
Air India offer a direct flight from Heathrow to New Delhi and New Delhi to Agra.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Where is Macchu Picchu? Well, Machu Picchu is an essential part of any trip to Peru. This awe inspiring ancient Inca city was practically forgotten about until the beginning of the 20th Century. If hiking is your thing, you can do a 4 day trail around the region in order to fully absorb yourself in the mysterious aura. If you want the full experience, stay in a lodge right in the heart of it.
When to visit: In high season, from late May to early September, around 2500 visitors arrive daily. The site is most heavily visited from 10am to 2pm, so travelling outside of these hours may be quieter.
How to get there: You can fly to Cuzco from the UK. A popular place to stay is Aguas Calientes- frequent buses run from here to Machu Picchu from 5.30am to 2.30pm.
Expedia can help you find accommodation around Machu Picchu.
Grand Canyon National Park, USA
The vast and breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon have featured on many computer screensavers over time, but nothing compares to seeing the real thing. Whether you take a helicopter ride over the Canyon as a day trip, or be brave and hike it, the views are always incredible. Look down and you’ll be taking in two billion years of geologic development.
Where is the Grand Canyon?: The Grand Canyon is in the USA.
When to visit: The best time to visit is between May to October, when the weather will be kind.
How to get there: Fly to either Phoenix or Vegas, depending on which rim (side) you wish to visit.
United Airlines offer direct flights from the UK to Vegas. Delta Airlines also offers connecting flights to Phoenix.
Great Wall, China
The Great Wall covers most of China. How long is the Great Wall of China? 8850 km, spread across the North of the country. Some brave people hike the whole thing, but you can pick any section and still be humbled by its indestructible nature.
When to visit: The Great Wall is spectacular any time of year, but late May to October is best for manageable weather.
How to get there: The Wall is accessible from most of the North of China, but for overseas visitors it is probably easiest to fly to Beijing and visit from there.
Virgin Atlantic has a partnership with Air China, meaning they can fly to Beijing.
Colosseum, Italy
The gladiatorial arena is one of Rome’s most thrilling sights. Step inside this 50,000 seat arena and you can picture the bloodthirsty battles that went on here, prisoners fighting off beasts in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
When to visit: Rome is beautiful and much quieter in Spring and Autumn.
How to get there: The Colosseum Rome is easily accessible by the Metro system once you have flown to Rome.
Travel Republic can help you plan your holiday in Rome.
Iguazú Falls, Brazil-Argentina
These waterfalls are impossibly huge. Accessible from both Brazil and Argentina, it is recommended that you see both sides for two different experiences. Take a trip on the boats, but only if you are prepared to get absolutely soaked! You can also hike across flat trails, and visit the local wildlife including jaguars.
When to visit: In Summer, it can get very hot and crowded. It is best to go in Spring or around September to get around the falls easily.
How to get there: Fly to either Puerto Iguazú or Parque Nacional Iguazú. The Iguazu Falls are surrounded by several forms of public transport.
British Airways fly to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo in Brazil.
Sagrada Familia, Spain
A ‘cathedral for the poor’, this project is expected to be completed in 2026: Gaudi was appointed chief architect in 1883. If you can look past the cranes and scaffolding, you will see the magic of the Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona’s most famous places to see. Even if you are an Atheist, it’s difficult not to be taken in by the stunning detail inside.
When to visit: Barcelona is likely to be quieter in early Spring or Autumn. Many tourists descend in the Summer to see the Sagrada Familia.
How to get there: You can fly to Barcelona from a range of airports across the UK. The Sagrada Familia is in the centre of the city, so is easily accessible on foot.
Monarch offer flights to Barcelona for affordable prices.
Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the oldest of the three pyramids. Also nearby is the Great Sphinx, the oldest statue in the world. No trip to Egypt is complete without a visit to the Pyramids, even if it is just to contemplate how they were built block-by-block.
When to visit: Egypt’s tourist season is from May- October. It is very hot during this time, so make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen.
How to get there: The closest city to the Pyramids is Cairo. Buses run to near the Pyramids, or you could get the metro to Giza then take a taxi.
Thomas Cook can find you a package holiday, staying close to the Pyramids.
Eiffel Tower, France
It’s difficult to imagine the landscape of Paris without the Eiffel Tower, but it was originally intended to be a temporary structure, built for the 1889 World Fair. Luckily, the popularity of the tower ensured its survival. Generally considered to be one of the most romantic sights in the world, you can take a lift all the way to the top or visit the Champagne bar for a toast.
When to visit: Paris is accessible any time of year, but it is advisable to book Eiffel Tower tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
How to get there: From the UK, there are many flights to Paris. You can also get the Eurostar from St.Pancras station, London.
Book Eurostar tickets by calling their customer service desk.
Temples of Angkor, Cambodia
Widely considered to be Heaven on Earth, the Temples of Angkor are a source of inspiration and national pride to many Cambodians. It is said that the Temples have the epic proportions of the Great Wall of China, the detail of the Taj Mahal and the symmetry of the Pyramids in one.
When to visit: November to February is peak season, as March to May is incredibly hot and the rest of the months are filled with rain.
How to get there: Many visitors stay in Siam Riep, but you can hire a car and travel to the Temples from pretty much all of Cambodia.
Avis has car hire available from Siam Riep Airport.
So there you have it. Some of the world’s most breathtaking sights, and I say some because there’s still so much more to see!
