I bet you have heard about the ‘Wonders of the World’ but like me, could not list them off the top of your head. Well don’t worry, I’ve put together a post listing the wonders of the world so you know what they are, where they are, and how to visit them. In fact, you may have visited some already and didn’t realise.
While researching this post I was getting different answers to which are the wonders of the world. What I found was there are 3 lists of world wonders. The Ancient Wonders of the World, the New Wonders of the World and the Natural Wonders of the World. And here they are listed for your convenience, and mine, providing an overview of what the wonders of the world are, where the wonders of the are and how to visit each wonder of the world. Here goes.
Definition of a Wonder of the World
Before I get into each world wonder, what makes a wonder of the world? The most succinct definition of a wonder of the world I found was ‘something remarkable in the world’. Things taken into consideration include time span over human history, artistic and cultural values and universally recognisable. And when you read the lists of the wonders of the world following, I think you will agree with me that each and every one of them are something remarkable. I personally would add even more to the lists as there are some incredible places to visit in the world. But for the moment, I am concentrating on the wonders of the world.
Who Decided Certain Places Should be Wonders of the World?
My research on this gave a few different answers but consistent in these answers were:
These Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were originally chosen by Hellenic travelers. These travellers were passing through Persian, Babylonian, and Egyptian lands and made careful note of these structures in travel guides, artwork, and poems with the list put together by Greek historian Herodotus.
In 2000 a Swiss foundation launched a campaign to determine the New Seven Wonders of the World. This was because the original list was compiled in the 2nd century BCE and only the Pyramids of Giza remain.
The New7Wonders Foundation in Switzerland decided upon the natural wonders of the world list. Criteria of the wonder was it had to be completely natural and not human made.
7 Ancient Wonders of the World
- Colossus of Rhodes
- Great Pyramid of Giza
- Hanging Gardens of Babylon
- Statue of Zeus at Olympia
- Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
- Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
- Lighthouse of Alexandria
Of these 7 ancient wonders of the world only the Great Pyramid of Giza exist.
Great Pyramid of Giza
Pyramids, Giza, Egypt
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest Egyptian pyramid that was built c. 2600BC. You’ll find it situated at the north eastern end of the line of the three main pyramids at Giza. It served as the tomb of the pharaoh Khufu who ruled during the fourth dynasty. It is the most famous monument of the Giza pyramids as it is the largest and is the only ancient wonder of the world that is largely intact.
Where are the Pyramids of Giza: the three Pyramids of Giza are located on a rocky plateau on the west bank of the Nile River in northern Egypt.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the pyramids is during Egypt’s winter months from November to February as the temperatures are milder with warm days and cool nights. Of course you can visit other times of the year however, the heat can be stifling during the warmer months.
How to visit: For independent budget travellers you can reach the Pyramids of Giza by catching a metro to Giza station, then take a 14-minute bus ride to the Necropolis. You can also catch a taxi or Uber from Cairo taking around 30 to 35 minutes.
Accommodation in Cairo: There is not much accommodation near Giza, though I did find this option. Most stay in accommodation in Cairo, check out these options.
Tour options: There are plenty of tours available that will get you to the Pyramids of Giza, some are half day while others are full-day including lunch.
7 New Wonders of the World
- Great Wall of China, China, 700BC
- Petra, Jordan, 312BC
- Colosseum, Rome, Italy, AD80
- Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexic, AD600
- Machu Picchu, Cuzco Region, Peru, AD1450
- Taj Mahal, Agra, India, AD1643
- Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, AD1931
1. The Great Wall of China, China
Take a walk along the wall
Chang Cheng, or the Great Wall, extends along the northern boundary of China in an east to the west line for over 8,000 km (4970 miles). The majority of the existing wall dates back to the 13th century Ming Dynasty. It was built to protect against raids and invasions of various nomadic groups.
Best time to visit: You can visit the Great Wall of China anytime, though the best times are late March to May, and September to early November when the temperatures are more comfortable.
How to visit: Visiting will depend on which section of the wall you choose to visit. You can access the Great Wall of China at many sections in the Hebei and Gansu province and from Beijing at the Badging and Mutianyu sections. You can get to The Great Wall via train, bus, or a pre-booked car (either a planned tour or just pre-booked transfers).
Tour options: There are plenty of tours available that will get you to the Great Wall of China.
2. Petra, Jordan
see the wonders of ancient Petra
Petra in Jordan dates from 312 BC and when you visit you will understand why it is included as one of the new 7 wonders of the world. You might recognise it from the Indiana Jones movie! See for yourself The Siq a 1.2km long canyon that opens up to many marvels including royal tombs.
Where is Petra: Once a thriving trading centre, Petra is located amid rugged desert canyons and mountains in what is now the southwestern corner of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Best time to visit: You can visit Petra anytime of the the year however, the best time to visit Petra is during the spring and autumn months when temperatures are more pleasant and crowds are smaller.
How to visit: The easiest way to get to Jordan is to fly into the capital city of Amman. Petra is located 230km south of Amman, roughly a 3-hour drive away. You can rent a car and drive to Petra which is the best option or take a bus but public transport in Jordan overall is limited.
Accommodation: check out options to stay in Petra here.
Tour options: There are plenty of tours available that will get you to Petra.
3. The Colosseum, Italy
The Colosseum in Rome
Next on the list of new wonders of the world is The Colosseum in Rome, Italy. It is one of the most recognisable of Rome’s classic buildings and one of the best things to see and do in Rome. was the scene of many gladiator competitions and had a seating capacity of some 60,000 spectators. Take time to see the vast complex of remains of buildings from seam 2000 years ago.
Where is The Colosseum: You will find The Colosseum in Rome, Italy.
Best time to visit: You can visit Rome anytime of the the year however, the best time to visit Rome is during the spring and autumn months when temperatures are more pleasant and crowds are less. Summer can see hot temperatures and plenty of crowds.
How to visit: Depending on where you are staying in Rome (check accommodation options here), you could walk or you can take a metro to reach the Colosseum in the heart of the city. The nearest metro station is “Colosseo” on the B Line.
Tour options: There are plenty of tours available that will get you around Rome, that will include a visit to the Colosseum. A Rome Hop-on Hop-off bus tour will stop at this famous site. Or you can take a taxi to the reach Colosseum.
4. Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico
El Castillo, Chichen Itza
Dating back to 600AD are the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. The sacred Mayan site is a complex with a number of buildings and cenotes to explore. The most famous of the buildings would be El Castillo or the Temple of Kukukan. As you walk around the complex you will see the Great Ballcourt where Mayan sportsmen competed, Temple of the Warriors and the Skull Platform.
Where is Chichen Itza: Chichen Itza is located in the Yucatan province of Mexico.
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Chichen Itza is during the dry season, which falls between November and April. In the wet, summer season, temperatures rise much higher, and the climate is much more humid making it unbearable for those not use to this type of heat. In order to beat the crowds get there early or mid-afternoon when crowds are leaving. Try to avoid going there on Sundays when it is free for Mexicans to enter.
How to visit: Chichen Itza is located in Yucatan with one of the closest tourist destinations of Cancun some 2 hours drive away. You can hire a car to visit, go on the new train or on a tour.
Accommodation: Most don’t stay in the tourist towns and catch transport or a tour to the ruins. Check out options for accommodation in Cancun here.
Tour options: There are plenty of tours available that will get you to Chichen Itza. I organised one from my hotel on arrival in Cancun at my hotel’s tour desk and I was lucky there was availability as these tours book up early, so I suggest you book a tour online.
5. Machu Picchu, Peru
Lost city of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu in Peru dates back to the 15th Century and is often referred to as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. The term Machu Picchu means ‘old mountain’ and this Inca citadel is situated on a mountain ridge 2,430 metres (7,970 feet) above sea level making the location of this world wonder spectacular. The Incas built Machu Picchu around 1450 AD but then abandoned it. The ruins left today are the size of a village with three primary structures to visit. The Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Three Windows.
Where is Machu Picchu: You will find Machu Picchu in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru on a mountain ridge.
Best time to visit: One of the best times to visit Machu Picchu is April and May after the rainy season has passed. This time isn’t as crowded as July to August when more than 3000 people visit the site daily between 10am to 2pm.
How to reach: The easiest way to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu is to take the train to Aguas Calientes. Buses run regularly from Aguas Calientes to the site, and back. It takes about 25 minutes one way.
Tour options: Buy your tickets to Machu Picchu in advance due to its popularity. Don’t expect to reach the site and expect any tickets to visit be available. While purchasing your ticket choose your time slot to visit. Morning time slot is between 6am to 12pm while the afternoon slop is between 12pm to 5.30pm. There are plenty of tour operators offering tours.
6. Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Taj Mahal
Who doesn’t remember the image of Princess Diana sitting alone at the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is one of the most photographed places of all the 7 wonders of the world. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Made of white marble it stands on a raised marble platform at the end of an ornamental garden.
Where is the Taj Mahal: Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra, within a state named Uttar Pradesh. Agra is well connected to Indian cities and forms part of India’s Golden Triangle which is one of India’s most popular tourist routes.
Best time to visit the Taj Mahal: If wanting to visit the Taj Mahal in the most pleasant weather conditions then the best time to visit the Taj Mahal will be between November to February. You can also visit during the should seasons of October and March as. Suggest to avoid the hot crowded summer season and the monsoon months.
How to reach: Once you arrive in Agra, the Taj Mahal is easily accessible by foot. Read my post on how you can visit the Taj Mahal.
Accommodation: rel=”sponsored”check out Agra accommodation options here.
Tour options: You can visit the Taj Mahal independently by purchasing your ticket here. Or go with a tour group.
7. Christ The Redeemer, Brazil
Christ the Redeemer looking over Rio
One of the icons of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has to be one of the seven wonders of the world – the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Towering over the city atop Corcovado Mountain, the statue is visible from all over Rio de Janeiro. Built between 1926 and 1931, it stands a massive 30 metres (124 foot) tall. From the top there is a panoramic view over Rio, from the Maracana and Sambadrome to Sugar Loaf Mountain, the lagoon, and Copacabana Beach.
Best time to visit Christ The Redeemer: Summertime which is December until March is peak season for Rio de Janeiro and when large crowds visit. September and October (spring time) are the best months to visit Rio de Janeiro as temperatures are mild yet still warm for the beaches. April, May, June (autumn (fall) months) is also a beautiful time to visit Rio.
How to reach: The Cog train is the most famous and scenic route to reach Christ the Redeemer. The train takes you through Atlantic Forest to the top of Corcovado Mountain. Then there is a shuttle van that goes to the base of Christ the Redeemer. From the base there is a series of lifts and open-air escalators taking you up to the statue. If you are fit and adventurous, you can hike to reach Christ the Redeemer taking some 2 hours to reach the top.
Accommodation in Rio: Most stay somewhere in Rio and visit Christ the Redeemer and other places. Check out accommodation options in Rio here.
Tour options: There are tour options to visit Christ The Redeemer.
7 Natural Wonders of the World
- Aurora Borealis
- Grand Canyon, United States of America
- Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Mount Everest, Nepal
- Parícutin Volcano, Mexico
- Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Africa
1. Aurora Borealis
as seen from many countries
The Aurora Borealis, also commonly known as the northern lights, is a natural light display in Earth’s sky. People come from all over the world to see the display of light. There are many countries to see the lights, Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Scandinavia, Scotland and Russia.
2. Grand Canyon, USA
Horsehoe Bend, Grand Canyon
A visit to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, will show you just why it is one of 7 natural wonders of the world. The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River over thousands of years. It is some 446km (277 miles) long and about 29km (18 miles) wide with some canyon walls over a mile (6,000 feet or 1857 metres) in depth. It’s hard to describe the sheer size until you see it for yourself.
Best time to visit the Grand Canyon: Anytime is a good time to visit the Grand Canyon however, to avoid the hordes of tourists and the heat of the summer, best times to visit the Grand Canyon are March through May and September through November.
How to visit the Grand Canyon: The best way to visit the Grand Canyon is to drive as you will be able to visit different parts of the canyon. Check out pricing and availability of cars here. The closest cities are Pheonix and Las Vegas. But a fun way to get to the Grand Canyon is to take the the Grand Canyon Railway, which makes daily round-trips between Williams, Arizona, and the Grand Canyon Depot.
Tour options: There are tour options to visit the Grand Canyon, many leave from Las Vegas.
3. Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Green Island, Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. It stretches over 2,300 km (1430 miles) along the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is home to some 3000 individual reefs and coral cays, some 100 islands and thousands of marine species.
Best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef: Anytime is a good time to visit the Great Barrier Reef however, during the summer months (December to February) days can be hot, humid with a cyclone or two. Best time to visit is during Australia’s winter months when the temperatures of nice, yet great for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.
How to visit the Great Barrier: The best way to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from one of the major cities along Australia’s coastline. These include Brisbane, the Whitsundays, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns. You will catch a boat out on to the reef. One of the best islands to visit in the Great Barrier Reef is Green Island off the coast of Cairns.
Accommodation: Cairns provides some of the best options to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Check out Cairns accommodation here.
Tour options: There are tour options to visit the Great Barrier Reef. My favourite is the one from Cairns to Green Island.
4. Harbor of Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Christ the Redeemer overlooking Harbor of Rio de Janeiro
Harbor of Rio de Janeiro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is the shape of the bay and surrounding area that helped designate it as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. The harbor was formed by erosion from the Atlantic Ocean and this cat has formed the world’s largest harbour surrounded by granite monolith mountains including iconic Sugarloaf Mountain and other landmarks like Christ The Redeemer, one of the 7 wonders of the world. Plus has some famous beaches like Ipanema and Cpacabana.
Best time to visit Anytime is a good time to visit the harbor, but it also depends on what you want to do in the harbor. If wanting to visit the beaches you will be looking for the best beach weather which could be during the summer months when there are loads of tourists and locals spending time on the beach. Other seasons are great to visit also as the weather is more pleasant for sightseeing with less crowds.
How to visit the Harbor of Rio de Janiero: Rio de Janiero is the city around the harbor so depending where you are staying, you can walk to the bay.
5. Mount Everest, Nepal
Highest mountain in the world
Next on this list of 7 natural wonders of the world is Mount Everest. It is the world’s highest mountain with an elevation of some 8,848.86 metres. And you will find it in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas with the China–Nepal border running across its summit point.
Best time to visit Mount Everest: Spring (March to May) is regarded as the best season for a Mount Everest expedition. This could be to the base camp or to climb it. To climb, you will need to go on a tour and be an experienced climber on snow and ice.
Where to See Mount Everest: Being so tall, the mountain can be seen from many places but the best views of Mount Everest are accessible from the Nepalese side.
Mt Everest Tours: Not all of us are climbers, so an alternative is a trek to Base Camp.
6. Parícutin Volcano, Mexico
looks like any old mountain – but it is the youngest and first volcano that human kind has witnessed develop
I had never heard of Paricutin Volcano until writing this list of wonders of the world. I discovered this volcano was added to the list because Paricutin Volcano is the youngest volcano in the world and its birth was witnessed by modern human kind. And apparently it formed as a result of a nine-year eruption, from 1943 to 1952, that began in an open field. It is now classified as an extinct volcano, yet is still hot as rainwater reacts to the heat of volcano and steam rises. You will find it in western Michoacán state, west-central Mexico.
How to visit: You can visit Paricutin Volcano and even climb it. The sides are covered in very loose volcanic gravel making for a slow climb but I’m told the views of the volcano and of the lava flows over the surrounding countryside are awesome!
Tour options: You can walk to the top of Paricutin Volcano however, many go on horse back. Check out this tour.
7. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Africa
Hear the thunder of the water at Victoria Falls
A visit to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe has been on my Africa bucket list for a while and I plan to tick it off my list soon. If looking for something to see and do in Africa besides going on a safari, this is definitely one of the best places in Africa to visit. Victoria Falls is the name of a town in western Zimbabwe which is the gateway to the massive waterfall of the same name. It is here where the Zambezi River plummets over a cliff to a series of gorges below.
How to get to Victoria Falls: There are daily flights operating between Johannesburg Airport and Livingstone Airport (Zambia) to Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe). The flight is about 90 minutes in duration. Both airports are then about a 20 minute drive to/from the Falls.
Are You Ready to Tick a Natural Wonder of the World off Your Bucket List?
Out of these natural wonders of the world I have managed to tick 4 off my bucket list. How many have you ticked off your bucket list?
These are all “wonders” for a reason eh? I would looove to visit every single one of them. It’s sort of mad that I did not visit any of the natural ones already (I’ve only been to 3 of the modern wonders too!)
I guess the only downside to these are they are all so popular I would be a little worried about adding to the issues of over tourism…
that is something only you can answer – deciding whether or not to visit. I hope you do get a chance to visit them as there are ways to leave a small imprint.
I would love to visit Petra and Machu Picchu. Seeing the northern lights is on my bucket list. Proud to have already visited the Grand Canyon.
Oh you lucky thing – the Grand Canyon is one 7 world wonder I really want to see.
Great post. Most of these have been added to my bucket list.
Great. I look forward to hearing when you start crossing them off your bucket list as done!
Thanks for the organized listing. I too have found it confusing knowing which list is the legit list of world wonders. 1 down of the new world ones, 6 to go!
Great work – 1 down and 6 to go. I’ve got 4 ticked off my list so far.
This is perfect! Ive been thinking about going to see the wonders of the world and this will help me do that! Saving this!
Wonderful. I look forward to hearing about which wonder of the world you visit first.
I thought Halong Bay in Vietnam was also one of the natural wonders. Has that been removed?
I did see Halong Bay mentioned as being number 8 on the list – but I was only doing the 7 wonders.
Wow! I better get busy…The Great Barrier Reef…I will start there. Thanks for sharing.
And a very good place to start you have chosen! It is one of my favourites.
I’d love to see all 7 of these. I never think of the Aurora Borealis being on the list.
I was surprised to see this too – but it is!
What a fantastic guide to the Wonders of the World! Your detailed breakdown of each wonder, including the best times to visit and how to get there, is incredibly helpful. I love how you’ve made it easy to understand and plan visits to these remarkable sites. Thank you for sharing such valuable insights!
Thanks. Many of the wonders of the world are on my bucket list so the information I provided, is the information I would want to know so I can visit them.