bigtravelbuzzFrom supernatural tales to cultural legends, every UNESCO World Heritage Site has a story to tell. With over 1100 protected sites in 167 countries around the world, there are plenty of places to explore. Here are the 25 must-see UNESCO World Heritage Sites to tick off your bucket list.
1. Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan is probably a real “fairy tale”. Soar above towering temples through the fog and greenery in a hot air balloon. Discover this legendary site of over 2200 temples in central Myanmar. In 2019, it finally achieved UNESCO status.
2. Cultural landscape of Sintra, Portugal
Imagine magical castles and palaces with exotic gardens fit for a king. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a vast natural park that requires at least 2-3 days to explore if you want to see it all.
3. Venice, Italy
This archipelago of islands offers the perfect location for this unique floating city. Venice is a movie-style romance of mists drifting off the water, charming street walks and gondola rides.
Known as one of the most enchanting places on earth, it’s easy to see how Venice has inspired so many artists and architects.
4. Colosseum, Italy
One of the seven wonders of the world and the largest amphitheater of all time – a must check on UNESCO’s bucket list. Take a tour of this oval masterpiece to better understand its tumultuous history.
5. Vatican City
Have you ever thought of visiting a country within a city? Vatican City is the smallest country in the world and is located in the center of Rome. This important religious site houses the Pope and some of the world’s most valuable sculptures and works of art.
6. Cinque Terre, Italy
Opposites gravitate to the dazzling villages of the Cinque Terre! See pretty candy-colored houses set against dramatic rugged coastlines and deep blue waters. The nature of the Italian countryside makes it very impressive that people settled here, built houses on the cliffs and managed to cultivate the land.
7. Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, Morocco
Time stands still in this Moroccan earthen village. The ancient technique of building from adobe bricks is perfectly preserved at this UNESCO site and provides an excellent example of original Moroccan architecture. The reddish color of the mud against the background of the desert and the setting sun is a sight to behold.
8. Historic Center of Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul’s significant placement bridges the gap between Asia and Europe. The city has been a major site of significant artistic, political and religious development over the years. Buildings such as Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia impress with their designs from the inside out.
9. Rock formations of Cappadocia, Turkey – a must-see UNESCO site
It’s hard to avoid pinching yourself when you visit the rocky outcrops of Cappadocia – places that only rob you of your dreams. Please feel close to Unforgettable experience number one!
10. The Great Wall, China
The winding shape of the Great Wall of China seen from the moon. how crazy is that? This is just one of the key factors in the value of this UNESCO site. The defensive wall, which was carefully built by hand over a period of about 1000 years, has a total length of 20,000 kilometers!
11. Buda parliament, Hungary
Many of the buildings on the banks of the Danube are UNESCO-listed, but the Gothic parliament building stands out. The rest of the city is influenced by its strong architectural style and has long been considered a Budapest landmark that stands out from every angle.
12. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
It’s hard to imagine how these otherworldly structures were constructed in Egypt…the result is inspiring human capabilities. Built thousands of years ago, these impressive royal tombs are high enough to be seen from the city of Cairo.
13. Works by Antoni Gaudi, Spain
Check out the colorful works of mastermind Antoni Gaudi! Follow this imaginative route through Barcelona and marvel at its daring architecture. Then visit Park Guell, the world’s most creative park and home to Gaudi’s signature mosaics and his designs.
14. Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Take a front row seat to amazing Mother Nature! Iceland’s incredible national park is the only place on earth where the tectonic plates are above sea level, clearly showing the visible separation between the North American and Eurasian plates.
15. Taj Mahal, India
Often hailed as the jewel of India, this gorgeous white marble burial chamber was built by Emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate his favorite wife (he had many wives!). His love for her is evident through the meticulous design of the mausoleum, from her perfect symmetry to the beauty of the white minaret against the blue Indian sky.
16. Machu Picchu, Peru – one of the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites
As one of his New Seven Wonders of the World, every detail of Machu Picchu is amazing, including how to get there. Watch the sun shine down on an ancient Inca city against a magical backdrop of green mountains.
17. Historic Center of Arequipa, Peru
Arequipa is unique in every way. Contrasting European and Aboriginal influences coexist harmoniously in its origins (built from white volcanic rock from nearby volcanoes) and in its design. The city’s natural excellence is complemented by its surroundings, capped by the local snow-capped El Misti volcano.
18. Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Kites and pink beaches, just like a fantasy. The treasures of the Komodo Islands don’t stop there. Spend the day immersed in world-class nature with marine life of all colors and types. You spend more time underwater than you do outside in the clear waters.
19. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Hindu temples, sculptures and colossal carvings are among the most important archaeological finds. There is something very spiritual about watching the sun rise over this ancient temple complex.
20. Petra, Jordan
Travel down memory lane as you discover the lost city of Petra. Emerging from pink rock, this ancient city has only been discovered in the last 200 years. Most of this site is still buried and you feel like you’ve discovered the world’s best kept secret.
21. Rapa Nui National Park (Easter Island), Chile
An exceptional example of the preservation of Eastern Polynesian culture, the island is home to nearly 1,000 colossal carved heads and torsos of him, called moai, carved from volcanic ash. The reason why this cultural activity has been maintained for his 500 years is because it is the least inhabited island in the world, so there is no outside influence.
22. Itchan Kala, Uzbekistan
Khiva is the unexplored pearl of Central Asia and part of the famous Silk Road. This little-known UNESCO site is called Itchan Kala. This is the old town of Khiva, surrounded by defensive walls that appear to be mostly made of sand. The contrast between the bright turquoise of the minarets inside the walls and the desert landscape is unparalleled.
23. Halong bay, Vietnam
Limestone pillars rise from the calm waters of Vietnam, and picture books tower above small boats and local fishermen. The best way to see the 1600 Islands is by kayaking. You can really see how huge these formations are.
24. Sigiriya Ancient City, Sri Lanka
Built for kings, this extraordinary rock fortress, complete with staircases, terraced gardens and beautiful murals and carvings, is a legend hard to believe. For panoramic views of Sri Lanka’s lush countryside, this natural phenomenon is well worth the challenge.
25. Stonehenge, England
The formation of Stonehenge must be one of the most inexplicable miracles he has ever witnessed. How the incredibly large and heavy stone was brought to this site is an archaeological mystery. Stone circles are also known for their spiritual powers. Keyword goosebumps.