While browsing a few popular world lists, we realized something wild: we’ve been to every one of the New Seven Wonders, and most of the natural and ancient ones too. As full-time travelers, we’ve made it a mission to experience places with deep cultural significance and ancient roots.
In this post, we’ll take you through personal stories from the world’s most extraordinary places, ancient cities, engineering feats, and natural wonders that belong on every travel bucket list.
Our Journey Through the World’s Wonders
We’ve spent the past two decades traveling across continents and chasing not just beauty, but meaning. Some of these wonders have moved us to tears, while others have sparked our curiosity to dig deeper into the civilizations that built them.
Whether it’s walking through ancient temples, standing atop windswept cliffs, or drifting down jungle rivers, these moments define why we travel.
They’re not just about seeing something spectacular—they’re about understanding humanity’s shared history, marveling at our place on Earth, and reminding ourselves that wonder is all around us. So grab your bucket list, open your map, and get ready to add a few more pins.
What Are the 7 Wonders of the World?
The term “Wonders of the World” refers to lists of the most remarkable manmade and natural landmarks on Earth. While the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World were chronicled by Greek historians, most of them no longer exist, except for the Great Pyramid of Giza.
To update the concept for the modern world, the New7Wonders Foundation in Switzerland, held a global vote in 2007, selecting seven new wonders based on cultural significance, architectural achievement, and universal appeal. These include iconic places like Petra, Machu Picchu, and the Great Wall of China. Today, there are also recognized lists of Natural Wonders and Modern Engineering Wonders—each celebrating humanity’s most significant accomplishments and nature’s most breathtaking creations.
New Seven Wonders of The World
Petra, Jordan
Petra’s Treasury is one of the most cinematic sights we’ve ever seen, and yes, it made us feel like Indiana Jones in The Last Crusade. Carved from rose-red cliffs over 2,000 years ago, the ancient Nabatean capital was lost for centuries until a Swiss explorer Hiram Bingham arrived in 1812.
This archaeological site tucked into the mountains of southern Jordan is like walking into history. The ancient city of Petra, with its carved facades like Al Khazneh, has earned its place on the New Seven Wonders list. When we stood before the Treasury, we felt like we were on a Hollywood set, except it was real.
Believed to have been founded in ancient times, Petra is thought to have been a thriving trade hub as early as 400 B.C. The complex includes temples, tombs, and hidden pathways through semiprecious stone canyons.
Want to explore Petra in depth? Start here:
Great Wall of China
Spanning over 13,000 miles, the Great Wall of China is an ancient fortification that winds its way across northern China and through history. We visited both the Badaling and Mutianyu sections and can confidently say: the aerial view from a drone or cable car is unforgettable. Originally constructed during the 7th century and expanded in the Ming Dynasty, it’s an engineering feat worth hiking.
The Great Wall of China is one of the most incredible feats of human strength in human history. We explored both the Badaling and Mutianyu sections of the Great Wall and took in breathtaking aerial views.
Construction of the Great Wall began in the 7th century BCE and continued through the Ming Dynasty, reinforcing the idea that world wonders can span centuries of effort. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a top destination in China and deserves its place all travel bucket lists.
Get inspired to hike the Great Wall:
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Rising above Rio de Janeiro, the Redeemer statue looks out over one of the most stunning coastlines on Earth. Construction began in 1926 and took nine years to complete. The white soapstone statue is not only an architectural achievement but also a symbol of hope and unity.
We saw it from both the top of the mountaintop and the sky overlooking Mount Corcovado. Over 2 million people visit Christ the Redeemer annually. no matter which one you choose, you’ll be in awe of one of the world’s greatest tourist attractions.
Roman Colosseum, Italy
Few structures from the ancient world draw crowds like this one. The Colosseum is the most visited monument in Italy. Over six million people visit each year! Built with reinforced concrete and travertine, it was a hub for gladiators, combat, public spectacles, and imperial entertainment.
Standing inside this complex, you can almost hear the roar of the crowd. It’s a reminder of Rome’s power and its long-standing cultural legacy. It is thought that half a million people and nearly one million animals died within its walls during the gladiator fights.
Machu Picchu, Peru
High above the clouds in the Andes, Machu Picchu is an ancient city of the Incas shrouded in mist and mystery. Built by the Inca Empire it was used as a retreat in the 15th century It showcases agricultural terraces and perfectly cut stone walls that defy modern engineering logic. Machu Picchu truly is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, it is also one of the most iconic New Seven Wonders of the World. The sense of serenity and connection to the earth is unparalleled.
Start planning your Peru adventure:
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Set in the Yucatán Peninsula, Chichén Itzá’s El Castillo stands as a blend of science, spirituality, and spectacle. This ancient Mayan city aligns with astronomical events and showcases brilliant urban planning.
It’s one of Mexico’s most visited archaeological sites and a New World Wonder steeped in history, astronomy, and artistry.
Discover more about the Yucatán and Chichén Itzá:
Taj Mahal, India
Agra’s crown jewel, the Taj Mahal, is famed for its white marble symmetry and romantic origin. Built as a royal retreat and tomb by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, who died giving childbirth in the 1600s, it is both a place of mourning and marvel.
Standing at the reflecting pool as the sun hits the marble, it becomes clear why the Taj Mahal is among the most treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
But be warned, the Taj Mahal is one of the most popular places to visit in India. More than 8 million people visit the Taj Mahal each year, so arrive early and make sure to be one of the first in the complex at dawn.
The Natural Wonders That Took Our Breath Away
The Seven Natural Wonders of the World are often overlooked in favor of human-made icons, but their grandeur rivals anything built by man.
Mount Everest, Nepal
At 8,848 meters above sea level, Everest’s summit touches the edge of outer space. Our trek to Base Camp passed through villages steeped in Himalayan culture. The cultural and spiritual depth of this region, combined with its altitude, makes it one of Earth’s most humbling experiences.
Prepare for your trek in Nepal:
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Floating above coral gardens and swimming with vibrant marine life was surreal. The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most extensive coral reef system on the planet. Its life, color, and scale are unmatched.
From helicopter tours to diving platforms, this marine ecosystem in Queensland stretches over 344,000 km². Composed of nearly 3,000 individual reefs, it’s teeming with color, life, and fragility.
Plan your reef adventure:
Victoria Falls, Zambia
Compared to Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls is sheer thunder. Known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, The Smoke That Thunders) It’s the largest waterfall by volume in the world. The mist, roar, and scale are impossible to capture in photos. Millions of people visit each year for the whole sensory experience.
Explore More of Victoria Falls
Rio De Janeiro’s Harbor
Framed by Sugarloaf and Corcovado, this coastal view blends urban vibrance with natural drama. It’s rare to find a place where nature and city collide so beautifully.
Aurora Borealis
The Northern Lights in Canada, Iceland, and Greenland never fail to mesmerize. We’ve seen them dance in Alberta and Michigan, painting the sky in electric waves. Best viewed in dark sky preserves far from city lights.
Watching the Aurora Borealis ripple across a clear night sky in Canada is unforgettable. Popular belief may say Iceland is best, but don’t skip Jasper, Alberta, especially during the Dark Sky Festival.
Read more about the Aurora Borealis
Grand Canyon
The first time we stood at the South Rim, we were silent. The Grand Canyon stretches over 440 kilometers, with rock layers that record two billion years of Earth’s history. It’s one of the most accessible natural wonders in the U.S., and a testament to nature’s power.
Standing at the edge of this massive Arizona chasm feels like gazing into outer space. It’s 1.8 km deep and 446 km long—carved by time and the Colorado River.
Plan your Grand Canyon visit:
Paricutin Volcano
Formed in 1943 and growing over 19 years, this volcano is one of the only ones whose birth was witnessed and recorded by humans. Located in Michoacán, it’s a rare opportunity to hike into geological history.
New Seven Natural Wonders
- Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines – A surreal subterranean waterway surrounded by jungle.
- Table Mountain, South Africa – Towering over Cape Town, it’s a flat-topped marvel visible from all angles, including Robben Island.
- Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina – A thunderous collection of 275 waterfalls. We explored it at sunrise and sunset with no crowds.
- Ha Long Bay, Vietnam – A seascape of limestone karsts and emerald water, best seen on an overnight junk boat.
- Amazon Rainforest – The lungs of the Earth, teeming with life and vital to our planet’s health.
- Jeju Island, South Korea – A volcanic island with lava tubes and basalt cliffs, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.
- Komodo Island, Indonesia – Home to the legendary Komodo dragon. We regret missing this while in Bali.
Need Help Planning Trip to a Natural Wonder?
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Great Pyramid of Giza
Out of the three pyramids that make up the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Pyramid is the only one of the Ancient Wonders still standing. These Ancient Wonders of the World were chronicled in the Middle Ages, and most now live on in history books.
We’ve visited the remaining wonder of the ancient world, twice, and every time it leaves us speechless. This massive tomb near Cairo is an enduring mystery.
Explore more from ancient Egypt:
Other lost wonders include:
- Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Greece – A 12-meter sculpture of gold and ivory.
- Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Turkey – Once the largest temple of the ancient world.
- Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Turkey – A royal retreat topped with chariots and horses.
- Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Iraq – Possibly mythical, often debated.
- Lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt – Guided ships into one of history’s busiest harbors.
- Colossus of Rhodes, Greece – Towered over the harbor entrance, like a guardian.
Seven Wonders of the Modern World of Civil Engineering
However, there is another list of wonders of the world, less well-known but equally remarkable: the Seven Wonders of the Modern World of Civil Engineering, compiled by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). These represent groundbreaking projects that pushed the limits of what humans could build in the 20th century. Here are the engineering wonders:
- Channel Tunnel (England/France) – A 50-kilometer rail tunnel beneath the English Channel that connects the UK to mainland Europe.
- CN Tower (Canada) – Once the world’s tallest free-standing structure, this telecommunications tower dominates Toronto’s skyline.
- Empire State Building (USA) – A defining symbol of New York City and one of the earliest skyscrapers to reach over 100 stories.
- Golden Gate Bridge (USA) – A stunning suspension bridge in San Francisco known for its Art Deco design and iconic color.
- Itaipú Dam (Brazil/Paraguay) – One of the world’s largest hydroelectric dams, generating power for millions.
- Delta Works (Netherlands) – An innovative system of dams and barriers designed to prevent flooding from the North Sea.
- Panama Canal (Panama) – A 77-kilometer waterway that revolutionized global shipping by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
While these engineering wonders aren’t ancient or carved into cliff faces, their impact on the modern world is undeniable. Each one is a testament to human innovation, engineering genius, and the desire to overcome nature’s challenges for the betterment of global society.
The most widely accepted wonders of the modern world list includes Petra, Christ the Redeemer, Chichén Itzá, the Roman Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, and the Great Wall of China.
There are multiple lists, including the New Seven Wonders, the Seven Wonders of Nature, and the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, making at least 21 widely recognized sites.
Yes, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt is the only original standing of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The original list of the wonders of the world was compiled in the Middle Ages.
Sites are typically recognized for their historical, cultural, or natural significance. Many are UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their outstanding value to humanity.
You can visit all of the New Seven Wonders, and many wonders of nature like the Grand Canyon.
Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Lighthouse of Alexandria, Colossus of Rhodes, Ancient Pyramid of Giza
These are the world wonders that inspired us, and why they might inspire you too.
