12 Beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the World You Need To See

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Looking for new destinations to add to your bucket list? Why not add these UNESCO World Heritage Sites? There is a good reason they have earned this coveted spot. Their natural beauty, architectural marvels, and historic significance have exceptional value and have fascinated travelers for ages.

Whether you’re an avid traveler, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking inspiration for your next adventure, these destinations will leave you with a lasting impression. Read on for some of the world’s most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Machu Picchu, Peru

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Machu Picchu, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, is located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The ancient civilization is situated at an altitude of about 7,970 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level. It is one of the exceptional examples of architecture in the Inca civilization.

Beyond its history and architectural importance, Machu Picchu’s location is quite a site. Perched atop the Andes, the ruins offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

If you are into hiking, you will love visiting Machu Picchu. The classic Inca Trail is a 4-day trek that leads to Machu Picchu, offering stunning views and a sense of achievement upon arrival. Other trails you may want to explore include the Salkantay Trek.

Taj Mahal, India

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Taj Mahal Agra India — © Sean Hsu / Adobe Stock

The Taj Mahal in Agra, northern India, is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage since 1983, renowned for its architecture and for being a symbol of India’s rich cultural history. The building was majorly constructed in 1632, as commissioned by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, as a mausoleum to house the tomb of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

If you are into architecture, take note of its stunning white marble facades, inlay works, perfect symmetry design, and precious and semi-precious stones used to decorate it.

While the mausoleum and its iconic dome are the stars of the show, you will also love the picturesque symmetric layout of the gardens, the reflecting pool, and the Taj Museum, which showcases the history, construction, and significance of the Taj Mahal.

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

While Egypt has many offerings, the Pyramids of Giza is a good enough reason to get you to book that trip. Located on the Giza Plateau on the outskirts of Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. They are one of the most outstanding structures of the ancient Egyptian civilization. Constructed as tombs for the Pharaohs, the pyramids are remarkable for their precise construction, massive sizes, and engineering techniques, which were clearly ahead of their time.

The Pyramids of Giza include three main pyramids: the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), the Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren), and the Pyramid of Menkaure (Mykerinos). The Great Pyramid is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one still largely intact.

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For your exploration, take guided tours for deeper historical contexts, venture inside the pyramids to see the narrow passages and burial chambers, or ride a camel around the Giza Plateau for a unique perspective and excellent photo opportunities.

Acropolis of Athens, Greece

15 Iconic Places in the World The Acropolis, Athens, Greece — © moofushi / Adobe Stock

Located in the center of Athens, the Acropolis is one of the most famous and visited archaeological sites in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, it is recognized as an outstanding example of ancient Greek architecture and its influence on Western civilization.

The Acropolis houses several iconic structures, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike, which you should not miss when visiting.

There is so much to learn and explore at the Acropolis. For an in-depth and insightful trip, consider going on guided tours.

Yosemite National Park, USA

Most-Instagrammable-Spots_Yosemite-National-Park-California — © Stephen / Adobe Stock

Located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Yosemite National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its natural beauty, unique geological features, and diverse ecosystems. The park’s dramatic landscapes, towering granite cliffs, giant sequoia groves, and biodiversity make it a haven that continues to capture nature enthusiasts.

While the park is vast and spans several counties, there are highlights you cannot afford to miss during your visit. For rock climbers and photographers, do not miss out on the park’s impressive cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome. Its waterfalls like Yosemite Falls (one of the tallest in North America), Bridalveil Falls, and Vernal Falls are equally impressive sites.

If you are not into chasing landmarks, you can just soak into Yosemite’s landscapes, including glacially carved valleys and pristine wilderness. They offer amazing opportunities to connect with nature. You can also drive or hike to Glacier Point for one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra.

Great Wall of China, China

Overrated Tourist Traps The Great Wall of China — © aphotostory / Adobe Stock

The Great Wall of China stretches across northern China, spanning various provinces, including Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, and Liaoning. Construction started in the 7th BC, primarily to protect Chinese states from invasions and raids. The wall stretches over 13,000 miles (21,196 kilometers) and features watchtowers, fortresses, and beacon towers.

Hiking the Great Wall of China is one of the things you should do before you die. It is one of the best ways to explore its rich history and impressive architecture. As an explorer, you will like the fact that the wall traverses diverse landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and grasslands, offering stunning panoramic views and unique hiking experiences. No, you don’t have to hike the entire thing. You can choose specific sections depending on your hiking abilities and interests.

Grand Canyon National Park, USA

Grand Canyon National Park is located in Arizona, USA. It comprises the Grand Canyon, a massive gorge carved by the Colorado River, and other diverse ecosystems. Thanks to its exceptional beauty and geological significance, the park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

While there is so much to do in the park, it is certainly a destination made for hikers. The Rim-to-Rim Hike, which takes hikers from the canyon’s north to south rim, is one of the goals avid hikers like to achieve. You could also go for scenic drives along Desert View Drive, go river rafting in the Colorado River, or take helicopter rides for panoramic and unique perspectives of the canyon.

Cinque Terre, Italy

In 1997, the Cinque Terre villages were inscribed in the UNESCO list as a “cultural landscape.” The rugged coastline stretching along the Italian Riviera comprises five villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

These villages are renowned for their colorful houses built on cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. Each village has a unique charm to offer tourists, which is why you should explore all of them. Luckily, they are well interconnected with hiking trails and train lines.

Whether exploring its sandy beaches, unique architecture, or the vineyards of Manarola, Cinque Terre is a destination that you should not miss during your Italian vacation.

Alhambra, Spain

Alhambra is a complex of palaces, gardens, and courtyards located in Granada, Spain. The complex is perched on Sabika Hill, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.

It is one of the best representations of Moorish architecture. It also holds a lot of historical significance as a symbol of medieval Muslim culture in Spain. If you are an architectural enthusiast, you will love examining the palace’s Islamic details, such as stucco work, arabesque decorations, and beautiful tile mosaics.

While the Alhambra complex is massive, key areas to explore include Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife Gardens, and the Alcazaba.

Palace of Versailles, France

Fun Facts About France You Might Not Know France’s Louis XIX Is The King With The Shortest Reign Ever — © Sergey Novikov / Adobe Stock

Palace of Versailles, located in Versailles, just outside Paris, is one of the world’s most stunning palaces. The palace is known for its opulent architectural design, beautiful gardens, artistic interiors, and significant historical events, all of which contributed to its UNESCO World Heritage status since 1979. Having served as the main royal residence before the French Revolution, the palace retains much of the royal furniture and artworks. Today, you can visit the palace and marvel at its French Baroque architecture, grand halls, and lavish details.

While the palace has so much detail and highlights, the Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces), adorned with numerous mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and beautiful frescoes, often grabs visitors’ attention. It is a scene right from a fairy tale—take as much time exploring it.

Petra, Jordan

Petra, located within the rugged desert and mountainous terrain of Jordan, was a significant trade hub from around the 6th century BC. Today, the site is renowned for its historical and cultural value and unique architecture, which is why it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Petra features stunning buildings carved directly into the red sandstone cliffs. When visiting, take a keen interest in the artistic design of its tombs, temples, and other structures. While there are many highlights, the attention to detail of the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) impressively stands out. You could also hike up to the Monastery (Ad-Deir), which involves climbing around 800 steps. It can be quite intense, but the views you will be rewarded with will be worth every step.

Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls, straddling the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, is one of the world’s largest waterfalls. Located on the Zambezi River, the fall has a width of about 5,604 feet (1,708 meters) and a height of 354 feet (108 meters). The vast volume of falling water creates a breathtaking spectacle and natural beauty, which made the site a designated UNESCO site in 1989.

During the dry season, adventurous tourists swim in the Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool on the edge of the falls. The Devil’s Pool is also a perfect spot to take Instagram shots. You can also take walking tours, helicopter tours, white water rafting in the Zambezi River, or bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge.