8 Wonders Of The World | Are They Worth Visiting?
What Are The 8 Wonders Of The World?
From ancient marvels to natural phenomena and modern engineering feats, Wonders of the World have captured travellers’ imaginations for centuries.
Whether it’s the awe-inspiring Great Pyramid of Giza, the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu or the iconic Colosseum, each wonder offers a unique and enriching experience that transcends time and culture.
As a family, we have shared extraordinary adventures, opening our kids’ eyes to many of the world’s wonders. This has included six of the eight Wonders of the World. As our journey continues, we plan to visit the remaining two of these incredible wonders.
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8 Wonders Of The World We Think Are Worth Seeing
8 Wonders of the Modern World: The Colosseum, Machu Picchu, Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat
7 Wonders of the Natural World: Northern Lights, Great Barrier Reef, Mount Everest
7 Wonders of the Ancient Wonders: The Great Pyramid of Giza
Are The 8 Wonders of The World Worth Visiting?
Visiting these wonders provides an opportunity to witness some remarkable achievements in architecture and engineering while offering a profound insight into the history, culture, and ingenuity of civilisations past and present.
The Eight Wonders of the World are potent reminders of the enduring legacy of human creativity and innovation and are on many once-in-a-lifetime bucket lists.
Experiencing these extraordinary Wonders first-hand can be a transformative and unforgettable experience for many travellers.
Although they are worth seeing, you should consider minimising your impact on both the World Wonders and the environment. We recommend using reputable agents when booking your travel and tours and being responsible for using lower carbon transport such as trains and busses where possible.
What Are The Wonders Of The World?
There is debate over whether there are 7 or 8 Wonders of the World! This is probably because there are several lists of them. Historians created the first list to include 7 ancient wonders, but with only one still standing, a new list was created by public vote in 2007 named the New 7 Wonders of the World. After this vote, the 8th Wonder of the World was added.
The Great Pyramid of Giza often claims the title of the last remaining ancient structure and crosses over to the new list. On the other hand, Angkor Wat sometimes completes the list as the 8th New World Wonder. Confusing… absolutely!
Here is a table to help:
| 7 Wonders of the Ancient World | 7 Natural Wonders of the World | New 8 Wonders of the World |
| Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt) | Northern Lights/Aurora Borealis | Christ the Redeemer (Brazil) |
| Hanging Gardens of Babylon (Iraq) | Harbour of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | Great Wall of China (China) |
| Statue of Zeus at Olympia (Greece) | Grand Canyon (USA) | Petra (Jordan) |
| Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (Turkey) | Great Barrier Reef (Australia) | Chichen Itza (Mexico) |
| Colossus of Rhodes (Greece) | Mount Everest (Nepal/Tibet) | Machu Picchu (Peru) |
| Lighthouse of Alexandria (Egypt) | Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe) | The Colosseum (Italy) |
| Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (Turkey) | Paricutin (Mexico) | Taj Mahal (India) |
| Angkor Wat (Cambodia) |
Depending on how you count them, there are 21 or 22 Wonders of the World. However, there are many, many more wonders on numerous other lists!
8 Wonder Of The World
The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
Built: 2550 BC
In the land of the Pharaohs, our kids stood in complete awe before the majestic Great Pyramid of Giza. It is the last surviving ancient wonder of the world, built over 4,500 years ago during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu.
This architectural wonder continues to mesmerize 14 million annual visitors with its grandeur and mystery. Our family delved into this iconic monument’s rich history and culture with a local guide. She helped us unravel the secrets of the ancient Egyptians while we marvelled at the precision of its construction.
Best Time of the Year to visit
The best season to visit the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt is typically late autumn to early spring. From November to February, these cooler months are much more comfortable for exploring. Avoid the scorching summer heat to help ensure an enjoyable experience.
Tips for visiting
An early morning visit to witness the sun rising over the ancient stones of the Great Pyramid of Giza is a truly magical experience. Take lots of drinking water, wear comfortable shoes and hire a knowledgeable guide to get the most out of your visit.
>> We loved this family tour of the Great Pyramid of Giza Book here <<
The Colosseum, Italy
Built: 70-72 AD
The Colosseum, a symbol of ancient Rome’s architectural prowess, was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in AD 70-72. It served as a grand arena for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and other public spectacles, accommodating tens of thousands of spectators.
Stepping into the Colosseum in Rome, we were transported back to the gladiatorial spectacles of ancient Rome. As we stood amidst the towering arches and crumbling ruins, we could almost hear the roar of the crowds and the clash of swords echoing through its corridors.
We took a guided tour, learning about its ancient history and significance, which brought it to life for our family. With four million annual visitors, make sure you book a ticket!
Best Time of the Year to visit
Spring and autumn can be the best months to visit the Colosseum in Rome. You’ll have mild weather and fewer crowds. Peak summer months (June-August) can get hot with long queues, impacting comfort and atmosphere at this iconic historic landmark.
Tips for visiting
Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds for a more immersive experience. Book tickets well in advance to guarantee entry into the Colosseum and consider skip-the-line tickets to avoid long queues, ensuring a smoother visit for the whole family.
>> Click here to book an immersive tour inside the Colosseum <<
Machu Picchu, Peru
Built: 1450-1460
Perched high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu beckons us with its mystical allure and breathtaking scenery. Trekking along the Inca Trail, we followed in the footsteps of ancient civilizations, traversing rugged terrain and lush forests to reach the legendary Lost City of the Incas.
From the Sungate, we watched Machu Picchu come into view as clouds lifted over the mountains. With each step, we were captivated by the beauty of the well-preserved citadel on this sacred site.
At over 2,432m (7,000ft) above sea level, Machu Picchu lay abandoned until 1911 but now attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually worldwide.
Best Time of the Year to visit
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is clear, offering stunning views of the ancient citadel. However, to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder months of April and November for a quieter experience before the rainy season.
Tips for visiting
Arrive early in the morning to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu. With no shade at the citadel, avoiding the midday sun is best. Wear sturdy footwear, as exploring the ancient ruins involves navigating uneven terrain and steep pathways.
>> Book your Machu Picchu Day Tour from Cusco Here <<
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Built: 1931AD
High atop Corcovado Mountain stands the iconic 30m (98ft) tall Christ the Redeemer, a symbol of faith, hope, and unity for the people of Brazil.
As we ascended the mountain on foot, we were rewarded with panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro and the iconic statue.
As the most famous attraction in Rio de Janeiro, it is no surprise that this enormous structure attracts two million visitors annually.
Best Time of the Year to visit
The best time to visit is during the dry season between June to September. During this time, the skies are clearer, giving better visibility from the statue of Rio de Janeiro.
Tips for visiting
Witness a breathtaking sunrise over Rio de Janeiro from the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Remember to respect the rules within the sacred areas.
>> Book Your Rio highlight Tour, including Christ the Redeemer, here <<
The Taj Mahal, India
Built: 1632-53
The Taj Mahal’s ethereal beauty symbolises love and devotion, and it has captured the hearts of eight million annual visitors worldwide.
We visited Agra to explore the Taj Mahal at sunrise. It is considered one of the world’s most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture. Wandering through its immaculate gardens and marble halls, witnessing the elegance and symmetry of this architectural masterpiece built as a romantic tribute was a great experience.
Best Time of the Year to visit
The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is during the cooler months of October to March, to avoid the scorching heat of summer.
Tips for visiting
Arrive before dawn to witness the true beauty of the marble as the sun rises. Dress modestly and respect the rule of no photography inside the mausoleum.
>> Book Your Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and the Baby Taj Tour Here <<
The Great Wall of China, China
Built: 700BC
Traverse the length of the Great Wall of China, a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Stretching over 13,000 miles, this remarkable feat of engineering offers breathtaking views of the Chinese landscape and a glimpse into the country’s storied past.
A hike along its ancient pathways brings wonder amidst the awe-inspiring scenery for around ten million visitors annually. Although we have yet to visit China, there is a very similar but shorter 12km Amer wall in Jaipur, India, that we enjoyed exploring.
Best Time of the Year to visit
The best time to visit the Great Wall of China is during the spring or autumn seasons, when the weather is mild and comfortable for hiking. Summer (June-August) is busy and has extreme temperatures.
Tips for visiting
Start early in the day to minimise crowds and witness the stunning sunrise over this ancient marvel. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for uneven and challenging terrain as you hike a wall section.
>> Book a Tour of the Great Wall of China here <<
Petra, Jordan
Built: 312BC
Petra is an ancient city carved into red sandstone cliffs in the heart of the Jordanian desert. Take a trip through its narrow Siq and marvel at the ornate facades of the Treasury and the Monastery, which transport you back to a lost civilization.
Immerse yourself in this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s beauty and splendour, uncovering its ancient secrets. An average of one million tourists visit this historical site annually.
Best Time of the Year to visit
The best seasons to visit Petra are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is mild, with fewer crowds than in the extreme heat of summer and the occasional winter rains.
Tips for visiting
Engage with local guides for insights into Petra’s rich history. Capture the iconic Treasury at sunrise for stunning photographs. Respect the site’s heritage and leave no trace behind.
>> Book Your Fabulous Petra Tour Here <<
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Built: 5th-13th century
Found on the Yucatán Peninsula, the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza are a testament to the ingenuity of the Maya civilization that over two million tourists visit this masterpiece.
The mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the imposing pyramid of El Castillo and the sacred Cenote of Ik Kil, are worth exploring. Through guided tours and immersive experiences, you can gain insight into the rituals, beliefs, and achievements of the Maya people.
Best Time of the Year to visit
The best season to visit Chichen Itza is during the dry season, typically between November and April. This time offers pleasant weather with lower rain chances than the rest of the year, allowing for comfortable exploring of the ancient ruins.
Tips for visiting
Arrive early to beat the crowds visiting this World Wonder and experience the morning sun casting shadows that resemble a serpent descending the pyramid of Kukulkan.
>> Book Your Tour options for Chichen Itza here <<
Angkor Wat, Cambodia – 8th Wonder Of The World
Built: 12th century
As the largest religious monument in the world, Angkor Wat is a masterpiece of architecture and a testament to the ancient Khmer Empire. From our base in Siem Reap, we explored the ancient temples of Angkor over several days, both with and without a guide.
Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat’s towering spires filled us all with a sense of wonder and reverence for this remarkable site. Despite its vast size, don’t expect to feel alone, as over 2.6 million tourists visit annually.
Best Time of the Year to visit
It is best to visit Angkor Wat during the dry season, typically from November to March. During this time, the weather is cooler, with less chance of rain. This makes for more comfortable exploration and some stunning sunrises and sunsets.
Tips for visiting
Arrive early to watch the sun rise over Angkor Wat’s iconic spires. Take your time to explore the temple complex to discover its hidden gems and intricate carvings. Respect the sacredness of the temples by following local customs and guidelines.
>> Book Your Tour of Angkor Wat Tour Here <<
FAQ | World Wonders
While the Eiffel Tower in France was not officially recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it is considered a wonder of modern engineering and architecture. As an iconic symbol of France, it has captivated millions of visitors since its completion in 1889.
Yes, Stonehenge is considered one of the world’s wonders. It is renowned for its mysterious origins and iconic stone circle formation. However, this ancient monument in England is not included on the recognised list of the seven or eight wonders of the world.
While all of the world’s wonders attract a vast amount of visitors annually, the Great Pyramid of Giza reaches an astonishing 14 million tourists a year. The Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal are the next most visited, with less than one million tourists visiting Petra in Jordan.
The original Seven Wonders of the World is a list of remarkable constructions of classical antiquity. These included the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
Final Thoughts | 8 Wonders Of The World
Through visiting some of the 8 Wonders of the World, we have gained a much deeper appreciation for the diversity and beauty of our planet and the enduring legacy of human creativity. You’ll find countless wonders and make unforgettable memories simply by being curious and exploring the world as you travel.
Seeing the world’s wonders is a priceless experience and is not confined to a published list. Every destination we have visited, from the ancient wonders of Egypt to the modern marvels of Brazil and beyond, has left an indelible mark on us.
We recommend that fellow adventurers visit any of the World’s Wonders, but don’t be defined by a list! Be creative, explore further afield, and find your own wonders of the world.
