8 Wonders Of The World | Are They Worth Visiting?
Discover The 8 Wonders Of The World And Whether To Visit
For centuries, travellers have visited the world’s most iconic wonders, including ancient marvels, natural phenomena, and modern engineering feats. But are the eight wonders of the world still worthy of a spot on your family’s bucket list?
As a family, we have visited six of the eight wonders of the world, and the remaining two are on our bucket list.
From Egypt’s mysterious Great Pyramid of Giza to Peru’s ancient site of Machu Picchu, each wonder offers a unique experience that transcends time, culture and tourism. Gain insight and inspiration for which wonders your family could visit.
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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 world wonders allows families to witness remarkable achievements in architecture and engineering while offering an insight into the history, culture, and ingenuity of civilisations past and present.
Experiencing these extraordinary wonders first-hand can be a transformative and unforgettable experience for many families. Many kids learn about these iconic sites from a young age and can easily connect with them.
We feel each one is worth seeing, with Angkor Wat being our favourite and Christ the Redeemer being our least. Younger children may not appreciate a visit as much as teenagers, but that doesn’t mean they should avoid visiting; just be prepared with fun activities.
We recommend using reputable agents when booking tours and visiting off-peak to help preserve the sites from overcrowding and increase your family’s experience.
What Are The Wonders Of The World?
There is debate over whether there are 7 or 8 Wonders of the World, probably because there are several lists of them.
Historians created the first list to include 7 ancient wonders. With only one still standing, a new list was created by public vote in 2007 and named the New 7 Wonders of the World. After this vote, the eighth Wonder of the World was added.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the last remaining ancient structure and is also included in the new list of manmade wonders. Angkor Wat was voted as the unofficial 8th New World Wonder in 2023, beating Pompeii in Italy.
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) |
8 Wonders Of The World
Adding wonders of the world to your family’s bucket list is a great way to choose a family destination to visit together. Tie them in with other activities for the ultimate fun adventure with kids.
The Great Pyramid, 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 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 mysterious 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. These cooler months, from November to February, are more comfortable for exploring with kids. We have been in April and July when the scorching summer heat is less enjoyable for families.
Tips for visiting
Visit early in the morning to witness the sun rising over the ancient stones of the Great Pyramid. It will be cooler, and your kids may be more engaged in the experience.
Book accommodation with a view of the Sphinx and pyramids where you can also see the evening light show.
To get the most out of your visit, take lots of drinking water, wear comfortable shoes, and hire a knowledgeable, family-friendly guide.
>> We loved this family tour of the Great Pyramid of Giza Book <<
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 imagine hearing the crowds roar and the clash of swords echoing through its corridors.
We took a guided tour and learned about its ancient history and significance, which brought it to life for our family.
Best Time of the Year to visit
Spring and autumn can be the best months to visit the Colosseum in Rome when the weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds if you avoid Easter. Peak summer months between June and August can get hot with long queues, impacting the atmosphere at this iconic historic landmark.
Tips for visiting
Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds for a more immersive experience. Evenings are quieter than in the middle of the day. With four million annual visitors, make sure you book tickets early to guarantee entry into the Colosseum and consider skip-the-line tickets to avoid long queues.
>> 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. We were all captivated by the beauty of the well-preserved citadel on this sacred site. Our kids enjoyed discovering the maze of paths and seeing the lamas.
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. The weather is clear, offering stunning views of the ancient citadel. However, to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during April and November for a quieter experience before the rainy season.
Tips for visiting
Arrive early in the morning to witness sunrise over Machu Picchu. Since the citadel does not have shade, it is best to avoid the midday sun with children.
Families should wear sturdy footwear, as exploring the ancient ruins involves navigating uneven terrain and steep pathways. Visiting by train on a day trip from Cusco is a popular choice that requires booking.
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. Our kids were disappointed not to be able to climb inside the structure, making it our least impressive world wonder, as you can see it from across the city.
As Rio de Janeiro’s most famous attraction, 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 Christ the Redeemer 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.
A late afternoon avoids the tour groups that make it crowded earlier in the day.
Tips for visiting
If you visit early, you can witness 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. It has captured the hearts of eight million annual visitors worldwide, and despite large crowds, it is worth seeing in person.
We visited Agra to explore the Taj Mahal at sunrise. We can see why it is considered one of the world’s most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture, although this was lost on our kids, who were not impressed with an early wake-up.
As we wandered through the Taj Mahal’s immaculate gardens and marble halls, we were struck by the elegance and symmetry of this architectural masterpiece. Built as a romantic tribute, it is a must-see manmade world wonder.
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 Indian summer.
We feel sunrise is the perfect time to visit as the sun enhances the marble detail making it more striking than later in the day.
Tips for visiting
Arrive before dawn to witness the true beauty of the marble as the sun rises. Dress modestly and respect the rule that photography is prohibited inside the mausoleum.
>> Book Your Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and the Baby Taj Tour Here <<
The Great Wall of China, China
Built: 700BC
Walk a section of the Great Wall of China, that showcases human ingenuity and perseverance. Stretching over 13,000 miles, this remarkable feat of engineering offers views of the Chinese landscape.
A hike on the Great Wall of China’s ancient pathways is awe-inspiring and brings wonder amidst the scenery for around ten million visitors annually.
It reminded us of a very similar but shorter 12km Great Wall of Amer in Jaipur, India.
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 witness the stunning sunrise over this ancient marvel. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for uneven and challenging terrain as you hike a section of the.
Petra, Jordan
Built: 312BC
Petra is an ancient manade city carved into red sandstone cliffs in the heart of the Jordanian desert. A trip through its narrow Siq to marvel at the ornate facades of the Treasury and the Monastery will transport you back to a lost civilization.
We plan to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site to uncover its ancient secrets and be wowed by another great engineering masterpiece. 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 winter rains.
Tips for visiting
Engage with local guides for insights into Petra’s rich history. Although popular try to capture the iconic Treasury at sunrise for stunning red photographs. Remember to cherish the heritage of this ancient site by keeping it pristine and ensuring you leave no trace behind.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Built: 5th-13th century
Found on the Yucatán Peninsula Mexico, the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza are a testament to the ingenuity of the Maya civilization that over two million tourists visit annually.
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.
A guided tour can give families insight into the rituals, beliefs, and achievements of the Maya people. We hope to visit Mexico and add this wonder of the world to our family bucket list.
Best Time of the Year to visit
The best season to visit Chichen Itza is between November and April when Mexico is dry and warm.
Tips for visiting
Arrive early or late in the day to beat the crowds visiting this World Wonder. In the morning, the sun casts 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. The temples of Angkor Wat are one of our family’s favourite manmade wonders to witness.
Watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat’s towering spires is worth seeing, but it does attract many visitors. 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, although we had tropical rain in December. 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 over several days to discover its hidden gems and intricate carvings. Respect the sacredness of the temples by following local customs and guidelines.
FAQ | World Wonders
While the Eiffel Tower in France was not officially recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it is a modern engineering and architectural masterpiece and an iconic symbol of France since 1889.
Stonehenge 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 list remarkable constructions, including 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 world’s manmade and natural world wonders, official or not, our family has gained a much deeper appreciation for our planet’s diversity and beauty and the enduring legacy of human creativity.
Whether you marvel at ancient architecture, stand in awe of natural landscapes, or learn about different cultures, the world is worth visiting!
By being curious and exploring the world as you travel, you’ll find countless wonders and make unforgettable memories in every destination without being defined by a list.
Be creative, explore further afield, and find your own wonders of the world.
