Since ancient times, travelers have sought to visit the Wonders of the World. And while only one of these seven ancient wonders remains, there have been numerous modern lists of wonders. Hereby, the most popular one is the 2007 list of the New Seven Wonders of the World which was based on a public poll.
It is this list, that made many travelers, including myself, add some or all new wonders to their bucket list. However, doing so is not an easy task. Given their locations all around the world, visiting the Ancient and New Wonders of the World means traveling to five continents.
This traveler’s guide to visiting the Wonders of the World will help you visit them.
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What are the Wonders of the World?
The original list of (Ancient) Wonders of the World dates back the 200 BC to 100 BC, and was compiled for Hellenistic travelers. Created after Alexander the Great had conquered Egypt, the Persian Empire, and Babylon, the list included structures known within the Hellenistic world.
Meanwhile, the New Seven Wonders of the World were determined by a public vote in the early 21st century. After a years long campaign by the New 7 Wonders Foundation, the seven New Wonders of the World were selected out of 21 finalist. There were 100 million votes and the result was declared on July 7, 2007. All New Wonders of the World are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
New Wonders of the World
Colosseum, Italy
Constructed between AD 72 and AD 80 under Emperor Vespasian, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built. Situated in the heart of Rome, it is one of the most imposing buildings of the city’s Imperial history.
Nowadays, it is partially ruined, but in ancient times, between 50 and 87 thousand spectators filled the Colosseum’s seats to observe gladiator fights, re-enactments, and in the early days even mock sea battles.
The Best Time to Visit the Colosseum
If you want to avoid the crowds that visit the Colosseum throughout the day, you have to visit the amphitheater as soon as it opens. It is open every day of the year except for January 1 and December 25.
How to Get There
The Colosseum has its own metro station called ‘Colosseo’ with a direct connection to Rome’s central train station.
How much does it cost to visit it?
A basic 1-day ticket costs 18€, while a 2-day ticket that also includes the arena costs 24€. A 1-day ticket that includes basic areas, the arena, and the underground area also costs 24€, as does the combination of the basic areas and the attic. Guided tours are available.
All Colosseum tickets also include entrance to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, so be sure to also cross visiting them off your Italy bucket list. After all, the two sites should be included in every Italy itinerary that includes Rome.
Chichen Itza, Mexico
Chichen Itza was once a bustling Mayan city. Built between the 6th and 12th century, the buildings have been influenced by a variety of architectural styles including that of Central Mexico.
While there are many buildings on site, the most commonly known structure is El Castillo. Also known as the Temple of Kukulcan, it is dedicated to the feathered serpent deity.
The 24 meters high pyramid has 91 steps on each side, and when combined with the surrounding top step, the structure has a total of 365 steps. During the two annual equinoxes, the shadow makes it look like a serpent is sliding down the northern staircase.
Other popular buildings of Chichen Itza are the largest Juego de Pelota, El Caracol (a Mayan observatory), and the Temple of Warriers. You also should not miss Cenote Xtoloc in which remains of human sacrifices have been found.
The Best Time to Visit Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is an interesting site to explore year round, but in order to avoid the midday heat, the crowds, and the shouting merchants, you should be there when the site opens at 8 AM.
Are you looking to visit Mayan ruins that are just as impressive without encountering crowds? Head to Calakmul in Campeche!
How to Get to this Wonder of the World
While there are day trips to Chichen Itza from Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, the best way to visit the UNESCO site is to drive there from Valladolid. The city is significantly closer to the site, so you do not have to start driving in the dark in order to be on site when it opens.
After exploring this New Wonder of the World, you should head to Cenote Ik Kil, one of the best cenotes near Valladolid.
How much does it cost to visit it?
At the time of writing, the entry fee is 643 MXN (~ 30,64 USD) for foreigners. The fee for Mexican citizens is 285 MXN.
Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal in Agra is a white marble mausoleum complex. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan to honor his dead wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is often described as the ultimate declaration of love. Construction of the monument started in 1631, and the mausoleum was completed in 1648. Construction of other buildings on site continued until 1653.
With its central dome, four smaller domes, and four minarets at the corners, it is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. It is surrounded by gardens with reflecting pools.
The Best Time to Visit the Taj Mahal
If you want to avoid the boiling summer heat (April – June) and the Monsoon season (July – September), October to March are the best months to visit this New Wonder of the World. To avoid the crowds, it is best to arrive when the Taj Mahal opens 30 minutes before sunrise. It is closed on Fridays.
How to Get There
To get to the Taj Mahal, it is best to either fly or take the train to Agra. Once in Agra, you can then take two trains to the monument or simply take a UBER.
How much does it cost to visit it?
The entry fee to the grounds of the Taj Mahal is 1100 INR (~ 12,83 USD) for foreigners and 50 INR for Indian citizens. If you want to enter the mausoleum, you have to pay an additional 200 INR.
During the five days around the full moon, you can also visit the Taj Mahal during night viewing sessions. These 30-minute-long sessions cost 510 INR for Indian citizens and 750 INR for foreigners.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the most visited tourist attraction in Peru. Built in the 15th century, the Inca citadel was abandoned when the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spaniards in the 16th century. It is believed that this New Wonder of the World was constructed as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti.
Located on a mountain ridge at 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level, the site towers above the Sacred Valley and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding area.
The Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
Peru’s most visited destination is open all year round. The peak season is July and August, but you should always expect crowds. If possible, the rainy season between October and April should be avoided.
How to Get There
If you are heading there from Lima, you must first travel to Cusco. Once there, the easiest way to get to Machu Picchu is to take the train to Aguas Calientes from where you can catch a bus to Machu Picchu. Buses run regularly from Aguas Calientes to the site, and back.
Those who want a more adventurous and memorable experience can also reach Machu Picchu as a multi-day trekking trip. Hereby, the most popular routes are the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trail, the Lares Trail, and the Choquequirao Trail.
How much does it cost to visit it?
As of June 2024, you can choose between 3 circuits with subroutes when you visit the archaeological site. Six routes are available year-round, and four additional routes are offered during the high season.
The entrance fee depends on which route you select with prices ranging from 150 Peruvian soles (~ 40,43 USD) to 200 Peruvian soles (~ 53,20 USD). Foreigners pay more than local travelers, and there are discounts for children and undergraduate students. You can buy your tickets on the official website.
Petra, Jordan
Petra, also known as the “Rose City”, is one of the most recognizable archaeological sites in the world. Carved into pinkish sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans around 300 BCE, this ancient city is famous for its stunning rock-cut architecture, especially the iconic Treasury and the Monastery.
The intricate carvings, hidden caves, and temples make it clear why Petra is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Once you enter the park you will follow a wide gravel path, which leads to the narrow Siq, the long narrow pathway between the cliffs which eventually leads out to the Treasury – the most iconic landmark of this Wonder of the World.
The nearest town to Petra Archaeological Park is Wadi Musa – this is where you will find the most affordable accommodation and amenities.
There are a few high-end resorts just outside the archaeological park, but for the privilege, they come at a premium price.
The Best Time to Visit Petra
The best time to visit Petra is in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these months, the temperatures are milder, ranging from 18°C to 25°C (65°F to 77°F), making it more comfortable to explore. Summers can be very hot, reaching highs of 40°C (104°F), and winter can be chilly, so plan accordingly.
Also, aim to be at the entrance as soon as the gates open at 6.30 am – the early start is worth it to enjoy the park before the hoard of tours arrives.
How to Get There
Getting to Petra is relatively easy. Most visitors fly into Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, then take a bus, private car, or a guided tour to the site, which is about a 3-hour drive south of the capital.
If you are planning a trip to Jordan, many travelers also combine Petra with other popular spots like Wadi Rum or the Dead Sea.
How much does it cost to visit Petra?
Entrance fees vary, but a one-day ticket costs around 50 Jordanian Dinars (JD), a 2 day pass is 55 JD, and a 3 day pass is 60 JD. For multi-day passes, you must take your passport because your name is printed on the ticket.
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
The iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) stands high on Mount Corcovado, overlooking Rio de Janeiro.
With a height of 30 meters, it is the largest Art Deco sculpture in the world.
Built between 1922 and 1931, the statue has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Christianity globally and has been replicated in many other cities around the world.
The Best Time to Visit
When there is a good weather forecast, early morning is a great time to visit Christ the Redeemer, when sunlight brightens the face of the statue and the city landscape below. This is also the time of day you can expect the least crowds.
How to Get There
There are three main ways to reach the statue: a challenging 10km round-trip hike; a minivan ride from Largo do Machado or Copacabana; or the scenic “Trem do Corcovado” mountain train, which is the most popular option.
How much does it cost to visit it?
While the train is the most expensive method at around US$17.50 for the return trip, you can enjoy fabulous views during the ride – try and get a seat on the right side on the way up, and the left side coming down. If hiking, you need to pay the entrance fee to the statue, which is around US$7 in high season and US$3.50 in low season.
Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications across China along its historical northern borders to protect China from various groups and as an encouragement to trade along the Silk Road.
In total, all sections of the wall stretch over 21,196 km (around 13,000 miles), which makes it by far the largest of the New Wonders of the World.
The earliest sections of the wall were built in the 7th century BC, but the best preserved and most visited sections were built during the Ming Dynasty from 1368 to 1644.
The most accessible sections are the Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, and Simatai sections.
The Best Time to Visit the Great Wall of China
While the Great Wall of China can be visited at any time of the year, the best times to visit are from March to May and September to November when the temperatures are comfortable.
How to Get There
There are multiple ways to get to the Great Wall. The easier ways to get there are to take a guided group tour or hire a private car. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Beijing to the Badaling section of the wall.
How much does it cost to visit it?
Depending on which section you visit, admission to the Great Wall starts at around 40 Chinese Yen or about 5.50 USD. If you do a tour, the cost usually starts around $75, which includes admission and transportation.
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza, built around 2560 BCE, stand as the sole remaining wonder of the ancient world. It was constructed as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu.
Standing at an original height of 146.5 meters the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure for over 3,800 years.
The Best Time to Visit the Great Pyramid of Gizeh
The best time to visit the Pyramids is during the European winter. This is because in summer the temperatures become unbearable and there is no shade at all around the complex.
How to Get There
Getting to Giza is very easy, especially with the new Sphynx airport opening nearby. Even if you fly to Cairo, you can get to Giza in an Uber in around 40 minutes. You should definitely spend at least one day in Cairo as well when you are visiting the Pyramids.
How much does it cost to visit it?
The entrance fee to the Pyramids costs 540 Egyptian pounds. If you want to visit the interior of the Khufu Pyramid, you will have to pay another 900 Egyptian pounds. It is highly recommended to hire a guide to understand the history of the Pyramids. Hereby, the price can vary a lot, depending on where you book.
The Other Ancient Wonders
While you can no longer visit the other six Ancient Wonders of the World, you can plan a trip to where they once stood. In some cases, you can still see the foundations of the buildings, while no trace remains of others.
Are the Wonders of the World worth visiting?
All Wonders of the World – whether ancient or new – have established themselves as highly attractive tourist destinations, and as such visiting is certainly not a journey off the beaten track. But the fact that you might face large crowds or should consider visiting as soon as the sites open does not take away from the fact that they are each impressive man-made structures.
One can argue about that other UNESCO sites such as the two oldest known man-made structures Göbleki Tepe and Ġgantija should be included and if other sites would come out on top if the vote was to take place today. However, it does not change the fact that travelers should visit the sites if they have the chance.
Built over the course of over 2700 years and over 4,500 years if one includes the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Ancient and New Wonders of the World are all marvels of contemparary architecture and culture. As such, you will walk away having seen more of world history after visiting them.
More Incredible Places
If you are looking for bucket list-worthy locations and experiences, you might also be interested in these articles:
How many wonders of the world have you already visited? Which one will you visit first or next?
Let me know in the comments!
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Hi thanku so much for this article.
Its always been my dream to visit the wonders of the world.
Did The Tag Mahal
Pyrimiids of Giza
VIC Falls… Thought that was a wonder
I’m glad you like the article.
The Victoria Falls are listed as a natural wonder on the list of ‘Natural Wonders of the World’, but are not on the ‘New 7 Natural Wonders’ list. I consider the first list the legit one.
I thought about including natural wonders in this article, but ultimately decided that they deserve their own article.