18 Must See Places In The World

There are so many beautiful places on Earth that capture perfectly the beauty of nature, how far humans have come in so many ways, and the power of weather and natural phenomena that has reshaped or ruined, some of the most beautiful places known to man. Traveling brings about many rewarding experiences and benefits that hard to replicate in any other ways. From modern marvels in large cities throughout the world to the beautiful places left behind ancient civilizations that have become extinct, every place has something to offer that can be a life changing experience.

The following is a list of only 18 of the most beautiful, absolute must see places in the world. Get out there and explore!

New York City, United States

One of the most well known cities throughout the world, New York City is referred to as the city where dreams come true. People throughout the United States and the world have come to the city to start a new life or make a dream become a reality. There are so many places to visit and see that it’s hard to do everything within one trip. Some of the must see sites to see include the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park and Zoo, numerous large and beautiful museums, and Coney Island. New York City is rich with music halls, jazz clubs, diverse restaurants and ethnic foods, and parks. One stop for everyone to see would be Ellis Island, the place where many people immigrated from other countries to the United States. The public can look through the names of those who moved here and might be surprised who they may find.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The second largest city in the country of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is a must see in South America. From expansive beautiful beaches and islands, to the Tijuca Forest and Sugarloaf Mountain, there are plenty of things to see and enjoy in Rio de Janeiro. The city has beautiful cathedrals built many years ago, rich with the culture of Brazil. Museums, stadiums, and aquariums with beautiful parks in the surrounding areas are sure to please as well. The most recognized international symbol of Brazil would be the Christ the Redeemer monument that is located on Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park, and it looks over all of Rio de Janeiro. People are able to hike to the top of Corcovado to reach Christ the Redeemer and look at the beautiful city below. The statue is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone and was built between 1922 and 1931.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Located on a mountain ridge about the Sacred Valley in the Cusco Region in Peru, Machu Picchu is a marvelous site to see. A remnant of the Inca civilization, it was built as a place for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, who ruled around 1438-1472. He was the ninth Sapa Inca of the Cusco Kingdom, and Machu Picchu was built for him around 1450. Unfortunately, it had to be abandoned about a century later during the Spanish Conquest, and remained an unknown place until the early 1900’s. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, and remains very well intact, with renovations underway in some areas to give people a better idea of how it looked during the time it was occupied. Machu Picchu is a classic Inca structure and consists of three parts, the Inti Watana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows.

Washington D.C., United States

A true picture of the culture and rich history of the United States, Washington D.C. is a must see for those who live within the nation and those who visit the U.S. There are so many places to see and experience for free and that accept donations in some areas. From memorials like the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. memorial, the World War II memorial, Vietnam Memorial, and other war memorials and monuments, one will learn a lot from one visit. The Smithsonian Museums such as the Museum of National History, Air and Space Museum, National Art Gallery, Holocaust Memorial Museum, and Museum of American History, there are many places to explore and see for all ages. One can also view the Capitol Building and the White House, as well as visit the National Zoo and National Aquarium. There are plenty of things to do in Washington D.C. that it’s hard to fit it all in within one trip.

Great Wall of China, China

Stretching a great distance of over 8,850 kilometers (5,500 miles), the Great Wall of China is one of the most well known ancient structures in the world. From Shanhaiguan to Lop Lake, the wall served as a defensive barrier to protect the ancient Chinese states from invasions. Parts of the Great Wall were built starting as early as the 7th century BC, with the First Emperor of China, Qin Shihuang, building the wall from 220-206 BC. Over the years the Great wall has been maintained and enhanced, with most of the existing wall still standing from the Ming Dynasty. Not only did the Great Wall of China serve as a defense barrier, it also served as a way to regulate transported goods, immigration, and was also a way to transport goods from different areas of China and the world. Some surveys taken of the length of the wall, along with natural barriers from rivers and mountains, show that the Great Wall stretches over 21,196 kilometers (13,171 miles). It was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

Copenhagen, Denmark

The capital city of the nation of Denmark, Copenhagen, is rich with a deep history of Viking roots and royalty. Originally founded during the 10th century as a Viking fishing village, Copenhagen became the capital of Denmark during the early 15th century, located only 42 kilometers (26 miles) northwest of Malmo, Sweden. There are many places to see in Copenhagen, ranging from ancient palaces and castles, to modern museums and gardens. The Carslberg Brewery offers a tour to visitors and is the 5th largest brewing company in the world. At the end of the tour, guests are offered two free beers or sodas. Another site to see would be the Little Mermaid monument, which looks over the Langelinie neighborhood. It is Copenhagen’s most famous symbol and is based off of the fairy tale “The Little Mermaid” written by Hans Christian Anderson. Due to the city’s close proximity to Sweden, visitors are welcome to take a very short trip over to Sweden to check out Malmo and other historic areas.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The world’s largest coral reef system is the Great Barrier Reef, located off of the coast of beautiful Queensland, Australia. The Great Barrier Reef has an approximate length of over 2,300 kilometers (1,400 miles) and contains almost 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is home to more than 1,500 species of fish, six species of sea turtles, and thirty species of whales and dolphins. Over 215 species of birds visit or chose to nest in the Great Barrier Reef, and over 400 coral species have a home in the Great Barrier Reef. The biggest threats to the overall health to the species that call the Great Barrier Reef home include climate change, pollution, and fishing. Steps are currently being taken worldwide to help protect the Great Barrier Reef and the pollution problem. People can tour the Great Barrier Reef via boat tours, scuba diving, and glass-bottomed boat tours.

Rome, Italy

Another ancient and beautiful place to visit in Europe would be the capital of Italy, Rome. With a history that dates back to almost 3,000 years ago with the official founding of the city happening in 753 BC, it is referred to as the Eternal City since it is one of the few oldest cities in Europe that is still densely populated. From making a wish at the famed Trevi Fountain to touring the beautiful Sistine Chapel to see the work of Michaelangelo, Rome is sure to be a pleaser for travelers of every kind. Ancient structures from the Roman Empire still stand and are open for visitors to see and possibly tour include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, and Arch of Constantine. There are numerous piazzas, galleries and museums to visit, and Vatican City is nearby to be toured as well. Rome has a lot to offer in terms of both ancient and modern marvels.

Golden Triangle, India

The Golden Triangle is a top tourist destination in the fascinating country of India. The triangle consists of three cities that include Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Delhi is the capital city of India and contains both the crumbling city of Old Delhi and the newest New Delhi. Exploring the numerous ancient mosques, monuments, and forts that were left behind from the Mughai rulers. The city of Agra is well known for having the largest tourist attraction in the country, and also one of the seven world wonders, the Taj Mahal. Agra also has nearby places for tourists to check out as well. The third city in The Gold Triangle of India is the city of Jaipur, located in the desert. Jaipur is affectionately referred to as the Pink City since the walls and buildings of the old city have a pink tint. Palaces, forts, and the beautiful front of the Hawa Mahal are all beautiful sites to see while visiting the area.

Easter Island, Polynesia

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Easter Island, located in the Polynesian Triangle, is most famous for the large stone statues located within Rapa Nui National Park. The Rapa Nui civilization settled on Easter Island in the first millennium CE, which is the same people responsible for creating the moai, the monumental statues, which number up to 887. Due to the demise of the Rapa Nui people from disease, overpopulation, and deforestation, Easter Island is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. Less than 6,000 people live on the island and the nearest place to Easter Island is Pitcairn Island, which is 2,075 kilometers (1,289 miles) away. The island also has three extinct volcanoes that help make up the landscape which are Terevaka, Poike, and Rano Kau. Volcanic craters and cones also make up the geography of the island, including caves and lava tubes.

London, England

As the capital of England and the United Kingdom, London is the most populous area of the entire United Kingdom. London was settled by the Romans in 43 AD, and is also home to the Royal family and Buckingham Palace. There are many things to see in London, including Big Ben, The London Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye. There are also numerous museums, galleries, parks, and cathedrals to visit. One of the must see sites to visit would be Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, which is a replica of the original from the 1600s, and is both a museum and working theater. Visitors can watch plays in real Shakespearian fashion by purchasing standing only tickets and bench seats. Another great place to visit is the London Eye, in which people can take a slow ride on the Ferris wheel to get a beautiful view of the city. The Houses of Parliament that are in the 1,000 room Palace of Westminster is a beautiful place to visit and tour if one would like to get a sneak peak into the political process of the United Kingdom.

Paris, France

Dubbed the most romantic city in the world, the capital city of France, Paris, is a must see in Europe. Paris has many places of interest from older buildings to newer attractions. The most famous symbol of Paris and France itself would be the Eiffel Tower, which visitors can tour and ride to the top for a magnificent view of the beautiful city. Located on the Seine River, visitors can take romantic boat rides to view places throughout the city as well. Some of the most notable places to see in Paris include the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Notre Dame de Paris, Pont Alexandre III, and the Catacombs of Paris. Along with beautiful parks and gardens, accompanied with museums and monuments, Paris is also known for it’s Louvre Pyramid. Also contained within the Louvre Palace and Pyramid is the famed Louvre Museum, which is home to the most popular attraction; Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

Big Island (Hawaii), United States

Hawai’i, also referred to as the Big Island or Island of Hawai’i, is the largest of the chain of islands located in the state of Hawaii in the United States. With a fusion of American and Polynesian culture, the Big Island is a must see for those seeking a destination to a tropical paradise. The Big Island is full of many beautiful things to see as well as expansive beaches to relax on. Some of the most famed places on the island include Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, W.M. Keck Observatory, and the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. Mauna Kea is a beautiful place to stargaze either with the naked eye or with telescopes, as the area has the world’s clearest place to see all of the stars above us. Sunrise and moonrise are the most beautiful at Mauna Kea. Another beautiful place to check out on the Big Island is Waipi’o Valley. Full of breathtaking views, waterfalls, wild horses, and a black sand beach makes this place the perfect area to explore and hike.

Montreal, Canada

Located in the Canadian province of Quebec, Montreal is the second largest city in Canada. Named after the triple-peaked hill in the heart of the city, Montreal has a lot to offer for tourists visiting from near or far. Mount Royal is the highlight of the city, along with the Old Port of Montreal and Old Montreal in which tourists can travel back in time to understand the rich history of Quebec. A famous place in Montreal is the Montreal Biosphere, which is an environmental museum that showcases the water ecosystems of the Great Lakes. Interactive exhibits include climate change, water, air, and Eco technologies. Other places to make a stop at while visiting Montreal are the museums, Lachine Canal, the Montreal Biodome, Botanical Garden, and the Olympic Stadium. The Montreal Planetarium is a beautiful exhibit of the universe, and Montreal City Hall offers a chance to learn more about the history of the city.

Cape Town, South Africa

The beautiful city of Cape Town, South Africa, is full of life and culture. Some of the most famous and well known symbols of Cape Town include Robben Island, where former president Nelson Mandela was held prisoner, Lion’s Head, Seal Island, and Table Mountain. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Peninsula, and the Two Oceans Aquarium are worth visiting as well. The lively Victoria and Alfred Waterfront district have plentiful shops and restaurants to give tourists a taste of South Africa. Visitors can also take a hike on Table Mountain in the gorgeous Table Mountain National Park, which overlooks the city of Cape Town. After overcoming the apartheid in the 1990’s, South Africa is still recovering from the oppression that much of the population felt during the tumultuous times. The District Six Museum gives an unabashed look into the politics and turmoil that residents dealt with during the apartheid, with the effects still lingering today for those who were relocated into the townships.

Cairo, Egypt

The capital of Egypt and full of ancient marvels and history, Cairo, is a perfect mix of the past and the future. The most famous icon of Egypt lies within Cairo, the Great Pyramids of Giza. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Giza Pyramids have withstood time for over 4,500 years. The area is also known and referred to as the Giza Necropolis. Thousands of visitors from around the world come to visit the pyramids, the area contains three primary pyramid, with the most well known pyramid the Great Pyramid of Cheops. Pharaoh Khafra is buried within, who was the Pharaoh around 2589 until 2566 BC. The massive statue of the Sphinx is located on the Giza Plateau. Other attractions of Cairo for visitors to see include the Al-Azhar Park, Khan el-Khalili, Egyptian Museum, and numerous older mosques. There are also palaces, a zoo, and an art museum that contains ancient and modern Islamic art.

Hong Kong, China

The beautiful city of Hong Kong, located in the People’s Republic of China, is full of a dazzling and stylish amount of entertainment. Victoria Peak is a famous place to visit where people can eat, shop, and check out the city of Hong Kong from the Sky Terrace, which is a 360 degree viewing platform that gives a spectacular view of the city. Other areas of interest in Hong Kong include Avenue of Stars, Disneyland Hong Kong, Ngong Ping 360, Stanley Market, and the Fa Yuen Street Market which is a wonderful place to interact with vendors and get a good feel for and experience the consumerism of Hong Kong that cannot be replicated anywhere else. There are several beautiful temples within Hong Kong, the Wong Tai Sin Temple being the most famous. Everyone is invited to visit and make prayers, and it is well known for granting any wishes of those who seek worship. To get an understanding of traditional Chinese living, visitors should check out the Tai O Fishing Village which is full of shops and Tanka people who are descendants of the first settlers of Hong Kong.

Istanbul, Turkey

The largest city in Turkey and considered the historical heart of the country, Istanbul is a transcontinental city in the Eurasia area. One of the most famous places to see in Istanbul is the Topkapi Palace, which was a home to many generations of sultans and their families. Full of beautiful gardens and courtyards, and spectacular views of the Sea of Marmara, Topkapi Palace is an example of the luxurious life that the royals lived. Another absolute must see in Istanbul is the Istanbul Archaeology Museums, where there are many historical explanations of the culture of the area, including scenes in 3D of the life of Alexander the Great. Other notable places to visit in Istanbul include the Galata Tower, Blue Mosque, Chora Church, Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, and Aya Sofya. For tourists looking for a romantic attraction, the beautiful Basilica Cistern shows how the water system that introduced drinking water to Istanbul was made.