TOP 10 · TRAVEL

10 Wonders of the World to See Once in Your Life

10 wonders of the world: Machu Picchu, the Great Wall, the Taj Mahal, Petra and more, with the best time to visit each. Which is on your list?

By the Editorial TeamPublished

Ranking: 10 Wonders of the World to See Once in Your Life

In shortNumber 1 in our ranking is Machu Picchu, followed by The Great Wall of China and The Taj Mahal.

The wonders of the world on this list include the seven chosen in the 2007 global vote, the only wonder of the ancient world still standing and two monuments that, in our view, deserve to stand alongside them. For each one we explain why it impresses and the best time to visit.

Which have you seen, and which is still on your list? Vote below or add the one you’d include.

1. Machu Picchu

Peru · 15th century · One of the New 7 Wonders

The Inca citadel, high in the Andes, is one of the most impressive archaeological landscapes on Earth. The best time to go is the dry season, from May to October.

2. The Great Wall of China

China · One of the New 7 Wonders

Thousands of kilometres of walls built over centuries to protect the empire's northern frontier. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to walk it.

3. The Taj Mahal

Agra, India · 17th century · One of the New 7 Wonders

Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is the crown jewel of Mughal architecture; visit between October and March.

4. Petra

Jordan · One of the New 7 Wonders

The Nabataean city is carved into the desert's rose-coloured rock. You reach its famous Treasury through a narrow gorge; spring and autumn are the best times to go.

5. The Colosseum

Rome, Italy · 1st century · One of the New 7 Wonders

The largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire still stands almost two thousand years later. Go in spring or autumn and book tickets in advance.

6. Chichén Itzá

Yucatán, Mexico · One of the New 7 Wonders

Its pyramid of Kukulcán is aligned with the sun: at the equinoxes, a shadow serpent appears to slither down the staircase. Best in the dry season, from November to April.

7. Christ the Redeemer

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil · 1931 · One of the New 7 Wonders

It towers over the city from the top of Corcovado mountain. The views over the bay are spectacular; pick a clear day.

8. The Pyramids of Giza

Egypt · About 4,500 years old

The Great Pyramid is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing. The best time to visit is October to April, when the heat eases off.

9. Angkor Wat

Cambodia · 12th century

The largest religious monument in the world, surrounded by hundreds of temples in the jungle. Sunrise over its towers is unforgettable; best from November to February.

10. The Alhambra

Granada, Spain · 13th–14th centuries

The Nasrid palace was a finalist in the 2007 vote and is one of the high points of Islamic art. Spring and autumn are ideal, and booking tickets in advance is essential.

It counts as your vote. Our editors review every suggestion before it appears on the site.

Frequently asked questions

What are the New 7 Wonders of the World?

Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Petra, the Colosseum, Chichén Itzá and Christ the Redeemer, chosen in a global vote in 2007.

Which ancient wonder is still standing?

Only the Great Pyramid of Giza, in Egypt.

Would you change the order?

Tell us what's missing, what shouldn't be here or what you'd put at number 1.

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