From pristine beaches to hidden coves, plenty of places in the world take your breath away. If you’re looking for a dose of beauty on your next vacation, consider visiting one of these 10 pretty places. Looking to travel and explore the world? Check out our list of the top 10 most beautiful places around the globe. From picturesque landscapes to exotic cities, this list will have you itching to pack your bags and start your next adventure.
The 12 Most Beautiful Places in the World
From pristine beaches to hidden coves, plenty of places in the world take your breath away. If you’re looking for a dose of beauty on your next vacation, consider visiting one of these 10 pretty places.
1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is a temple city that was the heart of a mighty kingdom and one of the largest cities in the world for centuries. The remains of the ancient city can be found in the Cambodian countryside, and are among the best preserved anywhere in the world. Angkor Wat is a must-see for anyone interested in Southeast Asian history or archaeology, as well as for anyone who simply enjoys exploring beautiful temples and ruins.
2. The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is the most famous and impressive wall ever built. It runs almost 4,000 km (2,500 mi) from the eastern to the western borders of China. It is generally considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Great Wall of China was built over many dynasties with different motivations, but it’s two greatest periods were the Northern Song Dynasty, which ran from 960 to 1127 AD, and the Ming Dynasty, which ran from 1368 to 1644. The Ming Great Wall is a popular tourist destination.
The Great Wall of China is a series of stone and earthen fortifications Constructed in various lengths, sizes and styles from the 4th century BC to the 16th century AD. The Great Wall is not just one structure built by many dynasties, but a collection of walls, ramparts, defensive outworks and other defensive structures built successively by different Chinese dynasties throughout Chinese history. The Great Wall of China is made up of different sections, each with its own name and role in Chinese history.
3. Petra, Jordan
Located in the Jordanian Desert, Petra was once the capital city of the Nabatean Empire, which controlled the area from around the 6th century BC until it was annexed by the Romans in 106 AD. The city is made up of a complex of rock-cut structures, most notably the monumental Al-Khazneh, the Treasury, and the Siq, a canyon that was carved out of sandstone cliffs. The city is a World Heritage Site and is a remarkable example of ancient desert city planning and architecture. While it’s possible to visit without a guide, it’s highly recommended that you hire one, as Petra would otherwise be very difficult to navigate without one.
4. The Taj Mahal, India
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum and tomb built for the emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It incorporates white marble, red sandstone, and tiles from all over Asia in a design that’s eminently romantic. The complex is surrounded by a beautiful garden and is one of the most photographed buildings in the world.5.
5. Machu Picchu, Peru
It is easy to fall in love with Machu Picchu, a hidden city that only about 150 people have ever seen. Located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, this site was the capital of the Inca Empire up to 1300 AD. Intricately carved stone stairs lead to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, where there are ruins of an extensive Incan settlement. A series of terraces and steps lead to Machu Picchu’s magnificent citadel, which was built for protection against raids. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Machu Picchu sanctuary is a beautiful Incan ruin set up in a mountain range that’s literally surrounded by clouds.
6. Chichen Itza, Mexico
Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central America. At its center is the impressive pyramid-style Temple of Kukulkan, which is said to be the inspiration for the Mayan Calendar we still use today. This place is beautiful not only because of its architecture but also because of its rich cultural heritage, which has been passed down through the generations.
7. The Colosseum, Italy
One of the most incredible structures in the world, the Colosseum is a monument to Roman power and influence. Impressive, isn’t it? The Colosseum was built during the reign of emperor Vespasian and his son Titus, and is thought to have been constructed between 70 and 100 AD. It is still in use today, and visitors can go inside the arena to see a modern re-enactment of gladiator battles. Other highlights include Palatine Hill, which offers excellent views of the Colosseum and the Forum Romanum, a square that once housed numerous government buildings and was the political center of the Roman Empire. Today, Rome is an incredible city to explore for history buffs, and the Colosseum is a great place to start.
8. The Alhambra, Spain
The Alhambra is a fortress palace in the Spanish city of Granada that was built on top of a hill. The Alhambra is not just a construction made of stone, it’s a symbol of love and strength. It’s a place where there’s peace inside the walls and harmony between people and nature. The history of Alhambra is fascinating. Muslims and Christians lived together in harmony for centuries as shown in its architecture. The Alhambra is one of the most important monuments in Spain, a symbol of love and harmony.
9. The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
One of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the most iconic structures in the world. Built as Khufu’s tomb over 4,500 years ago, the pyramids at Giza are one of the most impressive feats of architecture ever created. Khafre’s pyramid, built around 2,500 BC, was the first to be completed, while Menkaure’s pyramid followed about a century later.
10. The Parthenon, Greece
The Parthenon, known as the Temple of Athena Nike, is a Greek temple on the Athenian Acropolis, dedicated to the goddess Athena, one of the 12 Olympian deities. Although it is best known as a temple to Athena and is indeed one of the most important and best-preserved temples of Ancient Greece, the Parthenon was originally built as a temple to the Greek hero Parthenos, the virgin goddess Athena. The name was changed by the Roman Empire, who saw the statue of the goddess in the pediment as representing their supreme deity, Zeus, the supreme Roman deity.
11. The Roman Colosseum, Rome
The Colosseum is a Roman arena in the historic center of Rome, Italy, one of the best-preserved ancient structures in the world. Although it’s not a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Colosseum is still an incredible sight and a major highlight for any visit to Rome. The Colosseum is the perfect example of how Ancient Romans were great architects and builders. The engineering feats shown in the construction of the Colosseum are nothing short of mind-blowing.
12. The Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China
Beijing, China is the capital of China. China is the most populous country in the world and is home to the second-largest economy. It has more than 3,000 years of recorded history and has been the cultural center of East Asia for several millennia. Beijing was the Chinese capital before Nanjing and is the political center of modern China. Beijing is one of the Eight Wonders of the World. The Summer Palace in Beijing is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beijing was named one of the best cities in the world to live in.
From pristine beaches to hidden coves, plenty of places in the world take your breath away. If you’re looking for a dose of beauty on your next vacation, consider visiting one of these 10 pretty places.