28 Best UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Visit in 2021
17/07/2022UNESCO World Heritage Sites were created to celebrate and safeguard the best and most unique places around the world. Each of these cultural, historic, and natural treasures make our world a more interesting and enriching place. But which are the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites? Read on to find out!
Today, there are over 1,000 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across 167 countries. I perused this UNESCO list to come up with the 28 best and most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit in 2021. Without further ado, let’s get to it!
Map of the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites
1. Taj Mahal, India
Looking to visit one of the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites? Prepare to be amazed by the Taj Mahal in India.
Constructed in 1643, the Taj Mahal is a dazzling display of Indo-Islamic architecture. This ivory marble structure was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his wife. Today, it stands proudly and effervescently as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World!
How to get there:
The Taj Mahal is a 2-3 hour train ride from Delhi.
2. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is a 12th-century temple complex that’s one of the most popular world heritage sites. It was originally built as a Hindu temple before later becoming a Buddhist temple. The ruins are camouflaged by trees and other shrubbery, giving it a special aura of mystique.
Over 400 acres (162 hectares) in
size, Angkor Wat is among the largest religious monuments in the world.
How to get there:
Angkor Wat (located in Siem Reap) is a 1-hour flight from Bangkok,
Thailand.
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3. Machu Picchu, Peru
Fortified atop the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic structures in South America. This archaeological site is steeped in history, undoubtedly making it one of the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This citadel was built in the 1400s under the Inca Empire, which dominated the region at the time. Today, Machu Picchu stands as a surviving testament of Incan architecture, astronomy, art, and religion.
The multi-day hike to get here is
also an incredible experience. Machu
Picchu has an elevation of 8,000 feet (2,400
m), so it’s advisable to spend a day or two acclimating yourself to the
altitude in nearby Aguas
Calientes.
How to get there: Machu Picchu is a short bus ride or hike from Aguas Calientes, a 3.5-hour train ride from Cuzco, which contains one of the best Airbnbs in the world.
4. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Ancient Pyramids of Giza were built around 2,500 B.C. This complex, made up of pyramids, rock tombs, and a sphinx, is one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World.
These pyramids served as tombs for
Pharaohs, who were mummified and buried with treasures to prepare them for the
afterlife.
How to get there:
The Pyramids of Giza are a short bus or taxi ride from Cairo.
5. Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch – Best UNESCO World Heritage Site for Nature Lovers
It would be a crime to make a list of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites and omit the Swiss Alps.
Officially known as the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, this protected area in the Swiss Alps is located between Bern and Valais in southwestern Switzerland. It’s filled with breathtaking scenery, diverse habitats, and many glaciers. This mountainous region is also home to three prominent peaks: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
There are lots of amazing places to see in this part of Switzerland, but some of my favorites are Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen Valley. Stay at a unique chalet accommodation nestled in the Swiss Alps, and you’ll see why this region is among the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
How to get there: Drive or take a train from Bern to Interlaken, and then take the Bernese Oberland Railway to Lauterbrunnen or Grinelwald.
Read next: Top Airbnb Rentals in Switzerland
For further reading: Most Amazing Places in Switzerland
6. Petra, Jordan
The ancient city of Petra was established
over 2,300 years ago. It’s recognizable for its temples and tombs that are carved
into rose-colored sandstone.
Petra is nestled between mountains, canyons, and river beds, extending over
100 square miles (264 square km).
How to get there:
Petra is a 3-hour drive from Amman.
7. Great Wall of China
Spanning over 13,000 miles (22,000
km), the Great Wall of China is probably the most ambitious undertaking in human history.
Construction began in the 3rd
century B.C. to protect the Chinese Empire from foreign invaders. However, the
modern expansion of the Great Wall didn’t occur until the Ming
Dynasty, which ruled between the 1300s-1600s.
Today, this historic structure definitely merits a spot among the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world.
How to get there:
The Great Wall of China is accessible from
several cities and towns. One popular route is from Beijing to Badaling, a 40
mile (70 km) bus ride.
8. Historic Centre of Rome, Italy
The historic center of Rome is an open-air museum that’s home to some of the world’s most beautiful sights. Chief among them are the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum.
According to mythology, Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus in 750 B.C. Rome was later the capital of the Roman Empire until its collapse in the 5th century A.D.
How to get there: Rome Fiumicino Airport is one of the largest airports in Europe. I recommend booking flights with Skyscanner to find the best deals.
9. Chichen Itza, Mexico – Among the Most Unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites
This UNESCO Site in Mexico is steeped in rich history.
Three millennia after the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids of Giza, the Mayans built some impressive pyramids of their own. Chichen Itza—an ancient Mayan city on the Yucatan Peninsula—is among the best-preserved remnants of this mysterious empire. To this day, it’s still not clear what caused Mayans to desert their cities in 900 A.D. Hopefully in the coming years, this archaeological site and others in the region will help us find an answer.
How to get there:
Chichen Itza is a 3-hour bus ride from Cancun.
10. Historic Centre of Florence, Italy
The historic center of Florence attracts
millions of tourists a year, making it one of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence has an abundance of art and architecture dating back several centuries.
As you stroll down its quaint and colorful streets, you’ll discover many historical treasures, including the Florence Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery, and Palazzo Vecchio.
Today, Florence is among the most beautiful cities in Europe.
How to get there:
Florence is a 1-hour flight or 1.5-hour train ride
from Rome.
11. Yellowstone National Park, USA
Yellowstone is the world’s first national park and among the first 12 sites to reach UNESCO Status in 1978. It’s home to diverse nature and wildlife, and a variety of exciting outdoor activities.
Inside this beautiful natural site, you’ll find everything from dense forests and canyons to hot springs and geysers. You’ll also likely encounter grizzly bears, but hopefully from afar. This park brims with natural beauty, and deserves a spot on your USA bucket list.
Yellowstone
National Park is one of the most
unique places in the US.
How to get there:
Yellowstone National Park is a 1-hour drive
from Jackson Hole Airport.
12. Leshan Giant Buddha, China
This 232-foot (71 m) tall Buddha statue was built between the 8th and 9th centuries. Carved out of red sandstone, it’s the largest stone buddha in the world.
Today, the Leshan Giant Buddha is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a bucket list destination for tourists.
How to get there: Leshan City is a 1-hour bullet-train ride from Chengdu, China.
Read next: Coolest Bucket List Ideas that Will Inspire You
13. Vatican City
Just 110 acres (44 hectares), Vatican City is the
world’s smallest country. Though tiny in size, it’s mighty in terms of its
historic and religious significance.
Vatican
City is the home of the Pope, the spiritual
head of the Catholic Church. It’s also the site of one of the world’s most magnificent
churches, St. Peter’s
Basilica. This Italian Renaissance church was
built in the 1500s, and has undergone significant artistic renovations since then.
How to get there:
Vatican City is adjacent to Rome. It’s less
than a 20-minute subway ride from the Rome Termini Station.
14. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Looking to visit South America? Add this to your bucket list!
Rio de Janeiro is one of the more recent additions to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Surrounded by mountains and sea, Rio de Janeiro’s Carioca Landscapes have been a source of inspiration of artists, musicians, and urbanists for centuries.
The most recognizable symbol of Rio is undoubtedly the Christ the Redeemer statue. This historic monument and cultural site was built in 1931 and stands nearly 100 feet tall. Other culturally significant sites include the Botanical Garden and the hills around Guanabara Bay.
How to get there: Rio de Janeiro is the second busiest airport in Brazil (after São Paulo) and the fourth busiest in South America. I recommend booking a flight with Skyscanner to uncover the best deals.
Read next: Top Bucket List Ideas for Travel Lovers
15. Paris, Banks of the Seine, France
Paris is home to a treasure trove of historic and cultural sites that straddle
the River Seine. These precious sights include the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Palais de Louvre, and
Eiffel Tower, to name a few.
The city’s rich history and culture
make Paris one of the best UNESCO World
Heritage Sites.
How to get there:
Paris is home to four airports, and is accessible
from pretty much every continent. Check out my travel hacks
article to learn how I’ve found roundtrip fares for under $250 from Boston.
16. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Located 620 miles (1,000 km) off
the coast of South America, the Galápagos Islands are home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife.
Charles Darwin visited the Galápagos Islands in the mid-1800s, where he observed that each island had its own distinct wildlife. This scientific breakthrough, in part, paved the way to the Galápagos Islands’ UNESCO world heritage status.
How to get there: The Galápagos Islands is just under a 2-hour flight from Guayaquil, Ecuador. It may be a bit challenging to get to, but it’s so worth it to see one of the world’s most amazing islands.
17. Old City of Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem is considered one of the holiest cities for Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. This historic area is chock-full of cultural and historic monuments dating back over a thousand years.
Top sights here include the Walls of Jerusalem and
Dome of the Rock, a 7th century Islamic shrine. All three of the Abrahamic religions
acknowledge that this shrine was the site of Abraham’s sacrifice.
Situated between the Dead Sea and Judaean Mountains, Jerusalem is one of the oldest and most intriguing cities in the world.
How to get there:
Jerusalem is less than a 1-hour bus ride
from Tel Aviv, Israel.
18. Forbidden City, China – One of the Most Unique UNESCO Sites
Built in the early 1400s, the Forbidden City is a cultural gem in the heart of Beijing. It was used as an imperial royal palace complex during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
The Forbidden City has 980 historic buildings, many of which are wooden and remarkably well preserved. It’s home to a vast collection of artifacts and artwork from centuries past. As such, this landmark helps visitors paint a picture of China’s cultural landscape.
How to get there: Beijing Capital International Airport is the busiest airport in Asia, with over 100,000,000 reported passengers in 2018. As such, you can get here from pretty much anywhere in the world.
19. Valletta, Malta
Just 1 kilometer long and 600 meters wide, Valletta is one of the smallest capital cities in the world. Despite its size, this historic city is jam-packed with ancient and medieval buildings inside its old city walls. Top sights include St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Casa Rocca Piccola.
Valletta was once ruled by the Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs. As you walk down its quaint streets today, you’ll see several historic and cultural influences at play.
Last year, Valletta was named the European Capital of Culture.
How to get there:
Valletta, Malta is a short flight from most
major European airports.
20. Historic Centre of Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a cultural and historic hub in the heart of central Europe. This medieval town brims with unique sights and attractions, and it truly feels like an open-air museum. From its Old Town Square to its lesser known hidden gems, Prague’s historic center is one of the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Other top sights in the Old Town include the Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, which date back to the 9th and 14th centuries, respectively.
For the budget-conscious traveler, Prague is also one of the cheapest cities in Europe.
How to get there:
Prague is smack dab in the center of Europe, so it’s a convenient flight
away from most places across the continent. It’s about a 5-hour bus ride north
of Vienna.
21. Lalibela, Ethiopia: One of the Best UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa
Lalibela was among the first 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites inscribed in 1978. This historic town in Ethiopia is known for its 11 monolithic rock-hewn churches, which trace back to the 13th century.
After the Muslims conquered the “Old Jerusalem,” the Ethiopian king at the time named Lalibela the “New Jerusalem.” Christians were no longer allowed to take the pilgrimage route to the Holy Land, so Lalibela filled the void. To this day, Lalibela is a prized pilgrimage site for Ethiopian Christians.
How to get there:
Lalibela is a 1-hour flight from Addis Ababa.
22. Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow
The Kremlin and adjoining Red Square make up
the heart of Moscow. They’ve been at the center of Russia’s history and politics for over
700 years.
In addition to being a political center,
the Kremlin is also home to many Russian Orthodox churches. Chief among them
are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Annunciation, and Church of
the Archangel. A stone’s throw away is St. Basil’s Cathedral, perhaps the most iconic structure in all of Russia.
How to get there:
Red Square is less than an hour by bus, train,
and car from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport.
23. Acropolis of Athens – One of the Top Ancient UNESCO Sites
The Acropolis of Athens is the heart and soul of
the Greek capital. This ancient citadel
stands atop a cliff overlooking the bustling city below.
Built during the 5th century B.C.,
the Acropolis is a complex of temples, monuments, and statues. It includes top sights
such as the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Odeon of
Herodes Atticus.
How to get there:
When you’re in Athens, look up and you won’t
miss it.
24. Historic Centre of Bukhara, Uzbekistan
Situated along the historic Silk Road route, Bukhara is a
city in Uzbekistan that’s over 2,000 years old. It contains 140 architectural treasures—including
mosques, bazaars, and medressas— making it a hub of Islamic culture.
This ancient city hasn’t changed
much since medieval times, and that’s precisely why it draws people from all
over the world.
How to get there:
Bukhara, and Uzbekistan in general, are
definitely off the beaten path. The most convenient way to get here is by
taking a flight from Moscow, which currently has services three days a week
(Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday).
25. Mount Fuji, Japan
At over 12,380 feet (3,775 m) in elevation,
Mount Fuji towers over the Japanese landscape below. It’s been a source of
inspiration for writers, artists, and worshippers going back over a thousand
years.
This snow-capped mountain is
climbed by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year. As of 2013, Mount Fuji is
deemed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, due to its cultural and
spiritual importance.
How to get there:
Mount Fuji is just a 2-hour train ride from
Tokyo.
26. Mesa Verde National Park, USA
Located in southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is known for its well-preserved cliff dwellings dating back to 600 A.D. These dwellings belonged to the Ancestral Pueblo people, who were formerly (and incorrectly) called the Anasazi.
Archaeologists in Mesa Verde National Park have uncovered over 5,000 ancient artifacts and 600 cliff dwellings. They were mysteriously abandoned during around 1200 A.D., only to be rediscovered by cowboys in the late 19th century.
Here’s an interesting video covering Mesa Verde National Park:
How to get there: Mesa Verde National Park is a half-hour drive from Cortez, Colorado and an hour from Durango, Colorado.
27. Rapa Nui National Park (Easter Island)
Easter Island, known by its indigenous inhabitants as Rapa Nui, is one of the most unique and mysterious places on Earth. It’s located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, more than 2,182 miles (3,700 km) from Chile. As such, it’s incredibly isolated and lesser visited than the other UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this list.
This island is best known for its hundreds of moai statues, made from stone by the early Rapa Nui people who lived on the island around 300 AD. Ecotourism and cultural awareness are paramount here to ensure that the cultural monuments will be preserved for generations to come.
Beyond the open-air museum, there’s also surfing and snorkeling that you can enjoy.
How to get there: Take a flight to Santiago, Chile, and then from there, a six-hour flight to Easter Island. Note: There’s only one LAN Airlines flight to Easter Island per day.
28. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This national park is comprised of over 500 square miles of sacred land and is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea. Here you’ll find volcanic craters, deserts and rainforests, and even ancient petroglyphs.
Kilauea last erupted in 2018, and it’s considered the only “drive-in” volcano on Earth. It produces tons of lava each day, making it a popular tourist attraction. It’s truly an extraordinary experience to witness the volcano’s sheer power up close.
As a sacred place that has shaped Hawaiian culture for generations, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is easily among the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
On the same trip to Hawaii, be sure to carve out enough time to go island hopping to nearby Maui, Oahu, and Molokai!
How to get there: Take a flight to Hilo, which is located on the Big Island of Hawaii, and then drive about 45 minutes south.
Read next: Coolest things to do on Oahu
Some of the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit in 2021
I hope you enjoyed browsing through my list of the 28 best UNESCO World Heritage Sites! There’s such a wide variety of them, so I encourage you to check out the official UNESCO World Heritage Site List to see them all. This list is revised each year, so I will do my best to update my short list based on what’s added or removed (only 2 sites have been delisted so far).
Which of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites have you visited? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy Travels!
Jon
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