The Official 8 Wonders of the World: What to Know for 2024
There is much debate on the subject of the wonders of the world, particularly on which sites belong to any official list. It is also widely discussed whether there are officially 8 Wonders of the World or only seven. For those seeking information on the recognized marvels for 2024, navigating these lists is key.
Many lists exist. However, this article focuses on the popular designation that includes the New 7 Wonders of the World along with the one last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World, effectively presenting a widely accepted list of the 8 Wonder Of The World 2024.
All are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the new wonders were selected through an online voting contest held in 2007, organized by the New 7 Wonders Foundation.
Built mostly by medieval and ancient empires, these sites are all enormous architectural marvels and are among the world’s most popular tourist attractions. Exploring them allows us to connect with profound historical achievements. a world thrive of wonder awaits those who embark on this journey.
We have visited all of the official 8 World Wonders and can say that they are all worth visiting. Be sure to plan some time in the countries where they reside as well. You’ll be sure to discover plenty of other wonders that aren’t on the official list, too.
The Official 8 Wonders of the World
1. The Taj Mahal – India
The Taj Mahal is the crowning architectural achievement of the Mughal Empire. Set in Agra, India, it resides at the heart of the Golden Triangle. This white-ivory marble mausoleum is famed for its history, stunning architecture, and the tale of love that ultimately led to its construction.
Best Time to Visit
March to June are the best times to see and admire this man-made marvel, offering pleasant temperatures before the monsoon season. To minimize the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience, visit the monument between Monday and Thursday.
How to Get There
It is possible to visit on a day trip from Delhi or by staying in Agra. There are high-speed rail services from various cities in Rajasthan, Varanasi, and Delhi that will bring you to Agra. Most tours in India will also include a stop at the Taj Mahal in their itineraries. We recommend staying overnight in Agra and visiting at sunrise for the most breathtaking views and fewer crowds.
Other Details
View current opening times and admission fees here. Checking the official site before planning your visit is essential for up-to-date information.
Our Visit
We visited in 2015 during our around-the-world trip. It was part of a longer one-month trip throughout India. We arrived in Agra in the evening and enjoyed a sunset over the Taj Mahal from outside the complex. The next day we got up early and entered the site before sunrise, experiencing the magical transition of colors on the marble.
2. The Colosseum – Italy
The Colosseum is a stunning example of the architectural innovation of the Roman Empire. Located in Italy, it is the largest and longest-standing ancient amphitheater ever built. For four centuries, this amphitheater was used for gladiator shows, hunting shows, and public executions, serving as a central hub of Roman public life and entertainment.
Best Time to Visit
Avoid the largest crowds by visiting the monument during the low season, which typically runs from November to February. Regardless of when you plan your visit, though, be sure to book your tickets well in advance to ensure your entrance to the site, as it is often sold out months ahead.
How to Get to the Colosseum
To get there, you need to fly to Rome. Once there, you have plenty of options for getting to this architectural wonder, easily accessible via public transport or taxi. From the Colosseum, you can also access other iconic attractions within the ancient city center, like the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which are part of the same archaeological park.
Other Details
View current opening times and admission fees here. Consider combination tickets if you plan to visit nearby sites.
Our Visit
We visited in 2009 and again in 2022 during longer trips through Italy. These two visits were dramatically different due to changing travel contexts, but the site was equally impressive both times, testament to its enduring grandeur. Be sure to take a guided tour to learn the rich history of the site and gain access to special ticketed areas, offering a deeper understanding of its past.
3. The Great Wall of China – China
Stretching for over 20,000 kilometers, the Great Wall is a series of sturdy fortification systems built across China’s historical borders. Originally constructed over centuries to protect the Chinese empires and states against invasions and raids, today it is one of the most popular places to visit in China and a symbol of the nation’s history and resilience.
Best Time to Visit
Visit the Great Wall anytime between March and August for generally pleasant temperatures conducive to hiking. Keep in mind that it will be warm during the summer months, and you could experience some urban smog depending on the section and weather conditions.
How to Get There
Getting to the Great Wall can seem tricky, especially since it has so many widely spread sections accessible to tourists. It is best accessed from Beijing, with various sections like Mutianyu, Badaling, and Jinshanling being popular choices. We highly recommend taking a guided tour from Beijing for a hassle-free trip that includes transportation and often insights from a local guide. thrive a world of wonder website could offer resources for planning such ambitious journeys.
Other Details
View current opening times and admission fees for various sections here. Note that fees and accessibility vary greatly between sections.
Our Visit
We visited in 2012 during a trip to Beijing and again in 2014 during a longer trip through China. Both times we hiked with Great Wall Hiking, focusing on more wild or less crowded sections. The first visit was a challenging day hike from Simatai West to Jinshanling. On our second visit, we did a multi-day hike, starting in Jiankou and ending in Jinshanling, visiting sections at Mutianyu, Gubeikou, and Simatai West along the way. Hiking sections that are unrestored offers a unique perspective on its vastness and history.
4. Petra – Jordan
Petra is, no doubt, one of the most dazzling wonders of the world and a true highlight of Jordan. Nicknamed the Rose City due to the color of the sandstone from which it was carved, this archaeological city wows travelers with its wonderful natural colors and intricate rock-cut architecture created by the Nabataeans.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Petra is either spring (March to May) or late fall (September to November) when the rainfall is low, and the temperatures are pleasant for exploring. You’ll also often avoid the largest crowds if you travel outside of the absolute peak seasons.
How to Get There
From Amman, the capital of Jordan, you’ll typically have to drive for about three hours to reach Petra via the Desert Highway. Most, if not all, guided tours in Jordan include a visit to Petra in their itineraries, offering convenient transport and guided exploration of the vast site. It’s possible to hire a private driver or take a public bus as well.
Other Details
View current opening times and admission fees, including options like the Jordan Pass (which includes entry to Petra), here.
Our Visit
We have visited the Rose City of Petra four times since 2015. It’s simply that good and offers layers of discovery. We’ve done the traditional guided visit with entry through the stunning Siq, hiked the back door route three times for a different arrival perspective, hiked nearly every major trail within the site, visited all the classic overlooks, and even hiked a section of the Jordan Trail ending in Petra. Experiencing Petra by night with thousands of candles is also pure magic. Jordan as a country is amazing, so be sure to explore its other wonders, like the Wadi Rum desert, too.
5. Machu Picchu – Peru
No list of the 8 wonders of the world is complete without Machu Picchu. For decades, this mystical Inca citadel has been luring travelers with its breathtaking mountain backdrop high in the Andes and its fabulous, well-preserved Inca ruins. Its remote and stunning location adds to its allure and mystery. disney world 100 years of wonder speaks to a different kind of wonder, but Machu Picchu’s ancient construction evokes a sense of awe spanning centuries.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs between April and September. While it’s still possible to visit during the wet season (October to March), rain is more frequent, and the classic Inca Trail hike is closed in February for maintenance.
How to Get There
Fly to Lima, Peru, and then take a connecting flight to Cusco, the gateway city to Machu Picchu. Spend a couple of days in Cusco, situated at a high altitude, to get acclimatized before heading to lower elevations. Afterward, travel to Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu mountain) by train from Ollantaytambo or Poroy, and then take a public bus up to the entrance. Alternatively, book an Inca Trail hiking trip – our personal favorite and a truly immersive way to arrive.
Other Details
View current opening times and admission fees, including ticket types and regulations, here. Be aware that there are different circuits and time slots for visiting the site.
Our Visit
We have visited Machu Picchu three times since 2012. On our first visit, we took the traditional route involving bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and then the scenic train to Aguas Calientes, followed by the bus up. On our last two visits, we hiked the full 4-day Inca Trail to enter the site through the Sun Gate at sunrise. If you are physically able to manage the hike, we highly recommend this experience! There is nothing quite like walking in the footsteps of the Inca along their ancient paths.
6. Chichén Itzá – Mexico
Located in Mexico, in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, this archaeological marvel is a significant pre-Columbian city built by the ancient Mayan people. Every year, foreign and local travelers flock to this city to admire impressive buildings, like the dominant El Castillo pyramid (Temple of Kukulcan), the Temple of the Warriors, and the astronomical observatory El Caracol.
Best Time to Visit
Weather-wise, the best time to visit Chichén Itzá is during the cooler, drier season from November to March. If you want to escape the peak crowds, which coincide with the pleasant weather, consider visiting in October or April (avoiding major holidays).
How to Get There
Fly to Cancun, the major international airport in the region. From Cancun or other nearby tourist hubs like Playa del Carmen or Tulum, you can head to Chichén Itzá by public bus (ADO is a reliable option) or, most commonly, via an organized tour. Day trips run regularly from Cancun, any hotel in the Riviera Maya, and Tulum, making it an easily accessible historical site.
Other Details
View current opening times and admission fees here. Entrance fees are collected by both the federal INAH agency and the state government.
Our Visit
We visited Chichen Itza on a day trip while staying in the Riviera Maya. We combined it with a visit to the charming colonial town of Valladolid and two nearby cenotes (natural sinkholes), making for a varied and memorable day. We also booked this as a private tour, which allowed for flexibility in scheduling and the ability to arrive earlier or later than the main tour buses, making for a fantastic day exploring the Yucatan’s history and natural beauty. If you have it in your budget, we recommend considering a private guide or early/late visit to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
7. Christ the Redeemer – Brazil
Created in 1922 and completed in 1931, this iconic Art Deco statue is located in Brazil and is the most recently completed structure among the New 7 Wonders of the World. At 125 feet tall (including the pedestal), this towering Jesus Christ statue, perched atop Mount Corcovado, is an unmissable sight overlooking the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro.
Best Time to Visit
While there isn’t a definitively “bad” time to visit this statue from a weather perspective (Rio is tropical), the best times to visit are during the less crowded hours. To escape the largest crowds, visit it on a weekday before 08:30 AM or after 03:30 PM. Clear weather is crucial for good visibility and photographs.
How to Get There
There are plenty of ways to reach the statue in Rio de Janeiro. You can take the historic Corcovado Rack Railway through the Tijuca National Park, ride a van service, or take a taxi/Uber to the visitor center from where vans depart. Organized tours are also a popular and convenient option that often combine the visit with other Rio attractions.
Other Details
View current opening times and admission fees for accessing the statue here. Booking tickets online in advance, especially for the train, is highly recommended.
Our Visit
We visited Christ the Redeemer during a longer 2-week trip exploring various parts of Brazil. As the site itself is relatively focused on the statue and the view, we opted to do a standard daytime visit one day to experience it up close. For a truly unique perspective and unforgettable memory, we also booked a doors-off helicopter flight at sunset on another day, which provided breathtaking aerial views of the statue and the stunning Rio coastline. This gave us two completely different ways to appreciate this modern World Wonder.
8. Pyramids of Giza – Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza are located in Egypt and are one of the most iconic and well-known wonders in the world, immediately recognizable symbols of ancient civilization. They are the oldest of the Ancient 7 Wonders of the World and, remarkably, the only one that still substantially exists today. This incredible endurance has earned them a special spot, often considered the eighth wonder of the modern world or the enduring link to antiquity’s list. norway news 8th wonder of the world highlights that the title of “8th wonder” can be subjective, but Giza holds a unique historical claim.
Panoramic view of the ancient Pyramids of Giza complex in Egypt
Best Time to Visit
Visiting first thing in the morning, right when the site opens, will often offer an almost empty site, allowing for fantastic photos without large crowds. This can be great if you’re looking to capture the scale and majesty of the pyramids undisturbed. Keep in mind that many tour buses visit the site in a steady flow throughout the day, regardless of the season. Don’t forget to add the Great Sphinx to your visit, located on the Giza plateau, as it’s an integral part of the complex.
How to Get There
Once you arrive in Cairo, Egypt’s bustling capital, there are plenty of convenient ways to reach the Pyramids of Giza, which are located on the outskirts of the city. You can visit independently by booking a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber from your hotel. However, especially for a first visit, we highly recommend booking a guided tour to gain valuable historical context and insights into the construction and significance of the complex from an expert.
Other Details
View current opening times and admission fees for the Giza Plateau here. Be aware of potential additional fees for entering specific pyramids or the solar boat museum.
Our Visit
We have visited the Pyramids of Giza four times since 2015 during longer visits exploring Egypt. Having explored the complex both independently and with guides, we highly recommend a guide for your first visit. The history is incredibly rich, and you’ll want to hear the fascinating stories and theories behind these monumental structures. That said, on subsequent visits or if you prefer to explore at your own pace after an initial guided overview, don’t be afraid to wander the complex independently for different perspectives and photo opportunities away from the main viewpoints. world of wonder taken over might describe how utterly captivating this ancient site is.
Protect Your Pursuit of the World Wonders
Lastly, taking a trip of any kind, especially one involving international travel to multiple significant sites, is an investment of your hard-earned money and precious time. The last thing you want is to risk a disruption, unexpected illness, or cancellation that ends with you losing that investment or facing significant unexpected costs. This is one of the reasons we never leave home without travel insurance.
There are a lot of options out there for insurance, offering varying levels of coverage. We have used and stand by Allianz Travel Insurance for our own trips.
We’ve been purchasing plans through them for the past 7 years, and they have consistently provided reliable coverage and support. Whether dealing with canceled flights, delayed luggage, rental car damage, or navigating travel during unforeseen global events like the pandemic, they’ve been there for us, processing claims efficiently.
We always renew their AllTrips Premier annual plan that covers all our trips over 12 months, which is cost-effective for frequent travelers. For single trips, especially complex itineraries involving multiple destinations like visiting these wonders, we recommend looking at their OneTrip Prime or OneTrip Premier plans for comprehensive coverage.
This article is sponsored by Allianz Travel Insurance. As ambassadors, we receive financial compensation. However, all opinions, stories, advice, and insane love for discovering the wonders of the world are 100% ours, as always.
