Many of us are familiar with the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. We may have read about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon or the Lighthouse of Alexandria in history textbooks in school. However, most of these ancient wonders have long since been destroyed, either by natural or manmade causes.
From 2001-2007, a foundation in Switzerland decided to reimagine the concept of the 7 Wonders of the World, with seven extant monuments that can still be visited. After conducting the largest poll in the world at that time, the final list, dubbed the New 7 Wonders of the World, was revealed.
The result is a list of attractions across the world that should be on the bucket list of every traveler. Many you may have heard of, but some may be new to you. Whether you’d like to visit just one, or make it a goal to someday get to all seven, join us as we explore the New 7 Wonders of the World.
1. Great Wall of China, China
Being as it’s long enough to be visible from space, it would be difficult to see all of the Great Wall of China. Luckily, there are numerous tourist centers near Beijing where the wall has been restored and is easily accessible. For the truly adventurous, there’s even an annual Great Wall of China Marathon, where competitors run along the wall.
The Great Wall of China stands as one of humanity's most impressive architectural achievements. Built over several dynasties beginning around the 7th century BCE, its primary purpose was to protect Chinese states from nomadic invasions. The wall reached its most recognizable form during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Stretching approximately 13,171 miles across northern China, the wall showcases remarkable engineering. Its construction adapted to diverse terrains, incorporating local materials like earth, wood, stone, and brick. Strategic watchtowers allowed for communication and surveillance along its length.
Beyond its military purpose, the Great Wall symbolizes Chinese perseverance and cultural identity. The tremendous human cost of its construction has become legendary, with stories of workers buried within its foundations. Today, it attracts millions of visitors annually as a UNESCO World Heritage site, representing both China's historical resilience and its growing global significance. While some sections have deteriorated, extensive restoration efforts ensure this cultural treasure remains intact for future generations.
2. Petra, Jordan
This ancient city in southwestern Jordan is literally carved into the rose-colored rock of the surrounding mountains. Inhabited by humans since 7000 BC, this city was once the capital of the Nabatean kingdom. Today, it is considered one of the most valuable cultural and archaeological sites on earth, and is Jordan’s most popular tourist attraction, drawing over a million visitors each year.
Established around 312 BCE by the Nabataeans, this once-thriving capital remained hidden from Western eyes until 1812, when Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it.
The site's most remarkable feature is its sophisticated rock-cut architecture. The Treasury (Al-Khazneh), with its ornate Hellenistic façade standing nearly 40 meters tall, greets visitors emerging from the narrow Siq entrance. Throughout Petra, hundreds of elaborate tombs, temples, and dwellings showcase the Nabataeans' extraordinary stone-carving skills, blending Egyptian, Greek, and indigenous influences.
Strategically positioned at the crossroads of Arabia, Egypt, and Syria-Phoenicia, Petra flourished as a vital trade hub. Caravans carrying spices, silk, and incense passed through the city, enriching its culture and influence. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage site symbolizes Jordan's cultural heritage and serves as the country's most visited tourist attraction, preserving the remarkable achievements of its ancient builders.
3. The Colosseum, Rome
There’s no doubt that the Colosseum is to Rome what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. It’s the most popular tourist attraction in the city, and still the largest amphitheater ever built. Once home to the infamous Roman games, and later used as a cemetery and a castle, the Colosseum has a history that stretches back nearly 2,000 years. Any visitor to Rome or Italy as a whole owes it to themselves to see this iconic structure.
The Colosseum stands as ancient Rome's most impressive architectural achievement, constructed between 70-80 CE under Emperors Vespasian and Titus. This massive amphitheater, originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre, could accommodate up to 80,000 spectators who gathered to witness gladiatorial contests, mock sea battles, animal hunts, and executions.
The structure showcases remarkable engineering innovation through its strategic use of arches, vaults, and concrete—technologies revolutionary for its time. Its elaborate hypogeum, a complex network of underground chambers and tunnels, housed animals, gladiators, and stage machinery that could transform the arena floor for various spectacles.
Today, the Colosseum's architectural influence extends far beyond Rome, inspiring modern sports arenas worldwide. Despite surviving earthquakes, stone robbers, and centuries of weathering, it remains an enduring symbol of Roman engineering prowess and imperial power. The partially ruined structure continues to captivate millions of visitors annually as a testament to Rome's lasting cultural and architectural legacy.
4. Chichen Itza, Mexico
Located just three hours from Cancun, Chichen Itza is a fascinating ancient Mayan city full of temples, observatories, cenotes, and even a sports court where inhabitants once played a game called Pok-a-Tok, which was potentially one of the games that inspired soccer. Chichen Itza has some of the most well-preserved examples of human sacrifice practices, ancient astronomy, and Mayan architecture. It is a once-in-a-lifetime destination that you can spend an entire day exploring.
Chichen Itza stands as one of the most remarkable testimonies to the brilliance of Mayan civilization. This pre-Columbian city in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula showcases the Mayans' extraordinary achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and architecture.
The site's most iconic structure, El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán), demonstrates sophisticated astronomical knowledge. During equinoxes, triangular shadows create the illusion of a serpent descending the pyramid's staircase. Nearby, the Great Ball Court—the largest in Mesoamerica—features extraordinary acoustics where a whisper can be heard hundreds of feet away.
Other significant structures include the Temple of the Warriors, adorned with carvings of Toltec warriors, and the Observatory (El Caracol), designed for tracking celestial movements with remarkable precision.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Chichen Itza represents not only architectural ingenuity but also serves as a living connection to indigenous heritage. Today, it welcomes over two million visitors annually, offering insights into one of history's most advanced early civilizations.
5. Machu Picchu, Peru
Hikers, trekkers, and history buffs from around the globe come to Peru to visit this famous Inca citadel located high in the Andes Mountains. Built in the 15th century, Machu Picchu is known for iconic sights like the Temple of the Condor, the Hall of Mirrors, Ladder of the Fountains, and the Temple of Three Windows. And although the site was temporarily closed in early 2023, it has since reopened, and is welcoming tourists as normal.
The site's purpose remains shrouded in mystery. Theories suggest it served as a royal estate, religious sanctuary, or astronomical observatory. Equally puzzling is its abandonment, likely occurring before Spanish conquest, leaving it forgotten until Hiram Bingham's 1911 rediscovery.
Nestled at 7,970 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu's dramatic setting amplifies its allure. Mist-shrouded peaks frame ancient stone structures, creating an ethereal atmosphere that captivates visitors. This harmony between human achievement and natural grandeur earned it UNESCO World Heritage status and recognition as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Each year, thousands make the pilgrimage to experience this extraordinary confluence of cultural significance and stunning beauty.
6. Taj Mahal, India
This instantly recognizable ivory mausoleum in Agra took over 20,000 artisans more than two decades to complete from 1631 to 1653. Today, it is one of India’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing an estimated 8 million visitors per year. And it’s not just everyday people who visit the Taj Mahal. The complex has played host to numerous US presidents and members of royal families.
The Taj Mahal stands as the world's most magnificent testament to love. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this breathtaking mausoleum in 1631 to honor his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. His grief inspired the creation of this architectural masterpiece.
The structure's perfect symmetry and gleaming white marble facade create an ethereal presence. Intricate inlay work featuring semi-precious stones forms elaborate floral patterns and Quranic verses throughout. Four identical facades, delicate minarets, and a magnificent central dome exemplify the pinnacle of Mughal architecture.
For nearly four centuries, the Taj Mahal has remained India's cultural crown jewel and spiritual landmark. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it attracts millions of visitors annually. Beyond its tourist appeal, it represents the culmination of artistic traditions and stands as an enduring symbol of eternal love that transcends time and culture.
7. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Since its construction was completed in 1931 in the mountains overlooking Rio de Janeiro, the Christ the Redeemer statue has become the most recognizable symbol of Brazil. Each year, this 125-foot statue of Jesus Christ draws millions of tourists and religious pilgrims to the site. It remains an enduring symbol of Christianity around the world, and one of its most celebrated monuments.
The statue emerged during a period of growing secularism, with Catholic leaders proposing a monument that would reassert Christianity's influence in Brazil. The 98-foot tall Art Deco masterpiece spreads its arms 92 feet wide in a gesture of protection and welcome over Rio de Janeiro. The statue's distinctive style represents a departure from traditional religious iconography, combining modern design elements with timeless religious symbolism. Its streamlined form and geometric patterns exemplify the Art Deco movement of the era.
Building the monument atop Corcovado Mountain presented immense technical challenges. Engineers transported materials up steep terrain, while sculptor Paul Landowski created the outer shell from soapstone—chosen for its durability against Brazil's harsh elements. The statue's reinforced concrete structure was designed to withstand strong winds and lightning strikes.
For Brazilians, Christ the Redeemer transcends religion to represent national pride and cultural heritage.
8. Honorary Mention - Giza Pyramids, Egypt
The Giza Pyramid Complex holds the distinction of being the only wonder on this list that was also one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, and is thus honorarily included. Constructed between 2600 and 2500 BC, the complex includes hugely popular tourist attractions such as the Great Pyramid, the Great Sphinx, and Pyramid of Khafre. As one of the most recognizable sites in the world, it should be at the top of the list for any history buff.
Insurance to Explore with Confidence
Whether you’re planning to visit one of the New 7 Wonders of the World or more, it’s essential to have insurance coverage for the unexpected.
Travel medical insurance is important for anyone heading to destinations outside of the United States. Being as the domestic health insurance plan from your home country is unlikely to be accepted in another country, you need to have a contingency plan in place if you get sick or injured. A travel medical insurance plan allows you to get the best available care without being solely responsible for paying the hospital/doctor bill yourself. This is incredibly important, as ancient tourist attractions can be treacherous, and the possibility of a sprain or broken bone can increase.
Regardless of where you’re going or what you plan to do while you’re there, proper insurance for traveling is important. When visiting one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the right insurance plan will allow you to explore and enjoy yourself with total peace of mind.