What Are The 7 Wonders of the World?
In 2007, more than 100 million people around the world cast votes to pick a new list of wonders. The winners became known as the New 7 Wonders of the World. Some people also call them the hidden wonders because, for centuries, most of these places sat quietly outside the spotlight. A few were even lost in jungles, covered in sand, or forgotten behind mountain mist. Today, travelers from every continent are adding these sites to their bucket lists, and for very good reason.
Each one tells a rich story of faith, power, love, or engineering skill. Some took more than 20 years to build. Others took generations. Every one of them rewards travelers who plan ahead, pack smart, and give themselves enough time to look beyond the main photo spot. This guide walks through all seven wonders with friendly tips, fast facts, and answers to the questions most first-time visitors ask before they book tickets, trains, or tours. Whether a trip is a dream for 2027 or booked for next month, these notes will help shape a smooth and rewarding visit.
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The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall stretches more than 13,000 miles across northern China. Most travelers see it on a day trip from Beijing. The 2 most popular sections are Badaling, which is wide, restored, and very busy, and Mutianyu, which is quieter with forested views and a fun toboggan ride down. More serious hikers head to Jinshanling or Simatai for unrestored stretches and fewer crowds.
Tickets cost around 40 yuan, plus extra for cable cars. Spring and fall offer the best weather, while summer holidays bring heavy crowds at Badaling.
What is the best section of the Great Wall for first-time visitors? Mutianyu is the best Great Wall section for most first-time visitors because it is well restored, less crowded than Badaling, and features cable cars, a chairlift, and a toboggan run.
How long does it take to reach the Great Wall from Beijing? The Great Wall is about 1.5 hours from Beijing by private car, slightly longer by public bus, making a half-day Great Wall visit possible even with a tight itinerary.
Petra, Jordan
Petra is a 2,000-year-old city carved into pink sandstone cliffs. A Swiss explorer rediscovered it in 1812, and today around 900,000 travelers walk through the Siq each year. The main entry fee is 50 Jordanian dinars for overnight guests and 90 dinars for same-day visitors. The Jordan Pass bundles Petra with a visa and other attractions.
Most travelers need at least 2 days to see the Treasury, the Monastery, the Royal Tombs, and the viewpoints above the canyon. Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes.
What is the best time to visit Petra? The best months to visit Petra are October through April, when temperatures are mild and the canyon is comfortable to walk, though short winter rain showers are possible during December and January.
Is Petra by Night worth the extra ticket? Petra by Night is worth the extra ticket for many travelers because the Treasury is lit by more than 1,500 candles, creating a quiet, magical scene that differs from the busy daytime view.
Explore more unreal places across the globe that will cause your jaw to drop.
Christ the Redeemer
Christ the Redeemer stands 98 feet tall on top of Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janeiro. Built between 1922 and 1931, the statue is made of reinforced concrete covered in about 6 million soapstone tiles. Over 2 million people visit every year.
Most travelers reach the summit by the historic Corcovado train from Cosme Velho, by official van from Copacabana or Largo do Machado, or on a guided tour. Tickets run around 93 Brazilian reais for adults.
How do you get to Christ the Redeemer? Travelers reach Christ the Redeemer by the Corcovado train, official Paineiras vans, or guided tours from Copacabana, and hiking through Tijuca Forest is possible but not recommended due to safety concerns.
When is the best time to visit Christ the Redeemer? The best time to visit Christ the Redeemer is early morning around 8:00 a.m., before tour buses arrive, when light on the city is clearest and crowds at the viewing platform remain manageable.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu sits 7,970 feet above sea level in the Andes. The Incas built it in the mid-1400s, and American explorer Hiram Bingham brought it to the world's attention in 1911. Today, around 1.5 million people visit Peru's most famous ruin each year.
Most travelers fly to Cusco, then take a train to Aguas Calientes and a bus up the mountain. The classic 4-day Inca Trail is another route, but permits sell out months ahead.
How many days do you need for Machu Picchu? Most visitors need 2 full days for Machu Picchu, allowing time to acclimate in Cusco at 11,000 feet, travel by train, explore the ruins, and optionally hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
What is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu? The best time of year to visit Machu Picchu is May, June, July, August, or September, during the dry season when skies are clearest, though June through August bring the largest crowds and highest prices.
See beyond this famous trek with some hikes in Peru that aren't Maccu Picchu.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is a Mayan city in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, built between 750 and 1200 A.D. This ancient ruin site covers 740 acres and receives about 2.6 million visitors each year. The star structure is El Castillo, a 9-level pyramid with 365 steps that aligns with the sun during each equinox.
Foreign visitors pay about 697 Mexican pesos, or roughly 40 U.S. dollars. Arriving before 10 a.m. helps beat crowds and the intense midday heat.
How do I get to Chichen Itza from Cancun? Travelers reach Chichen Itza from Cancun by ADO bus for about 28 to 33 U.S. dollars, by rental car in 2.5 to 3 hours via the toll road, or by joining an organized day tour.
What should I see at Chichen Itza besides the pyramid? Beyond El Castillo, Chichen Itza offers the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, the Sacred Cenote, and the circular El Caracol observatory, where ancient Mayan astronomers tracked the movement of Venus.
The Colosseum
The Colosseum opened in 80 A.D. under Emperor Titus and held around 50,000 spectators for gladiator fights, hunts, and even mock naval battles. Every standard ticket also includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, valid for 24 hours.
Tickets often sell out days in advance, especially for the arena floor, underground hypogeum, and upper tier. The official site releases tickets 30 days before visit dates at 8:30 a.m. Central European Time.
Do I need to book Colosseum tickets in advance? Yes, travelers should book Colosseum tickets in advance because timed entry is strictly enforced, same-day availability is rare during April through October, and guided tours with arena floor access sell out especially quickly.
What is included with a standard Colosseum ticket? A standard Colosseum ticket includes timed entry to the amphitheater's first and second tiers plus 24-hour access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, covering 3 of Rome's top ancient sites.
The Taj Mahal
Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal between 1632 and 1653 in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. About 20,000 workers shaped the white marble mausoleum, which changes color from pink at dawn to pearl white at noon and gold at sunset. Between 7 and 8 million people visit each year.
Foreign visitors pay 1,100 rupees, plus 200 rupees to enter the inner mausoleum. The site is closed on Fridays.
What is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal? The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is October through March for cool weather, and arriving 1 hour before sunrise at the south or east gate helps travelers beat both the queues and the heat.
What else is there to see in Agra? Besides the Taj Mahal, Agra offers Agra Fort, the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah known as the Baby Taj, and Mehtab Bagh garden across the Yamuna River, which provides stunning sunset views of the mausoleum.
The Taj Mahal joins other UNESCO World Heritage Sites in its splendor. Check out 7 more that are sure to inspire.
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