Travel Goals

1. Climb to Everest Base Camp.
2. Climb Mt Kilimanjaro.
3. Learn to Scuba Dive.
4. Visit every continent.
5. See the Galapagos Islands.
6. Sail down the Amazon River.
7. Climb Ayer's Rock.
8. Ride the Trans-Siberian.
9. Go into space.
10. Go wild at La Tomintina.
11. See the sunrise from Mt. Fuji.
12. Gaze at Borobudor.
13. Visit the Pyramids
14. Safari in East Africa.
15. Go to the World Cup!
16. See Machu Picchu.
17. Join the Century Club.
18. Visit Antarctica.
19. Do development work.
20. See Petra Jordan.
21. Backpack the Eastern Block.
22. See the Northern Lights.
23. Vegas Baby! Vegas!
24. Greek Island hop.
25. Cycle Tuscany.
26. Visit India.
27. Lounge in the Seychelles.
28. See Morocco.
29. Oktoberfest!
30. Caravan across the Sahara.
31. Visit Tibet.
32. Fly first class.
33. Go to Israel.
34. Carnival!!!!
35. Mardi Gras!
36. Cannes Film Festival.
37. Sundance Film Festival.
38. Eat a sushi meal at NOBU
39. Pacific Island hop.
40. Spend a night in the Ice Hotel.
41. See Glacier National Park.

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Top Ten Historical Sites in the World

June 24, 2008

The world is filled with amazing things to see- both natural and man made. But here are the top ten historical sites in the world- places you must go visit. Places so great flocks of people fly all around the world. That’s what makes these historical sites special. So old but still so interesting.

Machu Picchu
Located in southern Peru, this fascinating city lies on top of a mountain that’s accessible by train or 4 day trek. It was an important center for the Inca civilization but was abandoned when the Spanish came and is famously referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas.” The location was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Concerns over growing numbers of tourists has led to limitations on tourists there, though only by a fraction of what is necessary. It was also named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Tikal
This Mayan city-state is one of the largest and best preserved ruins of the civilization. Located in Guatemala, this place lets you experience your inner-Indy early in the morning or late at night when the tourists go home and it’s just you and the jungle. Tikal was a dominant force in the Mayan world and is a dominate force in archeology today. It’s a wonderful place to explore and deserves at least two days and is easy accessible from neighboring Belize.

The Pyramids at Giza
Over 3,000 years old and we still don’t have a good idea as to how they built them or how Egyptians got them so precise. The Pyramids align to the stars and the solstices and contain vast chambers we still haven’t opened. They are truly a marvel of human engineering that was fit for kings. The largest one, called the Great Pyramid, was built by the Pharaoh Khufu. Also in this area is the Sphinx, another historical site that baffles researchers with its own mysteries.

Angkor Wat
This ancient city in Cambodia was the center of the Khmer empire that once ruled most of Southeast Asia. This empire went extinct but not before building amazing temples and buildings that were reclaimed by the jungle for hundreds of years. Though this place is packed with tourists, it’s still breathtaking to see. Temple regions to the north and south see far fewer tourists than the main temple group. The best time to visit is early in the morning before the tour groups arrive. The most popular temples are Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Phrom, and Angkor Thom. In order to really experience the temples, you’ll need to purchase the three or five day pass.

Petra
Carved into a canyon in Arabah, Jordan, Petra was made famous by Indiana Jones’ third movie. It was “discovered” in 1812 by a Swiss explorer. Prior to that, it was unknown to the western world. Though its founding is not known, it appears this place had settlers as early as the 6th century B.C. Under Roman rule, the site declined rapidly and was abandoned by the late 4th century. In 1985, Petra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was recently named on of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Stonehenge
Located near Salisbury, England this megalithic structure is over 3,000 years old and its stones coming all the way from Wales. Scholars still are not sure how they got the stones from Wales and have tried to replicate the feat with dismal results. The attraction is now fenced off and you can no longer go into the circle. Visitors now can only walk around the attraction. It’s worth visiting for the mystery behind it and the really good audio tour.

Colosseum/Forum
The Colosseum and the Forum are right next to each other so I included them together. Remnants of a civilization that once controlled the “known” world, these sites are breathtaking not only for their beauty but for of their history and age. You’re standing in the spot Caesar walked and gazing into the area where gladiators battled to the death. The Colosseum has slowly crumbled throughout the ages and much of it is restricted, especially the floor and basement where everything was organized. There is also a good museum there too. The forum is great to walk around (and it’s free!!), though a ticket is required for Palatine Hill, where Rome’s elite used to live.

Parthenon
Though currently getting a face lift, the Parthenon is still amazing. The ancient temple to Athena stands as a symbol of the power of Athens and a testament to Greek Civilization. Moreover, it provides a great view of Athens and nearby ruins. The surrounding ruins, temples, and buildings are equally as wondrous. Built in the 5th century BC, the temple used to house the treasury. Over the centuries, much of it and the surrounding structures have been destroyed by war and thieves. Luckily, the structure still stands…at least for now.

Easter Island
Located out in the Pacific ocean and special territory of Chile, these statues are the only thing left of culture that once lived here. These gigantic and amazingly craved heads are just another reminder that primitive people are not really all that primitive. The stones that attract visitors to this island are made out of volcanic ash and many still remain in the quarry, left by the settlers as diminishing resources on the island left their tribes doomed to war that finally killed them off.

Taj Mahal
Built in the 1600s, this building is a testament to undying love. Located in Agra, India, this white marble tomb built for a Emperor Shah Jahan’s deceased wife is a must see for everyone. in 1983, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Taj sees between two and four million tourists annually. There have been recent restrictions on tourism in an effort to help protect the site. However, the greatest threat to the site is the air pollution that is destroying the white marble the building is constructed of. It too was named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

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Posted by NomadicMatt | Filed Under Travel Lists

Comments

24 Responses to “Top Ten Historical Sites in the World”

Angkor Wat » Ten Historical Sites on June 24th, 2008 4:59 pm

[...] Ten Historical Sites Angkor Wat This ancient city in Cambodia was the center of the Khmer empire that once ruled most of Southeast Asia. This empire went extinct but not before building amazing temples and buildings that were reclaimed by the jungle for … [...]
Christy on June 24th, 2008 8:42 pm

The 1st two - awesome. I think the next one I visit might be Easter Island. But I heard the hotels on the island are pretty pricey.

Pyramids would be awesome as well.
Quickroute on June 25th, 2008 5:55 am

great list - Been to six of these (not bragging) because I need a loan for the other four -any takers…pls?
CK Go Places on June 25th, 2008 8:02 am

Sad to say that I have been to only three out of the ten on your list. I gotta work harder! Haha!
Geoff on June 25th, 2008 9:27 am

Tikal is incredible. The best place I’ve ever been, definitely. I’d recommend it to anyone.

I actually found Stonehenge a disappointment though.
Tanya on June 25th, 2008 10:52 am

Hey Matt, change of plans…I’ll be in Paris in July! Let me know when you’re stopping by and we can maybe meet up for a glass of wine or something.
Erika on June 25th, 2008 11:26 am

I had a friend do the Macchu Picchu trek, she said it was amazing, they originally had trained for Kilimanjaro but her mom got sick beforehand.

I’m jealous of your travels. I’m new to your blog so I’ll have to check it all out!
NomadicMatt on June 25th, 2008 1:26 pm

@geoff: Tikal was one of the best places I’ve been. I liked it better than Angkor wat. …it was more like a historical ruin than a tourist attraction. I liked how you late at night or in the morning and was just you and ruins. Peaceful.

@ erika: Welcome!!! I’m glad to have new readers!

@quick: i’ve been to 5. Which 6 did you go too? maybe we can make the whole ten together!!
tutubi on June 25th, 2008 1:32 pm

not even to any one of them…i almost visited taj mahal while i was in mumbai but i learned it’s too far and pricey

angkor wat in on my list nearest to my place. i think 10 is a very short list considering the modern world is bigger than the ancient one.
Helen on June 25th, 2008 1:58 pm

i live my life by lists and love all the ones you share on your blog! you’ve picked some great rec.s for this list! i definitely want to see Macchu Picchu!
Anthony on June 25th, 2008 6:07 pm

I’ve only been to one of these and was slightly dissapointed with the Colesseum. It looks so tiny compared to when you see it on tv/pictures.

The city of Pompei was interesting though.

I’d kill (not really) to see Petra and Macchu Pichu, especially after Indy 3 and Diarios de Motocicleta.
Russ on June 25th, 2008 6:37 pm

This is a great list of interesting sites to consider.
Petra would be pretty amazing!
Domina on June 25th, 2008 7:49 pm

Your first was my first and it was amazing. I think my next one would be Easter Island… I am a sucker for Archaeological points of interest!! I am headed into Equador… I dont think there is much there. Adios mi amigo!
NomadicMatt on June 26th, 2008 12:21 am

@Anthony: When I first saw the Colosseum, I felt the same way but as a circled around it and it just got bigger, the more I liked it.

@Domina: I’m jealous!!! I bet the trek there was AMAZING!
Colosseum » Touring The Colosseum in Rome on June 27th, 2008 3:21 am

[...] Ten Historical SitesThe Colosseum and the Forum are right next to each other so I included them together. Remnants of a civilization that once controlled the “known” world, these sites are breathtaking not only for their beauty but for of their history and … [...]
Celine on June 27th, 2008 11:34 am

I’ve been to 4: Petra, Pathenon, Colosseum and Taj Mahal (this, twice). Feel like checking out the rest sooner than later.

Nice post that made me feel there’s so much more to see.
Celine on June 27th, 2008 4:33 pm

Oh btw, one of the top historical places that I’d recommend is the Khajuraho Group of Temples. The temples are simply awesome. Am gonna write a post on them shortly.

Thank you for your visit to my blog and leaving your kind comments.
lakshmi on June 28th, 2008 2:11 pm

awesome list and sadly, have never been to any inc the taj- am planning to rectify that this year
Hans on June 29th, 2008 6:42 am

We “me and family” made a trip to Petra in Jordan in April 2007. it was a piece of art and fabulous.
We flew from Berlin to Amman- Jordan. We traveled at modern buses with a guide/driver.
Our route was Amman, Jerash, Ajloun , Petra , Dead Sea.
On the way we experienced architectural, archaeological, historical and cultural places: noble mosques, interesting museums, ancient castle, unique ruins, stone paths, the lowest point on earth with mineral salty water at Dead sea. Also we went to see how nomads live in their tents.
Before our trip we got a lot of warnings and surprising comments on Jordanians’ hostility toward Westerners. Anyhow in every city, town and village we felt ourselves very welcome and every person was polite and hospitable to us.
Our guide was the best possible guide. His knowledge of Jordan, the past and the present is enormous and his driving style is convincing,
A trip with him was like a trip with a friend not with a formal guide. From my experience, http://libertytourism.com/Programs.html is one of the best tours at Jordan where all you may need and ask on one place.
Hans Herrman
Colosseum » Italy Travel Detroit News - I always liked to travel, even as a ... on June 30th, 2008 3:10 am

[...] Ten Historical SitesThe Colosseum and the Forum are right next to each other so I included them together. Remnants of a civilization that once controlled the “known” world, these sites are breathtaking not only for their beauty but for of their history and … [...]
Mark H on July 4th, 2008 1:34 am

Fantastic list. I have seen six of these places and would love to visit the other four. Two others that I am keen to see that would be close to making the list (though difficult to know which ones I’d remove) are The Great Wakl and the Terracotta Warriors both in China.
Peter on July 7th, 2008 1:59 am

I agree with these but probably would leave out Stonehenge and replace with one of the amazing places in the Middle East such as Persepolis in Iran, or Jerash in Syria or Baalbek in Lebanon. How about the amazing ancient ruins of Mexico …my fave being Palenque in the south.

Ive been to all on your list except Stonehenge, Parthenon, and Easter Island.
Down on the Dollar | Nomadic Matt's Travel Site on September 12th, 2008 7:00 am

[...] and are great deals to experience undeveloped countries. Guatemala holds ancient wonders like Tikal and beautiful beaches in Antigua while Honduras has great diving and surfing. Additionally, efforts [...]
Aswathy on October 27th, 2008 4:47 pm

Having been lucky enough to visit the Taj Mahal, the monument in white marble it is truly blissful.