Top Ten Historical Sites in the World
By NomadicMatt | Published: June 24, 2008The world is filled with amazing things to see- both natural and man-made. But here are the top ten historical sites in the world. These are places every traveler must go visit. Places so great that flocks of people fly all around the world to see. That’s what makes these historical sites special. So old, but still so interesting.
 Machu PicchuLocated in southern Peru, this fascinating city lies on top of a mountain that’s only accessible by train or 4 day trek. It was an important center for the Inca civilization, but was abandoned when the Spanish came. It 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 have led to limitations on people who can enter the site, though only by a fraction of what is necessary. It was also named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. If you want hike the Inca Trail, check out this site for Machu Picchu tourism information. |
 TikalThis 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. It’s a wonderful place to explore, deserves at least two days, and is easily accessible from neighboring Belize. For more information, visit this site about Tikal tours. |
 The Pyramids at GizaOver 3,000 years old and we still don’t have a good idea as to how they built them or how the 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. For additional information, check out this page on the Pyramids. |
 Angkor WatThis 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 Angkor Wat 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. Check out here for more information on Angkor Wat tours. |
 PetraCarved 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 one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You can find more information about Petra here. |
 StonehengeLocated near Salisbury, England this megalithic structure is over 3,000 years old, and its stones come 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 can only walk around the attraction. It’s worth visiting for the mystery behind it and the really good audio tour. You can find more information on visiting Stonehenge here. |
 Colosseum/ForumThe 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. The forum is great to walk around (and it’s free!!), though a ticket is required for Palatine Hill. You can learn more about this site by visiting this page on the Colosseum |
 ParthenonThough 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. If you want to visit the Parthenon, you can find more information here. |
 Easter IslandLocated 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 carved 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. 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. You can learn more about Easter Island by clicking the link. |
 Taj MahalBuilt 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. Find out more about the Taj Mahal, and Taj Mahal tours at this website. |
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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.
great list – Been to six of these (not bragging) because I need a loan for the other four -any takers…pls?
Sad to say that I have been to only three out of the ten on your list. I gotta work harder! Haha!
Tikal is incredible. The best place I’ve ever been, definitely. I’d recommend it to anyone.
I actually found Stonehenge a disappointment though.
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.
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!
@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!!
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.
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!
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.
This is a great list of interesting sites to consider.
Petra would be pretty amazing!
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!
@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!
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.
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.
awesome list and sadly, have never been to any inc the taj- am planning to rectify that this year
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
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.
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.
Having been lucky enough to visit the Taj Mahal, the monument in white marble it is truly blissful.
Hi Matt, thanks for the great pages!
Just a couple of points on Stonehenge that readers may like to know. It is possible to get inside the Stone Circle, but you need to arrange it with English Heritage (the body that looks after the site). You can do that by simply typing ‘Stonehenge special access’ into Google and you will get to the current PDF form to apply. Note however that access times are limited, both by time of year – and only early morning or evening (after ‘normal’ opening hours). Another way is to book with a specialist tour operator who can do the whole thing for you, again they can be found on the web.
The second point is that the large iconic stones of Stonehenge came from not too far away; these are hard sandstones – locally known as ‘sarsens’. It was the much smaller igneous rocks (that you hardly notice until you get inside the circle), that came from Wales. Readers may like to look out for a recent book called ‘Solving Stonehenge’ for more and new information on the site. If you are making a journey from somewhere half way across the world I think it’s well worth both arranging to get inside the Circle, and reading up on the stones.
hya i think it is a good adea
I had the oportunity to visit Machu Picchu and it was unbelievable, this place is magic and the pictures you see in magazines or internet don´t reflect the beauty of this place.You are so lucky because of this experience and I recommend to everybody to go to Machu Picchu go, you won´t regret it. Also, I want you recommend to use a travel agency, for me was very good and give me the oportunity to know and learn of this place in a nice way. If you want a recommendation Turperu is the best, they have a web if you want more information: http://www.turperu.com.pe …bye
i lioke all histrical places and love you all
i thought that the stonehenge was a little more exciting than that, but ok.
The cool thing about two of these that I’ve seen (Petra and Giza) is that they are basically only a day apart! It is easy to see both in a weekend even. Cheers. (btw, liked Petra alot more than Giza, it was a ripoff in an otherwise fantastic cheap country)
What a great list, don’t we have an amazing history, I wish I could visit them all. I am particularly fascinated by Stonehenge.
These are amazing, sadly i haven’t been to any of these but then again i’m only 18!! I doubt all of these will get visited by me. I live in England so could easily go to stonehenge. I have personally always wanted to go to the Collosseum, as i am astonished by History, and have an attraction to Italy, (Venice,Florence etc). Machu Piccu and the Pyramids/Sphinx WILL be visited by me, i will make sure!!