See one of the world’s wonders

Seeing one of the world's wonders means standing at one of the New7Wonders of the World, chosen in a public vote announced in Lisbon on 7 July 2007, or at the Great Pyramid of Giza, the one ancient Wonder still standing and an honorary eighth. They're spread over five continents, and each one rewards some planning: timed tickets, early starts and the right season.

Where to do it

Great Wall of China, China

Day trips from Beijing reach several restored sections. Mutianyu has a cable car and fewer crowds than Badaling; Jinshanling is the pick for a longer hike along the ramparts. Avoid China's national holidays, above all Golden Week from 1 to 7 October, when the wall is packed.

Taj Mahal, India

The white marble tomb in Agra opens from dawn to dusk every day except Friday. Come at opening, when the marble turns pink and gold and the lines are shortest. Agra is an easy day trip from Delhi by fast train, though staying a night in India's Agra lets you see it at dawn.

Petra, Jordan

A city carved into rose-colored cliffs. Walk through the narrow Siq to the Treasury, then climb the long stone stairway to the Monastery. The Jordan Pass bundles Petra entry with the visa fee for many visitors. Give it two days if you can: Petra is the high point of any trip to Jordan.

Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

The last ancient wonder, on the edge of Cairo, with the Sphinx below it. Going inside the pyramid needs a separate ticket, and the Grand Egyptian Museum, officially opened nearby on 1 November 2025, makes a natural pair. In Egypt, agree prices for camel or horse rides before you get on.

Colosseum, Italy

Rome's great amphitheater, with one ticket usually covering the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill too. Tickets are timed and sell out, so book on the official site well ahead. Go early, and add the underground or arena floor for a view most visitors to Italy miss.

Machu Picchu, Peru

The Inca citadel sits at about 2,430 m, lower than Cusco, which stands above 3,000 m. Entry is by timed ticket on set routes. Most people take the train to Aguas Calientes and the bus up; the classic Inca Trail needs a permit through a licensed operator and is closed every February. In Peru's dry season, May to September, book months ahead.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

The Maya city's great pyramid, El Castillo, can no longer be climbed. Around the spring and autumn equinoxes, the afternoon sun casts a serpent of light down its stairs, drawing big crowds. Come at opening from Valladolid or Mérida, before the heat and the day trips from Cancún reach this part of Mexico.

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

The statue stands on Corcovado above Rio de Janeiro, reached by a cog train through the Tijuca Forest or by official vans. Clouds often wrap the summit, so check the weather and go early on a clear morning. Late afternoon light over Brazil's famous bay is the other good time.

How to make it happen

• Book timed tickets early, on official sites, for the Colosseum, Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal especially.
• Go at opening. Every wonder is calmer and cooler in the first hour.
• Pair them. Petra and Giza combine well; so do Machu Picchu and Rio on a South American trip.
• Respect the rules. No climbing, no drones, modest dress where asked, and stick to the marked paths.
• Take the photo at the wonder itself, with camera location on, on the site rather than from a distant viewpoint.

All eight are also World Heritage Sites.