The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is a specialised UN agency that has made a significant contribution to safeguarding places of public interest with historical value by protecting and preserving their natural and cultural heritage.
This year, set out to explore the popular UNESCO sites, dive into their rich cultural heritage and witness stunning architecture amidst picturesque scenery. In this blog, you will learn about the popular UNESCO sites you can visit this year. Check out the details below to learn more about these sites.
20 Must-See UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Check out the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites below, where you can travel this year to spend an amazing vacation.
Taj Mahal
The symbol of love, the Taj Mahal, situated by the bank of the river Yamuna, is a popular UNESCO Heritage Site in India, where both domestic and foreign tourists visit every year. This UNESCO World Heritage site is also considered an architectural achievement of Indo-Islamic architecture.
How to Visit the Taj Mahal?
Take a flight from the UK to Delhi and then book a cab to visit the Taj Mahal.
Information on Taj Mahal:
| LOCATION | Agra District, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (Offers you direct flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 125.1 million (as of 2024) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | December (Pleasant, Cool and Dry Weather Setting) |
History Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Studded at an elevation of 2430 meters above sea level, you will find intriguing stone ruins of the 15th century, an ancient wonder made by the Inca rulers. This heritage site is spread over 32,592 hectares of land, housing about 200 structures of agricultural, astronomical, ceremonial and religious beliefs.
How to Visit Machu Picchu?
Take a flight to Cusco, then enjoy a scenic drive to Poroy or Ollantaytambo, from there take a train ride to Aguas Calientes, and finally a bus ride to the ruins.
Information on Machu Picchu:
| LOCATION | Machu Picchu District, Urubamba Province, Cusco Region, Peru |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, Cusco (Offers you connecting flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 950,000 (as of 2023) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | June to August (Warm and Sunny Days, but Chilly Nights) |
Great Wall of China
Stretching over a length of 21,196 km, the Great Wall of China is the longest military defence project that starts from Hebei province in the east to Gansu province in the west. It took over 2000 years to build this magnificent wall to safeguard the nation’s interests.
How to Visit the Great Wall of China?
Take a flight to Beijing, and from there you can take a local bus or hire a private taxi to reach the Great Wall of China. But before visiting, do pick your wall selection (Mutianyu/ Badaling/ Jinshanling/ Simatai).
Information on the Great Wall of China:
| LOCATION | Huairou District, China |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Beijing Capital International Airport (Offers you direct flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | Approximately 132 million (as of 2024) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | March to May; September to November (Cool, Warm and Pleasant Weather Setting) |
Galapagos Islands
Travel to this alluring UNESCO Heritage site, near the stretch of Ecuador and situated at the confluence of three ocean currents. Spot exotic species like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and more. You will be surprised to know that this island also played a pivotal role in history, as Charles Darwin found crucial evidence here to support his Theory of Evolution.
How to Visit the Galapagos Islands?
First, you need to fly to the International airport, either Guayaquil or Quito, and then from there you need to take a domestic flight to San Cristobal or Baltra.
Information on the Galapagos Islands:
| LOCATION | Province of Galapagos, San Cristobal, Ecuador, South America |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport or Mariscal Sucre International Airport (No Direct Flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | Approximately 329,475 (as of 2024) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | December to May (Warm and Rainy Season) |
Great Barrier Reef
Welcome to the mesmerising realm of the Great Barrier Reef, consisting of 2500 individual reefs with varying depths and home to the largest collection of coral reefs, 400 different types, 4000 types of molluscs, and 1500 species of fish.
How to Visit the Great Barrier Reef?
Take a connecting flight to Cairns and then take a helicopter, seaplane or boat to the Great Barrier Reef based on your preference.
Information on the Great Barrier Reef:
| LOCATION | Coral Sea, Australia |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Cairns AIrport (No Direct Flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 2.25 million (approximately) (as of 2024) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | May to October (Warm and Dry Season) |
Yellowstone National Park
Visit Yellowstone National Park, which boasts a rich ecological environment characterised by diverse flora and fauna, and remains one of the largest intact ecosystems and is home to some of the planet’s endangered and rare species.
How to Visit Yellowstone National Park?
First, take a direct flight to any major international US airport and from there take another flight and land at Salt Lake City International, from where you rent a car to drive to Yellowstone National Park.
Information on Yellowstone National Park:
| LOCATION | Wyoming, United States |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Salt Lake City International (No Direct Flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 4,744,352 (as of 2024) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | June (Warm and Pleasant Weather) |
Castel del Monte
Built back in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II, this octagonal masterpiece showcases remarkable astronomical and mathematical precision. Dominating the green countryside, this medieval architecture symbolises royal power and highlights the blend of Western, Eastern and Mediterranean traditions.
How to Visit the Castel del Monte?
Land at Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport, then take a train or drive to Andria. From there, take a shuttle or taxi to the castle.
Information on Castel del Monte:
| LOCATION | Andria, Puglia, Italy |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (Offers you direct flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 250,000 (approximately) annually |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | July and August (Sunny and Dry Season) |
Yosemite National Park
Explore Yosemite National Park at the heart of California, spanning 3,027 square kilometres. Witness U-shaped valleys, moraines, polished homes, beautiful lakes, waterfalls and hanging valleys, from 600 to 4000 meters elevation, with effects of glaciation on the granite mountain walls.
How to Visit the Yosemite National Park?
Land at Fresno Yosemite International Airport, then rent a car or book a bus to reach the park.
Information on Yosemite National Park:
| LOCATION | California, USA |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Fresno Yosemite International Airport (No Direct Flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 4,121,807 (as of 2024) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | May and June (Warm, Sunny and Dry Season) |
Komodo National Park
Travel to Komodo Island, the only place to spot the world’s largest lizards, the Komodo Dragon. You can find fewer than 3500 dragons in the total area of 219,322 hectares, along with other species like Timor deer, orange-footed scrub fowl and many more.
How to Visit the Komodo National Park?
Fly down to Labuan Bajo and then take a boat ride to Komodo Island to witness the mighty dragons.
Information on Komodo National Park:
| LOCATION | East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Komodo International Airport (No Direct Flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 300,488 (as of 2023) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | April to June (Warm and Dry Season) |
Serengeti National Park
Explore Serengeti’s vast 15,000 square kilometres of savannah, offering you one of the largest animal migrations of zebras, gazelles and wildebeests. You will also find predators and endangered species, such as lions and leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, wild dogs, elephants, and black rhinoceroses.
How to Visit the Serengeti National Park?
Take a flight to Tanzania, then take a connecting flight to Arusha. From there, you can take a small bush plane or drive to the Serengeti.
Information on Serengeti National Park:
| LOCATION | Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Kilimanjaro International Airport (No Direct Flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 589,300 (as of 2024) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | January and February (Sunny and Dry Season) |
Old Havana and its Fortification System
Old Havana primarily evokes an image of people in leisure and colorful vintage cars. It also offers you the timeless elegance of the cobblestone streets and historic plazas dating back over 500 years. Explore neoclassical and baroque-style monuments and other points of interest around the city.
How to Visit Old Havana and its Fortification System?
Fly down to Jose Marti International Airport and book a taxi to Old Havana.
Information on Old Havana and its Fortification System:
| LOCATION | Province of Ciudad de la Havana, Cuba |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Jose Marti International Airport (No Direct Flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 2.2 million (approximately) (as of 2024) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | November and April (Warm and Dry Season) |
Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza date back 4,500 years and hold great architectural, spiritual, and political significance. The iconic monuments in the field of Memphis are considered sacred to the Gods. Surrounded by a blanket of mystery, the pyramids hold some secrets yet to be discovered.
How to Visit the Pyramids of Giza?
Land at Sphinx International Airport and then take a cab to Giza.
Information on Pyramids of Giza:
| LOCATION | Giza, Greater Cairo, Egypt |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Sphinx International Airport (Offers you direct flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 15.78 million (approximately) (as of 2024) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | October to March (Pleasant and Warm Weather Setting) |
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous megalithic sites, shrouded in mystery due to its origin, formation, rock placement, purpose, and transportation. A bird’s-eye view of this place will offer you two concentric circles made of 80 bluestone pillars, each weighing around 4 tons.
How to Visit Stonehenge?
Take a train to Salisbury Station and from there take a tour bus that directly takes you to the site.
Information on Stonehenge:
| LOCATION | Wiltshire, England |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Southampton Airport (Offers you direct flights from other cities in the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | Over 1.3 million (as of 2023) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | June to August (Warm and Sunny Weather) |
Canadian Rocky Mountains Parks
The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks boast a rich ecological environment characterised by its mountain landscape, limestone caves, canyons, waterfalls, lakes and glaciers. Do explore the Burgess Shale, one of the most diverse marine fossil sites, dating back over 540 million years.
How to Visit the Canadian Rocky Mountains Parks?
Take a direct flight to Canada, and from the airport, book a car to explore multiple parks or join a guided tour.
Information on Canadian Rocky Mountains Parks:
| LOCATION | Canada |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Calgary International Airport (Offers you direct flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 4,154,349 (as of 2024) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | June to August (Warm and Sunny Weather) |
Pamukkale
The calcite-laden waters have attracted visitors from across the world to help replenish their health by bathing in the waters of Pamukkale. This place has 17 mineral-rich thermal waters that offer healing properties for treating some heart diseases, as well as the nervous, skin, and musculoskeletal systems.
How to Visit Pamukkale?
Land down at Denizli Cardak Airport and then take a taxi to Pamukkale.
Information on Pamukkale:
| LOCATION | Denizli Province, Turkey |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Denizli Cardak Airport (No Direct Flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 1.7 million (approximately) (as of 2024) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | September to October (Warm and Sunny Weather Setting) |
Read Also: Holiday Destinations in Turkey
City of Valletta
Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a Renaissance gem that has remained unchanged since the Knights of St John departed. Explore the city’s rich history and heritage, offering a glimpse of ancient and modern signs, and spot 320 monuments that signify aspects of military, artistic, religious, and civil life.
How to Visit the City of Valletta?
Fly directly to Malta International Airport and from there hire a cab or take a bus to Valletta.
Information on the City of Valletta:
| LOCATION | Malta |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Malta International Airport (Offers you direct flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 3.56 million (approximately) (as of 2024) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | Between June and September (Hot, Sunny and Dry Season) |
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty symbolises opportunity and hope for people seeking a better life in the US. Eiffel and Bartholdi constructed this spectacular marvel back in the 19th century, and it was presented as a gift from France to America after their independence in 1876.
How to Visit the Statue of Liberty?
Take a flight to New York and then go to Manhattan by taking a shuttle or public transport. From there, take a ferry to Liberty Island.
Information on the Statue of Liberty:
| LOCATION | Liberty Island, New York |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Newark Liberty International Airport (Offers you direct flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 3.74 million (approximately) (as of 2023) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | June to August (Warm and Sunny Weather) |
Hoi An Ancient Town
Immerse yourself in the well-preserved town of Hoi An, which showcases the heritage of the 15th to 19th-century trading port. Despite being a trading port and reflecting a fusion of foreign cultures, Hoi An has never lost its Vietnamese charm, which attracts visitors more.
How to Visit Hoi An Ancient Town?
Fly to Da Nang International Airport and then take a shuttle or taxi to Hoi An Ancient Town.
Information on Hoi An Ancient Town:
| LOCATION | Quang Nam Province, Vietnam |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Da Nang International Airport (No Direct Flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 4.4 million (approximately) (as of 2024) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | January to March (Sunny and Dry Season) |
Venice and its Lagoon
Venice is built on 118 small islands that bear the artistic touch of world-renowned artists like Veronese, Tintoretto, Titian, Giorgione, and many others. It’s 70176.4 hectares of UNESCO-listed lagoons, offering stunning architecture, monuments, and a unique network of canals, where you can also take a boat ride.
How to Visit Venice and its Lagoon?
Fly to Venice Marco Polo Airport and then take water taxis to reach Venice.
Information on Venice and its Lagoon:
| LOCATION | Veneto Region, Province of Venezia, Italy |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Venice Marco Polo Airport (Offers you direct flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 700,000 (approximately) (as of 2024) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | April, May and September (Mild and Warm Weather, but September brings rain) |
Historic Centre of Rome
According to legend, Rome was founded by Remus and Romulus in 753 BC. Explore the iconic places within the walls, including the Column of Marcus Aurelius, Trajan’s Column, the Pantheon, and more, alongside sculptures, paintings, and architecture from the Neoclassical, Baroque, and Renaissance periods.
How to Visit the Historic Centre of Rome?
Fly down to Ciampino International Airport and then take a shuttle or train to the city. You can then walk to the Historic Centre of Rome.
Information on the Historic Centre of Rome:
| LOCATION | Piazza in Campo Marzio, Rome, Italy |
| NEAREST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | Ciampino International Airport (Offers you direct flights from the UK) |
| NUMBER OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR | 51.4 million (approximately) (as of 2024) |
| BEST TIME TO VISIT | April to June; September and October (Warm and Sunny Weather; Mild and Rainy Season) |
Conclusion
Tourists around the globe travel to their ideal UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are rich in culture, history and heritage. Marvel at the impressive architecture and timeless elegance of the sites. Take a walk around the sites that hold whispers of history and unfurl a tapestry of experience. It will be hard to visit all the UNESCO sites in one visit, so you are bound to return and explore the rest or travel to a new destination to explore the rich culture and heritage of the sites.
To truly appreciate a location’s diversity and depth, one must visit the sites stated in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites above. Perfect Holidays offers attractive deals and packages to UNESCO sites. You can also contact our travel expert to help you prepare your own itinerary based on your budget and preferences.
FAQs
What are some of the beautiful UNESCO heritage sites?
Some of the beautiful UNESCO heritage sites are the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu and many more.
Are UNESCO sites suitable for families and couples?
Yes, both families and couples can visit UNESCO sites.
What is the oldest UNESCO World Heritage Site?
There is not one single oldest UNESCO World Heritage Site, but a group including the Galapagos Islands, the City of Quito, Yellowstone and many others.
