It can be a good idea to put one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites on your bucket list. But let’s first find out what heritage sites mean. World Heritage Sites refer to any of various areas or objects inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO World Heritage list. The sites are categorized and designated as having outstanding universal value.
Visit these UNESCO World Heritage Sites
There are many UNESCO World Heritage Sites spread around the world. It can be anything from an entire city, parts of a city, a monument, a natural landscape, and more, as long as it has outstanding universal value. It is estimated there are 1,154 sites as of July 2021. Here are some of the most recommended ones to visit:
The Great Wall
This giant wall is perched on a mountaintop and just an hour away from Beijing. The wall is standing on stone assembled hundreds and thousands of years ago. The continuous structure undulates along steep mountain ridges at almost impossible angles, making it even feel terrifyingly amazing. This is a man-made structure, and you can imagine how much work the people put into building it.
The Great Pyramids of Giza
Located in Egypt, the Great Pyramids of Giza is worth visiting for. This is definitely an amazing man-made architectural structure. It has an interesting triangle shape at the bottom of the garden. The pyramid cannot be climbed since you are not allowed to do so. But even if you were allowed you wouldn’t be able to do so because the step was taller than the average human’s height.
The Banks of The Seine
Located in France, the Banks of the Seine is reportedly one of the most visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, not many people realize that it’s UNESCO-listed. Many visitors just freely strolling around with crepe in hand leisurely without knowing its outstanding universal value. But it’s alright as long as they enjoy their time at the lovely quays and the banks dotted with small cafe trucks and benches.
The City of Istanbul
Istanbul is already one of the most visited travel destinations in the world as it has so many charms. This bustling city is so lively and great to spend your time at. It is full of history at every corner of the city. There are four UNESCO sites in the city but the city is generally deemed UNESCO sites anyway so you’d better make the most of your visit here. You will get to experience how modern perfectly mix with ancient history.
Stonehenge
Located in England, Stonehenge is UNESCO-listed and can be considered touristy place with how much crowd you are going to see when visiting this place. It’s best to visit during the first slot of the day to avoid the crowd. You will be drawn into the sheer of history and age of this monument. Aside from joining the queue to see the monument up-close, it’s also recommended to make the most of it by visiting Avebury as well.