If you're an avid traveler, a visit to the seven wonders of the world is probably on your bucket list. The original list consists of the Great Pyramid of Giza, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Temple of Artemis, Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Colossus of Rhodes, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
Since the creation of this original list, there have been several other types of lists of wonders of the world, including the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
The list includes Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef, Mount Everest, Paricutin, and Victoria Falls.
There's also a list of 7 New Wonders of the World, a list that modern travelers have created. More than 100 million people voted for a list of new seven wonders, which includes the Great Wall of China, Christ the Redeemer Statue, Machu Picchu, Chichen Itza, Roman Colosseum, Taj Mahal, and Petra, Jordan.
If you've seen any of these wonders, you've seen some of the best sites in the world. But they're not the only incredible sites you have to see. Here are 25 world wonders that (we think) should be on the list.
25 25. Acropolis of Athens - The Best View in Greece
The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient city built on the rock outcropping that forms the backdrop of Athens, 490 feet above sea level. There are 21 ancient buildings on this outcropping including the Parthenon, the ancient temple built for worshipping the Greek goddess, Athena.
The term acropolis is a generic word that means a citadel or fortified city, but the Acropolis of Athens is considered the acropolis of Greece. If you're only able to see one thing in Athens, this citadel should be it.
24 24. Table Mountain - See the Famous Tabletop Clouds
Table Rock is the landmark of Cape Town, South Africa. It's a rocky mountain that towers 3,558 feet above sea level. Hiking aficionados swoon over the challenging trails leading to the top. If you're not much of a hiker, you can also take a cableway to the top.
Once there enjoy breathtaking views of the city, shrouded in clouds. The top of the plateau is often covered in the famous tablecloth clouds, making it a unique experience for the books.
23 23. Verdon Gorge - A Rock-Climber's Paradise
In Provence, France, you'll find the Verdon River, which flows through one of the prettiest gorges in Europe: the Verdon Gorge.
The gorge is flanked by 700-meter walls, a majestic backdrop to the beautiful waters of the Verdon River. These waters are crystal clear, and they flow into the Lac de St. Croix, a temperate lake you can see right through. You can kayak your way through or go for a swim.
The walls are also a popular rock-climbing destination. There are spots perfect for both beginner and expert rock climbers, and the river is ideal for swimming afterward.
22 22. Siwa Oasis - A Paradise in the Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert is the hottest, largest desert in the world. There are hundreds of acres of dunes where nothing can grow or survive. In the middle of Egypt's sandy wasteland is an oasis fed by natural springs and fertile land.
The oasis is perfect for exploring the best that Egypt has to offer: sandy desert and cool palm trees. You can tour structures built from sand, and the expansive sky is perfect for stargazing. And don't forget your swimsuit because there are also hot and cold natural pools that you can swim in.
21 21. Easter Island - The mystery adds to the intrigue
You've probably seen pictures of the huge, human-figure monoliths on Easter Island in Chile, but if you haven't seen them in person, it should be on your bucket list.
The figures are carved from basalt, volcanic, and scoria rock and archaeologists predict they were created between the years 1250 and 1500. There are 887 statues in total, and the tallest, a statue named Paro, is 33 feet tall and weighs 65 tons.
Surprisingly, the tallest statue does not weigh the most. There's a shorter statue called Ahu that weighs 86 tons.
20 20. Angel Falls - the world's tallest, uninterrupted waterfall
In the jungles of Venezuela flows the world's tallest, uninterrupted waterfall called Angel Falls. It's a massive 3,212 feet tall waterfall cascading over towering rocks, and the view is absolutely breathtaking whether you're looking at it from above or below.
The falls are named after an aviator from the USA called Jimmie Angel. He was exploring the Venezuela jungles based on the direction of Felix Cardona, an explorer who had seen the falls six years previously. He found the falls, christened them, and the rest is history.
19 19. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River - flow into an impressive cave
When you visit the island of Palawan in the Philippines, you must take a tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River. As you float along the bluish, green fresh water on a guided boat, you'll flow into an impressive cave with stalactites and beautiful rock formations.
Puerto Princessa has been a popular tourist destination for centuries, but in 2010, it became more popular when explorers found a "second floor" to the cave with waterfalls. This upper portion is more predictable to visit since the lower portion flows directly into the sea and rises and falls by the tides.
18 18. Sistine Chapel - painted by the famed Michelangelo
Although not a natural phenomenon, the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is a wonder to behold. It's the official residence of the Pope, but even more impressive is the incredible artwork on the ceiling.
The murals and frescoes depicting religious symbolism were painted by the famed Michelangelo in the early 1500s. The project took nearly 4 years to complete with a couple of return renderings several years later. You haven't seen incredible artwork until you've seen this ceiling in Rome.
17 17. Valley of the Kings - history and wonder of ancient egypt
Also called the Valley of the Gates of the Kings, this valley in Egypt features impressive tombs cut from rocks. They were designed as resting places for Pharaohs and nobles in the early years of the earth. There are a total of 63 tombs and chambers in a range of sizes, but many of the chambers have sub-chambers where family members were buried.
The valley rests on the west bank of the Nile. It's an archaeological wonder that people at this time could build such a complex structure with rudimentary tools. It's a fun place to take in the history and wonder of ancient Egypt.
16 16. Crystal Caves - millions of years old
The isolated island of Bermuda offers plenty of outdoor recreation and relaxation. Its pink sandy beaches have long been an attractive tourist destination for sightseeing and warm beach bathing.
But if you move inland, you'll find the Crystal Caves, which are believed to be millions of years old. There are dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations surrounding a pool of crystal clear water that goes 17 meters deep.
You must take a guided tour to see the caves, and you can bundle this tour with Fantasy Caves, another cave formation near Crystal Caves that's lesser known, but considered just as beautiful.
15 15. Iguazu National Park - waterfall surrounded by subtropical jungle
Argentina has many incredible views both along the beach and in its steaming rain forests. Iguazu National Park is one of these destinations that should be on the list of world wonders.
The park has plenty of hikes and sights, but the primary purpose of its formation was to protect Iguazu Falls, an incredible waterfall surrounded by this subtropical jungle. The views of the falls are unrivaled anywhere in Argentina, and you can spend hours gazing at the cascading waters or wading in the pools below. They sit on the border of Argentina and Brazil, so the choice of viewpoint is up to you.
14 14. Fox Glacier - one of the most accessible glaciers for tourists
Fox Glacier is located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the west coast of the South Island in New Zealand. It's 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) in length and is fed by four other glaciers also on the coast.
It's one of the few glaciers that can survive in temperate weather, as one end lands in a lush rainforest. It's also considered one of the most accessible glaciers for tourists who can walk along the terminal face or hike on top of it.
If you go, be warned that the glacier is advancing over a cliff, so it could be dangerous to go without a guide.
13 13. Shilin, China - a Stone Forest
Shilin literally means "stone forest" in Chinese where this natural phenomenon is located. In China's Yunnan Province, you'll find more than 300 square kilometers (186 miles) of stone rock formations that resemble dead, towering trees. They've been around for a whopping 270 million years.
When hiking through Shilin, you'll find many smaller stone forests, cave, ponds, waterfalls, an underground river, and a lake. It's easy to get lost in this labyrinth-like valley, so it's recommended to take a guided tour.
12 12. The Fjords of Norway - the views are unbeatable
Norway's fjords are considered some of the most beautiful in the world. As you can see from the picture, you'll observe a combination of green, blue, white, and brown, all the best colors of nature in one place.
The fjords are massive with towering mountains and wide saltwater rivers, and you can explore them from a variety of entry points including the Western Fjords and the Fjords at Bergen. You can go on self-led or guided hikes, boat tours, and cruises, or you can enjoy them from above.
11 11. Alhambra - palace and fortress complex
In Granada, Andalusia, Spain, you'll find a palace and fortress complex that dates back as far as 800 AD. It was once an active fortress that protected the port, but it didn't see a lot of action. It was left to ruins until it was rebuilt in the 13th century.
At that point, it was turned into a Palace and was home to Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada. In the 15th century, it was inhabited by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. It was in this royal court that Christopher Columbus was given the royal go-ahead to sale the ocean blue and discover America.
10 10. Kiyomizu-dera - the entire structure is built without a single nail
There's an independent Buddhist temple in the east portion of Kyoto called Kiyomizu-dera. It's a popular tourist destination and is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyota and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The temple goes all the way back to 778 A.D. It has astounded architects for centuries because the entire structure is built without a single nail. It's supported by tall pillars and Linkin-Log-type structure. The history and architectural splendor are certainly worth checking out.
9 9. Stonehenge - constructed between 3,000 and 2,200 B.C
Stonehenge is a pretty cool prehistoric monument in Wiltshire County, England. It's a variety of stone structures that have been assembled in a circle. You can wander through these structures and get some great pictures while there.
The structure itself isn't so astounding as the mystery behind it. Archeologists believe it was constructed between 3,000 and 2,200 B.C., but they're not entirely certain. They also aren't sure what the structure was used for. If you ask us, the mystery makes it more exciting!
8 8. Hagia Sophia - classic Byzantine architecture with cultural significance
Istanbul is a glorious destination for those who love Europe's culture, ancient beauty, and grand architecture. In the middle of the city is a massive dome structure called Hagia Sophia, built between 532 and 537 A.D.
Hagia Sophia was once a Greek Orthodox Christian basilica for men. Later, it was an Ottoman imperial mosque. Now, it's a museum that represents some of the historical significance of the structure as well as classic Byzantine architecture.
7 7. Canals of Venice - incredibly romantic and unique
There are very few gestures more romantic than a gondola ride down the canals of Venice. The canals are a complex structure of waterways that are as popular for traveling through the city as taxis or subways. It was a great way to work around the congestion of this water-centric town.
The canals are incredibly romantic, but they need not be explored in a romantic setting. This is something you have to experience if you visit Europe, whether or not you're with someone special.
6 6. Paricutin Volcano - suddenly from a corn farm in 1943
Mexico isn't all sandy beaches and delicious food. It also offers some incredible sights inland, like the Paricutin Volcano. It's located in the state of Michoacan, about 322 kilometers (200 miles) west of Mexico City.
The volcano rose suddenly from a corn farm in 1943, attracting a lot of attention from both tourists and scientists. It was active for nine years, ejecting stone, ash, and lava between the years of 1943 and 1952, relocating hundreds of people.
It's no longer active, and civilization is still far from it. You can climb the slope or view the crater from above.