The New 7 Wonders of the World: A Traveller's Guide

In 2007, a global vote named seven modern wonders to stand alongside the marvels of antiquity. Together they span continents and millennia, from ancient citadels to a beloved modern statue. For many travellers, seeing all seven becomes a lifelong quest. This guide walks through each wonder with what makes it special and how to visit well.

We have ordered them roughly by region to help you imagine how they might combine across future trips.

The wonders of Asia

The Great Wall of China

Stretching thousands of kilometres across northern China, the Great Wall is a staggering feat of ancient engineering that snakes over mountains and through deserts. Walking even a short section conveys its scale. Tip: Visit a less restored, quieter section such as Jinshanling for fewer crowds and a more atmospheric experience than the busiest stretches near Beijing.

The Taj Mahal, India

This flawless white marble mausoleum in Agra was built as a monument to love, and it remains one of the most beautiful buildings ever created. Its symmetry and changing colours through the day are mesmerising. Tip: Enter at sunrise for soft, golden light and the smallest crowds, and note it closes on Fridays for prayers.

The wonders of the Middle East and Mediterranean

Petra, Jordan

Carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs by the ancient Nabataeans, Petra is entered through a dramatic narrow canyon that opens onto the iconic Treasury facade. It is an easy and rewarding trip for travellers from the Gulf. Tip: Allow a full day, wear sturdy shoes, and hike the trail to the Monastery for grand views with far fewer visitors.

The Colosseum, Italy

The mighty amphitheatre at the heart of Rome once held tens of thousands of spectators for gladiatorial games. Even partly ruined, it is an awe-inspiring symbol of ancient engineering and ambition. Tip: Buy a timed ticket online in advance and consider a combined pass that includes the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

The wonders of the Americas

Machu Picchu, Peru

This Inca citadel sits dramatically among the clouds high in the Andes, abandoned for centuries before its rediscovery. Its setting is as breathtaking as its stonework. Tip: Book entry tickets and trains well ahead, acclimatise to the altitude in Cusco first, and arrive early to see the ruins emerge from morning mist.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

The great Mayan city on the Yucatan Peninsula centres on the towering El Castillo pyramid, an astonishing calendar in stone. At the equinoxes, light creates the illusion of a serpent descending its steps. Tip: Arrive at opening to beat the heat and the tour buses, and combine it with a swim in a nearby cenote.

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

This vast statue of Christ stands with open arms atop Corcovado mountain, gazing over Rio de Janeiro. The views over the city, bay, and beaches are as memorable as the monument itself. Tip: Go on a clear morning before clouds gather around the peak, and take the scenic cog train up through the forest.

Planning a wonders journey

Seeing all seven is a multi-trip adventure rather than a single holiday, given how far apart they are. A practical approach is to pair each wonder with the wider region around it. Petra fits naturally with a wider Jordan trip, the Colosseum with a tour of Italy, and Machu Picchu with the highlands of Peru. The two Asian wonders anchor separate journeys through China and India respectively, while the American pair can each headline a trip to Mexico or Brazil.

Most of these sites are busy and increasingly protected, so advance booking, early starts, and shoulder-season travel will dramatically improve your experience. Respect the rules that keep them intact for future generations, from staying on marked paths to ticket limits.

Frequently asked questions

Which wonder is easiest to reach from the Gulf?

Petra in Jordan is by far the closest and simplest, a short flight away with easy onward travel and visa arrangements for many regional passports.

How long would it take to see all seven?

Realistically across several trips over a few years. Each wonder rewards a wider regional journey rather than a rushed in-and-out visit.

Are the Pyramids of Giza not on this list?

The Great Pyramid is honoured as an honorary wonder, since it is the only surviving original ancient wonder. It was not eligible for the modern vote but remains an essential sight.

The New 7 Wonders connect us to human creativity and ambition across the ages and the globe, from ancient empires to a beloved modern landmark. Whether you tick off just one on your next trip or set out on a years-long quest to see them all, each delivers a moment of genuine, jaw-dropping awe that more than justifies the journey. Standing before any of them, you feel a direct line to the people who built them, and that connection is the real reward of the wonders trail.