Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
🌍 Bucket List Travel: 16 Iconic Wonders Worth the Hype
16
items As an avid traveler who has spent years researching and exploring the world’s most breathtaking destinations, I know how hard it is to filter out tourist traps from true once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This curated list features 16 world-famous, high...
Sections
3
Ancient Wonders & Architectural Marvels
Iconic City Landmarks & Views
Natural Wonders & Paradise Escapes
Ancient Wonders & Architectural Marvels
Historical monuments and ancient ruins that left me completely speechlessly awe-inspired. These iconic landmarks offer a glimpse into human history and are absolute non-negotiables for any lifelong traveler.
Standing above the clouds here is pure magic! Make sure to take the early morning train from Cusco so you get to see the morning mist clear over the Citadel before the heavy crowds arrive.
Machu Picchu
Seeing this in person feels surreal. Book an underground or night access tour if you can—stepping onto the arena floor gives you a whole different perspective away from the midday heat.
The Colosseum
Walking through the narrow Siq canyon and seeing the Treasury reveal itself is unforgettable. Pro-tip: try to visit during the 'Petra by Night' event to see thousands of candles lit up in front of the monument.
Petra
The symmetry and detail on the marble are incredible up close. Go right at sunrise—the soft pink sky reflecting off the white marble makes for the absolute best photos.
Taj Mahal
Skip the super crowded Badaling section and head to Mutianyu instead. You get gorgeous restored watchtowers, fewer tourists, and you can even ride a fun toboggan slide down the mountain!
Great Wall of China
Iconic City Landmarks & Views
World-famous city spots, soaring skylines, and postcard-worthy views. Whether you're visiting for the first time or looking for the best vantage point, these city staples always deliver on the drama.
It’s classic for a reason! Instead of paying just to go to the top, grab some wine and fresh pastries and set up a picnic at Champ de Mars to watch the golden light show on the hour.
Eiffel Tower
The iconic whitewashed buildings against the deep blue Aegean sea look straight out of a postcard. Grab a spot at a cliffside cafe in Oia around 5 PM to catch the legendary sunset.
Oia, Greece
The sheer height of this skyscraper is mind-blowing. Head up to the At the Top sky lounge right before sunset so you get both golden hour views and the dazzling city lights at night.
Burj Khalifa
Walking through thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up the mountain is deeply serene. Hike past the first main intersection—most tourists stop there, leaving the higher trails quiet and peaceful.
Fushimi Inari-taisha
The shell-like architecture looks even better up close. Stop by the Opera Bar right on the harbor for a sunset drink with direct views of the Harbor Bridge.
Sydney Opera House
Take the early morning ferry to avoid lines! The pedestal museum gives amazing insight into immigrant history, and the views of the Manhattan skyline from the water are unmatched.
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
Natural Wonders & Paradise Escapes
From electric-blue alpine lakes to sheer Arctic fjords and tropical lagoons, these breathtaking natural landscapes showcase the absolute raw beauty of our planet.
The crystal-clear turquoise waters and overwater bungalows are the ultimate luxury escape. Doing a boat excursion to swim with stingrays and blacktip reef sharks is a total core memory!
BORA BORA PHOTO LAGOON - All You SHOULD Know Before Going 2026 (with Photos)
Photos don't prepare you for how massive it really is. Head to Mather Point or Lipan Point at sunrise for incredible color shifts across the red rock canyons.
Grand Canyon
The vivid turquoise water backed by snowy mountain peaks almost looks fake. Rent a red canoe on Lake Louise early in the morning before the tour buses arrive.
Banff National Park & Lake Louise
Rudyard Kipling called this the 8th wonder of the world, and he wasn't wrong! Take a small boat cruise under waterfalls cascading straight down sheer cliffs into the fjord.
Milford Sound
Watching the green ribbons dance across the Arctic night sky is a true bucket-list moment. Book a guided aurora chase tour between September and March for the best chances of catching them.
Northern Lights in Tromsø