Ultimate Bucket List: 100 Incredible Places to Visit Before You Die

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Embark on a journey of a lifetime with our curated list of 100 places to visit before you die.

This collection spans the globe and features breathtaking natural wonders, ancient architectural marvels, vibrant cultural hotspots, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Great Wall of China

From the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu to the serene beauty of the Maldives, each destination offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Below is the full list of 100 places to visit before you die, so start checking them off your bucket list today!

100 Places to Visit Before You Die

Machu Picchu

1. Machu Picchu, Peru: Ancient Incan city set high in the Andes Mountains.

2. Great Wall of China: Massive fortification spanning thousands of miles across China.

3. Taj Mahal, India: Stunning white marble mausoleum and symbol of eternal love.

4. Grand Canyon, USA: Vast and colorful canyon carved by the Colorado River.

Grand Canyon, USA

5. Santorini, Greece: Picturesque island with white-washed buildings and blue domes.

6. Dubrovnik, Croatia: Medieval walled city on the Adriatic coast.

7. Petra, Jordan: Ancient city carved into rose-colored rock faces.

Most famous landmarks in the world - Petra Jordan

8. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: Volcanic archipelago with unique wildlife that inspired Darwin.

9. Great Barrier Reef, Australia: This is the world’s most extensive coral reef system, teeming with marine life.

10. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: Vast savanna known for its annual wildebeest migration.

11. Venice, Italy: Romantic city of canals, gondolas, and historic architecture.

Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal in Venice

12. Yellowstone National Park, USA: Home to colorful hot springs, geysers, and diverse wildlife.

13. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: Tropical paradise with overwater bungalows and turquoise lagoons.

14. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil: Massive, thundering waterfalls surrounded by rainforest.

15. Kyoto, Japan: Former imperial capital with numerous temples and gardens.

top 10 countries to visit before you die - Japan

16. Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain: Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece of modernist architecture.

17. Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), Various Locations: Natural light display in polar regions.

18. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: This ancient wonder is the last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

19. Halong Bay, Vietnam: Emerald waters dotted with limestone islands and islets.

One Week in Vietnam - check out the Halong Bay Vietnam

20. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: This is the world’s largest salt flat, and when wet, it creates a mirror effect.

21. Amalfi Coast, Italy: Stunning coastline with colorful cliff-side towns.

22. Antelope Canyon, USA: Mesmerizing slot canyon with swirling sandstone walls.

23. Cappadocia, Turkey: Surreal landscape with “fairy chimneys” and hot air balloon rides.

Turkey Advice and Turkey Tips

24. Ayers Rock (Uluru), Australia: Massive sandstone monolith sacred to indigenous Australians.

25. Cinque Terre, Italy: Five colorful coastal villages linked by scenic hiking trails.

26. Maldives: Chain of tropical atolls with luxurious overwater resorts.

27. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China: Inspiration for “Avatar” with towering sandstone pillars.

28. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile: Dramatic Patagonian landscape with glaciers and granite peaks.

Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

29. Zion National Park, USA: Red rock canyons and diverse hiking trails.

30. Kruger National Park, South Africa: Premier wildlife viewing destination with the “Big Five”.

31. Alhambra, Granada, Spain: Stunning Moorish palace and fortress complex.

32. Tuscany, Italy: Rolling hills, vineyards, and charming medieval towns.

Tuscany in Italy, rolling hills

33. Milford Sound, New Zealand: Breathtaking fjord with towering cliffs and waterfalls.

34. Niagara Falls, Canada/USA: Powerful waterfalls straddling the international border.

35. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: Africa’s highest peak and popular trekking destination.

36. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia: Series of cascading lakes in vibrant blues and greens.

Scandinavia Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

37. Acropolis, Athens, Greece: Ancient citadel with iconic Parthenon temple.

Further Reading: Best European Cities to See

38. Great Ocean Road, Australia: Scenic coastal drive featuring the Twelve Apostles rock formations.

39. Marrakech, Morocco: Vibrant city with bustling souks and ornate palaces.

40. Banff National Park, Canada: Pristine wilderness with turquoise lakes and snow-capped peaks.

Moraine Lake in Canada Rocky Mountain

41. Glacier National Park, USA: Pristine wilderness with alpine meadows and rugged mountains.

42. Dubai, UAE: Futuristic city with the world’s tallest building and artificial islands.

43. Mykonos, Greece: This iconic Cycladic island is known for its stunning beaches, whitewashed buildings, and vibrant nightlife.

Mykonos Greece

44. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe: One of the world’s largest waterfalls, known as “the smoke that thunders”.

45. Fjords, Norway: Dramatic coastal inlets carved by glaciers.

46. Ephesus, Turkey: Well-preserved ancient Roman city with impressive ruins.

47. Hawaii, USA: Tropical paradise with stunning beaches, volcanoes, and rich Polynesian culture.

Reasons to visit Hawaii with family- Surfing Oahu Beach Hawaii

48. Tahiti, French Polynesia: Tropical paradise with lush mountains, overwater bungalows, and vibrant Polynesian culture.

49. Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica: Active volcano surrounded by rainforest and hot springs.

50. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland: Dramatic sea cliffs along the Atlantic coast.

51. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany: Fairy-tale castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Neuschwanstein Castle

52. Pamukkale, Turkey: “Cotton Castle” with white travertine terraces and thermal pools.

53. Masai Mara, Kenya: Wildlife reserve famous for its annual wildebeest migration.

54. Bryce Canyon National Park, USA: Unique landscape of colorful hoodoos (rock spires).

55. Rome, Italy: Eternal city with ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and vibrant modern culture.

Rome City Italy

56. Capri and Blue Grotto, Italy: Glamorous island with stunning sea caves, including the luminous Blue Grotto.

57. Havana, Cuba: Colorful capital with vintage cars and colonial architecture.

58. Sossusvlei, Namibia: Red sand dunes and white clay pans in the Namib Desert.

59. Zakynthos, Greece: An Ionian island famous for its crystal-clear waters, shipwreck beach, and sea turtle nesting sites.

Best places to Visit in Greece

60. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan: Enchanting forest of towering bamboo.

61. Wadi Rum, Jordan: Dramatic desert landscape with red sand and rock formations.

62. Guilin and Li River, China: Karst landscape with limestone peaks and scenic river.

63. Meteora, Greece: Monasteries perched atop dramatic rock pillars.

Meteora Greece

64. Koh Samui, Thailand: This tropical island paradise has pristine beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant nightlife.

65. Table Mountain, South Africa: Flat-topped mountain overlooking Cape Town.

66. Yangshuo, China: Picturesque countryside with karst mountains and rivers.

67. Mont Saint-Michel, France: Medieval abbey on a tidal island.

Mont Saint Michel

68. Angel Falls, Venezuela: World’s highest uninterrupted waterfall.

69. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Iceland: Iceberg-filled lagoon at the edge of a glacier.

70. Napa Valley, USA: Premier wine region with rolling hills and vineyards.

71. Paris, France: An iconic city of love, art, and culture, Paris has world-famous landmarks and exquisite cuisine.

Paris France

72. Banaue Rice Terraces, Philippines: Ancient terraces carved into mountainsides.

73. Cartagena, Colombia: Colorful colonial city on the Caribbean coast.

74. Jeju Island, South Korea: Volcanic island with unique landscapes and culture.

75. Queenstown, New Zealand: Adventure capital surrounded by stunning landscapes.

Best things to do in New Zealand - Queenstown View

76. Cradle Mountain, Tasmania, Australia: Rugged wilderness area with iconic peak and alpine lakes.

77. Socotra Island, Yemen: Remote island with otherworldly flora and landscapes.

78. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil: Vast expanse of white sand dunes interspersed with freshwater lagoons.

79. Hallstatt, Austria: Picturesque lakeside village in the Alps.

Pretty Fairytale Hallstatt Town in Austria

80. Isle of Skye, Scotland: Rugged island known for its dramatic landscapes and castles.

81. Palawan, Philippines: Island province with pristine beaches and limestone cliffs.

82. Okavango Delta, Botswana: Vast inland river delta teeming with wildlife.

83. Bruges, Belgium: Well-preserved medieval city with canals and cobblestone streets.

Bruges, Belgium

84. Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam: Scenic motorcycle route through stunning mountain landscapes.

85. Tianmen Mountain, China: Mountain with natural arch and glass skywalk.

86. Lofoten Islands, Norway: Dramatic archipelago known for its fjords and traditional fishing villages.

Natural wonders in Europe - Lofoten Islands

87. Faroe Islands, Denmark: Remote archipelago with rugged coastlines and grass-roofed houses.

88. Arches National Park, USA: Desert landscape with over 2,000 natural stone arches.

89. Luang Prabang, Laos: Former royal capital with ornate temples and French colonial architecture.

90. Dolomites, Italy: Jagged peaks and picturesque valleys in the Italian Alps.

Dolomites Italy

91. Antarctica: Earth’s southernmost continent, featuring pristine icy landscapes, unique wildlife, and extraordinary scientific importance.

92. Bali, Indonesia: Island paradise with beaches, rice terraces, and vibrant culture.

93. Zhangye National Geopark, China: Spectacular rainbow-colored rock formations known as the “Rainbow Mountains.

94. Atacama Desert, Chile: World’s driest desert with otherworldly landscapes.

95. Amsterdam, Netherlands: This picturesque canal city is known for its historic architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant culture.

Amsterdam with kids

96. Tulum, Mexico: Ancient Mayan ruins perched on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

97. Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), Bhutan: This sacred Buddhist site is clinging to a cliff face.

98. Sahara Desert: World’s largest hot desert with vast sand dunes.

100. New York City, USA: Iconic metropolis with world-famous landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and unparalleled cultural offerings.

Practical Tips for Travelers to New York City

Final Thoughts On The 100 Best Places to Visit in the World

These 100 destinations represent the pinnacle of global travel experiences, offering a diverse tapestry of natural wonders, cultural treasures, and breathtaking landscapes.

Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or an aspiring adventurer, these 100 places serve as the ultimate travel bucket list.

Looking for more ideas of what to do on your next trip? You might enjoy our list of underrated travel bucket list experiences here.

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Jolene Ejmont

Originally from South Africa, now living in Australia, Jolene is a wife and a mother to three beautiful daughters. Together with her family, she is embarking on a journey towards changing her current stress-filled life to one focusing on her dreams and her passion for travel. She wants to share her stories in the hope to inspire you to chase your own dreams!