If you love to travel, you likely have a wishlist of destinations you dream of seeing. From iconic global landmarks to breathtaking natural phenomena and dramatic vistas, there’s something to ignite everyone’s wanderlust. While physical travel might be limited right now, you can still embark on armchair adventures with these amazing virtual bucket list experiences.
The silver lining of staying home more often is that many famous travel destinations have made their virtual tours freely accessible online.
Explore Ancient Wonders: Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt, stand as the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, having endured for millennia. Built approximately 4,500 years ago as tombs for Ancient Egyptian pharaohs, they are located near modern Cairo and the Sphinx. This virtual tour allows you to explore the pyramids, view images that highlight their immense scale, and even walk alongside the Great Sphinx.
Step Inside Rock ‘n’ Roll History: Graceland
Experience a virtual tour of Graceland, the iconic home of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley. Gain a glimpse inside his residence and access rare insights into his typically off-limits archives. These tours, available on social media, include a look at Elvis’s acetates, used for special recordings.
Journey Along The Great Wall of China
While seeing all 3,000 miles of the Great Wall of China in person is a monumental task, a virtual visit brings over 2,000 years of history to life. Discover recommended sections to explore, including those built during the Ming Dynasty. Key locations near Beijing include Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, Juyongguan, Gubeikou, and Jiankou.
Discover the Sacred City: Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The sheer grandeur of Angkor Wat, one of many temples in Angkor near Siem Reap, Cambodia, is astonishing. Explore intricate carvings up close and see what the city was like in the 13th century through 360-degree video simulations and Google Maps Street View. Walk through Angkor Thom, explore other temples like Ta Prohm, and discover Banteay Srei.
Witness the Spectacle: The Northern Lights
Chasing the Northern Lights can be an arduous journey. Enjoy the magic from your armchair with webcams from Canada, Iceland, and Scandinavia. You can even find opportunities to spot the Aurora Australis from the Southern Hemisphere. Churchill, Manitoba, known for its polar bear population, also offers around 300 days of aurora activity annually.
Marvel at Natural Grandeur: Grand Canyon, USA
The Grand Canyon’s immense scale is one of the US’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The National Parks Service offers a virtual tour of archaeological excavations along the Colorado River, revealing areas protected by time. Experience more than you would on a physical visit to the Arizona landscape.
Uncover the Lost City: Petra, Jordan
Petra, Jordan, one of the world’s oldest cities, boasts stunning rose-colored buildings dating back to the 3rd century BC. Emerge from the Siq tunnel to behold the Treasury’s carved façade. Take a virtual trek with an audio companion, explore tombs and ruins, and witness highlights in real-time via a Petra cam.
Step Back in Time: Colosseum, Rome
Explore the world’s most famous amphitheater, the Colosseum, virtually. This 360-degree aerial view offers a perspective of the remains, and an interior tour lets you wander corridors and see the facilities beneath the arena.
Ascend to Machu Picchu, Peru
The lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, is a bucket-list destination with restricted visitor numbers. Virtual explorers can spend as much time as they wish marveling at this remote mountaintop city. An audio guide provides historical and architectural details, and you might even spot some alpacas.
Dive into the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Experience the vibrant marine life of the world’s largest coral reef system virtually. This 360-degree view transports you to the magic of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
Admire the Monument of Love: Taj Mahal, India
This iconic 17th-century mausoleum, a symbol of eternal love, can be explored through various virtual tours. Journey through its grounds, past pools, and along trails. Street view offers a close-up look at the intricate details of the Taj Mahal.
Experience the Magic: Disney Parks
Keep the magic alive with virtual tours of Disney Parks. Explore Disneyland Paris at night or take a behind-the-scenes tour, perfect for entertaining children and Disney enthusiasts alike.
Descend into History: The Catacombs of Paris
Explore Paris’s fascinating underground world in the Catacombs. These subterranean necropolises, dating back to the late 18th century, hold the remains of millions and span approximately 200 miles of tunnels. Experience this unique historical site virtually.
Tour the Royal Residence: Buckingham Palace
Wondering what Buckingham Palace looks like inside? Virtual tours offer access to key locations like the Grand Staircase, the White Drawing Room, the Throne Room, and the Blue Drawing Room.
Escape to Paradise: The Maldives
Explore the tropical beauty of the Maldives, an archipelago of over 1,000 coral islands in the Indian Ocean. Discover luxurious spa resorts, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear blue waters through virtual tours.
Walk Through History: Pompeii
Step back in time to the ancient city of Pompeii, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. New drone technology and virtual tours, including newly excavated homes, reveal archaeological details and well-preserved mosaics.
Discover the Urban Jungle: New York City
Explore the Big Apple virtually. Untapped New York offers subscriptions to unique tours of the city’s hidden gems, including underground subway tours, Grand Central Terminal, and the Fulton Fish Market.
Conquer the Summit: Mount Everest Base Camp
Experience the breathtaking 360-degree views of Mount Everest Base Camp through Google Street View. Discover key camps and a fascinating Buddhist hermitage along the journey.
Indulge in Serenity: Mohonk Mountain House
Explore the Victorian castle of Mohonk Mountain House, perched on a lake. Take virtual tours and enjoy virtual mindfulness events, hikes, and panoramic views from this enchanting resort.
Immerse in Culture: Marrakesh
Discover Marrakesh, Morocco’s ancient walled city, known for its mosques, palaces, and lush gardens. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage medina virtually.
Explore The World’s Best Virtual Tours today and embark on unforgettable journeys from the comfort of your couch.
Bottom line
These are some of the best virtual tours that you can enjoy in the luxury of sitting on your couch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Tours
What are virtual tours?
Virtual tours are digital experiences that allow you to explore locations and attractions remotely, often through 360-degree imagery, videos, and interactive elements.
Why are virtual tours beneficial?
Virtual tours offer a way to travel and explore the world from home, especially when physical travel is not possible. They are educational, accessible, and can satisfy wanderlust.
Where can I find virtual tours of famous landmarks?
Many famous landmarks and destinations, such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Wall of China, and Machu Picchu, offer free virtual tours on their official websites or through platforms like Google Arts & Culture.
Are virtual tours interactive?
Some virtual tours are highly interactive, allowing you to navigate through spaces, click on points of interest for more information, and even experience them in 3D or VR.
Can I visit historical sites virtually?
Yes, many historical sites, including the Colosseum in Rome, Pompeii, and Petra in Jordan, provide virtual tours that let you explore their rich history and architecture.
Are virtual tours a good alternative to real travel?
While virtual tours offer a fantastic way to explore and learn, they are best seen as a complement to real travel rather than a complete replacement. They provide a taste of a destination and can inspire future trips.
