The New 7 Wonders of the World

Okay, let’s be real. Your middle school history class probably drilled the OG Seven Wonders of the World into your brain, but most of them are, like… dust now. Tragic, I know. So back in 2007, the whole world voted on a new list, and I made it my personal mission to visit every single one.

Because who has time for a dud vacation? Not you. I’ve sweat through my SPF in Mexico and fought crowds in Rome to give you the real tea on the new Seven Wonders of the world. Here’s my brutally honest ranking of what’s worth the PTO and what’s just, you know, a big pile of old rocks.

 

 

My Official, Unfiltered Ranking of the New Seven Wonders

I’m listing these based on pure, unadulterated “wow” factor. Some of these places literally took my breath away (and not just because of the high altitude). Others were… fine. Let’s get into it.

 

 

1. Petra, Jordan

Listen. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, prepares you for Petra. You walk through this long, winding canyon called the Siq, and you’re thinking, “Okay, this is cool.” And then BAM. The Treasury just appears out of nowhere, all carved into a pink cliff. I literally gasped.

It’s so much more than that one building you’ve seen on Instagram. You can spend days hiking to different tombs and monasteries. Just trust me and wear your comfiest sneakers—this isn’t the place for your cute sandals.

 

 

2. Machu Picchu, Peru

I thought I was prepared for Machu Picchu, but I was not. After a very scenic (and slightly terrifying) bus ride up a mountain, you walk out and see this ancient city floating in the clouds. It feels completely unreal, like you just walked onto a movie set.

The altitude is no joke, so take it easy your first day. But watching the sun rise over the Andes and light up the ruins? Absolutely worth the slight headache and chewing on a million coca leaves. And yes, the llamas are as cute as they look.

 

 

3. The Great Wall of China

The sheer scale of the Great Wall is hard to wrap your head around. It just goes on and on forever, snaking over mountains. I went to the Mutianyu section, which was a great choice because you can take a toboggan down the mountain. Yes, a toboggan. It was the most fun I’ve had since my last BOGO sale at Sephora.

It’s an intense workout, so be ready for stairs. Like, a lot of stairs. But the views are absolutely insane from the top of a watchtower. You feel so small in the best way possible.

 

 

4. The Colosseum, Italy

Walking into the Colosseum is like stepping back in time, but with way more tourists and selfie sticks. It’s chaotic and crowded, but you can literally feel the history in the air. I highly recommend getting a guided tour so you actually know what you’re looking at, otherwise it’s just a bunch of impressive rubble.

And let’s be honest, the location is primo. You can see the Colosseum and then immediately go eat your weight in cacio e pepe. That’s what I call a perfect day.

 

 

5. The Taj Mahal, India

Okay, the Taj Mahal is ridiculously beautiful. It’s one of those places that actually looks better in person than in pictures, which I didn’t think was possible. It’s so perfectly symmetrical and just glows, especially at sunrise.

The downside? The crowds are intense. Like, a sea of people. You have to be strategic to get that perfect, person-free shot. But the love story behind it is super romantic, and the building itself is a masterpiece.

 

 

6. Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza is impressive, for sure. The main pyramid, El Castillo, is a total showstopper. But honestly? It was SO hot. I felt like I was melting. My best advice is to get there the second it opens to beat the heat and the tour buses pouring in from Cancún.

The coolest part for me was actually the massive ball court where they played that wild game. Plus, there are tons of amazing cenotes (underground swimming holes) nearby to cool off in afterward, which saved the whole day.

 

 

7. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

Hot take: Christ the Redeemer is more about the view than the statue itself. I mean, the statue is massive and very impressive, but the 360-degree panorama of Rio de Janeiro laid out below you is the real star of the show. Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana beach… it’s all there.

The tram ride up the mountain is really pretty, winding through a forest. It’s a total vibe up there, but you’ll probably only spend about 30 minutes at the top before you’ve seen it all. A must-do in Rio, but maybe not worth a trip *just* for this.

 

 

So, Which Ones Should You Book a Flight For?

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them. They’re called wonders for a reason. But if you’re forcing me to choose (and I love being forced to give my opinion), my top three are Petra, Machu Picchu, and the Great Wall. They felt the most like a true adventure.

My final piece of advice for your 2026 travel plans? Don’t just go for the ‘gram. Of course, get your perfect shot—I demand it. But then put your phone away for a few minutes and just look around. It’s pretty wild to stand in a place that’s been around for hundreds or thousands of years. Just soak it in.