10 Most Beautiful Places in the World to Add to Your Travel Bucket List
Our planet is adorned with so much breathtaking beauty, from ancient forests and historical ruins to stunning lakes, rivers, and seas. These places are so gorgeous that it can be tough to decide which of the most beautiful places in the world you want to visit next. Europe for example, offers the ease of train travel for visiting multiple marvels in one trip, while the deserts and cities of South America may be more challenging to navigate. Regardless of these challenges, certain sites must be at the top of your travel bucket list, and we’ve gathered 10 of the most beautiful places in the world for you.
Whether you’re an adventurer eager to explore the remote Pailón del Diablo in Ecuador or you prefer relaxing amid the serene beauty of Lake Como, Italy, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences. They’ll inspire in ways that nowhere else can. So, renew your passport, invest in some quality luggage, and start planning your fall and winter travels with our curated list of the 10 most beautiful places in the world.
1
Niagara Falls, Canada
It’s almost stereotypical to put Niagara Falls on a list of the most beautiful places in the world, but it is magnificently stunning. This natural wonder is made up of three separate waterfalls with a maximum drop of almost 200 feet. You can visit this site on the United States side too, but everyone knows the Canadian side is prettier.
2
Monte Albán, Oaxaca, Mexico
The Zapotec metropolis of Monte Albán, located in Oaxaca, Mexico, is a fascinating archaeological site that houses the ruins of ancient pyramids. As a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Monte Albán served as a ceremonial center around 500 BC. Perched atop a mountaintop, it offers breathtaking views of the Oaxaca Valley.
3
Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand, India
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayan mountain at this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. As you explore this enchanting valley, you’ll encounter blooming flowers, rare wildlife, cascading waterfalls, and flowing streams. This journey to one of the most beautiful places in the world promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
4
Cocora Valley, Salento, Colombia
Find beautiful examples of the wax palm—Colombia’s national tree—in full glory down in the Cocora Valley, just outside of the city of Salento. These trees are home to the vibrant yellow-eared parrot and grow up to 197 feet tall. As the trees tower over you, traipse through the valley for other scenic nature views, but be aware that this is not a short hike, so bring your walking shoes.
5 Stockholm, Sweden
Yes, the entirety of the capital of Sweden is on our list of the most beautiful places in the world, not only because it’s home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but because it has that storybook charm you can rarely find anywhere else. Stockholm is a picturesque destination with both old and modern architecture, a rich history, cobblestone streets, and the calming presence of water in an urban setting. There’s so much to do and so many places to shop, we can only warn you that you probably won’t want to ever leave.
6 Shiraito Falls, Fujinomiya, Japan
Located in the foothills of Mt. Fuji, these cascading falls are some of the most beautiful in Japan. The 20-meter-high wall of multiple falls is fed by the volcano’s spring water and surrounded by lush greenery, especially in the summer when the snowfall from the top of the mountain melts. The waterfall base is accessible by a walking trail that you can get to via car or bus, and the site is truly magical.
7 Undredal, Norway
This small fjord village is straight from a fairytale with its sparkling waters, steep mountains, historic buildings, and—oh, yeah—500 goats. In fact, there are more goats in Undredal than there are people, and that’s because this village is known for its goat cheese production, which only adds to the charm. While the area itself is beautiful, the tradition of cheese-making and the culture around it in Undredal is what makes it such a tourist destination.
8
Sete Cidades Lake, Azores, Portugal
As soon as you lay your eyes on Sete Cidades Lake, you won’t believe what you’re seeing is actually real—it’s just that beautiful. This crater lake is made up of two lagoons, one with a bluish tint and the other with a greenish tint, which only adds to the majesty. This body of water is surrounded by green pastures and lush gardens, and if you don’t mind renting a car, you can take a trek to other surrounding areas to see more of Portugal’s beauty, like Coal Aqueduct ruins and more beaches.
9
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Carved by glaciers over 100,000 years ago, Fiordland might look slightly familiar to you if you’re a fan of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. This park served as the backdrop to a few scenes in the movies, like the real-life Waiau River representing the fictional River Anduin in the first flick. Even if you’re not a LOTR fan, there’s no denying that the natural landscape is breathtaking, from the ancient rainforests to the shimmering lakes and more.
10
Asturias, Spain
This northwestern region of Spain has it all: rugged mountains, historic religious sites, and an unbelievable coastline. Thanks to the amount of rainfall it receives, Asturias is always lush and green, making it an ideal tourist spot for nature lovers. However, any history buffs will fall in love with this fishing region as well, thanks to the many old cultural sites you can visit while there.