world heritage sites virtual tour

Top 10 virtual tours: see museums and the world without leaving home

Stuck at home? You can still enjoy amazing sights and experiences

Many of the world’s most iconic locations now offer virtual tours, meaning you can visit museums, world heritage sites and other attractions from the comfort of your couch. You don’t need a VR headset , either, although some attractions do support virtual reality for a more immersive experience.

So if you’re looking for things to do at home, and in need of a change of scenery, simply grab your laptop, tablet or phone, and join us on a world tour filled with history, nature and – of course – technology.

1. Machu Picchu, Andes Mountains, Peru

A simply stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, Machu Picchu is a visual wonder that just has to be seen. You no longer need to fly all the way to Peru to see it in all its glory, however, as the virtual tour is comprehensive, immersive, and filled with fascinating insights.

With 360-degree views of the ruins of Inca settlements and lush green landscapes, you can visit every popular vantage point and learn more about the history of the famous site thanks to a helpful voice narrator. OK, you can’t feel the warm breeze around you, but if you turn on the heat and have a handy desk fan set to low, it’s almost as good as the real thing. Almost.

Behold the marvel : Machu Picchu

2. The Louvre Museum, Paris

An attraction visited by millions of tourists in person every year, the Louvre Museum has also created a selection of virtual tours based on its permanent collections. Explore Egyptian antiquities, the Remains of the Louvre’s Moat, and the decorative arts of the Galerie d’Apollon. 

The tour is easy to navigate, with an expandable minimap that lets you highlight exhibits to view with just a couple of clicks. You can also find out more about each room in The Louvre, with detailed descriptions that will probably make the room you’re actually sitting in feel frightfully dull in comparison. 

Take a trip: Louvre Museum

3. The National Museum of Computing, Milton Keynes, UK

The National Museum of Computing contains the world’s largest collection of working historic computers. That means one of them probably runs Microsoft Vista and is still working...

The museum features a fantastic, intuitive, virtual 3D tour. You can zoom in on each exhibit’s details, and find out more about every aspect of computing history, such as the world’s oldest working digital computer. Impressive stuff.

Discover a digital treasure trove: The National Museum of Computing

4. Georgia Aquarium, Georgia, USA

Nothing beats the beauty of nature, so it’s good to know you can still get your daily dose of “aww” from the safety of your sofa. The Georgia Aquarium has over 50 species ranging from sea lions to underwater puffins, with many available to view via webcam. There’s also a daily and weekly livestream that’s aimed at piquing children’s interest in animals, and a great at-home educational tool if you want to entertain the little ones. 

Ever wondered what a Beluga Whale gets up to in its spare time? Just click on the link below and find out. Water-way to have a good time. 

Sea more: Georgia Aquarium

5. A 3-Minute Tour, Tokyo

What if we told you that you could ride in a Tuk Tuk, walk across the famous Shibuya crossing, win a Pikachu from a claw machine, and make friends with a robot… all in under three minutes. That might be physically impossible, but with VR it’s a breeze.

If you’ve ever wanted to take a whistle-stop tour of Japan, the Japan National Tourism Organization has created a 360-degree virtual reality video that lets you do all of the above, and lots more. 

Simply put on a VR headset to experience a surreal thrill ride, where you’ll go from feeding a deer to facing off against a sumo wrestler in a matter of seconds. The video is also viewable in 2D, and well worth a look. 

Check it out below.

6. The British Museum, London

Home to a remarkable collection that spans over two million years of human history and culture, The British Museum has nearly 50 online exhibits to view. From Bonaparte and the Battle of Waterloo to exploring the history of LGBTQ, there’s plenty of informative content to delve into.

For a more interactive experience, check out the Museum of the World tour . You can browse through a large selection of exhibits that are dated by century, continent and category – such as trade and conflict or art and design. Each exhibit offers a detailed description as well as accompanying audio, which helps provide a fascinating backstory to each piece. 

Browse the exhibits: The British Museum

7. The Vatican, Rome

Filled with spectacular architecture and historic monuments, The Vatican is within your virtual reach, with a host of museums providing online tours. Step into the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms, which are adorned with simply sensational artwork. 

The tour is compatible with WebVR, so you can pop on a VR headset to get an even closer look at some of mankind’s most memorable creations. It’s truly breathtaking, even when viewed through a screen.  

When in Rome, visit: The Vatican

 8. Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Located in the center of Paris, this historic museum was installed in the former Orsay railway station. It was originally built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, and displays collections of art from the period 1848 to 1914.

Take a leisurely virtual stroll through the opulent hallways and witness works from dozens of famous French artists, including Monet, Gauguin and Van Gogh. With no other visitors to contend with, you can soak up all the culture on display to your heart’s content – and there’s a lot to soak up. 

Take the tour: Musée d’Orsay

9. Athens Acropolis, Athens

A must-visit destination for history buffs, the Athens Acropolis includes the world-famous Parthenon, and is a cultural hotspot for tourists. Choose between popular sites such as the Theatre of Dionysus and enjoy in-depth videos that provide a fascinating and educational insight into ancient Greece. 

There are plenty of photographs to view and engrossing facts to learn, so don’t be surprised if you become an armchair expert in no time. Now, where’d you put that amphora of wine? 

Get to the Greek: Athens Acropolis

10. The Royal Academy of Arts, London

If you’re amazed by architecture, the Royal Academy of Arts has a virtual tour that will make you go “ooo” and “ahh” for hours. The Sensing Spaces exhibition uses high-quality 360-degree photography to give visitors a taste of its structures and remarkable exhibitions – it really does feel as if you’re actually there. 

Each exhibition is complemented by further information for users to read through, but you’re encouraged to come to your own conclusions, and think about what each space means to you.

Visit the exhibition: Sensing Spaces

• Want to get into VR? The best VR prices and deals 2020

Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox

Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.

Adam was formerly TRG's Hardware Editor. A law graduate with an exceptional track record in content creation and online engagement, Adam has penned scintillating copy for various technology sites and also established his very own award-nominated video games website. He’s previously worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor and once played Halo 5: Guardians for over 51 hours for charity. He is now an editor at The Shortcut.

NYT Strands today — hints, answers and spangram for Wednesday, August 28 (game #178)

Quordle today – hints and answers for Wednesday, August 28 (game #947)

Hotshot is heating up AI video-making – here's how you can try it for free

Most Popular

• 2 NYT Connections today — hints and answers for Wednesday, August 28 (game #444)
• 3 Quordle today – hints and answers for Wednesday, August 28 (game #947)
• 4 NYT Strands today — hints, answers and spangram for Wednesday, August 28 (game #178)
• 5 The Shokz Openrun Pro 2 have sprinted into view, and they look like the best bone conduction headphones yet

• Best robot vacuum for 2024
• GameStop’s retro gaming pivot
• ESPN bows Where to Watch guide
• Apple Event 2024: What to expect
• Paramount+ annual subscriptions are...

Google offers virtual tours of UNESCO World Heritage sites

Explore mount kilimanjaro, the taj mahal, yosemite national park and many other locations..

Travel is still not viable for many of us amid restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Yet there are some ways you can explore some of the world’s cultural landmarks and most notable sites of natural beauty from the safety of your home. One option is Google Arts & Culture , which just added many UNESCO World Heritage sites to its library of virtual tours.

Through the Explore UNESCO World Heritage hub , you can explore sites such as the canals of France, the Colosseum, Mount Kilimanjaro and volcanoes in South Korea. You can also view the instantly recognizable landscape of Rio de Janeiro, check out the Taj Mahal and virtually swim with whales in Mexico.

The tours are a useful way to stay connected to our collective history when visiting these sites in person is largely off the table. They could prove valuable resources for educators as well, helping them to teach students about natural and cultural heritage. The tours include information on the likes of Yosemite National Park, ancient pilgrimage routes in northern Spain and the Great Pyramids of Giza.

The World Heritage sites join a litany of important cultural touchstones in Google Arts & Culture, including exhibits of many major museums , the history of electronic music and augmented-reality galleries .

Latest Stories

These robots move through the magic of mushrooms.

Researchers at Cornell University tapped into fungal mycelia to power a pair of proof-of-concept robots. Mycelia, the underground fungal network that can sprout mushrooms as its above-ground fruit, can sense light and chemical reactions and communicate through electrical signals.

Apple event 2024: What to expect at the iPhone 16 keynote in September

Apple event rumor roundup: What to expect at the Phone 16 keynote. Here's everything we know so far.

EU officials believe Telegram lied about user numbers to skirt regulation

The EU believes that Telegram may have deliberately understated the number of users it has in the bloc to avoid stricter regulation.

X is labeling an unflattering NPR story about Donald Trump as ‘unsafe’

X is discouraging users from viewing a link to an NPR story about Donald Trump, labeling it as "unsafe."

This Labor Day sale discounts Apple's MagSafe charging pad to just $29

Labor Day sales discount Apple's MagSafe charging pad to only $29. It’s normally $40.

Labor Day sales include up to $150 off fire pits and pizza ovens from Solo Stove

Get up to $150 off fire pits and pizza ovens in Solo Stove's Labor Day sale. This includes a bonfire bundle for $455.

Netflix’s Wallace and Gromit movie features a ‘smart gnome’ robot in a teaser clip

Netflix and the BBC have released a charming teaser for Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. The stop-motion animated movie features a “smart gnome” called Norbot.

Meta says Llama's usage grew tremendously due to the power of open source

Meta has published an update on how its Llama large language models are performing, and they're apparently doing so well that they're now "approaching 350 million downloads to date."

Meta's Oversight Board looks into anti-trans posts that the company won't remove

Users shared the posts on Facebook and Instagram.

Meta will open up Horizon Worlds access to preteens

The different worlds will also offer age ratings.

LG debuts its ThinQ ON smart home hub that comes with an AI voice assistant

LG has introduced a smart home hub called ThinQ ON that has the technology to control not just LG-branded appliances but also other smart home devices.

The Morning After: GameStop’s retro gaming pivot

The biggest news stories this morning: Apple’s latest iOS developer betas include an AI object removal tool, Apple event rumor roundup: What to expect at the iPhone 16 keynote, Team shooter Concord doesn’t quite take off.

The best robot vacuum for 2024

Robot vacuums are available at many price points today, and some of them can even mop in addition to vacuum. These are the best robot vacuums you can buy today.

The best power banks and portable chargers for every device in 2024

With so many battery packs on the market right now, we tested out a bunch to see which are worth your money.

Yelp files antitrust lawsuit against Google

Yelp has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google, capping off years of animosity between the two companies.

ESPN's Where to Watch offers a TV and streaming guide to sports viewing

ESPN launched a feature called Where to Watch in its app and website. This guide is a list of all the sporting events happening on a given day and, fittingly, where you can watch them.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has been charged and released from police custody

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has been formally charged by French prosecutors and is barred from leaving the country amid their investigation into the Russian billionaire.

Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland crawls out of its playpen on September 10

Tommy, Chuckie, Lil and Phil are back on your console or PC in the new platformer game Rugrats: Adventures in Gameland set for release on September 10.

Reddit is back up after a 30-minute outage

Reddit is currently having some problems. The site appears to be down across the board, apart from a blank homepage that doesn’t contain or point to any content. “We encountered an error,” the website reads. “We were unable to load the content for this page.”

Threads is making fediverse replies more visible in its app

Threads is allowing users who have opted in to fediverse sharing to see replies on other people’s posts.

10 Must-see UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Celebrate world heritage day by taking a virtual tour of 10 world heritage sites.

By Google Arts & Culture

Sphinx (1947) by Eliot Elisofon LIFE Photo Collection

1. The Great Pyramids of Giza

The Great Pyramids of Giza are one of the oldest seven wonders of the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and an iconic symbol of Egypt. They were built around 4,500 years ago during the Old Kingdom, west of the Nile river outside the ancient city of Memphis.  

The Great Pyramid of Giza

Also known as known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and largest pyramid in the Giza complex in Cairo, Egypt.

Colosseo. Anfiteatro Flavio Youth Committee of the Italian National Commission for UNESCO

2. The Colosseum

Symbol of Rome par excellence, the Flavian Amphitheatre, more commonly known as the Colosseum , was the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire. 

Its construction was begun by Vespasian in 72 AD and it was used to host entertainment spectacles, such as hunts and gladiatorial combat. The building was designed for entertainment and open to all: any citizen could attend the shows for free.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India Gianfranco Ferré Research Center, Politecnico di Milano

3. The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the great artistic treasures of the world, an instantly-recognisable emblem of India itself. It’s a mausoleum, or tomb, commissioned in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan, one of the greatest Mugal Emperors, to house the body of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Here, you can take in the famous architecture and surroundings in Street View. From the top of this minaret, we have a good view across the entire river plain, and of the Taj Mahal itself. The building is perfectly symmetrical, with four minarets, four small pavilions, and one iconic central dome.

The iconic tomb of Qasr al-Farid (2008) by Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (Madâin Sâlih) UNESCO World Heritage

4. Mada’in Salih in Saudi Arabia

Mada’in Salih  is the largest conserved site of the civilization of the Nabataeans south of Petra in Jordan. It features well-preserved monumental tombs with decorated facades dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD.

Tombs of Hegra (2008) by Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (Madâin Sâlih) UNESCO World Heritage

With its 111 monumental tombs, 94 of which are decorated, and water wells, the site is an outstanding example of the Nabataeans’ architectural accomplishment and hydraulic expertise. In 2008, UNESCO proclaimed Mada'in Salih as a site of patrimony, becoming Saudi Arabia's first World Heritage Site.

By Dmitri Kessel LIFE Photo Collection

5. The Grand Site of Chichén Itzá

The ancient Maya site of  Chichén Itzá  is located on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. The site once was one of the largest and most powerful city states of the pre-Columbian Americas.

Today, Chichén Itzá is one of the New Wonders of the World and the extraordinary El Castillo, the pyramidal structure in the main plaza of the site, is one of Chichén Itzá’s largest and most popular buildings.

A Close Up of a Moai in Rapa Nui (2019-01) by CyArk CyArk

6. Easter Island

Easter Island is an island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. It's famous for monumental statues, called moai , which were created by the early Rapa Nui people. In 1995, UNESCO named Easter Island a World Heritage Site.

The ahu (platforms), with their moai (statues) are the iconic monuments of Easter Island. There are approximately 900 moai and over 300 ahu , most of which are located along the coast, as well as thousands of other archaeological sites and monuments, including rock art panels.

The lions of the Serengeti (1981) by Serengeti National Park UNESCO World Heritage

7. Serengeti National Park

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is one of the most diverse and beautiful places on Earth. The park covers an area of 5,700 square miles and contains thousands of animal species. 

Zebras, Serengeti National Park (1981) by Serengeti National Park UNESCO World Heritage

Packed full of wildlife, the park is best known for its annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebra, the largest unaltered animal migration remaining in the world.

Wat_chaiwatthanaram (2011-12-12) by เกริกชัย อินทร์ปอ CyArk

8. Historic City of Ayutthaya

Founded in 1350 C.E., the ancient city of Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam until the 18th century. The city sits on an island In Thailand surrounded by three rivers which lead to the sea.

Wat Phra Si San Phet Ayutthaya by CyArk CyArk

The city was home to many finely built monuments including palaces and temples. In 1991, Ayutthaya was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it bears witness to the period of development of true national Thai art.

The Horses Fresco (2015/2015) by David Huguet Grotte Chauvet - UNESCO World Heritage Site

9. Chauvet Cave

The Chauvet Cave in Southern France contains some of the best-preserved figurative cave paintings in the world. Estimated to be 36,000 years old, the Chauvet Cave art has more than 1,000 drawings and engravings.

The Feline Fresco (Salle du Fond, Chauvet cave, Ardèche) (2008/2008) by L. Guichard/Perazio/smergc Grotte Chauvet - UNESCO World Heritage Site

Animals are a central focus of the panels and frescoes in the cave.

Yosemite Valley from Tunnel view, El Capital facing Cathedral rocks, Yosemite National Park, Califo (2005-09-15) by Digital Vision. Getty Images

10. Yosemite National Park

Home to some of the most spectacular landscapes and breathtaking views on Earth, Yosemite National Park deserves to be on your hit list. The park covers an area of 1,169 sq miles and takes in granite cliffs, giant sequoia groves, lakes and waterfalls.

Visit Yosemite on Street View. You can hike its many trails and climb to its lofty viewpoints.

São Miguel Arcanjo church (1983) by Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis: Ruins of Sao Miguel das Missoes UNESCO World Heritage

If you'd like to learn about UNESCO sites around the world, you can read more about these incredible locations  here . 

Boycott Apartheid

Getty images, gianfranco ferré research center headquarters, gianfranco ferré research center, politecnico di milano, did our ancestors cook, grotte chauvet - unesco world heritage site, cyark's story, trang an landscape complex, vietnam, unesco world heritage, piazza pretoria, youth committee of the italian national commission for unesco, hampi - poetry in stone, archaeological survey of india, "the eternal jew", gianfranco ferré: from architecture to fashion, were all our ancestors' tools made from flint, a journey along the qhapaq ñan, medieval city of rhodes, greece, bonaparte's rome, mahabalipuram - sculpture by the sea.

60 Virtual Tours To Travel The World During The Coronavirus Pandemic

• Written by Post author: Chloe Smulian
• Post last modified: Updated on April 2, 2024

A comprehensive list of free virtual tours that will intrigue and delight all types of travel lovers. Discover the Seven Wonders of the World, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites and iconic landmarks around the world from the comfort of your home! Experience your first virtual travel experience with us.

With extensive travel bans, citywide lockdowns and strict social distancing measures, it’s hard not to eventually let cabin fever weigh you down. This is especially true if you’ve got a healthy addiction to travel like us. So we’ve found a way around the problem – virtual travel!

Obviously it doesn’t replace the real thing, but it’s better than nothing. It’s also a great way to get travel inspiration and learn some interesting facts about the destination until we can travel again.

It will give you something positive to look forward to while we all do the responsible thing and #stayhome. Treat it like Facetiming the world!

It’s also a great thing to do with kids at home. They’ll especially love the wildlife live webcam feeds! This list is guaranteed to keep them occupied for days if not weeks!

So whether you love city escapes, exploring museums or learning interesting facts about the natural and man-made wonders around the world, there’s something for everyone.

Make sure you share this with your friends and family who love travelling too.

What Do You Need To Virtual Travel The World

Virtual touring the world is easy. All you need is a laptop, cellphone or tablet and an internet connection. You don’t need a VR set (virtual reality set), but if you have one it’s a bonus.

We recommend using Google Chrome web browser because some of these virtual tour websites are not in English. Chrome makes it really easy translating foreign languages to English or whatever language you prefer.

Lastly, have a little patience as some of these virtual tours take a bit longer to load.

New Seven Wonders Of The World Virtual Tour

Everyone’s heard of the Seven Wonders of the World. But did you know that there are two different lists for the 7 Wonders of the World?

No? We didn’t either. The list most people know is the New Seven Wonders of the World. But there’s also the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World.

Are you one of the those rare humans that can list all New 7 Wonders of the World?

1. Great Wall of China

Often cited as the only human-made structure that is visible from space. The Great Wall of China is probably the most well known Wonder of the World. It captures over 2,000 years of history and stretches more than 21,000 km across several provinces in China. That’s as long as 5 times the length of Australia!

This iconic landmark is usually teemed with tourists all year round. But you can visit it crowd-free on this Great Wall of China virtual tour.

2. Chichen Itza, Mexico

The ancient city of Chichen Itza is one of the most well restored Mayan sites in Mexico and also its biggest tourist attraction. El Castillo may be the most famous pyramid of Chichen Itza, but there are many other ancient ruins to explore.

If you love astronomy, you’ll love learning how each structure was intricately designed to align with specific planets and stars. Sounds fascinating?

You can virtually tour Chichen Itza and explore some of its most popular sites and facts right from the comfort of your own home.

3. Christ The Redeemer, Brazil

The cultural icon of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and a symbol of Christianity across the world. The Christ The Redeemer statue is the largest art deco statue in the world. It stands 38 meters tall (around 13 storeys high) and stretches 28 meters wide.

It was built by the Roman Catholic community of Brazil following the end of World War I. The community was concerned about the growing ‘godlessness’ when Brazil officially became a republic and the church was officially separated from the state.

You can skip the 200+ step climb to the top on this stunning virtual tour of Cristo Redentor .

4. Petra, Jordan

Also known as the ‘Carved City’ or the ‘Lost City’, Petra is known as one of the oldest cities in the world. It is estimated that the city was established in the 4th century (312 BC) but was only discovered by Western civilisation in the 1800s.

Only 15% of Petra has been explored by archaeologists, so not much is known besides it being home to about 800 tombs.

It’s simply one of those places that you have to see to believe that it exists in real life. Petra is still on our travel bucket list, but this virtual tour is probably one of our favourites!

5. Taj Mahal, India

One look at the Taj Mahal and it’s easy to see why it’s a wonder. It’s considered to be one of the most magnificent masterpieces of architecture in the world. Besides that, it’s also a symbol of love. Don’t believe us? See the Taj Mahal in VR for yourself.

The emperor built it in remembrance of his third wife who passed away giving birth to their 14th child. Today the couple remains buried together beneath the main inner chamber of the Taj Mahal.

It took more than 22,000 workers, 1,000 elephants and 22 years to build this incredible structure. Now there are concerns that it will crumble into pieces as its wooden foundations are rotting away.

6. Rome Colosseum, Italy

Did you know that Italy has the most number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world? There are a total of 51 World Heritage sites within Italy of which the Colosseum is the most famous.

Historically, the Colosseum was a place where gladiator fights and executions took place in Ancient Rome. Today it stands as a symbol of power and majesty of the Roman Empire. It’s also one of the most popular tourists attraction in the world.

7. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is famous for being the Lost City of the Incas. It is believed that this is where the Incas escaped to when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century.

Besides its historical significance, Machu Picchu also showcases the Incas’ incredible mastery of stone. The stones used to construct some of the most beautiful structures in Machu Picchu were cut so precisely and wedged so closely together, that a credit card cannot be inserted between them.

Not only was this more aesthetically pleasing, it also has engineering advantages. The stones were designed to bounce through earthquake tremors and fall back into place. This was only possible because no mortar (or cement) was used and the reason why Machu Picchu still stands today.

Virtual Tours of Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Top unesco sites in africa.

8. The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt

The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the most famous landmarks around the world. Its sheer colossal size and perfect symmetry makes you wonder how this world icon was constructed more than 4,500 years ago.

Today, the Pyramids of Giza are the only surviving members of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World.

9. Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro is one of the largest volcanoes in the world and also home to Africa’s highest mountain.

If you love hiking as much as we do, then Kilimanjaro is probably on your bucket list too. Close to 35,000 people attempt to hike Mount Kilimanjaro every year. But only 40% of them successfully reach the summit and around 5 to 15 people die every year attempting it.

There isn’t a proper virtual tour of Kilimanjaro , but you can get some awesome 360 panoramic views using Google Map street views. Just drag the little yellow man to the circles on the map to ‘explore’ the area.

Save Me For Later

10. Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa

Not only is the Drakensberg Mountains a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, it’s also a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Drakensberg is culturally significant because it hides more than 20,000 San rock paintings inside its nooks and crevices.

These rock paintings are important because they represent the earliest form of human creativity. They also symbolise the beginning of art in the world today.

We’ve had the privilege of hiking the Drakensberg Mountains when we lived in South Africa. If you plan to hike it too, make sure you read our top Drakensberg hiking trails of the Royal Natal National Park . We also share tips on how you can hike the Drakensberg with children .

Since that’s not possible right now, you can enjoy the magnificence of the Drake nsberg on this beautiful virtual tour.

Top UNESCO Sites in Asia

11. Bagan, Myanmar

Bagan is known as the ‘sea of temples’ because it has the largest concentration of Buddhist temples in the world. There were originally 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries built here in the 1000s and 1100s. But only 2,000 of them still exist today.

Needless to say that the entire Bagan Archaeological zone is too vast to explore by foot alone. You can compliment your walk with a ride on old rickety bicycles, hot balloon rides or on this mind blowing virtual tour of Bagan .

12. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is famous for being the largest religious monument in the world. Yes, it’s even bigger than Bagan! Before the fall of Angkor Wat in the 15th century, it was actually the largest city in the world.

Unlike Bagan, most of Angkor Wat still exists today. It was built with durability in mind because it was designed and dedicated to the immortal gods.

13. Terracotta Army, China

This World Heritage Site isn’t a temple, but a mass grave. It’s the burial ground for the First Emperor of China and his world renowned Terracotta Army.

No one knows exactly how many terracotta warriors were made. But it’s been estimated that more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses were sculpted. And if that wasn’t amazing enough, each soldier has its own distinct facial features and were all built to life-size.

It took around 40 years to ‘build’ the entire army and its sole purpose was for protecting the emperor in his afterlife.

You can wander between these soldiers yourselves on this Terracotta Warrior virtual tour.

Top UNESCO Sites in Europe

14. Acropolis of Athens, Greece

‘Acropolis’ translates into ‘high city’ in Greek. Most cities in ancient Greece had their city centres built on a mound or a hill. This is where they would build their important temples and where citizens could retreat to if under attack.

The most famous acropolis of Greece is, of course, the one in Athens with the iconic Pantheon dominating its skyline. The Acropolis of Athens has withstood the test of time, including bombardments, earthquakes and vandalism. Yet it still stands today as a reminder of the rich history of Greece.

15. Stonehenge, United Kingdom

Also known as the Bronze Age Ring of Standing Stones, Stonehenge is one of the UK’s most unique sites and visited attractions. It’s a prehistoric monument steeped in all kinds of myth and speculation because no one knows its true origin or purpose.

Some believe that Stonehenge was a Druid temple, built by ancient Celtic pagans as a centre for their religious worship. Others believe it to have astronomical significance as the light from sunrise and sunset aligns with the stones during summer and winter solstice.

Why don’t you decide for yourself based on the interesting facts you’ll learn on this Stonehenge virtual tour.

Top UNESCO Sites in North and South America

16. Mesa Verde National Park, USA

Mesa Verde is the largest and one of the most spectacular archeological sites in the USA. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it encapsulates how Native Americans once lived by carving their homes into the cliff.

It’s one of the most well preserved ruins of the Ancestral Pueblo people in North America and you can virtually explore Mesa Verde right from the comfort of your own home.

17. Mayan Ruins of Tikal, Guatemala

At first glance, the Mayan Ruins of Tikal appears to be quite similar to the ruins of Chichen Itza. They were both major cities in the history of the Mayan civilisation and are both declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The biggest difference between the two is that Tikal is less visited and often less crowded compared to the more popular Chichen Itza. That’s because Tikal is located in the remote Guatemalan forests whereas Chichen Itza is much easier to access.

Some areas of Tikal remain unmapped or excavated too. So if you love hidden gems, make sure you visit the Mayan Ruins of Tikal , even if it’s only by virtual tour for now.

18. Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island is a Chilean island in the south Pacific Ocean. It’s famous for its 900+ giant statues known as Moais, which are scattered around the entire island.

It is believed that the Rapa Nui natives built these Moais to honour chieftains and important individuals from their village. They believed that by doing this, the spirit of the person would forever watch over the tribe and bring good fortune.

Today, Easter Island is believed to be the most remote inhabited island in the world. That’s why it’s also very expensive to get to. But have no fear, you can admire Easter Island virtually until then.

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings Around the World

Some of the most iconic and recognised landmarks and buildings around the world that you can explore for free from home.

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in USA

19. The White House, United States

Anyone can visit the White House free of charge. But you have to register and request a tour online and wait between 3 weeks to 3 months to visit. Skip the wait on this White House virtual tour.

20. Statue of Liberty, USA

More than 130 years ago, France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States to celebrate the friendship the two endured during the American Revolution. Today it represents freedom and democracy in the USA.

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in the United Kingdom

21. Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom

The official residence of The Queen and a must-visit when in London. Skip the long 3 month wait and the €30 entrance ticket and see Buckingham Palace virtually.

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in Italy

22. The Vatican, Italy

Vatican City is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and the seat of government. More than 5 million people come to Rome every year to feast their eyes on the prized paintings and sculptures of the Vatican and to experience the most religious and cultural site in the world. Check out youvisit.com/tour/vatican for the tour.

23. Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most recognised landmarks in the world. The intention was to build the tallest bell tower for that era in order to show off Pisa’s growing wealthy and prosperity. The ‘leaning’ part of the equation was actually an engineering mistake.

24. Doge’s Palace, Venice

More than a 1,000 years ago, Doge’s Palace was the home to the ruler of Venice and the seat of power for the Venetian Republic. Today it is one of Venice’s must-see museums. Wander around the corridors of the Doge’s Palace or along one of its many surrounding canals on this beautiful virtual tour.

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in Germany

25. Reichstag Parliamentary Building, Berlin

The Reichstag is one of the most important buildings in Berlin today. Built to symbolise the reunification of Germany. It’s one of the few parliamentary buildings in the world that allows the public to watch over government processions. Similar to the White House, it’s free to visit but you have to book months in advance for a tour. Wait no more as this virtual tour of the Reichstag is pretty awesome.

Wondering how travelling in Berlin and Germany has changed since COVID? Find out what it’s like to visit Berlin during the coronavirus pandemic .

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in France

26. Palace of Versailles, France

Did you know that the Palace of Versailles was a mere hunting lodge before it became the world’s largest palace? It’s one of the most important landmarks in French history because it symbolises the power and downfall of the French monarchy.

Explore its opulent, regal interior and admire its intricate details on this Palace of Versailles virtual tour.

27. The Louvre Museum, Paris

The Louvre use to serve as the royal palace for the French monarchy. It only became an art museum after the royal family moved their residence to Versailles. Today it is the world’s largest art museum and an iconic historical monument in Paris.

28. The Catacombs of Paris, France

It’s no coincidence that the word ‘catacombs’ rhymes with ‘tombs’. The Catacombs of Paris is the world’s largest underground burial site. The city was growing too fast for its cemeteries to handle the bodies of the dead. The solution was to move the bodies and bury them underground. Archaeologists estimate that around 6 to 7 million bodies were buried down there. Creepy…

Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in Israel

29. The Holyland, Bethlehem and Jerusalem

Also known as the most sacred place on earth. It is here at The Holyland that the main religious faiths believe that God first entered into a relationship with the human race.

Virtual Tours of Top Natural Wonders and Attractions

30. Niagara Falls , Canada – see live video feeds of these world famous falls on EarthCam.

31. The Northern Lights , Canada – another great live webcam to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Remember to watch this in the evening Canadian time.

32. Victoria Falls , Zambia – a magnificent virtual tour of the world’s largest waterfall.

33. Sahara Desert , Africa – explore the world’s largest desert without getting sand in your eyes.

34. Mount St Helens , USA – travel back in time and witness the day Mount St Helens erupted back in 1980.

35. Mount Everest , Himalayas – the only way to trek the world’s highest mountain without training is going on this virtual tour. Remember to click on the arrows to explore around.

36. Cliffs of Moher , Ireland – discover the most beautiful natural landscapes of Ireland on this gorgeous virtual tour.

37. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , USA – one of our favourite virtual tours from the whole list. Not only is it mesmerising, but you can also learn so many interesting facts on this tour.

38. Grand Canyon , USA – enjoy a virtual hike and explore one of the most famous national parks in the USA.

39. Yellowstone National Park , USA – a nature lover’s paradise. Make sure you use Google Chrome for this tour.

40. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park , China – otherwise known as ‘Avatar Mountain’. The mesmerising, otherworldly landscapes that inspired the ‘floating mountains’ in one of our favourite movies, Avatar.

41. Galapagos Islands , Ecuador – A scuba diver and nature lover’s idea of paradise! This is right on the top of our travel bucket list.

42. Raja Ampat , Indonesia – The epitome of utopia. Hundreds of jungle-covered islands as far as the eye can see and some of the best beaches, coral reefs and scuba diving spots in the world.

Virtual Tours From The Top: City Skylines

43. New York Skyline – New York, New York! Head up to the 102th floor of the Empire State Building on this virtual tour and admire the city that never sleeps from above.

44. Tokyo Skytree , Japan – Teleport yourself to the highest structure in Tokyo and admire the vibrant capital city of Japan from the top. We hope you aren’t afraid of heights because the Tokyo Skytree is 634 meters tall which is more than double the height of the Eiffel Tower.

45. The Eiffel Tower , Paris – Head to the top deck of the Eiffel Tower and marvel at the City of Love on this breathtaking virtual tour.

46. The Peak , Hong Kong – Ever heard the phrase ‘A New York minute is a Hong Kong second’ before? Discover one of the most populous and expensive cities in the world from its highest peak. When you’re ready to visit Hong Kong in person, make sure you read our 7 tips to travel Hong Kong on a budget before you go.

47. St Paul’s Cathedral , London – Admire London’s epic skyline from the top of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Free Virtual Museum Tours

You should download the Google Arts and Culture app to your phone if you’re a museum lover. You’ll find tons of stunning virtual tours and interesting things to learn from the arts and culture world. Here are some of our favourite free virtual museum tours.

48. The British Museum , London – The famous British Museum is dedicated to human history, art and culture. Their permanent collection consists of more than 8 million pieces of artwork. Making it one of the largest and most comprehensive compilations in the world.

49. Musée d’Orsay , Paris – If you love French art whether that’s paintings, sculptures, furniture or photography, you’ll love the Musée d’Orsay Museum.

50. Pergamon Museum , Berlin – Explore one of the largest and most visited museums in Germany. The Pergamon Museum is known for its antiquity collection and Islamic and Middle Eastern artworks.

If you love history and want to learn more about the story behind the Berlin Wall like why it was famous and so important. We’ve explained it simply (i.e. Story of the Berlin Wall for dummies) in our Berlin Wall by Bike guide.

51. Rijksmuseum , Amsterdam – The national museum of the Netherlands that holds some of the world’s most famous artworks from artists like Vermeer and Rembrandt.

52. Van Gogh Museum , Amsterdam – Another jewel from Amsterdam. The Van Gogh Museum needs no introduction.

53. The Metropolitan Museum of Art , New York – Also known as The Met. This is one of the largest museums in the world. You can easily spend days if not weeks here admiring everything from antiquities, paintings, sculptures to modern art and fashion. A museum that has something for everyone.

Live Webcam Feeds for Wildlife Watching and Scuba Diving

We saved the best for last. Watch wildlife and underwater sea life from home via live webcam feeds! If you didn’t know you could do that, now you know.

54. Tau Game Lodge in Madikwe , South Africa – The beautiful Madikwe Game Reserve is located on the edge of the South African border close to Gaborone, Botswana. They have a 24 hour live webcam looking over one of the water reservoirs where the animals come to drink.

55. Kruger National Park , South Africa – Have you always dreamt of going on safari? Wait no more! WildEarth is hosting daily safari rides, twice a day so you can see some of South Africa’s most beautiful wildlife live with their awesome rangers! This is definitely one of our favourite wildlife webcam feeds! Support WildEarth with a donation if you can during these difficult times.

56. African River Wildlife, Kenya – There are more than 10 live webcam feeds here so you’re spoilt for choice. Head over to Explore.org and enjoy ‘Facetiming’ these amazing creatures.

57. Virtual Dives with National Marine Sanctuaries – Discover the underwater world with virtual scuba diving! There’s a host of coral reefs waiting for you to explore. Just click on the video and use your mouse or VR set to look around.

58. Underwater Cave Diving – Even certified scuba divers like us are not allowed to explore underwater caves without the right technical qualifications and training. So whether you’re a scuba diver or not, you’ll most definitely enjoy this cave scuba diving virtual tour.

Want to learn how to scuba dive? Check out our Beginners Scuba Diving guide where we share how you can save time and money getting certified.

59. Georgia Aquarium – ‘FaceTime’ with the residents of Georgia Aquarium via their live webcams. See sea lions, puffer fish and even the elusive beluga whale.

60. Monterey Bay Aquarium – Another amazing aquarium with an array of live webcams. Spy on sea otters, jellyfish, penguins and even turtles and sharks.

Virtual Tours: How To Travel For Free From Home

We had a lot of fun looking for different ways to ‘travel’ the world from home. We hope you enjoyed your first experience of ‘armchair travel’. We’d love to hear which one was your favourite.

Thank You For Reading

If you enjoyed reading this guide, share it with your friends and family. Have a question or need advice? Contact us via Email, Messenger or WhatsApp. And if you'd like to leave a comment, tweet us . Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe and follow us on social media !

Help the site by leaving a review:

Buy Us A Coffee

Our content is free and always will be. But if this guide has saved you time, money or made your life easier, feel free to buy us a coffee . We’ll really appreciate your support.

Support Our Work

Can't donate? No problem! You can still support us by booking hotels , car rental , and tours with us. Check out our resource page for all offers and discount codes.

📣 This guide contains affiliate links. This means if you click on our links and buy something, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This allows us to work on the website full time and keep Nomad And In Love alive and thriving.

Related Guides

How We Got €400 Flight Diversion Compensation Paid Out by Ryanair Commission Free

How To Travel for Cheap Using VPN To Unlock The Best Travel Deals in 2024

7 Honest Reasons Why Revolut is the Best Travel Card in 2024 (A Review of the Prepaid Travel Card)

672 Wine Club

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Benchmark Wines
• Brian Fox Art
• Chase United
• Disneyland Resort
• Gateway Bronco
• Royal Salute
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

Not Ready to Travel Yet? You Can Now Tour UNESCO World Heritage Sites From Your Laptop

Dozens of the world's most famous attractions have been added to google arts & culture..

Senior Staff Writer

Bryan Hood's Most Recent Stories

• Tiffin’s New Off-Road Camper Van Delivers All the Comfort of an RV in a Compact Package
• Porsche Won’t Be Giving Up the Gas-Powered Panamera for Years
• Daniel Craig’s James Bond-Inspired Triumph Motorcycles Are Heading to Auction
• Share This Article

The ongoing rollout of Covid-19 vaccines means there is finally light at the end of the long, dark pandemic tunnel. But travel still won’t be easy anytime soon—especially to other countries. Thankfully, Google has something to tide us over.

The tech giant’s Arts & Culture app has just added virtual tours of dozens of UNESCO World Heritage sites around the globe (h/t Engadget) . Thanks to the new feature, you’ll be able to visit some of the world’s most awe-inspiring locations without leaving the comfort and safety of your home.

Related Stories

Ask robb: what the hell is happening to first-class seats, in a bid to wow fliers, private jet terminals are getting luxe makeovers.

• I Went Diving with Ocean Explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau in the Maldives—Here’s What Happened

Were you thinking about spending a summer in Italy before the beginning of the pandemic? There are loads of virtual tours of renowned landmarks throughout the country , including of the Colosseum, Pantheon and Venice. Obsessed with palaces? You can explore royal residences in France , South Korea and Vietnam . More of a nature lover? You can roam Messel Pit fossil site in Germany, or Simien Mountains National Park in Ethiopia? Basically, if there’s a culturally significant site on the face of the globe, chances are you can now tour it virtually thanks to Google’s UNESCO hub page , accessible via the Arts & Culture app or desktop site.

Exploring the Palace of Versailles via Google Arts & Culture  Google

The virtual tour has experienced something of a renaissance during the coronavirus pandemic. Last spring, as our new reality was starting to set in, cultural institutions around the globe were quick to open up their doors online , including New York’s Museum of Modern Art,   the Musée d’Orsay in Paris and the National Museum in New Delhi. And in the year and change since, they’ve proven to be invaluable for the culturally curious.

Of course, virtual tours will never be able replicate the experience of visiting one of the world’s great sites or museums in person, but they are a safer substitute at a time when our travel options are still limited. And, hey, the online tours just might prove to be a great planning tool for that first post-pandemic trip. Let the vacation research begin.

Bryan Hood is a digital staff writer at Robb Report. Before joining the magazine, he worked for the New York Post, Artinfo and New York magazine, where he covered everything from celebrity gossip to…

Read More On:

More destinations.

Six Senses Are Suddenly Everywhere. Inside the Luxury Resort’s Growing Global Empire.

North Korea Is Reopening Its Doors to Tourists

Meet the Wine Club That Thinks Differently.

Receive editor-curated reds from boutique California producers four times a year.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Destinations

7 Super-Luxe Trips for the Traveler Who Has Seen Everything

Orient Express La Dolce Vita Train in Photos

More from our brands, kamala harris revives converse chucks and pearls outfit combo while campaigning in georgia with tim walz, apple sports app adds new leagues, features in 2.0 update, demi moore, liev schreiber and malcolm washington set for hamptons international film festival honors, former frieze fair director picked to lead london’s national portrait gallery, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

Home » Travel » Virtual Tours To Famous World Heritage Sites

Virtual Travel

• Virtual Tours To Famous World Heritage Sites

Soothe Your Wanderlust During This Pandemic

Out of content to binge on Netflix? Worry not. You can switch things up with awe-inspiring digital tours of UNESCO world heritage sites while you’re holed up at home. Let’s face it, trekking via the laptop is all the holiday you’re going to get in times of self-isolation. Google and UNESCO have teamed up to offer stunning, panoramic views of 30 global heritage sites, which can be viewed with  Google Earth  and  Google Street View .

There’s never been a more appropriate time to get a sneak peek of history and culture – not only does it offer solace in troubled times, but there’s also the added advantage of traveling minus the crowds and the jet lag. If you’re not sure where to start exploring, here’s our list of the top 7 most popular digital destinations. Get comfy, and no need to pack a bag!

1. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

2. Taj Mahal, India

3. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

4. Palace of Versailles, France

5. Robben Island, South Africa

6. Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Italy

7. Borobudur Temple, Indonesia

Want more? Check out the UNESCO website where you can explore more heritage sites too! Visit places like the Kilimanjaro National Park , Blue and John Crow Mountains , and also the Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes .

Why Little Steps Loves It:​

It’s meaningful entertainment and keeps the kids occupied for hours.

Who It's Perfect For:

This one is a real family affair. Gather around the laptop, kiddos!

What Else:​

You can move around the cursor, zoom in or follow the ‘people symbol’ and get a sensation of literally wandering around these cool sites without ever actually leaving the sofa.

Where To Find It:​

• earth.google.com

Fall And Winter Getaways At The Slate Phuket

Best Family-Friendly Ryokans In Japan For The Ultimate Getaway

Ski And Stay In Style In Niseko With The Luxe Nomad

The Best Summer And Winter Camps In Niseko, Japan

Hotels And Resorts With the Best Kids’ Clubs In Sanya, China

Exploring Top 10 Family-Friendly Resorts In Cam Ranh, Vietnam

Got kids? Little Steps Asia gives you the scoop on all the things to do and see with babies, toddlers, and kids in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Jakarta, Macau, and beyond. From family-friendly hotels, kids and baby shops, the best schools and after school activities, pregnancy tips and meet-ups and more – we have you sorted.

Follow Us On

Sign up to receive the free Little Steps email newsletter packed with news, offers, and hidden treasures for families.

• Business by Cities
• Events by Months
• Events by Cities
• Editorial Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Travel Articles

The Bump Club

Sign up now for the latest in Hong Kong pregnancy news, monthly updates and more!

RSVP for Virtual Tours To Famous World Heritage Sites

Los Angeles’s UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hollyhock house is one of eight structures to join the unesco world heritage list in 2019 as part of “the 20th-century architecture of frank lloyd wright.” the collection spans 50 years of wright’s career and also includes unity temple, the frederick c. robie house, taliesin, fallingwater, the herbert and katherine jacobs house, taliesin west, and the solomon guggenheim museum..

Take a Virtual Tour

The hollyhock house virtual accessibility experience allows audiences to explore los angeles’s first-and-only unesco world heritage site from home. with striking 360° photography, easy navigation, room descriptions, and collection highlights, this virtual tour provides an immersive and inclusive experience for visitors of all abilities..

Archiving 100 Years of History

2021 marked hollyhock house’s centennial. learn more about the site’s rich history online. the hollyhock house archive contains original drawings and blueprints detailing plans for the ambitious arts complex that was partially realized by aline barnsdall and her architect frank lloyd wright. with 81 digitized documents, this repository offers a closer look at the history of hollyhock house and barnsdall park as well as architectural inspiration for all..

Advance tickets are recommended for self-guided tours

BOOK A TOUR

IKEBANA ON VIEW

SUMMER SEATING: LAUN & BZIPPY

9/14: PUPPETS IN THE PARK

Now, with a radical client like miss barnsdall, a site like olive hill, a climate like california, an architect head on for freedom, something had to happen… so this romanza of california came out on olive hill..

Frank Lloyd Wright: An Autobiography, 1943

Built between 1919 and 1921, Hollyhock House was Frank Lloyd Wright’s first Los Angeles commission and an ode to California—its freedom and natural beauty. Designed for Aline Barnsdall, this house was intended to be the centerpiece of a 36-acre arts complex, which was only partially realized.

Hollyhock house is a harbinger of california modernism, inscribed to the unesco world heritage list along with seven other wright sites, and today is owned by the city of los angeles and operated by the department of cultural affairs., connect with us.

Join our email list to receive event news and learn more about Hollyhock House history and programs.

22 Virtual Tours Of Museums And Heritage Sites – So You Can Travel From Home

With so many of us confined to our homes in this time of social distancing, it can be difficult to find something to keep our minds occupied. We bring you a list of world-class museums you can visit online, from the safety of your home. These virtual tours of landmarks and museums let you explore these destinations from around the globe so that you can still feel like you’re seeing the world, even while you’re in quarantine. Most are available as interactive features in partnership with Google Arts & Culture, and others are in a video format. All are free and can be seen and experienced from the comfort of your couch.

Also Read: 22 Magnificent Museums You Have To See Before You Die

Here Are Some Of The Best Virtual Tours Of Landmarks And Museums You Can Take From Home

The musée d’orsay, paris.

British Museum, London

Another museum you can visit virtually from your home is the British Museum, home to one of the largest collections of art and artefacts. With almost 8 million objects to marvel at from around the world, you could spend hours exploring this museum, even virtually.  You can wander around the Great Court and its iconic glass and steel roof, before visiting cultural treasures such as the Rosetta Stone which led to the translation of Egyptian hieroglyphs, the Parthenon Marbles that showcase the peak of Greek culture and civilisation, and even an Easter Island statue that measures 7.9 feet. Check it out here . 

The Uffizi Gallery, Florence

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Pergamonmuseum, Berlin

State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg

The Guggenheim, New York City

The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, New York City

The Art Institute Of Chicago

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

National Museum Of Anthropology, Mexico City

The Museu De Arte De São Paulo

The Tokyo National Museum

The National Museum Of Modern And Contemporary Art, Seoul

The Taj Mahal, Agra

The Eiffel Tower, Paris

Pyramids Of Giza, Cairo

The Colosseum, Rome

Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru

The Palace Of Versailles, France

The National Palace Of Sintra, Portugal

Harry Potter Exhibit, London

So, Are You Ready To Travel The World From Home?

While you won’t quite get the same effect as being there in person, being able to take these virtual tours of landmarks and museums is sure to be an exciting experience for those interested in art, history and culture. If you want to see more places from all around the world , there are TONS of other places on Google Arts & Culture, and you can check out the full list here . 

• British Museum
• Coronavirus
• Eiffel Tower
• Harry Potter
• Heritage Sites
• Machu Picchu
• Pyramids of Giza
• Rijksmuseum
• Stay At Home
• Theme of the Month
• Virtual Tours

RELATED ARTICLES

Discover the rich heritage of mattancherry palace with our guide, sheesh mahal jaipur: a palace of mirrors, 15 pyramids around the world you shouldn’t miss, experience indian handicrafts with 29 traditional crafts of india, a guide to the 10 best historical places in jaipur, exploring the spiritual splendor: 18 must-visit temples in rajasthan, 8 majestic forts in jaipur, an ode to timeless grandeur, nahargarh fort jaipur: a palace of retreat for royals.

Holy cow this site is awesome!

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Destinations
• Travel Tips
• Travel With Us
• Paid Travel Internship
• TTIFridays (Community Events)
• SG Travel Insider (Telegram Grp)

• Around The World

Virtual Tours: 17 Incredible Places Around The World You Can Visit For Free

The world’s most iconic landmarks, famous museums and attractions you can visit — from your living room 😉

P.S. Travel Virtually with us on a 21-day itinerary around the world for $0 ! For 21 days, we’ll be exploring a new destination through immersive POV videos, online discussions with our travel community , and surprises along the way!

The only travelling I’ve done since 2020 started is a thorough exploration of my fridge. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has caused numerous countries to go on lockdown and airlines to ground their fleets , it’s safe to say none of us will be travelling for a while.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t continue exploring the world!

Forget about flight deals for a moment, teleport yourself around the world with these 17 incredible virtual tours!

Wonders Of The World

1) machu picchu, peru.

Photo credit: You Visit

Machu Picchu is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled between the Andes and the Amazon Basin. This grand complex of around 200 structures was thought to have been built during the height of the Inca Empire, which ended in the 1500s.

For all you Indiana-Jones-wannabes, you don’t have to book a trip to Peru just to see Machu Picchu. With a virtual tour offering 360-degree views of the stunning landscape and a helpful narrator sharing the history behind it, you’ll feel like you’re touring the grounds yourself!

Explore Macchu Picchu now.

2) Walking Tour of the City, Japan

Credit: Visit Japan

Fans of Japan and all things Japanese are bound to love this tour. It’s a 3-minute 360-degree video taking you through some of the country’s most popular sights — Kyoto ‘s bamboo forest, Nara Deer Park , and even a sumo exhibition!

*Pro-tip: Order in some sushi, plug in your headphones and watch it on a desktop to truly immerse yourself in the experience!

Save these references for future trips to Japan: 10-Day Japan Itinerary — Tokyo to Osaka With The JR Pass for S$1.1k & 8-Day Japan Winter Itinerary For Less Than S$1.2k — Fox Village, Snow Monkey Park, Gassho Houses

3) Petra, Jordan

Photo credit: Google Maps

Known as the rose-red city because of the rock colour, Petra is Jordan’s beloved national treasure. Hailed by many as “a must-see before you die”, the ancient city draws in around 500,000 tourists each year.

The virtual tour follows a detailed route that begins at Bab Al Siq (Gateway to the siq in Arabic) and ends at Al Dier, one of Petra’s largest monuments. 360-degree views and little audio nuggets of knowledge sprinkled along the journey makes the tour truly immersive.

Explore Petra .

4) Great Wall of China, China

Photo credit: The China Guide

During our two-week-long trip to China last year, seeing the Great Wall in all of its grandeur was definitely one of the highlights. While visits to China are off the table for now, we can still take a virtual trip to one of the seven wonders of the world!

The best part of the tour? You don’t have to fight with crowds for unobstructed views 😏

Explore the Great Wall of China .

Read also: Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to China: 14 Exciting Things To Do In Beijing

5) Taj Mahal, India

Photo credit: Air Pano

The crown jewel of India , the Taj Mahal is a grand mausoleum complex built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 1600s in memory of his wife. It’s one of the world’s most iconic architectural monuments and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.

See the Taj Mahal for yourself from different angles via this 360-degree tour ! It includes soothing music and insane helicopter views of the complex — something you won’t get even when you visit the place for real.

If you’re tempted to see India for yourself after this virtual tour, check out our one-week India itinerary for first-timers and also 10 of the most beautiful cities to visit on your first trip !

Explore the Taj Mahal .

Read also: First-Timer’s Guide to India — Everything you need to explore India like a pro

6) Khumbu Valley, Nepal

Khumbu Valley is a sacred valley situated on the Nepalese side of Mt. Everest . It’s one of the most famous treks amongst mountaineers and is home to breathtaking views of the world’s tallest mountain.

Check out the awesome animated navigation page! Photo credit: Google Maps

This tour takes you on a journey through the Everest region and showcases snippets of local life — you can even step inside the classroom of a Himalayan primary school or the home of a traditional healer!

Explore Khumbu Valley .

7) Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Photo credit: Virtual Angkor

Angkor Wat means “temple city” in the Khmer language and its name speaks for itself — it’s said to be the largest religious monument in the world. This enriching virtual tour brings you back to Angkor Wat during the Khmer Empire, giving you a truly unique experience of the magnificent temple complex during its hayday.

Explore Angkor Wat .

Read also: 7-Day Cambodia Itinerary Under S$600 — An Epic Journey of History, Adventure and Tranquility

8) Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, USA

Photo credit: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. was thrust into the Hollywood spotlight in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian . Since then, I’ve been dying to make a trip there myself.

This virtual tour not only includes 360-degree views, it covers every exhibit room-by-room. The quality is also phenomenal — you can see the creases on the T-rex bones! My favourite part of the tour? You can zoom in and read the exhibit descriptions — something not all virtual tours allow!

Explore the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History .

9) The Vatican, Italy

Photo credit: Musei Vaticani

Vatican City, the world’s smallest fully independent nation-state, is usually crawling with international visitors on a regular day. So it was highly unusual to see Pope Francis giving a solitary prayer service to an eerily empty St Peter’s Square.

Fret not, you can still enter the Vatican and be with the Pope in spirit. Make sure to check out the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms and the New Wing!

Explore the Vatican .

10) National Museum of the United States Air Force, USA

Photo credit: National Museum of the United States Air Force

If you were crazy about planes growing up (and possibly still are), this is the tour for you. The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the world’s largest military aviation museum and houses aircraft and other relics from the Korean War and World War Two.

It’s a self-guided tour that allows you to navigate the various galleries — you can even click on the screens on display to watch the videos!

Explore the National Museum of the United States Air Force .

11) National Gallery of Art, USA

Photo credit: National Gallery of Art

For the uninspired, this virtual tour featuring the National Gallery of Art in Washington is a visual feast for you art lovers!

This dynamic tour allows you to explore the gallery room-by-room, giving you access to the museum’s current exhibitions. View the gallery via the top-view floor plan, and zoom in to specific pieces!

Explore the National Gallery of Art .

12) The British Museum, England

Photo credit: British Museum

This virtual tour is truly one-of-a-kind! Instead of a room-by-room layout, The British Museum displays its exhibits in a timeline format. The sleek interface organises exhibits by category, region as well as year.

Select an exhibit and you’ll be able to read all about the history of the artefact!

Explore The British Museum .

Mountains and Animals

13) georgia aquarium, georgia, usa.

Photo credit: Georgia Aquarium

This aquarium in Georgia has allowed its scaly residents to continue bringing joy to its patrons despite being closed. Check out the adorable African penguins and cheeky Beluga Whales via the aquarium’s live streams!

*Update: Georgia Aquarium now offers guided virtual tours from S$12.95.

Explore the Georgia Aquarium .

14) Mt. Fuji, Japan

Ever wanted to hike up Japan’s tallest mountain but lacked the fitness to do so? Then you should check out our 8-minute full body workout !

In the mean time, get motivated by taking a virtual hike up Mt. Fuji using google maps — you can “walk” up the path by simply clicking arrows in the direction you want to go.

Explore Mt. Fuji .

Visiting Japan after COVID-19? Check out our Japan itineraries and guides for inspiration!

Read also: 7-Day Tokyo and Mount Fuji Itinerary Under S$1.3k

15) San Diego Zoo, USA

Photo credit: San Diego Zoo Kids

If you prefer land animals over creatures of the sea, check out San Diego Zoo’s live streams instead. Rather than exploring the entire park on foot, you can switch between the elephant cam, koala cam and panda cam — all in a matter of minutes. Nothing like watching a few furry critters going about their day to brighten up yours!

Explore the San Diego Zoo .

16) Houston Zoo, USA

Photo credit: Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo is another cool option for live streams of different animals! Check-in on the friendly giraffes, mighty western lowland gorillas or leaf cutter ants — it’s oddly therapeutic!

The live feed is from 7AM to 7PM CST which is 8PM to 8AM SGT. Just in time for you to tune in after work to wind down after a day of working from home .

Explore the Houston Zoo .

17) Yosemite National Park, USA

Photo credit: Virtual Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular national parks in America , and a must-see when you visit California. It was definitely high up on our to-do list during our 11-Day USA Road Trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles (under S$1.8K!)!

Explore Yosemite National Park .

Read also: 7 Once in a lifetime road trips to take in USA

Explore the world through exciting virtual tours

This lockdown period has been a damper for everyone, especially those who enjoy regular hikes and the great outdoors. While there’s nothing like experiencing these in real life, I dare say these virtual tours are a worthy substitute for the time being.

Let’s make the most of our time at home and maybe even start planning your post-COVID-19 adventures!

Read also: Travel Virtually with us on a 21-day itinerary around the world for $0

What are your travel plans for post-COVID-19? Share with us in the comments below!

For more travel inspiration, follow us on  Instagram ,  YouTube ,  Facebook , and  Telegram !

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Mar 31, 2020 at 4:20am PDT

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

In The Age Of Covid-19, Are We Spoiled And Entitled To Still Want To Travel?

IATA Travel Pass App — What It Means for Future Travel

Everything You Need to Know About the Singapore–Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble Starting on 22 Nov 2020

12 Things to Do in Sentosa for Travel-Starved Singaporeans — Sentosa Staycation

Theme Parks Reopen with New COVID-19 Safety Measures — Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags…

COVID-19 Travel Regulations — What to Expect for Each Country Before Travelling Again

I am not surprised that Nepal is on the list of virtual tours. It’s good to know that Everest Skydive trip runs twice a year, in March and in October. Asian Trekking can also provide a jump cameraman at an additional charge. After all, the trip may only be a few days, but the memories of your Himalayan skydive will last a lifetime!

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Singapore Travel Promos (26 Aug to 1 Sep 2024) — Deals,...

Family-friendly Johor Bahru Guide — 17 Things to Do, Eat and...

2D1N Desaru Itinerary — Exciting Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway...

9 Fun Things to Do in Iskandar Puteri, Less Than 30mins...

The Ultimate Guide to eSIM Cards When Travelling

• Terms Of Use
• Privacy Policy

In December 1631, the fifth Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, commenced the construction of one of the greatest monuments of all time, the Taj Mahal. It is a mausoleum built in the memory of his beloved and favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, fulfilling one of the promises that he made to her as she lay on her deathbed: To erect a monument to match her beauty.

Our online virtual tour enables visitors to interactively explore the "UNESCO World Heritage Site", the Taj Mahal at Agra in India. Visitors may tour 22 different areas of the monument and gardens through 360° panoramas, maps, narrated mini-movies, music and text. A preview 360° panorama below a clickable map allows a quick view of any area. Having spotted something of interest, visitors can then click to open a window with a much larger and higher quality 360° panorama, and then zoom in and pan around for a detailed inspection. For example, to view the inlaid semi-precious stones on the Dome itself.

Our online virtual tour enables visitors to interactively explore the "UNESCO World Heritage Site", the Taj Mahal at Agra in India. Visitors may tour 22 different areas of the monument and gardens through 360° panoramas, maps, narrated mini-movies, music and text. A small 360° panorama below a clickable map allows a quick view of any area. Having spotted something of interest, visitors can then click to open a window with a much larger and higher quality 360° panorama, and then zoom in and pan around for a detailed inspection. For example, to view the inlaid semi-precious stones on the Dome itself.

Chawk - I Jilau Khana (Forecourt)

Porticos in the Enclosure

Paradise Garden, near the museum

Al kawther - The Celestial Pool of Ambundance

Paradise Garden - Early Morning

On the Chhaka (Plinth) - by minarates

At the Front of the Chhaka (Plinth)

View From the Rooftop chhatri

On the Roof of the Mausoleum

The Reflecting Pool by Mosque

View from the Minarates

The River Yamuna and the chhaka (Plinth)

On The Chameli Farsh(Terrace)

The Entrance to the Mausoleum

The Rouza (Tombs) in the Mausoleum Crypt

By the jali entrance to the cenotophs

The cenotophs

The interior octagonal Room

Inside the Gatehouse

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Virtual Tour

From the Great Barrier Reef in Australia to Mont St. Michel in France, there are endless UNESCO World Heritage sites around the globe. Each UNESCO World Heritage Site has a special flair that is unique to its location, geography, or history. We’ve put together a virtual tour of some of our favorite UNESCO sites for you to escape to right now!

Machu Picchu, Peru

High in the Andes, overlooking the Sacred Valley of the Incas lies the majestic Machu Picchu. Archeologists believe these stone pyramids date to the 15th century and represent the estate of Incan Emperor Pachacuti. Abandoned in the 1500s, these pyramids were overgrown and forgotten to the world until American archeologist Hiram Bingham stumbled on them in 1911. Nowadays, people travel far and wide to take in the breathtaking beauty of this natural and architectural phenomenon.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Penguins, sea turtles, and iguanas are just a few of the 500+ species who call these remote islands home. When Charles Darwin visited in 1835, he was so engrossed in the biodiversity there that he was able to establish his theory of evolution. The Galapagos Islands features the second largest marine reserve in the world—making this one of the most diverse and highly coveted sites to visit!

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Under tropical palms, visitors enjoy the sparkling water of the Pacific Ocean, along with what lies underneath it—the world’s largest coral reef. Brimming with exotic sea creatures and plant life this vibrant ecosystem is a literal paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers. And as we are learning, this natural wonder is starting to perish, making it more urgent than ever to cross it off your bucket list.

Petra, Jordan

This 2,000-year-old city will keep archaeological buffs enraptured. Also named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is carved out of sandstone in mammoth desert rock and features the iconic Al-Khazneh temple (The Treasury), which is considered one of the most elaborate temples in the ancient world.

Torres del Paine, Chile

Widely considered one of the most scenic views in the world, this national park is known for its pointed snow-capped mountains, sparkling glacier lakes, rushing waterfalls, and picturesque grasslands. Adventurers can take advantage of the unique hiking terrain while birdwatchers seek out the wide variety of feathered creatures flying about. Visitors also often get the chance to spot rare wildlife like pumas, llamas, and ostrich-like nandus.

Old City of Dubrovnik, Croatia

Known as “The Pearl of the Adriatic”, it’s no secret that Dubrovnik, Croatia has a stunning coastline and amazing ocean views. But, you may not realize this city is one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in the world. Inside its stone walls, you’ll find churches representing Baroque and Renaissance time periods, as well as plenty of sidewalk cafes and strolling performers. Game of Thrones fans will especially love it here, as it was used as a filming location for King’s Landing .

Venice, Italy

Gondolas, canals, narrow alleys, St. Mark’s Cathedral, and the Doge’s Palace; these are the elements that give Venice its unique appeal, as well as its place on the UNESCO list. This city offers a charming journey no matter how many times you visit! Wander the quaint streets, admire the blend of East and West architecture, and take in the world-class museums. Most travelers round out their experience here by living “la dolce vita” and savoring a glass of wine by a canal.

Mont St. Michel, France

Built on a tiny island on the rugged shores of Normandy sits an enormous medieval Abbey. Built in the 8th century and dedicated to Archangel Michael, early pilgrims navigated the tide to approach the magnificent structure and pay their respects. There is a small village at the base of the Abbey with shops and restaurants. The outstanding beauty of not only the castle but its scenic surroundings make seeing this site up close a “must do” when in France.

One thought on “ UNESCO World Heritage Sites Virtual Tour ”

• Pingback: Resources and Inspiration for this Challenging Time - Schurig Center for Brain Injury Recovery

Comments are closed.

• North America
• South America
• Health & Safety Information
• Passports & Visas
• Travel Insurance
• Travel Smart Blog
• Senior Travel
• Solo Travel
• Travel Alerts
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Deals Newsletter
• Refer a Friend
• Veterans Discount
• smarTours Catalog
• Why We’re Different
• How We Travel
• In the News
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Destinations

Ways to save.

• Find a Roommate

Join Our Email List

• Our Mission & Values
• Staff & Board
• Privacy Policy
• World Monuments Watch
• 2022 World Monuments Watch
• Featured Projects
• Explore Sites & Projects
• Attend an Event
• Travel with WMF
• Jewish Heritage Program
• Ukraine Heritage Response Fund
• Heritage from Home
• Cultivating Resilience
• Support Our Work
• More Ways to Give
• International Council
• Planned Giving
• Institutional Giving
• Crisis Response

Stay connected

Around the world with wmf, join us for a series of virtual tours of some of our most iconic sites around the globe..

Heritage from Home takes viewers behind the scenes of extraordinary heritage sites where World Monuments Fund (WMF) has worked since 1965.

Cerro Sechín, Peru

Thursday, September 14, 2023 Virtual Tour

Among the earliest known ornamented sites in the Americas, Cerro Sechín once served as the ceremonial center for one of the oldest coastal Andean civilizations in Peru. In this tour, WMF Project Conservation Leader Ingrid García will introduce you to our work to preserve Cerro Sechín’s dramatic carved stones, which date back thousands of years and contain vivid imagery of ritual combat and human sacrifice. 

Ishtar Gate, Iraq

Thursday, September 15, 2022 Virtual Tour

The ancient city of Babylon, once the capital of a vast, sophisticated empire, today represents one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Program Director Jeff Allen will lead viewers through the city to uncover the hidden secrets of the ancient world and go behind the scenes of one of its most iconic sites: the  Ishtar Gate .

Koutammakou, Benin and Togo

Thursday, August 25, 2022 Virtual Tour

Traditional Batammariba settlements are composed of clusters of earthen structures, known as sikien , that are both functional dwellings and vibrant expressions of cultural identity. This tour through the cultural landscape of  Koutammakou  will showcase the incredible traditional building knowledge of the Batammariba people and the unparalleled importance of ensuring its transmission from one generation to another.

Bunce Island, Sierra Leone

Thursday, July 28, 2022 Virtual Tour

Between the late 1600s and 1807, Bunce Island ’s fortified British trading post and ancillary buildings served as an international center for the trade and transport of enslaved Africans. Taking viewers behind-the-scenes at the site and exploring its unique historical and social significance, Project Manager Isatu Smith will consider the question of how our built environment bears witness to the difficult truths of the past and the present.

Traditional Houses of Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Thursday, June 30, 2022 Virtual Tour

Home to an isolated part of the Jewish Diaspora for over two millennia, the Uzbek city of Bukhara is characterized by its traditional houses  embellished with exceptional woodworking developed by Bukharian Jews over centuries. With a focus on the historical and cultural significance of Bukhara’s old Jewish mahallah , or neighborhood, this tour will introduce the beautiful aesthetic of these buildings and some of the challenges that threaten their continued existence.

Babylon Iraq

Thursday, December 9, 2021 Virtual Tour

Babylon , once the capital of a vast empire, is today one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. After thousands of years, Babylon's remains continue to yield insight into Babylonia's complex past. Join WMF Regional Director Jeff Allen on a virtual journey to uncover the secrets of the ancient world. With a visit to the elegant Ishtar Gate and the popular Lion of Babylon, discover the threats to Babylon’s heritage and learn about WMF’s 12-year project to address them.

La Garma, Spain

Thursday, October 28, 2021 Virtual Tour

The cave of La Garma hides an extraordinarily well-preserved collection of rock art and archaeological remains which serves as evidence of human activity spanning over 300,000 years. Plunge into the depths of the earth in Cantabria to explore the cave's unique ecosystem with Pablo Longoria, Executive Director of WMF Spain, and learn about how La Garma is challenging conservators to find innovative ways to preserve its remarkable archaeological wealth.

Alhambra, Spain

Thursday, September 23, 2021 Virtual Tour

Make your way to the top of one of Granada’s most well-known hills, where the characteristic rich ornamentation of the  Alhambra will take your breath away. The pride and jewel of Andalusia, the Alhambra is the most important surviving remnant of the period of Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula. Follow Pablo Longoria, Executive Director of WMF Spain, as he introduces you to WMF's work to address the unique conservation conundrums of this thirteenth-century palace and fortress.

The Qianlong Garden, China

Thursday, August 26, 2021 Virtual Tour

Across its four courtyards and 27 pavilions and structures, the centuries-old Qianlong Garden boasts flawlessly preserved spaces and interiors straight from Imperial China. Join us for a virtual visit of the site’s extravagant decors, delving into the history and complexity of Qianlong Garden’s pavilions and outlining WMF’s nineteen-year effort to preserve them. 

Castle Howard, Strawberry Hill and Stowe House, UK

Thursday, June 24, 2021 Virtual Tour

From the Georgian ducal palace of Stowe House and the baroque Castle Howard to the world’s first Gothic revival building, Strawberry Hill , this tour will take you in the footsteps of some of the United Kingdom's greatest architects, pioneer landscape designers, and intriguing personalities. Follow WMF Britain Executive Director John Darlington as you visit historic estates along the English countryside and discover WMF's projects there. 

Erbil Citadel, Iraq

Thursday, May 27, 2021 Virtual Tour

Over 6,000 years old,  Erbil Citadel is considered one of the longest continuously inhabited sites on Earth. Near the site of Alexander the Great's famed victory in 331 BCE over Persian king Darius III, Erbil Citadel is an impressive architectural feat located on an archaeological tell rising around 98 ft (30 m) above the surrounding plains. Join WMF Regional Director Alessandra Peruzzetto as she introduces you to this ancient wonder and ongoing efforts to recover its economy and vibrant cultural life.

Chankillo, Peru

Thursday, March 25, 2021 Virtual Tour

This ancient observatory and its thirteen towers once allowed its inhabitants to determine the date with an accuracy of two or three days. Built over 2,300 years ago in the coastal desert of Peru, Chankillo is truly a wonder of the world. Under the guidance of WMF Peru Vice President Martha Zegarra and Chankillo Program Director Dr. Iván Ghezzi, listen to what Chankillo can tell us about life in ancient South America and learn about the challenges the site faces today. 

Mughal Gardens of Agra

Wander along the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India, and discover lush gardens surrounding graceful pavilions reminiscent of the legendary Taj Mahal. With an analysis of the surrounding urban context and an overview of the gardens’ potential for community development, Executive Director of WMF India Amita Baig will guide you through WMF’s five-year project to ensure the preservation of the Mughal Gardens of Agra goes hand in hand with a wider strategy for urban planning and social equity.

Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia

Friday, February 26, 2021 Virtual Tour

One of the most iconic and inspiring archaeological sites in the world, Angkor Archaeological Park is characterized by its stunning Hindu and Buddhist temple complexes, some still hidden under the overgrown vegetation of a creeping jungle. In an in-depth virtual tour, explore Angkor’s grandiose temples under the expert guidance of Dr. Ginevra Boatto, Representative for Southeast Asia, and dive deep into WMF’s three-decade long project there.

The top 7 virtual tours: see the world without having to leave the house

Explore the Vatican, the palace of Versailles or the Louvre from the comfort of your sofa

With many of us now housebound for the near future, and with travel off the cards for a while, cabin fever might well be setting in. But it doesn't mean you can't still explore...

Be inspired by the sights and experiences that you can discover from the comfort of your sofa, thanks to these fascinating virtual tours:

The Vatican, Rome

Some of Rome's most spectacular architecture and historic monuments are now within your reach, with a host of the Vatican's museums providing online tours via their website. Take a step into the Sistine Chapel and gaze at Michelangelo's legendary frescos; even through your web browser the result is breathtaking.

Discover it here: The Vatican Digital Tour

Machu Picchu, Cuzco

You no longer need to buy a plane ticket to Peru to see the legendary Machu Picchu in all its glory. The virtual tour of this Unesco World Heritage site is immersive, and filled with fascinating insights from a helpful narrator who accompanies you on your digital tour. Enjoy 360° views of the ancient Inca ruins surrounded by luscious Peruvian landscapes.

Discover it here: Machu Picchu Virtual Tour

The Louvre, Paris

A museum needing no introduction, the home of the Mona Lisa is an attraction beloved and visited by millions of tourists each year. The museum has crafted a selection of virtual tours based on its distinguished permanent collections; from the Egyptian antiquities to the decorative arts of the Galerie d’Apollon, the selection of digital offerings is vast. The tour itself is easy to navigate, with map views and detailed descriptions.

Discover it here: The Louvre Virtual Tour

The Acropolis, Athens

One to tick off your bucket list, bringing the wonders of Ancient Greece to the comfort of your sofa. A dream destination for classical history lovers, the Athens Acropolis is the home of the world-famous Parthenon, and has been admired by tourists for centuries. With the tour you can enjoy 360° videos that provide a fascinating insight into Ancient Greece.

Discover it here: Athens Acropolis Virtual Tour

The Royal Academy, London

Sensing Spaces was described by The Guardian as “the most ambitious architectural exhibition by the Royal Academy for decades, occupying its ample main galleries with installations the size of houses”. This virtual tour of the Royal Academy allows users to explore the exhibition. There are six separate galleries within the virtual tour, and high-quality 360° photography gives users a real taste of the exhibition which was conceived to allow visitors to "draw their own conclusions" - so they can determine for themselves what each space means to them, and how they use it.

Discover it here: The Royal Academy Virtual Tour

Musée d’Orsay, Paris

The historic Musée d’Orsay was installed in the former Orsay railway station, and originally built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900. Currently it displays collections of stunning Belle Époque art from the period of 1848 to 1914. The virtual tour allows you to take a promenade through the museum's opulent hallways where you can see works from some of the most distinguished French artists, including Monet, Gauguin and Van Gogh. The museum's long queues are infamous in Paris, so now you can soak up the sights without the hour-long wait.

Discover it here: Musée d'Orsay

Palace of Versailles, Versailles

The Palace of Versailles has opened it's fabled 'Hall of Mirrors' to all, allowing an interactive stroll through the historical site. Walk in the footsteps of Marie Antoinette and inspect the gardens which spread over 800 hectares, complete with dazzling fountains. With more than 18,000 artworks to discover online this is not an opportunity to be missed.

Discover it here: Palace of Versailles

Stylish designer homewares to buy now

13 pregnancy fitness classes we recommend

Do you need to supplement vitamin D in summer?

The scented candles to burn this spring

12 luxury yoga mats to elevate your practice with

A beginner's guide to crystals

The best wine delivery services to know now

The best dressing gowns to gift this winter

The A-list's favourite skin-tech device is on sale

The best nostalgic TV shows of all time

The best wellness podcasts to listen to this year

A complete guide to detoxing your wardrobe

• Virtual Tour of UNESCO Sites

Virtual Tour of Museums That You Can Take For Free

Castle virtual tour, paris 360 experience virtual tour.

• Fun Activities You Can Do – Virtual Disney Tours
• Virtual Tours at the Zoo
• How Does COVID-19 Affect Tourism and What to Do at Home

Take a virtual tour of UNESCO sites that you haven’t yet seen. Explore and wander through nature, man made structures and stunning sites.

All you have to do to is click on the photo you like most and savor the walk!

Hike the Dolomites

If you’re an outdoor person, then start your hike in the rugged peaks of the Dolomites mountain range.

Located in the Northern Italian Alps, the Dolomites are a UNESCO protected area. With deep long valleys, rock walls and spectacular landscapes, you will be surrounded by nature in its best shape.

You can make a virtual tour of this UNESCO site just by clicking the picture below. Enjoy your expedition!

Experience Kumano Kodo

Dive into a vast connection of secret pilgrimage pathways through the southern Kansai region, in Japan.

This UNESCO protected area is filled with streams, rivers and waterfalls. They wind their way to hidden shrines, through tall trees and jaw dropping landscapes. Some of the shrines were constructed in as early as the 9th century.

You can virtually tour this UNESCO site by just clicking the picture below.

Glorious Gulf of California

Due to its prolific biodiversity, the gulf of California has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2005.

Take a Virtual tour of Museums !

It’s the world’s natural aquarium, that will allow you to explore its depths without fearing its waters.

During this virtual tour of UNESCO sites, you will be able to socialize with playful sea lions. Also, you can witness the flying mobula rays and virtually swim with sharks . But don’t worry, they won’t bite you!

Pyramid of Khufu

Also known as the Pyramid of Cheops, or The Great Pyramid of Giza, these are the last wonders of the ancient world that we still have the opportunity to explore.

This pyramid is the only one to remain largely intact and it’s the oldest of the Severn Wonders.

Click the picture below to start your journey!

Behind the Scenes of the Taj Mahal

Few people know that Taj Mahal is actually a tomb, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife.

Everything that you will see is defined by perfection. From the balance of composition, inlaid precious stones, to the perfect center of the tomb chamber, this is a perfect symmetrical planned building

Look around and enjoy this perfect harmony!

Templo Expiatorio de La Sagrada Familia

Built by the architect Antoni Gaudi, this UNESCO site is one of the seven properties he constructed.

You will get to see the eclectic yet personal style that Gaudi left on all his art.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial

Also known as the Genbaku Dome, this was the only remaining structure after the first atomic bomb exploded.

It is still standing today and you can visit in in this virtual tour of UNESCO sites

Archaeological Areas of Pompei

What was once a flourishing Roman city, its ruins now stand witness to what the Vesuvius volcano can do.

This UNESCO site provides a vivid picture of how Roman society was in AD 79. The eruption perfectly captured the everyday life, at a distinct moment in the past.

You may wander its stone roads and burnt columns, just by clicking the picture below.

Stonehenge – from Neolithic to the Bronze Age

Who ever thought a group of stone megaliths could be so intriguing?

Built with an astronomical pattern in mind, Stonehenge has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site List in 1986. Demonstrating outstanding technological as well as creative achievements in prehistoric times, the monument still stands alert today.

If you want to be stunned by the impressive size of the stones and imposing style, then you shouldn’t hesitate to click the picture!

Related Posts

4 thoughts on “ Virtual Tour of UNESCO Sites ”

Pingback: What is Hanoi Famous For | Top Things To Do - 7 Days Abroad

Pingback: Philippines Bucket List | Top Things You Must See - 7 Days Abroad

Pingback: Virtual Tour of Museums That You Can Take For Free - 7 Days Abroad

Pingback: Magical Places in Beautiful Romania - What to Visit - 7 Days Abroad

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

I'm in my early 30s and found that I do enjoy travelling! While I am also a senior administrator at a web hosting company, I also have my own little business and make bow ties in my spare time :) I've created this blog so that anyone who loves to travel can find helpful info for their journey. And, why not, share it with other travelers!

You should know we also do...

• +91 8281 360 360
• [email protected]

The Holy Land 

The Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls

Tooth Relic Temple, Kandy, Sri Lanka

The Temples of Khajuraho

The Western Wall or Wailing Wall, Jerusalem, Israel

Sigiriya, Lion Rock, Sri Lanka

Ayutthaya, The Historic City of Thailand

Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Sedlec Ossuary, Kutna Hora, Czech Republic

Sacred City of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Galle, Sri Lanka

Useful links

Leen Photography 360 VR News

• Waterfront Enclave, Water Land Road, Kochi-682020, Kerala, India.
• Mob: +91 8281360360
• Tel: +91 484 4039385
• Level 14, Boulevard Plaza, Tower 1, Downtown, Dubai - UAE

Copyright 2006 – 2024 P4Panorama.com. All rights reserved.

• Global Education Coalition
• Stories & Ideas
• Explore initiatives & stories from UNESCO networks
• COVID-19 Impact on education
• School meals during school closures
• Open access to facilitate research and information on COVID-19
• Visual to combat COVID-19
• Media support
• UNESCO-WHO audio resources
• Audio resources to fight disinformation
• Resources for documentary heritage professionals

Heritage and Creativity

Culture & covid-19.

UNESCO's Culture Sector mobilised from the outbreak of the health crisis. In response to the profound impact that the COVID-19 pandemic would have on the culture sector, UNESCO launched several campaigns to further promote access to culture, recognise artists and analyse the immediate impact of the health crisis.

ResiliArt shed light on the state of the creative industries during the crisis through an exclusive global discussion with key industry professionals, while collecting the experiences and voices of resilience from artists on social media.

UNESCO, in response to COVID-19, carried out the #ShareOurHeritage campaign, where it promoted access to culture - from World Heritage properties to living heritage practices - during times of mass confinement.

To give cities around the world the opportunity to stand together and lead this action collectively.

Analysis of the immediate impact of the health crisis and the adjustment of countries around the world.

Discover the experiences of communities across the globe and share your story of living heritage.

Monitoring World Heritage sites closures

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, many governments took measures to restrict the movement of people and access to certain areas. This includes the closure of natural and cultural World Heritage sites in the 167 countries where they are located. Check the map for updated information.

Latest News

Publications

Related items

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

New UNESCO World Heritage Sites Around the World Have Been Announced — See Where They Are

The list now features 1,223 properties across 168 countries and states.

Courtesy of Landeshauptstadt Schwerin

Two dozen new sites were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List this month, ranging from cultural treasures to natural wonders.

The 24 additions were inscribed on the list as part of the  46th session of the World Heritage Committee , which was held from in July in New Delhi, India. In total, the list now features 1,223 properties across 168 countries and states.

New to the list this year are Japan’s Sado Island Gold Mines, which are located about 21 miles west of the Niigata Prefecture coast, along with the archaeological heritage of Malaysia’s Niah National Park’s Caves Complex, which contain “the longest known records of human interaction with rainforest.” 

The list also added several cultural properties like the Schwerin Residence Ensemble in Germany, which was largely built in the 19th century and features the Grand Duke’s Residence Palace and manor houses.

No new sites in the United States were added to the list, but UNESCO did recognize “significant modifications to the boundaries [of] cultural properties” for Moravian Church Settlements, including in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

“Each settlement has its own architectural character based on ideals of the Moravian Church but adapted to local conditions,” UNESCO wrote as part of its new list. “Together, they represent the transnational scope and consistency of the international Moravian community as a global network.”

This year’s additions join 42 other sites that were  added to the World Heritage List last year .

In addition to UNESCO’s list of  World Heritage sites , the group examines sites it  deems “in danger .” Last year, UNESCO  decided not to add the city of Venice to its list of world heritage sites in danger  despite  recommendations  to do so.

This is a full list of the sites newly inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for 2024.

Cultural properties: 

• Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital  (China) 
• Brâncuși Monumental Ensemble of Târgu Jiu (Romania)
• Cultural Landscape of Kenozero Lake (Russian Federation)
• Frontiers of the Roman Empire - Dacia (Romania)
• Hegmataneh (Iran)
• Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites (South Africa)
• Melka Kunture and Balchit: Archaeological and Palaeontological Sites in the Highland Area of Ethiopia (Ethiopia)
• Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty (India)
• Phu Phrabat, a testimony to the Sīma stone tradition of the Dvaravati period (Thailand)
• Royal Court of Tiébélé (Burkina Faso)
• Sado Island Gold Mines (Japan)
• Saint Hilarion Monastery/ Tell Umm Amer (State of Palestine)
• Schwerin Residence Ensemble (Germany)
• The Archaeological Heritage of Niah National Park’s Caves Complex (Malaysia)
• The Cultural Landscape of Al-Faw Archaeological Area (Saudi Arabia)
• The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa (South Africa)
• The Historic Town and Archaeological Site of Gedi (Kenya)
• Umm Al-Jimāl (Jordan)
• Via Appia. Regina Viarum (Italy)

Natural properties: 

• Badain Jaran Desert - Towers of Sand and Lakes (China)
• Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Brazil)
• The Flow Country (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
• Vjetrenica Cave, Ravno (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

New Inscribed Mixed properties:

• Te Henua Enata – The Marquesas Islands (France)

Related Articles

7 captivating new UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore

These sites have cultural, historical and scientific significance and the international organization's fresh stamp of approval

• Newsletter sign up Newsletter

There are 1,223 UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the globe, from the Great Pyramids of Giza to Easter Island to Independence Hall in Philadelphia. These landmarks have cultural, historical or scientific importance, and the World Heritage Site designation offers a level of protection — the program's goal is to keep these wonders around for future generations. For 2024, UNESCO granted World Heritage Site status to 24 new spots, including these seven highlights.

Beijing Central Axis, China

The Central Axis runs through the heart of historical Beijing

The Central Axis runs north to south through Beijing, showcasing imperial palaces, gardens and ceremonial and public buildings dating to the 13th century Yuan Dynasty. These structures "bear testimony to the evolution of the city" and exhibit "evidence of the imperial dynastic system and urban planning traditions of China," UNESCO said. The more modern areas of the Central Axis feature construction from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Dacia, Romania

Dacian Limes was operational from 106 to 271 CE

During the Roman Empire, the Dacian Limes formed the "longest, most complex land border" of any former Roman province in Europe, National Geographic said. North of the Danube River, these 277 auxiliary forts, ramparts, watch towers and legionary fortresses traverse 16 counties, making up a "network of eerie-looking" sites that "still stand as witnesses to the strategic role Dacia once played."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Historical Town and Archaeological Site of Gedi, Kenya

Gedi was a successful city before being abandoned in the 17th century

For centuries, Gedi was one of the most important Swahili towns near the East African coast, with a great mosque, palace, well-constructed homes and impressive infrastructure, including a water management system. Experts believe Gedi was founded in the 13th century, likely rebuilt in the 15th century during its most prosperous era and then permanently abandoned in the early 17th century. No one knows for sure why Gedi was deserted, with guesses including an epidemic wiping out the population or a Portuguese attack.

Lencóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil

Lencóis Maranhenses National Park is off the beaten path but worth the trek

The white sand dunes and emerald and sapphire freshwater lagoons of Lencóis Maranhenses National Park create an otherworldly landscape in northeastern Brazil. Winds shape the dunes, and when it rains the lagoons change shape, depth, size and even color. More than 110 bird species and 42 reptile species call the park home, in addition to the endangered scarlet ibis, neotropical otter, oncilla and West Indian manatee.

Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites, South Africa

Nelson Mandela was raised at the Great Place in Mqhekezweni

At these 14 sites representing "human rights, liberation and reconciliation," visitors can walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists. The locations include the University of Fort Hare, where Mandela studied, and the village of Mqhekezweni, where he got his start in political activism. The site of the Sharpeville massacre is a somber stop, a place to remember the 69 Black protesters killed here in 1960 as they protested pass laws .

Schwerin Residence Ensemble, Germany

Grand dukes once lived in Schwerin Castle

Nearly 40 elegant buildings make up the ensemble, with the Schwerin Castle, once the grand duke's residence, the most opulent. Filled with parks and ornamental lakes, most of the structures in Schwerin were built during the 19th century, when the city was the capital of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Architectural styles include neo-Baroque, neo-Classical and neo-Renaissance with touches of Italian Renaissance.

Umm Al-Jimal, Jordan

Compared to other ruins in the region, much of Umm Al-Jimal is untouched

The ruins of Umm Al-Jimal near the Jordanian-Syrian border showcase "unpretentious urban architecture," Lonely Planet said, with the buildings providing a "fascinating insight into rural life during the Roman Byzantine and early Islamic periods." This rural settlement primarily functioned from the 5th century CE to the end of the 8th century CE, but archeologists have uncovered structures dating to the 1st century. Although not much is known about those early days in Umm Al-Jimal, researchers have been able to study the site more than others in the region, as it was "rarely looted or vandalized, which has left much of the original layout intact," Lonely Planet said.

Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox

A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com

Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

Cartoons Thursday's cartoons - life imitates art, dumping grounds, and more

By The Week US Published 29 August 24

The Week Recommends Channing Tatum and Naomi Ackie stun in this film on the hedonistic rich directed by Zoë Kravitz

By The Week UK Published 29 August 24

The Week Recommends The 'inventive, emotionally astute writing' leaves audiences gripped throughout

The Week Recommends 'Sweet' and funny play about the Samaritans volunteers tasked with talking to 'telephone masturbators' in the 1970s

By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published 29 August 24

The Week Recommends For a vacation with less stress and more sparkle, disinfect your space

By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published 28 August 24

The Week Recommends Eva Longoria and Eugene Levy join star-studded cast in latest instalment of 'compelling' whodunnit

By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published 28 August 24

In the Spotlight 'Black Myth: Wukong' has more than a million players, but some are criticizing China's oversight of the game

By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published 27 August 24

The Week Recommends This affordable Baltic city is home to an array of museums, galleries and arts venues

By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published 27 August 24

The Week Recommends This onetime imperial city is a cultural and spiritual center

By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published 27 August 24

The Week Recommends Stretching from the Catskill Mountains in New York to northern Mississippi, the region has produced literature that challenges stereotypical narratives about its residents

By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published 26 August 24

The former Green Party leader chooses works by Suzanne Simard, Kathryn Mannix and more

By The Week UK Published 23 August 24

• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Advertise With Us

The Week is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

New UNESCO World Heritage Sites Worth Traveling For in 2024