Here are TPG experts' top 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that you simply must visit.

In its 46th annual session in New Delhi, UNESCO has officially added 24 new sites that showcase "outstanding universal value" to its World Heritage List.

Joining the ranks of 1,223 World Heritage Sites, including iconic locations like Yellowstone National Park and Machu Picchu, are Lencois Maranhenses National Park in Brazil and the Via Appia in Italy. To earn a spot on this prestigious list, a cultural or natural site must fulfill at least one of 10 criteria, which may include having "extraordinary natural beauty and aesthetic significance," being "a masterpiece of human creative genius," or exemplifying "an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement." Being included on this list not only highlights the cultural importance of these sites but also ensures protections to preserve them for generations to come.

To help you plan your travels, here are 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that TPG experts recommend as essential visits—along with a few insider tips.

Petra, located in Jordan

Petra, the ancient city of the Nabataeans in Jordan, is an essential UNESCO World Heritage Site. The experience of walking through the Siq, a walled passage, leading to the stunning reveal of the Treasury—a stone facade intricately carved into the sandstone—offers a moment you won't forget (this iconic site famously featured in the final scenes of "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," released in 1989 shortly after Petra was inscribed on the UNESCO list).

You can easily spend hours exploring the tombs and trekking to various structures. During my two-day visit with my family in 2022, the breathtaking scenery and incredible architecture made a lasting impression. — Nick Ewen, senior editorial director

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

I hiked through Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park in 2019, and it remains one of the most stunning destinations I've ever experienced. It feels almost otherworldly. The water is crystal clear, the waterfalls are breathtaking, and the well-maintained trails are relatively easy to navigate. With multiple trails available, you can tailor your experience to match your fitness level and preferred hike duration.

Opt to stay at one of the hotels near the park entrance (I chose the Hotel Plitvice, housed in a protected mid-century building), and book your entrance ticket early in the morning to beat the crowds and heat, especially during the summer months. — Madison Blancaflor, managing editor of content operations

Historic District of Old Quebec, Canada

Many people refer to the delightful walled section of Quebec City as a tiny French village—some even call it a petite Paris. When I drove through the stone-fortified entrance during my first visit a few years ago, I couldn’t help but think, "Mon Dieu! They’re absolutely right!" The city has a distinct European charm, with its dramatic cliffside location, cobblestone streets, and, naturally, Quebecois as the primary language (although English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas).

Founded in the early 17th century by French explorer Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City stands as the only city in North America to have preserved its ramparts, earning its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also features the iconic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, one of the most historic and photographed hotels on the continent.

While a stay at the Fairmont is a delightful experience and perfect for history enthusiasts, there are plenty of charming accommodations throughout the fortified town (an auberge here, another there). Be sure to visit Strom Spa, a Nordic retreat along the banks of the St. Lawrence River, where you can relax in saunas, hot pools, and cold plunges. — Ellie Nan Storck, managing editor of hotels

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls, Zambia and Zimbabwe

While many Westerners refer to the spectacular waterfalls spanning over a mile along the Zambezi River as Victoria Falls, the name in the local Kololo and Lozi languages is far more fitting and descriptive.

Mosi-oa-Tunya translates to "the smoke that thunders," and these falls truly live up to their name, with their spray visible from up to 31 miles away. Experiencing the cascades up close is even more awe-inspiring, whether you admire them from a misty walkway overlooking some of the highest drops or feel their power firsthand, as I did, by taking a guided wade into the renowned Devil's Pool at the brink of the falls.

Both viewpoints were transformative as I witnessed the raw power of nature. That visit marked the beginning of an unforgettable journey exploring Zambia's national parks, and the memories of my travels continually draw me back to Africa to discover more of its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities. — Eric Rosen, director of travel content

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Situated about 600 miles from mainland Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands were among the original 12 World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO in 1978, alongside Yellowstone National Park and the historic city center of Krakow, Poland. This volcanic archipelago's isolated position at the junction of three ocean currents fosters a unique environment, home to extraordinary wildlife not found anywhere else on the planet, such as flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, and the only penguin species living north of the equator. Observing these creatures during his visit in 1835 inspired Charles Darwin to formulate his theory of evolution by natural selection.

For most travelers, the easiest way to explore the Galapagos is via cruise ship, like Lindblad Expeditions' 96-passenger National Geographic Endeavour II, which served as my floating base camp during a 10-day voyage in 2019. I cherished waking up at dawn to embark on early hikes on North Seymour Island, where I could observe the nesting areas of blue-footed boobies and great frigatebirds, before heading in the afternoon to snorkel with marine iguanas and sea turtles near Rabida Island. Alternatively, staying at a hotel on an inhabited island and booking day trips for diving or bird-watching can be a feasible and often more budget-friendly option. — Lyndsey Matthews, senior travel editor

Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia, Turkey

The valleys and rock formations of Cappadocia present a truly surreal landscape. This region holds a special place in my heart, as I explored it during my first trip outside North America in 2011.

You can stay in rock-carved hotels in Goreme, embark on hot air balloon adventures, and explore remarkable underground cities that date back to the fourth century. The highlight of my experience was a private, guided day-long trek through Cappadocia's valleys and ancient rock-carved churches with an intriguing guide named Walking Mehmet. My husband and I enjoyed a sense of solitude as we wandered through these breathtaking and historically significant sites. — Katie Genter, senior points and miles writer

Ancient City of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

This fifth-century rock fortress is centrally located in Sri Lanka and preserves the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and structures atop the granite monolith.

My recommendation is to start your day with an early morning hike up nearby Pidurangala Rock to catch the sunrise over Sigiriya, then enjoy a quick meal before climbing the main rock. The round-trip hike to the summit and back takes about three hours. — Matt Moffitt, managing editor of credit cards

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee

While many are aware that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the U.S., you might be surprised to discover that it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning over 500,000 acres, this park is stunningly beautiful and boasts nearly as many tree species as all of Europe, along with what some researchers believe to be the highest diversity of salamanders found anywhere in the world.

Visit the park for its natural wonders—but don’t miss out on Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s nearby theme park that celebrates the mountains and the culture of the people who inhabit them. — Tanner Saunders, senior hotels reporter

Strasbourg, France

It was only fitting that I visited Strasbourg on a Disney river cruise, as the city feels like a storybook rendition of a historic European locale, complete with medieval half-timbered houses. While the towering Gothic cathedral at the center of the old town captures attention, I relished the experience of wandering through the winding side streets, indulging in rose-shaped gelato, and admiring the architecture influenced by both French and German styles throughout the ages. (UNESCO recognized the city's historic center, the Grande-Ile, as a World Heritage Site in 1988 and expanded this designation in 2017 to include the Neustadt, the new town developed between 1871 and 1918.)

Dodge the summer crowds as I did by canoeing along the canal; you’ll even have the chance to paddle through a lock. If you want to see the cathedral's renowned astronomical clock in action, you can queue inside and pay to witness the full display of figures at solar noon. Personally, I enjoyed watching the figures representing different stages of life parade past death every quarter hour for free. — Erica Silverstein, managing editor of cruises

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

If you’re unfamiliar with Tongariro National Park, you may have seen it in films. The park is home to three active volcanoes, including Mount Ngauruhoe, famously known as Mount Doom from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Located on New Zealand's North Island, it is a dual World Heritage Site, celebrated for both its cultural and spiritual significance to the Maori and its stunning volcanic scenery. Additionally, it holds the title of New Zealand's oldest national park and its first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Summer offers the clearest views of the breathtaking landscape, but having visited in both fall and winter, I can attest that the park is enjoyable year-round, depending on your tolerance for rain and fog. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, at about 12 miles long, is the most popular hike and one of the more demanding options. Alternatively, consider the Taranaki Falls Lower Track, a 3.7-mile round trip that rewards hikers with views of Mount Ngauruhoe and a waterfall at the end. On your way to the trailhead, don’t miss the sign for "Gollum's Pool," a must-visit filming location for "Lord of the Rings" fans. — Emilia Wronski, associate photo editor

San Antonio Missions, San Antonio

Growing up in San Antonio, trips to the Alamo were a staple of our education, making a visit to this historic site a rite of passage for Texans. However, the Alamo's allure extends beyond local schoolchildren, as it attracts over 3 million visitors from around the globe each year.

Many people may not realize that the Alamo is part of a broader network of five historic frontier mission complexes, which includes Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, Mission Espada, and Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo itself). These missions line the banks of the San Antonio River and were established by Spanish missionaries in the early 1700s with the aim of converting local Indigenous peoples to Catholicism and instilling European cultural values. Recognizing their historical and cultural importance, UNESCO added the Missions to its list in 2015.

Visiting the Alamo and its affiliated missions today offers a more nuanced perspective on their significance — they reflect Texas's rich, diverse, and often painful history, spanning from the Spanish Empire to the Texas Revolution. I prefer to explore them at my own leisure, but since the Missions are part of the National Park System, guided ranger tours are also available. Additionally, each site provides traditional bike and electric-assist bike rentals, making it convenient to travel between them. — Mae Hamilton, associate content operations editor

The Dolomites, Italy

This year, I finally achieved a long-held dream of mine — hiking in the stunning Dolomites. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of nine distinct regions within the northeastern Italian mountains. My adventure concentrated on the westernmost section, the Brenta Dolomites, set in the breathtaking Trentino area. Over four days, our group mountain biked 20 miles from Lake Ledro to Lake Garda, hiked the Madonnina di Besta in Ledro, and completed a 16-mile hike from our base in Molveno with a mountain guide, navigating glacial snowmelt and stopping at charming Alpenhuts along the route.

Family-operated eco-mountain lodges prioritize food and wellness, allowing guests to enjoy delicious meals along with sauna, steam, or spa treatments after a day of activities. Consider Da Elda Natural Retreat in Ledro Valley, where ingredients are either grown on-site or sourced locally and lovingly prepared by Silvia and her family. The Alpenresort Belvedere in Molveno boasts a comprehensive spa and gourmet dining crafted by chef Diego Rigotti, who has represented Italy at the renowned Bocuse d'Or culinary competition.

You can arrange local experiences like wine tastings, cultural attractions, winter ski trips, and even hiking guides through a destination management company such as Caldana Europe Travel, which has been coordinating tours in Italy and the Trentino region since 1949. — Becky Blaine, senior newsletter editor

Angkor, Cambodia

Covering over 150 square miles in Siem Reap, Cambodia, Angkor is an archaeological treasure trove where visitors can uncover the remnants of Buddhist temples and other structures from the Khmer Empire, spanning the ninth to the 15th centuries.

On my inaugural trip to Southeast Asia in 2019, I dedicated two days to exploring Cambodia, including the iconic Angkor Wat temple and Ta Prohm. The former is renowned for its winding paths and breathtaking photo ops, and it remains an active site for monks; a personal highlight was receiving a Buddhist blessing. Ta Prohm, famously featured in "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," is enveloped in foliage, with the roots of towering trees tightly entwined with ancient temple ruins and debris.

There was something about both places that made me feel as if I could absorb wisdom, almost through osmosis. I can't definitively say I emerged any wiser, but the tranquility I experienced there was truly captivating. — Ashley Kosciolek, senior cruise writer

Antigua, Guatemala

Established in the early 16th century, Antigua was Guatemala's capital for nearly 300 years. After devastating earthquakes in 1773, the capital relocated to Guatemala City. Notably, Antigua is one of Latin America's pioneering examples of urban planning, featuring a grid layout designed in 1543 that still benefits visitors today.

Central Park, located at the city's heart, serves as a perfect starting point for exploration, with numerous shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks just a short walk away. Highlights include the Cathedral of Antigua, which dates back to 1545 but was largely destroyed in 1773 and only partially restored over the following century. Be sure to capture a photo beneath the city’s signature butter-yellow 17th-century Santa Catalina Arch, designed to let nuns traverse between the convent and school discreetly. I also cherish visits to the lively Artisan Market, filled with vibrant stalls offering Guatemalan textiles, art, woodcrafts, and other souvenirs from some of the friendliest locals I've ever encountered.

One of my preferred times to visit is during the lead-up to Antigua's Easter Holy Week processions. As part of the festivities, stunning afrombras (carpets made from a colorful mosaic of dyed wood shavings, seeds, and flowers) are carefully arranged on the cobblestone streets, sometimes extending an entire block. — Kristy Tolley, cruise editor

Ningaloo Coast, Australia

Why do I travel? To swim alongside whale sharks, naturally. Well, that's just one of the many reasons that inspire my journeys.

It was certainly the motivation that took me over 10,000 miles, flying from Los Angeles to Sydney, then to Perth and finally to Exmouth. From there, I made my way to Australia's remote western coastline to discover Cape Range National Park and the Ningaloo Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.

When I wasn't on a day charter, jumping in and out of the water to chase after these gentle giants, some as massive as school buses, I spent my time hiking through the area's gullies in search of the unique black-footed rock wallabies or gently guiding slow-moving echidnas off the road as I returned to camp. My nights were filled with stargazing amid the red dunes at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef Safari Camp, and each morning, I waded out to the nearby reef to snorkel among around 700 fish species and other marine creatures that inhabit this pristine environment. — Eric Rosen

Memphis and its Necropolis — the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur, Egypt

Standing before one of the oldest man-made structures on Earth truly makes you pause and absorb the moment. That's the experience of witnessing the three Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the remnants of ancient Egypt's capital at Memphis. Though the sites are bustling with tourists today, and the surroundings are quite commercial (yes, there's even a Pizza Hut nearby), you won't regret making the visit.

Regardless of how appealing some nearby hotels might seem, staying close to the pyramids is not advisable. Instead, choose one of the luxury accommodations in Cairo, like the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza. This option offers a more central location and can assist in arranging a private guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. — Tanner Saunders

Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and Shenyang, China

This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses the historic royal residences of emperors in Beijing and Shenyang, with the most renowned feature being the Forbidden City located in the heart of Beijing. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, from the 15th to 20th centuries, this palace was inaccessible to the majority of the populace. Now, if you're willing to navigate the crowds, you can purchase tickets online or through your hotel to discover the beautifully preserved religious structures, ceremonial halls, and meticulously designed courtyards. Although you won't be able to explore all 10,000 rooms, be sure to visit the Dragon Throne in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where the emperor once held court.

During my visit in 2007 as part of a study abroad program, I was particularly struck by the immense size of Tiananmen Square at the entrance to the palaces. The Forbidden City has been recognized as a World Heritage site since 1987, and in 2024, UNESCO expanded this recognition to include the Beijing Central Axis. This central thoroughfare runs north to south through the historic heart of the city and features not only the Forbidden City but also important sites like the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and Zhengyangmen Gate Tower, along with other landmarks such as the Drum and Bell Towers and the Temple of Heaven. — Lyndsey Matthews

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta defies logic. During the wet season, the ground is parched, while it becomes submerged during the dry months. Instead of draining into a sea, this delta concludes in a desert. Rainfall from 1,000 miles away in Angola travels downstream over several months, reviving its arid waterways and drawing some of the rarest wildlife on Earth.

While I had imagined seeing elephants up close from a dugout canoe during the flood season, I ended up visiting in February, the wet season, when the "islands" were merely small rises in an otherwise accessible landscape.

This was not my first safari, but it was undoubtedly my most unforgettable, thanks to the stunning landscapes I explored from above, gazing down at the vibrant green floodplains, and from the ground, tracking leopards teaching their cubs to hunt, alongside packs of endangered African wild dogs on the hunt.

I envisioned myself as the first human these baby animals, like hyena pups and lion cubs, had ever encountered. I may have left as lasting an impression on them as they did on me.

To minimize your ecological impact in this UNESCO World Heritage site, consider staying at camps like andBeyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp or Wilderness Mombo. Their sustainability initiatives feature low-impact construction with repurposed materials, reliance on 100% solar energy, a prohibition on single-use plastics, and support for local community projects such as building wells and medical facilities. — Eric Rosen

Machu Picchu, Peru

Among Peru's 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu stands out as the most renowned and one of my all-time favorites globally. This 15th-century citadel, a marvel of Incan architecture, sits atop a mountain where the Andes converge with the rainforests of the Peruvian Amazon, located about 50 miles northwest of Cusco. After being abandoned in the 16th century due to the Spanish invasion, Machu Picchu remained concealed from the world until 1911, when archaeologists serendipitously discovered it while searching for other Incan treasures.

I've had the privilege of visiting Machu Picchu twice. My first trip was in 2009 during a college spring break, allowing me the freedom to explore nearly every corner of the archaeological site. When I returned over a decade later, I found the government had implemented daily visitor limits (4,500 most days) and introduced three designated circuits with 10 subroutes to better manage tourist traffic. For that classic postcard view from an upper terrace and a chance to explore the lower buildings, I recommend Circuit 2's Route 2-A. While you can buy tickets through the government's website, I found it much easier to have a guide manage the details with tour operator Modern Adventure. Plus, staying at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel was a luxurious upgrade from my hostel days in Cusco.

Given that you’re almost 8,000 feet above sea level, it's crucial to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen during your visit. It’s also wise to acclimatize for a few days before embarking on any extensive hikes along the Inca Trail. Nothing can spoil a trip quite like altitude sickness and sunburn. — Lyndsey Matthews

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Home to over 120 limestone caves, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a hidden mystical realm beneath southern New Mexico, not far from the quaint town of Carlsbad. Here, you can witness adventurers crawling into the caves on their hands and knees, known as spelunking, or take a stroll to marvel at glowing stalactites and stalagmites that seem otherworldly.

And speaking of otherworldly: The caverns are located less than 100 miles from Roswell, New Mexico, famous for its extraterrestrial stories, making it an ideal stop on your journey to this World Heritage Site. — Tanner Saunders

The Flow Country, United Kingdom

Bogs blanket nearly a quarter of Scotland, covering 4.5 million acres to be precise. For centuries, these mystical landscapes have been enveloped in folklore. In ancient times, bogs were thought to be the dwellings of witches, ghosts, and fairies, with the latter believed to entice unsuspecting travelers into their depths, often to their doom.

In 2024, The Flow Country — recognized as one of the largest and most pristine blanket bog ecosystems in the world — earned its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in northern Scotland, it stands as the first peatland bog globally to achieve this status. This significant recognition highlights the critical importance of bogs, which comprise only 3% of the Earth's land yet store twice as much carbon as all the forests on the planet, underscoring their vital role in combating climate change.

While it may appear as flat, marshy land, The Flow Country boasts a distinctive ecosystem filled with peatland pools and carnivorous plants like butterworts. Additionally, it serves as a crucial breeding habitat for bird species such as the golden plover and the red-throated diver.

There are numerous ways for eager explorers (like myself) to discover The Flow Country, including self-guided hikes like the 1.5-mile Dubh Lochan Trail, which meanders through countless peat pools. For a more immersive experience, consider volunteering in The Flow Country to assist with activities such as trail upkeep. To delve deeper into the history of the region and its long-standing inhabitants, make sure to visit the Timespan museum in Helmsdale. — Mae Hamilton