To be clear, the “New 7 Wonders of the World” were chosen by a popularity poll launched by a random foundation. It’s just the list of wonders that happens to have been the most publicized, but there are other lists. It’s not something objective or agreed-upon, unlike the actual 7 Wonders of the Ancient World are.
That said, it’s still interesting to know which places in the world were selected to be the New 7 Wonders of the World. They are definitely among the wonders of our world.
(It’s just that some people think it’s a real honor or title, and it’s not. And there are way more other sites that are beautiful and worth visiting too!)
Here are the New 7 Wonders of the World.
New 7 Wonders of the World
Here’s the full list before we look at each:
- Great Wall of China (China)
- Petra (Jordan)
- Colosseum (Italy)
- Chichén Itzá (Mexico)
- Machu Picchu (Peru)
- Taj Mahal (India)
- Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)
- Honorary status: Giza Pyramids (Egypt)
1. Great Wall of China (China)

Construction date: 700 BC (up to 1644)
Location: Huairou District, China
Nearest major airports: Beijing-Capital (PEK), Beijing-Daxing (PKX)

This series of fortifications span a total of 21,000 km in length. That’s longer than the distance from Toronto to Beijing and back. It’s an impressive wall, with some of the many parts being 1300 years old. It’s among the 4 of the New 7 Wonders of the World that I’ve had the chance to visit, and it sure is incredible to see when you think about how long the whole thing is.
2. Petra (Jordan)

Construction date: 312 BC
Location: Ma’an, Jordan
Nearest major airports: Aqaba (AQJ), Eilat (ETM), Amman (AMM), Tel Aviv (TLV)

This archaeological city from 2300 years ago looks absolutely stunning. That iconic facade above is the best-known part, but there are many tombs and other ruins to explore. I’ve visited many countries in Western Asia (1 of the 6 different regions of Asia) and enjoyed them all, so I can’t wait to discover Jordan (one of the most visited countries in the region).
3. Colosseum (Italy)

Construction date: AD 80
Location: Rome, Italy
Nearest major airports: Rome-Fiumicino (FCO), Rome-Ciampino (CIA)

This amphitheater was the largest ever built and it’s still standing nearly 2000 years later. It’s one of the most famous monuments of Imperial Rome. I saw it only from the outside (I was on a long layover that saved me a lot of money on my flights) and it’s beautiful, but I’ll probably try to go inside too at some point.
4. Chichén Itzá (Mexico)

Construction date: AD 600
Location: Yucatán, Mexico
Nearest major airports: Cancún (CUN), Mérida (MID), Tulum (TUY) – starting in December 2023

This archaeological site and its famous step-pyramid is where one of the largest Maya cities stood over 1000 years ago. I’m not personally that attracted to the Americas (compared to other continents I mean), but when I do go explore this part of Mexico, I’ll certainly go see the wonderful sights like this one. It’s way more fun to visit this than to stay in an artificial resort all along, so we always recommend doing at least some actual traveling instead of vacationing only.
5. Machu Picchu (Peru)

Construction date: 1450
Location: Cuzco Region, Peru
Nearest major airports: Cuzco (CUZ)

This citadel at the top of a mountain in the Andes is truly unique and breathtaking. It’s a cliché, but even the best pictures don’t even come close to doing justice to the 500-year old masterpiece. I went in 2017 and it’s jaw-dropping. Being there, completely surrounded by these peaks and seeing how remote this is, is something I recommend for everyone.
6. Taj Mahal (India)

Construction date: 1643
Location: Agra, India
Nearest major airports: Delhi (DEL), Jaipur (JAI)

This white marble mausoleum is a symbol of love and one of the finest examples of Islamic art and architecture, dating back almost 400 years. I visited the Taj Mahal this summer and this monument is really impressive to see, whether you are a fan of architecture or not. It’s a massive building and it’s another one definitely worth visiting.
7. Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)

Construction date: 1931
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Nearest major airports: Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont (SDU), Rio de Janeiro-Galeão (GRU)

This statue is by far the youngest of the New 7 Wonders of the World, at under 100 years old. The statue itself is just 30 meters high (on an 8-meter pedestal) but its unique location atop a mountain makes for a remarkable view. I’m strongly considering visiting Brazil in 2024 so I’ll try to go finally see this monument.
Honorary status: Giza Pyramids (Egypt)

Construction date: 2560 BC
Location: Giza Necropolis, Egypt
Nearest major airports: Cairo (CAI)

This group of pyramids is the only one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World that is still standing, so it was give honorary status by the New 7 Wonders of the World foundation. I was only able to see them from just outside the site (on another long layover), but seeing them with your own eyes is infinitely better than not seeing them at all. I can’t wait to go back, especially since Egypt is one of the most affordable countries in the world!
Want to get more content to discover awesome destinations?
Summary
The New 7 Wonders of the World are definitely beautiful sites, but it’s still a subjective list that’s more of a popularity contest than a reflection of how wonderful each monument is. But there’s no doubt that these 7 places are among the wonders of our world for sure.
What would you like to know about the New 7 Wonders of the World? Tell us in the comments below.
See the deals we spot: Cheap flights
Explore awesome destinations: Travel inspiration
Learn pro tricks: Travel tips
Discover free travel: Travel rewards
Featured image: Petra (photo credit: Ahmad Qaisieh)