Bucket List Destinations – 13 Virtual Tours to do Now

Dreaming of travel? Itching to check some places off of your bucket list? Well, you may not be able to visit these places in person right now, but here are 13 virtual tours to do now!

This is a challenging time for everyone, but for those that love to travel, it’s an especially hard time! With the recommendations to stay home, the restrictions on travel and the uncertainty of when everything will return to ‘normal’, sometimes it seems like we’ll never get back to exploring.

But don’t worry!

We’ve put together a list of 13 bucket list places and famous attractions that you can visit without leaving home. Check some places off the bucket list with these virtual tours!  

1. Great Wall of China  

Stretching over 3000 miles across provinces in northern China, the Great Wall is the world’s largest structure and the most famous attraction in China. Avoid the crowds and see some breathtaking views on this virtual tour.  

2. Sistine Chapel

Located in the Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel is famous for its Renaissance art, especially the frescoes on the ceiling painted by Michelangelo. The chapel attracts more than 5 million visitors each year and there are a few restrictions for visitors, including no photographs or filming in the chapel. So take this chance to see the chapel, avoid the lines and even see it for free!

3. Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles was the former royal residence of France for over 100 years until the start of the French Revolution. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national landmark, it’s one of the greatest achievements in French 17^th century art. Its’ architectural grandeur, political history and stunning gardens make it one of the most visited cultural sites in the world. This virtual tour allows you to explore the galleries and artworks of the palace, including the Hall of Mirrors, the Grand Trianon and the royal apartments.

4. Taj Mahal

One of the 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings ever created. The white marble mansoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. It’s the most famous attraction in India, with more than a million tourists visiting each year. Skip the lines and check out the virtual tour here.

5. Colosseum

The Colosseum is the best-preserved monument of ancient Rome. It was the largest amphitheatre built during the Roman Empire and could hold more than 50,000 people for gladiator fights and other public events. Take a virtual tour of the Colosseum here, as well as Rome’s other famous sites, including roman forum and pantheon. 

6. Angkor Wat

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat is considered to be the largest religious structure ever built and one of the most important archaeological treasures of the world. Originally constructed as a Hindu temple for the Khmer Empire, it became a Buddhist temple by the end of the 12^th century. Angkor Wat has become a symbol of Cambodia and even appears on the country’s flag. Explore the wonders of Angkor Wat on this virtual tour.

7. Machu Picchu

Located high in the Andes mountains, Machu Picchu is a well-known symbol of the Incan Empire, built around 1450AD. Designated a UNESCO Heritage Site and recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it’s a bucket list destination for many and the most visited tourist site in Peru. Take your virtual tour here.

8. Sagrada Familia

Although it’s still unfinished, the church is a UNESCO heritage site and the most visited landmark in Spain. Scheduled to be finished in 2026, construction actually started in 1882, making it one of the longest construction projects in the world. Known for its’ unique architechture and as Gaudi’s last masterpiece, the church is worth visiting if you ever have the chance. Until then, take a virtual tour here or view the inside here. 

9. Buckingham Palace

Home to the Queen, Buckingham Palace is a popular tourist attraction in London, England. The official royal residence has 775 rooms, including 52 royal and guest bedrooms and 78 bathrooms. Buckingham Palace is a working building and venue for royal events and ceremonies. It’s open for visitors a few times throughout the year and in the summer when the Queen is at her other estates. This virtual tour lets you visit anytime and includes the throne room, grand staircase and white drawing room.

10. Pyramids of Giza

Definitely a bucket list destination for many, the Pyramids of Giza are the most recognizable pyramid structure in the world. One of the seven wonders of the world, the Pyramids were built as tombs for Pharaohs of the Old Kingdom in Egypt. With this virtual tour, you can learn about the Pyramids and explore them virtually, including the Great Sphinx.

11. Uluru

Uluru is a massive sandstone formation, also known as Ayers Rock, in the middle of Australia. Formed about 550 million years ago, Uluru is sacred to indigenous Australians and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Australian Outback on this virtual tour.

12. Grand Canyon

One of the most famous attractions in the U.S. and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is up to 29km wide and 446km long. Carved by the Colorado River, the rock layers record billions of years of history. Learn about the Grand Canyon on this virtual tour, or even experience a virtual hike and rafting tour.

13. Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, known as Aurora borealis, is an impressive natural light display in the sky. These colourful patterns often appear as curtains of lights in the night sky. Green is the predominant colour, but hints of pink, red and violet sometimes appear as well. People travel from all over to see these lights, but now you can see them virtually from Churchill, Canada.

Have you been to any of these bucket list destinations? Do you have any to add to this list of virtual tours?

Check out these other Virtual Tours or our Destinations section for ideas and kid-friendly places to travel to.

Join us on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates and related articles or follow us on Instagram to see what we are up to in photos.