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Amazing virtual tours of landmarks around the world

Stuck at home and feeling restless? Explore some of the world’s most beautiful sights and landmarks on these virtual tours

Never has our wanderlust felt so strong. 

For now, we’ll have to travel from within the comfort of our own homes. And these days, thanks to technology, that’s actually possible. With museums and art galleries shutting their doors in the wake of the current outbreak, many institutions have set up incredible virtual tours showing off the best of their buildings and collections. And the same goes for the bodies that look after landmarks, from Petra in Jordan to Machu Picchu in Peru.

Here are seven virtual tours of sights and attractions around the world that’ll make that dinky flat of yours seem much, much bigger.

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Virtual tours of landmarks around the world

Great Wall of China

Explore some of the most photogenic sections of China’s most famous landmark on this virtual tour from The China Guide.

Virtual tour of the Great Wall of China

Machu Picchu

It’s the gap yah attraction to beat all gap yah attractions. Drop by on this virtual tour from Google Arts & Culture.

Virtual tour of Machu Picchu

Google’s Street View Treks offer immersive, behind-the-scenes tours of some of the world’s most elusive wonders. Our fave is Petra in Jordan.

Virtual tour of Petra

Get clued up on some Hellenic history on this virtual tour-cum-guidebook.

Virtual tour of the Acropolis

Giant’s Causeway

‘Game of Thrones’ fan? Take a trip to the rugged Northern Irish coast, where much of the series was filmed, and tour the striking basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway.

Virtual tour of the Giant’s Causeway

The Taj Mahal is closed for the foreseeable. Check out the views from the top on this virtual tour.

Virtual tour of the Taj Mahal

Great Pyramid of Giza

Whack on some Frank Ocean on and get gawping. This bucket-list wonder is not quite, but almost, as striking online as it is in the flesh.

Virtual tour of the Great Pyramid of Giza

Palace of Versailles

Want to feel like a king? Take in the glitz and glamour of Louis XIV’s pad on this virtual tour from Google.

Virtual tour of the Palace of Versailles

More virtual tours by city

Take a virtual tour of New York landmarks

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The Tourist in Your Own Town series can help you discover NYC's gems, including its parks, sacred sites, colonial landmarks, historic houses, museums and skyscrapers. 

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Welcome to Epic Travel Plans!

Epic Travel Plans

Destinations that will leave you Breathless. Plans to make it happen

15 Best INTERACTIVE Virtual Tours of HISTORIC SITES

Eager to explore the world? So am I! I started going on a bunch of virtual tours of famous places and loved them so much that I thought I’d share my favorites with you. Here are the 15 BEST virtual tours of historic sites around the world. ALL are interactive 360 videos or photos. These top tourist destinations will wow you! 

This post is part of a best-of series of virtual tours. Find more incredible  virtual tours , including national parks and waterfalls around the world, wildlife encounters, awesome cities, and crazy adventure travel. 

Historic sites make for the best museums and the best storytellers, hey? By simply standing in a room or overlooking the ruins of days past, you’re immediately transported to another time. Another person’s experiences. And these interactive virtual tours take you right there … past the throngs of tourists and face to face with history. I hope you find these virtual tours of historic sites as inspiring as I do!

Now, if you don’t see the historic site virtual tour you’re looking for, continue to the Summary and Resources section at the bottom. There you’ll find links to more virtual tours of historic sites and other amazing tourist destinations. 

As you read through this list, start creating your travel bucket list … you’ll feel very productive getting all that drooling down in ONE place.

Or, go ahead and plan your next trip . (Or a few … I have!)

This is my list of the best virtual tours of historic sites out there. Enjoy!

1. Xian Warriors Historic Site Virtual Tour (China)

Oh. My. Goodness. Let’s start this list of the BEST virtual tours of historic sites with one incredible famous place.

Even in Chinese, this Xian Warriors virtual tour is AMAZING. Jump down from the tourist walkways to “walk” among the 8,000 some warriors and hundreds of chariots and horses, all in battle position. Zoom in to see traces of colorful paint on their unique expressions. Pan around to the rock and ponder what lies beyond.

This massive mausoleum was created around 210 B.C. All of this was to protect China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. WOW. 

2. Great Wall of China Virtual Tour (China)

Here’s another top tourist destination in China. Given how famous the Great Wall of China is, it isn’t surprising that you can find a few virtual tours. AirPano’s Great Wall of China virtual tour is my favorite. 

Start at Dragon’s Head and click on the informational markers to learn more about this famous place. Move up the incredible climb at Sky Stairs. Enjoy incredible aerial views of destroyed towers and pan around to the great mountain ranges surrounding you. And “look” down to the incredible, ancient wall ruins beneath your feet. 

Want  more  of China? Explore The Forbidden City and Hong Kong in virtual tours of cities , and the Avatar mountains in virtual tours of national parks !

3. Angkor Wat Historic Site Virtual Tour (Cambodia)

Cambodia’s Angkor Wat complex is incredible . It’s one of my happy places, and was a must for this list of best virtual tours of historic sites.

The Angkor Wat virtual tour from Google Maps Street View is pretty great. Explore a number of the Angkor Wat temples and learn a bit about them through the information icons. There’s a bit of a glitch when I try to zoom in with my mouse, but the +/- buttons work.

If you’d prefer a video tour of Angkor Wat, check out this 360 video virtual tour from VR Gorilla. They walk you through a few of the temples, take you on a boat tour past floating villages, and then give you a taste of Siem Reap’s night life.

Interested in Cambodia? Check out my related articles:

• Experiencing Cambodia’s Genocide Sites
• Donating Blood in Cambodia  
• 5 Trusted Charities in SE Asia Every Tourist Should Visit

4. The White House Virtual Tour (United States)

Okay. Let’s jump aaaall the way across the Pacific Ocean to the most famous home in the world: the White House. Google Maps takes us inside this top tourist destination with the White House virtual tour . Sadly, it only includes the public rooms on the main floor. I was really curious about the stairs heading down, but no luck. This virtual tour is pretty basic, but the location is pretty cool to make the list of best virtual tours of historic sites.

Don’t think this is cool enough? How about 360-degree videos of Washington DC’s top tourist destinations ? Open these up in your YouTube app and have fun!

You may also like Hotels for Romantic Getaways in USA

Interested in getting a CHEAP VR headset? Check out Google Cardboard!

5. Anne Frank’s House Virtual Tour (Netherlands)

Now we’ll jump again … over the Atlantic Ocean for virtual tours of historic sites in EUROPE.

And my goodness, this historic site virtual tour is such a treasure. The Anne Frank House virtual tour takes you into the house to see what their lives looked like before and during the Second World War. Climb up to the bookshelf that disguises the Secret Annex. This is where the young girl lived for more than two years, before being discovered. She was sent to the concentration camp, where she died.

Wander through the Anne Frank House virtual tour online. Or, download the free virtual reality app for a more intimate virtual tour of this historic site.

6. Palace of Versailles Virtual Tour (France)

WOW. The Palace of Versailles is certainly among the most grand palaces in the world. And now Google Arts and Culture takes you on a Palace of Versailles virtual tour ! Stroll along the stunning Hall of Mirrors tucked in between the War Room and Peace Room (use the Street View in the link above to enter the side rooms). Don’t forget to look UP!

Then check out the Royal Opera and wander through the gardens. Videos help round out this incredible historic site virtual tour. 

7. Prague Castle Virtual Tour (Czech Republic)

The Prague Castle virtual tour takes you up the hill overlooking the most beautiful city in the world. There are lots of 360-degree images to fall in love with, making this one of the best virtual tours of historic sites!

Explore the gardens and courtyards. Pan up to the buildings towering all around you and zoom in for more detail. Make yourself dizzy spinning in circles under St Vitus Cathedral’s stained glass windows or the Old Royal Palace ceiling. Enjoy the views from the East Gate and Southern Gardens. It’s too bad they didn’t include the view from the steps near Hradcany Square.

Even wandering through the Prague Castle virtual tour leaves me turned around. This is one of the things I really didn’t like when visiting Prague . If you’re planning a real-life visit to this famous place, study the map!

8. Vatican Museum Virtual Tour (Italy)

Have you dreamed of seeing the Vatican’s stunning rooms for yourself? The Vatican Museum virtual tour takes you through Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms, along with other incredible halls and museums. When I took a tour of this famous place in person, I fell in love with Raphael’s Rooms. Can you find him watching you wherever you stand? He’s in all of his rooms. (Like a much more sophisticated Where’s Waldo!)

Just standing on the doorstep looking into the Sistine Chapel is spectacular. Pan up, spin around and zoom in for a closer look of everything that intrigues you. It’ll be a LOT! The only negative to having it all to yourself? No audio, at least what I could find.

Note: The Vatican Museum virtual tour is compatible with WebVR. So put on a virtual reality headset for an even more epic historic site virtual tour! 

9. Roman Colosseum Virtual Tour (Italy)

One of the most stunning architectural feats of its time, and one of the most gut-wrenching historical sites to visit in person. In nearly 400 years of providing “entertainment,” it’s estimated that nearly 400,000 people died here. Plus almost 1 million animals.

Courtesy of Google Maps, the Roman Colosseum virtual tour takes you inside this top tourist destination. Although you can’t sit on the crumbling steps and absorb the heavy atmosphere, you can “walk” around the public areas and imagine what it would’ve been like. Thundering with cheers and chants of the crowd, lion roars and screams cut short. 

A list of best virtual tours of historic sites wouldn’t be complete without the Roman Colosseum.

Want more of Italy? Check out inspiring virtual tours of cities ! Naples, Pompeii … Old Town Taormina in Messina. WOW.

10. Acropolis Virtual Tour (Greece)

Now how about a trek out to Greece? The Acropolis virtual tour takes you up the ancient steps to this historic site overlooking Athens. Not all images give you 360-degree views and some of my favorite real-life views are missing, but it’s still the Acropolis. And there are detailed descriptions with each image … in English, yay! You also get to see it lit up at night.

My favorite real-life and virtual view from this historic site is looking back over your shoulder as you climb up. Can you find Mars Hill? Step carefully on the uneven paths, especially as you near the East Facade of the Parthenon. And take a deep breath as you gaze out over Athens from the Parthenon Through Time spot (near the West Facade).

But I must confess that I found the Acropolis virtual tour a bit frustrating to navigate. Instead of finding a “next” button, I kept going back to the map. But, the detailed descriptions and zooming function still make it fun, and one of the best virtual tours of historic sites you should check out.

11. Holy Land Historic Sites Virtual Tour (Israel/Palestine)

The Holy Land virtual tour takes you through a long list of 45 amazing historic sites. With so many famous places, I found it a little overwhelming. But if you know where you want to go, choose from the drop-down menu (top center) or images (top left).

The Holy Land virtual tour of historic sites is SO insightful. Bright, colorful churches. Lovely architecture. Vivid colors of the River Jordan. I was surprised by how tall the wailing wall is. You can almost imagine walking those sandy stone paths and running your hand along the stone walls. And feeling the Dead Sea mud squishing through your toes! 

12. Petra Virtual Tour (Jordan)

Ahhh … yes!! You HAVE to check out the Petra virtual tour from Google Maps. Definitely one of the BEST virtual tours of historic sites out there. 

Start your Petra virtual tour at the gateway, and wander all the way into the famous monastery at the end. Google’s Street View gives you an audio tour, ambient sounds of the area, and informational icons to learn more. Pan around and move along the path’s arrows (but you can’t zoom in). Climb up the sandy rock steps, gaze down at the desert canyon below and wander in and out of ancient temples.

My only complaint is that I can’t figure out how to stand back from the monastery for that classic photo op. Or find a camel. Can you?

13. Pharaoh Ramesses VI Tomb Virtual Tour (Egypt)

Okay, this site is very cool. Check out the Pharaoh Ramesses VI Tomb virtual tour . It takes you along a beautiful, ornately decorated tunnel into a room dedicated to Pharaoh Ramesses VI. Step over the railing to look closer at the broken tomb and hieroglyphics on the wall. SO. COOL.

Now, you can also take a virtual tour of the Pyramids . You’d think it’d have to be one of the best virtual tours of historic sites, right? But I found Google Maps’ Street View virtual tour disappointing. I couldn’t figure out how to get inside! (If you know the trick, please share in the comments!)

14. Taj Mahal Virtual Tour (India)

Here’s another incredible historic site to explore online. The Taj Mahal virtual tour takes you around the grounds and inside this top tourist destination. You can pan around and zoom in for a closer look. Listen to videos for information on various pieces. And the views of the gardens and Yamuna River are wonderful. 

But I’m sad to report that the Taj Mahal virtual tour has disappointing limitations. You can’t pan up to look at the ceilings nor down when you’re on top of the buildings. The most annoying thing for me, though, was not finding a “next” button and having to go back to the map every time. That said, I still love that I could “see” this famous place for myself. So, it still makes the list of best virtual tours of historic sites!

15. Machu Picchu Historic Site Virtual Tour (Peru)

One of the top tourist destinations in the world, Machu Picchu is definitely on my bucket list. Yours, too? The Machu Picchu virtual tour will make you want to go now ! 

This Machu Picchu virtual tour is easy to navigate and the narration is short and pleasant. The disadvantage of this setup, though, is you can’t just go wherever you want (like you kinda can with Google Maps Street View). I really wanted to go inside the ruined buildings. And sit on the edge and run my fingers through that sand! This historic site virtual tour really only makes me want to go more .

INCREDIBLE. What a way to end this post of the best virtual tours of historic sites!

Want more of South America? Visit incredible waterfalls like Angel Falls and Iguazu Falls, national parks and the Galapagos wildlife !

Summary and Resources

Which of these virtual tours of historic sites make your best-of list? Which top tourist destination are you eager to travel to next?

Other posts you may be interested in:

• 25 virtual tours of beautiful NATIONAL PARKS around the world
• 15 virtual tours of WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS  
• 17 inspiring virtual tours of CITIES

If the famous place YOU were looking for isn’t among my best virtual tours of historic sites, here are two other fun websites to explore:

• AirPano has tons of virtual tours of historic sites and other amazing locations around the world, both by 360-degree photos and HD videos (built for VR headsets). Germany’s famous Neuschwanstein Castle. The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge in China. Russia’s Saint Petersburg. AWESOME. 
• Google Arts & Culture has a huge variety of virtual tours of historic sites and others for you to explore. More palaces, castles and museums. Aquariums. Melbourne Cricket Ground. Many historic sites can be toured with Google Maps Street View, but not all with audio or information icons.

Interested in getting a VR headset? If you’re into gaming or want a good one, reviewers praise the Oculus brand . Otherwise, you CAN get a cheap VR headset. Just check out Google Cardboard !

Know someone who’d enjoy this post? SHARE with a friend!

And now that you’re feeling the travel bug …

• Finally start your travel bucket list (FREE template!)
• Or, start planning your next trip!

Feature photo credit (Xian Warriors): Aaron Greenwood from Unsplash.

6 Responses

Enoued these very much. If anyone is interested, I have a website with over 50 tours. The photography and execution is certainly not as professional as thes 15, bit as a world history teacher I have added accurate historical audio tracks, offering a comprehensive tour of famed sights (as well as those off the beaten path) supplemented by photos I have taken as well as curated videos. The link is: https://tracyanddale.com/VirtualTraveler/index.html

Am I missing something (I’m visually impaired)? I can’t find links to the tours…

I had a virtual tour of the Holy Land. It led me to more than 36 sites with their own spiritual significance. Of course, the original site where a certain event took place are now protected and kept under the church buildings built around them.

Even though the original site was invisible, I could see so many well preserved churches and the people with deep thought on what God has done in those specific places.

The land was somewhat barren with much desert. But I believe it is still a land flowing with milk and honey as God said, over all. Seeing the site, churches and people led me to renew how great God is and how great salvation is through Jesus Christ, as a Christian myself.

Amen. There is something special about this area of the world, that is for sure.

Hi, great site with amazing links which I would love to use with my history student. Only think is that the Holy Land is in Palestine, not stotel territory of İsrael.

I’m so glad you’re enjoying the links! I agree … these virtual tours are pretty incredible.

Thank you for your comment. I’ve updated the post to reflect this.

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Free Online Virtual Tours Of Landmarks And Museums

Most travel plans are on hold for a while during the coronavirus pandemic. To pass the time after working from home with the kids or for a fun digital happy hour with friends , take a vacation without ever leaving your couch. Numerous world-class destinations and man-made marvels offer virtual tours that you can take online while you are social distancing. The other benefit? It's free.

Taj Mahal (India)

A trip to India's majestic and romantic Taj Mahal is a major money investment. But the Google Arts & Culture app lets you wander all around the stunning structure, built by a 17th-century emperor as a monument and tomb for his beloved late wife. It's a great way to explore the intricacies of one of the most mesmerizing places on earth .

National Aquarium (Baltimore, Maryland)

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is one of the most visited tourist attractions in America , and can still be explored from home. Dodge the deadly teeth in Shark Alley, admire the breathtaking Tropical Rain Forest exhibit, or watch the dolphins and jellyfish bob and swim right on the aquarium's website.

Space Center Houston (Houston, Texas)

It's one small step for man, one giant leap for families looking for things to do at home . Download Space Center Houston's app and you can tour the facility to check out shuttle replicas and rockets, and even take a selfie with an astronaut-helmet filter.

Ellis Island (New York)

Many families began their American adventure when they arrived at New York's Ellis Island. The Ellis Island virtual tour by Scholastic lets visitors follow in those immigrants' footsteps, hear their stories, see their photos and learn about the many challenges they had to overcome in the process. This virtual journey could be a great way to cultivate family relationships while spending more time together in the house.

National Baseball Hall of Fame (Cooperstown, New York)

America's pastime is taking an unexpected seventh-inning stretch. While you may not be able to go to the actual filming location of "Field of Dreams," fans can take themselves out to the ballgame via the Google Arts & Culture virtual tour of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Examine vintage photos, signed baseballs, programs, posters, videos and more.

Museum of Flight (Seattle, Washington)

Fly high at Seattle's Museum of Flight. Virtual online tours let you explore such famed aircraft as the Concorde, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a NASA Space Shuttle Trainer, and the Air Force One plane from John F. Kennedy's presidency through photos, 360s and history lessons.

National Women’s History Museum (Virtual)

OK, so it might not be a landmark yet , but the House of Representatives voted to establish a comprehensive women's history museum on Washington, D.C.'s National Mall. While you wait for the brick-and-mortar location, you can explore online exhibits that cover trailblazing women in everything from athletics and suffrage to fashion and civil rights.

U.S. Capitol (Washington, DC)

The U.S. Capitol is a striking building that all history buffs should visit . An impressive online virtual tour lets visitors enjoy 360-degree views of the Capitol Rotunda, Library of Congress and more as if they were in Washington, D.C.

Palace of Versailles (France)

The Palace of Versailles in France is one of many enchanting castles around the world that you can actually visit — both in person and virtually. Homebodies looking to discover decadence can tour the grounds both on the landmark's website and through a Google Arts & Culture virtual tour that takes you into the famed Hall of Mirrors, the Royal Chapel and Coronation Chamber, and zooms in on specific artifacts in 3D.

Yosemite National Park (California)

The amazing natural wonders of Yosemite National Park can actually be experienced from anywhere. The virtual Yosemite online tour eliminates the crowds of tourists and offers sumptuous views of El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and more of the most beautiful places in the national park.

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China stretches thousands of miles across northern China and dates back as early as the third century B.C. With a virtual tour through travel agency The China Guide, you can zoom in and out, move from section to section and never wear out your shoes. An added bonus: Part of the wall is rumored to be haunted , so you don't have to worry about potential spooky sightings.

Acropolis (Greece)

The ancient Acropolis of Athens in Greece is a place everyone should check out in their lifetime , and an online tour gives modern tourists a rare peek back through the centuries. The technology uses high-resolution panoramic photography to highlight the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaea and other stunning views, with helpful histories provided.

The White House (Washington, DC)

The White House, long home to the U.S. president, is the only private home of a head of state that's free and open to the public. The Google Arts & Culture virtual tour lets the curious explore the White House's elegant rooms, offices and artwork, as well as the manicured grounds . There's also a tour of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the castle-like building next to the White House that houses many staff offices.

National Gallery of Art (Washington, DC)

Established in 1937, the National Gallery of Art is one of the largest museums in North America. The Google Arts & Culture virtual tour includes more than 46,000 artworks from the collection, covering everything from Rembrandt self-portraits to Mary Cassatt paintings.

Van Gogh Museum (Netherlands)

Sometimes you need a break from looking at weird happenings online and to just go with something classic. Dutch post-impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh is one of the most famous artists in history, and this museum hosts the world's largest collection of his artwork. The Google Arts & Culture virtual tour features his iconic self-portraits and sunflower art and also showcases lesser-known paintings inside the Netherlands landmark.

The Louvre (France)

Paris' spectacular Louvre museum, home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and many more art masterpieces, is likely on the international bucket list of many. The museum offers numerous virtual tours online, including a stroll through the marvelous Egyptian Antiquities collection. (Pro tip: the tour requires Flash.)

Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton, Ohio)

With the election class of 2019, there are 326 members inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. The Hall's website lets visitors search inductees who have endured it all by name, team, year of induction or even jersey number.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (Cleveland, Ohio)

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum has been rocking Cleveland since 1995. On the website, you can type in the name of your favorite inducted musician or band to see photos, watch videos and read about why they hit all the right notes.

Vatican Museums (Vatican City)

Seeing the Vatican Museums is a travel experience that will change your life , with its wide array of treasures from the extensive collection of the Roman Catholic Church that includes sculptures and Renaissance paintings. The museum's online offerings include numerous 360-degree tours of the legendary Sistine Chapel, Raphael's Rooms, stunning frescoes and more.

New York Public Library, New York

Like museums, many public libraries have closed temporarily due to the coronavirus outbreak. Thankfully, the massive New York Public Library has digitized more than 880,000 items from its collections, ranging from old scrapbooks of New York City to a scanned group of vintage children's books. What better way to escape for a little while than inside the world's most stunning libraries ?

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

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10 of the best virtual tours of the world's natural wonders

If you’re bored of lockdown strolls in the local park, try these online hikes to Everest and Patagonia and a jaw-dropping ascent of El Capitan

10 virtual tours of the world’s most famous landmarks

The Grand Canyon, USA

At 277 miles in length, 18 miles across at its widest, and a maximum 1,857 metres deep, this vast Arizona landmark is grand in nature as well as name. Around 40 sedimentary layers are visible in its steep cliffs, with the oldest basement rocks formed around two billion years ago. Hike the canyon’s Bright Angel Trail via a Google Street View Trek . One of the most popular long-distance routes in the national park (9.3 miles), it zigzags up from the Colorado River to the south rim. Like with other entries in the list, wider exploration is on offer with Google Earth view , which lets users zoom in and out and click into points of interest – the peaks of Wontons Throne or Angels Window, for example – for further information. Another VR project, AirPano , has high-definition 360-degree images for a bird’s eye view of the Red Rocks.

Mount Everest, Nepal

Known in Nepali as Sagarmatha and Tibetan as Chomolungma , the world’s highest peak sits on the border between Nepal and China. Explore Everest’s south base camp in Nepal, at an altitude of 5,380 metres, with interactive 360-degree views of snowy peaks and colourful prayer flags. Via an interactive map , and a 3D rotating viewer, you can gaze at the 8,848-metre summit, plus other Himalayan peaks stretching west into Pakistan and east to Bhutan. Clicking the human-shaped icon on this page highlights all the points around the mountain range that can be explored further at ground level. Views from other peaks, including over the Imja River and mountain villages, are visible in these 360 degree images . There’s also shot of a busier south base camp – it sees about 35,000 visitors a year, after all.

The northern lights

The aurora borealis is a dazzling natural phenomenon caused by Earth’s magnetic field interacting with electrically charged particles from the sun. The lights are visible from countries at high northern latitudes, such as those of Scandinavia, Russia, Iceland, Greenland and Canada. The Norwegian Lights over Lapland project takes travellers on a five-minute journey through a series of 360-degree videos. The virtual trip starts in the Icehotel in Abisko national park, northern Sweden, heads into the wilderness on a reindeer sleigh, passing Lake Torneträsk and an Arctic birch forest on the way to a cosy wooden Sami hut at the base of Mount Noulja. A series of time-lapse videos then show the lights dancing overhead in vibrant streaks and arcs of rippling green. There are 360-degree images with a view from elsewhere in the world, including Iceland , over the Goðafoss waterfall; in Yamal and on the shore of the Barents Sea in Russia; and in several locations around Norway . You could even be lucky enough to witness the lights live via webcam in Manitoba, Canada.

Hang Sơn Đoòng , Vietnam

The world’s largest cave, Hang Sơn Đoòng in central Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park, was explored by scientists for the first time in 2009, after a local man, Ho Khanh, discovered it in 1991, but did not locate it again until many years later. Sơn Đoòng 360 is a project by National Geographic aiming to preserve the cave in digital form before it becomes subject to extensive tourism development. A trek – created from 360-degree images and atmospheric sound effects – heads through light-filled caverns, passing a 70 metre-tall stalagmite called Hand of Dog, and huge sinkhole jungles. Keep an eye out for members of the expedition crew, and take advantage of the high- definition images to zoom into details of the cave’s geology, flora – and fauna, too, if you look hard enough.

Yosemite national park, USA

Yosemite, in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, is a diverse and spectacular natural landscape. It’s home to more than 400 species of animals, including around 500 American black bears, rare snowshoe hares and endangered mastiff bats. Granite monoliths tower over meadows, rivers and forests, including one the park’s most notable sights, El Capitan, standing over 900 metres tall with a near vertical cliff face. US climber Lynn Hill was the first person to free climb (without aid equipment) the challenging Nose route in 1993. Scale the mountain with Hill and her team, learning more about skills, techniques and equipment as you ascend to dizzying heights. The climbers jam their hands into “flakes” of rock and swing across the face to reach vertical cracks, stopping on a ledge, El Cap Tower, for the night. Explore the national park further with these 360-degree images , complete with sound effects, including sound Ahwahnee Meadow and Nevada Fall.

Zhāngjiājiè national forest park, China

The quartz-sandstone pillars of Zhāngjiājiè – pronounced jaang-jyaa-jie – were the inspiration for the floating peaks of the Hallelujah Mountains in James Cameron’s Avatar film. Their unique shape is caused by physical erosion from water, ice and the roots of trees and foliage. Take flight around these towering natural columns – some stretching up over 1,000 metres – in an interactive video tour exploring the site, and zoom into high definition 360 degree shots from the sky. The park is also home to an ancient temple from 870AD, the cliffside Bailong glass elevator, and the world’s highest and longest glass bridge, strung between mountains 300 metres up, and a busy tourist spot – though seen in these 360-degree images with fewer crowds.

Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland

This fantastical section of County Antrim’s Atlantic coastline is made up of more than 40,000 interlocking, geometric (mostly hexagonal) basalt columns. Legend has it that the unusual rock formations are the remains of a stepping-stone causeway path to Scotland, built by giants. Scientists believe they were in fact formed by lava flowing into the sea, as molten basalt erupted through chalk beds 50 to 60 million years ago. The National Trust has created a series of virtual tours, with views from Aird Snout headland and by the water’s edge in the bay of Port Noffer at different times of day. There are also sweeping views from above to explore elsewhere, including the Carrick A Rede trail and rope bridge.

Perito Moreno glacier, Argentinian Patagonia

Despite the climate crisis causing many of the Earth’s glaciers to shrink, the defiant Perito Moreno remains largely undiminished; if anything, scientists say it’s growing. Covering 97 square miles of Los Glaciares national park, it is fed by the melting waters of the south Patagonian ice fields in the Andes. A set of interactive images on 360cities, give an impression of the scale (use the white arrows to click between views), as well as the variations of blue – the less oxygen in the ice, the bluer it gets. An immersive video tour of the wilderness beyond the glacier, created by the Guardian in 2018 (above), takes viewers around the varied landscape of the protected Parque Patagonia, passing turquoise rapids, a rainbow and a pack of guanacos roaming the plains.

Ambrym volcano, Vanuatu

This virtual tour ventures down into one of the world’s most active volcanoes, just a few metres from a churning 1,200C lava lake. It follows adventurers Ulla Lohmann and Sebastian Hoffmann, a couple who make documentary films, along with volcanologist Thomas Boyer, who descend together to the third terrace of Benbow, one of the main vents of the Ambrym volcano, on the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu.. The short interactive film joins the team as they prepare for the expedition, travel to base camp, up to the rim beyond the jungle, into the ash plain, and abseil down into the crevice, sitting just 60m away from the lava. The longer hair-raising 25-minute documentary , Spitting Distance – The Descent Into a Raging Volcano, is also available online.

Namib desert dunes, Namibia

The swirling sculptural patterns the Namib desert’s sand dunes stretch for 31,000 square miles across the Namib-Naukluft national park in southern Africa. Some of the largest can be found in the Sossusvlei area, home to mountainous swathes of pink-orange sand, including the 388m-high Dune 7, which sits opposite Big Daddy at 325m, and Big Mamma, 198m. There are several interactive 360-degree images offering views from the giant dune ridges. The tour also includes the iconic Deadvlei, a salty clay pan backdrop to blackened, dead acacia trees; mist approaching from the sea of the Skeleton Coast; and a starlit scene showing the Milky Way.

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11 Fantastic Virtual Visits To The World’s Most Famous Landmarks

Sharon Odegaard

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Have you been longing to visit some of the world’s landmarks? If you can’t get there in the near future, the next best way to visit is via an awesome virtual tour.

You may find yourself turning to virtual tours to help you plan your travel bucket list . And you may enjoy an online tour of places you have been and want to see again, maybe in more detail than you were able to experience in person.

Along with the visual tours offered by the following landmarks, you can hear or read about the history of the site, which will enrich your “visit.” Read on to learn about the style of tour offered by each place. Explore these landmarks now from the comfort of your home to satisfy your wanderlust and inspire future adventures!

Eiffel Tower

1. Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower , iconic symbol of Paris, is a famous landmark worth visiting. It’s tall, unique, amazingly complicated in structure, and recently turned 130 years old. In honor of this anniversary, a special video tour is now available. This 360-degree virtual reality tour (accessible via the YouTube video) shows you the Eiffel Tower from both outside and inside. In just three minutes, you can “ride” the lift and enjoy the panoramic views of Paris. You will really feel as if you are there, with Parisian-style music playing, too.

Delve deeper into your exploration of the Eiffel Tower with two virtual tours called Explore and The Tower . The first is an experience of the tower, including a visit to its three different levels. The second offers a look at the history of the tower, with details about how it was built, how it is painted, and the illuminations each evening when the tower lights sparkle for five minutes on the hour.

These online tours are enjoyable, whether you’ve never visited the Eiffel Tower in person or have been there many times.

2. Palace Of Versailles And The Hall Of Mirrors

First a palace and then a museum open to the public, the Palace of Versailles houses more than 60,000 pieces of art that span more than five centuries of French history. The palace itself leaves visitors in awe. And the Hall of Mirrors is one of the highlights of a visit to the palace.

At the time of its creation in 1584, the Hall of Mirrors represented status and prosperity. The French lagged behind the Venetians in the manufacturing of mirrors. This room with its 357 large, luxurious mirrors showed the new might of the French economy.

Now you can tour this room virtually and then study the gallery of art one painting or sculpture at a time. Not only is this room beautiful, with light from the garden reflecting off the wall of mirrors, but it is also historic. Here, the Treaty of Versailles was signed at the end of World War I. Court festivities such as weddings took place here, and foreign dignitaries were bedazzled by the sparkling hall.

The Colosseum

3. The Colosseum In Rome

A world-famous landmark in the middle of Rome , the Colosseum is visited by masses of people year-round. Now you can go on an hour-long virtual tour offered by the Colosseum’s official website.

Construction of the Colosseum started in 70 A.D. and was finished about 20 years later. Today, this grand structure is officially a ruin. Stones, bronze, and bricks were “borrowed” through the years, leaving the Colosseum without some of its top level. The roof over the gladiator dressing area is long gone. The ruined nature of the Colosseum adds to its romance and intrigue.

The virtual tour takes you with a tour group down into the lower levels where the gladiators dressed and prepared for their showdowns. It’s fascinating to look out into the Colosseum and see what they saw as they called on their bravery to enter the ring.

The same website has virtual tours of other amazing sites in Rome, including the Vatican, Capitoline Hill, and the interior of the Pantheon.

4. Schonbrunn Palace

Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna is a top-of-the-list sight to see when you are in this city. The palace showcases the lavish lifestyle of royalty and was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. Visitors to this palace included young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Napoleon Bonaparte. Marie Antoinette of Versailles fame spent her childhood here.

A virtual tour of Schonbrunn Palace allows you to take your time soaking in the elegance and beauty of the different rooms. When I took the audio tour in person, I did feel a bit rushed along. The opportunity to look as long as you please online is welcome.

What began as a hunting lodge in the 1500s grew into the palatial home and extensive gardens you see today. The estate remained a summer country house until Emperor Charles VI gifted it to his daughter Maria Theresa in 1728. Under her reign, Schonbrunn transformed into the center of court life. As many as 1,000 people lived here. The familiar yellow exterior color chosen by her is known as Maria Theresa Yellow.

On the virtual tour, you see 40 rooms of the palace. Be sure to look at the lovely Great Gallery. This served as a ballroom and banquet hall. The extravagant candelabras and chandeliers and the painted ceilings are an unforgettable sight.

Westminster Abbey

5. Westminster Abbey

The history and beauty are rich and layered at Westminster Abbey. The church you see today, built in the 1200s, serves as the resting place for kings and queens, poets and statesmen. Royal weddings and funerals have been held here. And Westminster Abbey still serves as a place of worship.

The excellent virtual tour shows you a close-up and detailed look at some of the treasures of the abbey, including the Grave of the Unknown Warrior, the High Altar, and the Coronation Chair. You can also take virtual tours to delve into the history of the building of the abbey and objects related to the monarchy.

These are wonderful tours to take virtually, even if you have visited Westminster Abbey. I have toured the church twice, but photos are strictly forbidden, so I have no visual memories to remind me of my trips. The in-depth virtual tours bring to mind all that I’ve seen and may not remember.

6. Tower Of London

Experience being transported back in time with a tour of the Tower of London, a complex of different towers and a palace. The Tower of London also houses an exhibition of the official Crown Jewels. William the Conqueror built his home here after his military victory in 1066. He considered the tower’s spot on the Thames River ideal for a fortress. The tower expanded through the next five centuries, with kings and queens living in the White Tower and prisoners cast into the forbidding tower just across the walkway. The most famous of all who lost their heads in the courtyard was Anne Boleyn, one of the wives of Henry VIII.

The virtual tour of the Tower of London shows you a variety of 360-degree views while a detailed narration talks about what’s happened here. For example, you can see the actual spot of Anne Boleyn’s execution while listening to the story and learning what she did to protect her daughter.

National Trust

7. Giant’s Causeway

Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is a natural landmark that draws visitors from around the world. The causeway is made up of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns deposited on the coastline by volcanic eruption. Some of the columns are as high as 39 feet, though many are much shorter. A charming Irish story claims the Giant’s Causeway was built by, yes, a giant.

If you can’t get to Northern Ireland, you can still place yourself right in the middle of the columns of the Giant’s Causeway with this multi-part 360-degree virtual tour . Be sure to turn on the sound so you can hear the gentle ocean waves as you watch.

8. Acropolis

The Acropolis (the commonly shortened reference to the Acropolis of Athens in Greece) is an ancient citadel built on a short, rocky hill and made up of several buildings. The most well-known of its structures is the Parthenon, with its marble Doric columns. The Parthenon is one of the newest parts of the Acropolis and was completed in 432 B.C.

Once built, the Acropolis served as a center for intellectual teaching and theater. According to the Acropolis’s official virtual tour page, today, it is a “global symbol of the human ability to know and understand,” as well as a symbol of beauty and harmony in the world.

The virtual tour is a flowing look at the Acropolis from every angle, both overhead and inside. During the four-minute tour, you’ll see the crumbling columns, weathered sculptures, and the setting of the Acropolis over the city of Athens.

Google Arts & Culture

9. Taj Mahal

This white marble building, recognizable far and wide, is the mausoleum commissioned in 1632 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan when his wife Mumtaz Mahal died. It also is the tomb of Shah Jahan. The Taj Mahal complex includes a guest house and formal gardens. Construction employed about 20,000 artisans. This stunning landmark was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, as it is “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.”

You can view the Taj Mahal up close with this Google Arts and Culture tour . Click on the small numbers on the right-hand side of the screen for different viewpoints, then click and drag or click the arrows on the compass to look around each area.

If you want to know more about the Taj Mahal and its history, its official website offers a wealth of information. You will be inspired reading about this “immortal poem in white marble,” also called “the finest expression of love of an emperor for his queen.”

10. Great Wall Of China

Stretching more than 3,000 miles, the Great Wall of China is a wonder of the world. You can tour parts of the wall virtually and imagine what it’s like to walk along this structure that’s more than 2,000 years old. The wall served as defense against invaders, so it features ramparts, trenches, and fortresses. It was also a way to control duties collected for goods transported on the Silk Road. Most of the well-known parts of the wall were constructed of brick from the 1300s to the 1600s, during the Ming dynasty.

A virtual tour of the portion of the wall from Jinshanling to Simatai is free. If you want to go on to tour other parts of the wall, you can pay $5 for access. The wall at Beijing is considered the main entry point, so you may want to pay this small fee to see that area.

National Park Service

11. Statue Of Liberty

The lady who welcomes people to the U.S. gateway of New York City stands tall as a landmark representing democracy and freedom. The statue of Liberty Enlightening the World came as a gift from France to the U.S., dedicated in 1886. It is now a national monument cared for by the National Park Service.

You have two worthwhile ways to tour this landmark online. The e-tour of the Statue of Liberty (requires Flash and may not cooperate on all computers or devices) presented by the National Park Service is quite impressive. An introduction and 18 sections acquaint you with the history and meaning of the colossal copper lady. And the virtual tour on the official website takes you inside the torch and her face, allowing you to look out on New York Harbor.

You will see nearby Ellis Island, where immigrants were processed into the U.S. for decades, as you look out of the Statue of Liberty. You can also take a virtual tour of Ellis Island and venture inside this historic building.

Which of the landmarks caught your attention? Did any of these tours whet your appetite to visit in person? One I’ve been wanting to visit for years is the Acropolis. Taking the tour online and delving into the history has me more determined than ever to go someday.

As the owner of the travel blog, Exploring Our World , Sharon enjoys taking her readers on a journey with her. Articles often delve into the history of a place, and by adding in a generous number of photos, she inspires others to explore for themselves. In her early travels, she was most frustrated by coming back home and learning that she had missed a fascinating sight or a hidden gem. Now she helps travelers prepare for a trip by passing along travel tips, pointing out lesser known things to see, and alerting them to enjoyable day trips from major cities.

Her travel articles have been published by Stripes Europe Newsletter and the World War 2 Writing and Research Center. Whether she's discovering more about her hometown of San Diego, California or flying to faraway places, she enjoys sharing with travel lovers around the world.

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.

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The best virtual tours to explore the world from home

Oct 8, 2020 • 5 min read

The Sistine Chapel is just one wonder offering a virtual museum tour ©Rajesh Gathwala/500px

We live in an age of unprecedented access to digital technology – and with it, brand new ways of exploring the world around us.

While it's not quite the same as seeing, say, the Mona Lisa or Christ the Redeemer in person, some of the world’s most popular and remote destinations have created libraries of online images and video, as well as 360 degree virtual tours that let you virtually explore museums, galleries, world wonders and even national parks.

Here a just a few of the best digital tours that let you wander the world from wherever you may be social distancing.

See the seven wonders of the world

If there’s anything capable of whetting your appetite for world travel, it is the new seven wonders of the world:  the Great Wall of China , the ancient city of Petra , the Taj Mahal , the Colosseum , Machu Picchu , Christ the Redeemer , and Chichen Itza . Thankfully there are impressive virtual tours of each from The New York Times , AirPano , Google , and Panoramas .

With modern technology, you can even see the last standing wonder of the ancient world— The Pyramids of Giza . There are a few other wonders that might not make it into to the top seven but are still worth a digital peek, like the Alhambra , Seville's La Giralda , and even Easter Island.

Best virtual museum tours

In recent years, Google has partnered with over 2,5000 art museums to upload high-resolution versions of millions of pieces of art. Highlights include New York’s MoMA , DC’s National Gallery of Art , Chicago’s Art Institute , the Casa Battl ó, and Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum to name a few.

In addition, The Louvre offers a virtual tour , as do The Vatican Museums , many of the Smithsonian Museums , the Russian Museum , the top-rated British Museum , the Minneapolis  Museum of Russian Art , and the Palace Museum in Beijing.

You may not be able to kiss the Blarney Stone right now, but you can tour the Blarney Castle from afar. You can also visit the Museum of Flight,  the Museum of Science, the Museum of Natural History,  the National Women's History Museum  and Boston's History of Science Museum .

While museums are often an inherently visual experience, there's a lot to be learned from archives of past lectures and tours like the ones preserved online by Nashville's Frist Museum , the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Smithsonian American Art Museum,  the Frick , and others.

You might also like:  Broadway might be closed, but here’s how to stream the best performances from your home

Explore national parks

While travel to National Parks is best avoided for the time being, you don't need to miss out on the scenery. Virtual Yosemite is absolutely stunning and one of the best, replete with audio. Both Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore offer virtual tours as well. 

Google has similar 360 degree audio-visual tours of five select national parks, including Kenai Fjords, Hawai'i Volcanos , Carlsbad Caverns, Bryce Canyon , and Dry Tortugas, as well as 31 more on Google Earth . You can also get an up-close look at almost 4,000 pieces of artwork, artifacts, and other treasures related to the history and culture of the national parks, and view online exhibits .

Digital safaris

Wildlife is a big draw for travelers, whether it's sighting some of the Big Five in Africa, glimpsing whales in North America, or introducing your children to new animals in person on a family safari . But if you're forays into the bush are grounded for now, many zoos and aquariums have created digital access to their habitats.

You can easily watch several live webcams of some of the nation’s greatest zoos and aquariums, including the  San Diego Zoo , Houston Zoo , Zoo Atlanta , the Tennessee Aquarium , and the Georgia Aquarium . Additionally you can see Canadian farm animals doing their thing , or you could watch Stella the Dog jump endlessly into huge piles of Maine leaves.

You may also like:  These nine wildlife web cams offer access to your favorite animals

Virtual hiking

Thanks to panoramic video, you can get a really good idea of what a hike looks like well before you arrive at the trailhead. For example, you can experience all of the following top-rated hikes right now from your computer or tablet:  Bryce Canyon , Grand Canyon , GR20 , Inca Trail , and the death-defying Angel's Landing . For even more great hikes, simply YouTube one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 treks or any other hike that suits your fancy. Bonus points if you follow along during a workout to enhance the realism.

Famous landmarks

You can visit many wonders of nature, including the Amazon Rainforest , Iguazu Falls , the Komodo Islands , or Table Mountain , using virtual tours. Or you can explore the Statue of Liberty , the Sahara Desert , Niagara Falls , or even a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower . For even more virtual tours, search your bucket list of adventures with  AirPano , Google Earth , or YouTube .

Travel to outer space

The moon hasn't made it to Lonely Planet's Best In Travel list (yet!), and even without self-isolation and shelter-in-place measures for COVID-19, many of us may never travel to space. But thanks to technology, now is as good of a time as any to do so virtually. Before blasting off, considering touring some of NASA’s offices first. Then relive the last lunar missions and moon walks in stunning HD. Or take a virtual tour of Mars with the help of Google. 

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This article was originally published March 2020 and was last updated October 2020.

This article was first published Mar 18, 2020 and updated Oct 8, 2020.

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• 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

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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!

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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 . 

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Virtual Travel

A Smithsonian magazine special report

Take a Free Virtual Tour of Five Egyptian Heritage Sites

The sites include the 5,000-year-old tomb of Meresankh III, the Red Monastery and the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Barquq

Theresa Machemer

Correspondent

Earlier this month, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the release of five new virtual tours of historic sites, adding to the range of online adventures that you can now embark on from home.

The tours explore the tomb of Meresankh III , the tomb of Menna , the Ben Ezra Synagogue , the Red Monastery and the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Barquq . Each virtual experience features detailed 3-D imagery through which users can “walk” by clicking hotspots along the structures’ floors.

As James Stewart reports for the Guardian , the tours boast “beefed up” 3-D modeling made by experts with Harvard University’s Giza Project . Unlike their real counterparts, most of which charge a small entry fee, the virtual renderings are free to all.

“The virtual tours target both [international] tourists and Egyptians, a ministry spokesperson tells Al-Monitor ’s Amira Sayed Ahmed. “They serve the double purpose of promoting Egyptian tourism nationwide and increasing Egyptians' awareness of their own civilization.”

Two of the tours—the tombs of Meresankh III and elite Egyptian official Menna —include background information accessible by clicking circles overlaid atop specific features. The former’s tomb, dated to some 5,000 years ago, is the oldest of the Egyptian sites available as a virtual walkthrough. Meresankh, a queen wed to King Khafre, was the daughter of Prince Kawab and Hetepheres II of the fourth dynasty, and the granddaughter of Great Pyramid builder Cheops, also known as Khufu.

Harvard archaeologist George Andrew Reisner discovered the queen’s tomb in 1927. He later stated that “None of us had ever seen anything like it.” Today, the burial place’s paintings and carvings remain well-preserved, showcasing hunters catching water birds, bakers making triangular loaves of bread and servants holding offerings.

In the northern chamber, along the wall furthest from the virtual tour’s starting point, ten statues of women stand shoulder to shoulder—an unusual sight among Gaza tombs. The statues “serve to emphasize Meresankh’s position among her queenly relatives,” the tour explains. Along the path to the 16-foot-deep burial shaft, users pass a pair of statues depicting Meresankh and her mother, Hetepheres II, with their arms around each other.

The path leads down a spiraling staircase into the burial shaft, where Meresankh’s black granite sarcophagus—originally created for her mother but re-engraved upon the queen’s death in 2532 B.C., according to the History Blog —was originally found. The tour includes a reconstructed image of the chamber with the sarcophagus in place, but the actual coffin is now kept at the Egyptian Antiquities Museum in Cairo.

The tomb of Menna, dated to the 18th dynasty (about 1549 B.C to 1292 B.C.), is “one of the most visited and best preserved” from the era, the ministry writes in a statement quoted by Live Science ’s Laura Geggel. The tomb’s decorations suggest the elite official was a scribe in charge of the pharaoh’s fields and the temple of sun god Amun-Re.

Menna’s tomb also includes informational blurbs highlighting such features as paintings of the scribe’s family, including his wife Henuttawy and their five children. Curiously, all of the paintings of Menna have been defaced.

“The ancient Egyptians believed that the soul of a person inhabited paintings of them and destroying the face would ‘deactivate’ the image,” the tour notes. “Why would someone want to destroy the memory of Menna?”

The tomb also served as a point of communication with the dead. It once featured life-size statues of Menna and Henuttawy that family members could make offerings to, ask for favors or visit during festivals.

The other three tours do not offer information blurbs at this time, but they still have plenty of detailed 3-D imagery for virtual visitors to explore. The Red Monastery , a Coptic church in Upper Egypt, features ornate frescoes, while the 14th-century Mosque-Madrassa is known for its immense size and innovative architecture. The Ben Ezra Synagogue in Old Cairo is alleged to be the site where baby Moses was found.

“Experience Egypt from home,” says the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on Facebook . “Stay home. Stay safe.”

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Theresa Machemer | READ MORE

Theresa Machemer is a freelance writer based in Washington DC. Her work has also appeared in National Geographic and SciShow. Website: tkmach.com

6 genius AI features in Google Maps you need to try

• Google Maps integrates AI to provide immersive view of routes, landmarks, traffic and weather.
• Use Google Lens in Maps for real-time information on buildings, ratings and hours.
• Discover specific places and photos by searching with AI through reviews, local guides, and images on Google Maps.

Artificial intelligence is the key driving factor of Google’s latest big features , from smartphones to Search. However, some of the brand’s biggest AI hacks can be found in an app already on many Android and Apple devices: Google Maps .

The latest AI features inside feel like what would happen if Google’s Search and Maps had an illegitimate love child. Google Maps now functions more like Search to find exactly the place you’re looking for. The AI also integrates Google’s extensive knowledge to take Maps beyond just driving directions. AI will now help drivers visualize their routes, showing what landmarks are at each turn and even what the traffic and weather will be like at that time of day. As a photographer, I’m ecstatic about the new ability to type in a feature, like "brick buildings" or "parks with bridges," to find a location based on photos, not just its name.

Google Maps’ new AI features are so impressive, I may just leave Apple Maps behind for good. Here are six new AI features inside Google Maps that you need to try for yourself.

I tested Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze to see which app is actually better

Visualize your route or preview places with immersive view, see the landmarks, traffic and even weather for your route.

If you tend to drive by landmarks, knowing to turn at the tall red building may be more helpful than knowing to turn down State Street. Directions with I Immersive View are designed to provide not just those landmark details but also insights into traffic and weather. Immersive View uses AI to create an interactive view from Street View images, allowing you to virtually travel through the route before you actually do.

Besides giving you a visual cue as to when your turn is coming up, Immersive View also uses Google’s traffic and weather data to simulate those conditions. Tapping on the clock icon allows you to see the route at a certain time of day. You’ll see more or fewer cars on the road based on how busy the street usually is, and the AI will also simulate the weather conditions.

Immersive View is available in select cities, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Florence, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Paris, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Tokyo, and Venice. If the option is available in your area, you’ll see a preview of Immersive View with a 3D icon in the lower-left corner after you type in your route details. Tap on that preview to see a full-screen Immersive Preview. Tap the clock and drag the time slider to see how the route changes at different times of the day.

Like the Immersive View for map routes, you can also use AI to preview certain places . This feature combines Google’s Street View with landmarks so you can check them out before you go. The process works similarly to using the feature for routes. Search for your landmark. If Immersive View is available, the first image in the search results will show a preview labeled Immersive View. Tap on that preview to view it in full screen. The feature is available only in some cities and not for every landmark.

Like the route view, Immersive View for landmarks allows you to preview what the place will look like at different times of the day. For example, you can tap on the clock and preview the different times of day to see whether you’ll get better photos at sunrise or sunset, or see when the rain is predicted to hit.

5 reasons why I use Waze instead of Google Maps

Use google lens as a virtual tour guide, just point your camera to find anything from restaurants to atms.

Google Lens uses AI to detail what you are seeing through your smartphone camera in real time. Google has now integrated this feature into Maps, which means you can pan your camera around a new city and see what each building is, along with its rating and hours. You can also use it for tasks like finding an ATM. Essentially, mixing Maps and Lens allows Google to act as a virtual tour guide.

To find Google Lens, tap on the search bar inside Google Maps, then tap the camera icon. The Lens-Maps integration is only available in certain cities, so if you don’t see the camera icon, the feature isn’t yet available at your location.

I tested Google Maps against Waze to see which is really better

Find an ev charging station that isnt broken, or plan the best stops to power up.

Google Maps can help EV drivers find a charging station. With AI, electric drivers can access even more information. When you search for charging stations, Maps will now display when the station was last used, a good indicator of whether the charging station is functional or out-of-order. You’ll also see feedback from other drivers on how fast the charger is.

Maps will also help EV drivers find the best charging stations to stop at during longer trips, using your route and the rating of the charging station.

Google Maps is making it easier to find your next EV charge

Search maps just like google for specific places and photos, maps will now use photos to find exactly what you are looking for.

Google has long been the destination for searches like, "things to do in Seattle." But the AI now integrated into Google Maps allows me to use the location app to find places in much the same way. While you’ve long been able to type destinations into the search bar on Google Maps, the integrated AI looks not just at the name of a location but also searches through reviews, Local Guides, and, most importantly, photos.

The new Discover Through Photos update helps find specific oddities, such as a coffee shop with latte art, by searching through photos taken at that location. This means you can even find things that aren’t explicitly stated on the location’s website or reviews. As a photographer, I’m excited at the possibility of being able to search for things like "brick buildings" or "park with a bridge" to find possible locations that match the vibe I want in my photos.

How I quickly find and check my elevation on Google Maps

There’s no trick to using this new feature -- just type what you are looking for into the search bar. Tap on Discover Through Photos if you want to look through images that match your search. While this feature is more widespread, like other AI features, access varies by location. You’ll find better results searching for specifics in a large city.

How often does Google Maps update Street View?

See exactly where to walk with ar, overlay google's instructions on your camera's view.

Walking rather than driving? Google's augmented reality mode will overlay the instructions with your camera's view. This allows you to see exactly what path and direction to take.

To find Google Maps' Live View, type in the destination as you normally would, then be sure to choose walk, as the feature isn't available for driving. Then tap the Live View button next to the start button.

What is Google Maps AR navigation and Live View and how do you use it?

Coming soon: ask ai to plan your trip, an ai-powered chatbot experience is coming to google maps soon.

While AI is already powering more search tools for Maps, generative AI will soon expand that capability even further. Earlier this year, Google announced an upcoming update that uses generative AI to find specific places. The AI searches through not just the web but also the location’s reviews and photos. Like talking with an AI chatbot, you can also ask follow-up questions if you don’t get the results you are looking for. For example, if you ask for activities to do on a rainy day, you might want to follow up with kid-friendly options or a nearby place to eat lunch.

This integrated generative AI works with both typed questions and audio. Google has already rolled this feature out to select Local Guides, but not all users have full access to this feature yet.

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Deteriorating cave, a WWII landmark, scanned for 3D preservation on Okinawa

Ikemiya Shokai Co. Ltd., a printing and scanning company in Naha, is developing a 3D tour of Todoroki Cave in time for the Battle of Okinawa’s 80th anniversary next year. (Itoman city)

ITOMAN, Okinawa — The southernmost city on Okinawa is working to create a virtual tour of a deteriorating landmark that provided shelter to refugees and others in the final days of World War II.

Ikemiya Shokai Co. Ltd., a printing and scanning company in Naha, is developing a 3D tour of Todoroki Cave in time for the Battle of Okinawa’s 80th anniversary next year, an Itoman city spokesman told Stars and Stripes by email on May 10.

The final product, which will be similar to a Google Street View, will be available on the city’s website.

The three-month battle in spring and summer 1945 claimed 49,000 U.S. casualties, including 12,500 troops killed or missing. Another 110,000 Japanese troops were killed, and 100,000 civilians were either killed or ordered to die by suicide by the Japanese military.

Many of the latter took cover in caves like Todoroki.

The 330-foot cave was also home to government offices, where the prefectural governor at the time, Akira Shimada, and other officials took shelter and eventually announced the cessation of all their governmental duties.

More than 600 citizens were rescued from the cave by the U.S. military when the war ended, according to Itoman city’s website.

“The cave is very important to locals since there are worship places where many locals pray, and it also serves as a destination for students from other prefectures for peace education,” the spokesman said.

The cave is deteriorating, however, as evidenced by repeated instances of falling rocks. The city posted a sign warning visitors against entering the cave because of its dangerous condition.

The city decided to scan the cave in 3D to preserve it and allow visitors to see it safely, the spokesman said.

“Scanning the cave was quite challenging due to the uneven floor and the conditions inside, which were dark and humid,” Ikemiya Shokai president Taku Ikemiyagi told Stars and Stripes by phone Wednesday.

The city initiated the project in Japanese fiscal year 2023 and is planning to release the virtual tour on its website by the end of this fiscal year, which ends March 31, 2025, the spokesman said.

The scans were made this February and March, and the data is now being processed.

“We are planning to release a 360-degree virtual tour where visitors can navigate to the direction they want from the cave’s entrance. Additionally, we will provide explanations at some important points,” the spokesman said.

Many Japanese government officials speak to the media only on condition of anonymity.

Ikemiyagi said the company is compiling information and images of the cave to integrate with the virtual tour.

“For instance, there’s a photograph of a U.S. soldier encouraging surrender at the cave’s entrance,” he said “We aim to associate that image with the location so that people can understand the events that transpired there.”

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Park Hotel Bogorodsk

View prices for your travel dates

Finding an ideal hotel in Elektrostal does not have to be difficult. Welcome to Park Hotel Bogorodsk, a nice option for travellers like you.

Rooms at Park Hotel Bogorodsk provide a kitchenette, a refrigerator, and a seating area.

In addition, while staying at Park Hotel Bogorodsk guests have access to a concierge and room service. You can also enjoy a lounge.

Close to Statue of Lenin (1.5 mi), a popular Elektrostal landmark, Park Hotel Bogorodsk is a great destination for tourists.

Travellers looking for Italian restaurants can head to Apelsin or Dodo Pizza.

There is no shortage of things to do in the area: explore popular art museums such as Electrostal History and Art Museum.

Park Hotel Bogorodsk puts the best of Elektrostal at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.

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THE 10 BEST Dzerzhinsky Sights & Historical Landmarks

Dzerzhinsky landmarks.

• Monuments & Statues
• Churches & Cathedrals
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Sacred & Religious Sites
• Architectural Buildings
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• District South-Western (YuZAO)
• Butovo North
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Nikolo-Ugreshskiy Monastery

2. Church of the Savior Transfiguration of Ugresh Monastery of St. Nicholas

3. Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin in the Ugresh Monastery of St. Nicholas

4. Temple of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist of Ugresh Monastery of St. Nicholas

5. Chapel of Phenomena Image of St. Nicholas in Nikolo-Ugreshskiy Monastery

6. Temple of the Mother of God of All Who Sorrow Ugresh Nicholas Monastery

7. Monument to Dmitriy Donskoi

8. Peter and Paul Church in Ugresh Monastery of St. Nicholas

9. Cathedral of St. Nicholas

10. Monument to Creators of Missile Shield of Russia

11. Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

12. Sculpture Crying Boy

13. Chapel of the Passion of Nikolo-Ugreshskiy Monastery

14. Monument to Dzerzhinskiy

15. Dmitriy Donskoi's Temple

16. temple of holy spirit.

17. Temple of Makariy Nevskiy

18. Palestinian wall of the Nikolo-Ugreshsky monastery

19. Chapel of Our Lady of the Perishing

20. Pamyatniki A. S. Pushkinu

21. Memorial of the Great Patriotic War

22. Monument to Veterans of Local Wars

23. Monument-bust to academician B.P. Zhukov

24. Monument to St. Nicholas

25. Tserkov' Pitmana Ugreshskoy

26. pamyatnik prepodobnomu antoniyu kiyevo-pecherskomu.