13 Ancient Ruins To See Around The World -| International Traveller

Sacrificial altars, cryptic stone circles and mysteriously abandoned cities – does it get any better than this?

The places we live, work, eat and play at often feel like they will last forever. But when you’re standing in a jungle in the ancient ruins of a stone house whose owners died thousands of years ago, you quickly realise they definitely won’t.

Travellers have long been chasing this feeling. Being drawn to monuments of our ancestors’ ancient way of life allows us to reflect on the fact that nothing lasts forever. And while countless ancient ruins are yet to be discovered, there are plenty of astonishing ones you should try to see in your lifetime.

1. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

One of the world’s most recognisable sites, the Pyramids of Giza was built in the 26th century BCE on the Giza Plateau near Cairo. They are the only surviving structure of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The site includes the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the slightly smaller Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure and the Great Sphinx. Abu Simbel and Luxor Temple are far away in southern Egypt, but wannabe archaeologists should try to visit them as well!

the Pyramids of Giza near Cairo in Egypt — The Pyramids of Giza are the only surviving structure of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. (Image: Alessandro Zanini)

2. Tikal, Guatemala

The largest and most impressive example of pre-Columbian Maya architecture, the ancient city of Tikal in Central America is part of the Tikal National Park, which consists of thousands of ruined structures over hundreds of square metres of tropical rainforest.

Dating back as far as the 4th century CE, the ancient city is home to ceremonial pyramids, funerary acropolises, temples and palaces, and was one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya.

ancient city of Tikal in Guatemala, Central America — Tikal was one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. (Image: Jimmy Baum)

3. Pompeii and Herculaneum, Italy

These two Roman towns are well-known for being preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Pompeii, located on the lower slopes, is better known, while Herculaneum, closer to the volcano, was buried in a thicker layer of pyroclastic material, which preserved many wooden structures and organic materials.

Both sites reveal much about Roman life, including the sad fate of the towns.

sunset in Pompeii, Italy — Visit the city frozen in time. (Image: Candré Mandawe)

4. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, above the Sacred Valley. Built in the 15th century, it was later abandoned for unknown reasons.

The site includes temples, farmland terraces and palaces, with over a million tourists drawn to the awe-inspiring remains of the Inca civilisation at dizzying heights every year.

Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, above the Sacred Valley — Machu Picchu was abandoned for unknown reasons. (Image: Eddie Kiszka)

5. Petra and Siq al-Barid, Jordan

The city of Petra dates back thousands of years. Today, it is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. Carved directly into sandstone cliffs, Petra served as the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and is celebrated for structures such as the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) and the Monastery (Ad-Deir) that seem to glow twilight pink.

Millions of tourists visit every year. If you want a more crowd-free visit as well, stop by Siq al-Barid north of Petra.

the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) in Petra, Jordan — Petra is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. (Image: Moxin Wang)

6. Prambanan Temple, Indonesia

The Prambanan Temple Compounds, built in the 9th century CE, are the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, built by a powerful Javanese dynasty. Dedicated to the Hindu Gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, the site originally consisted of 240 temples, though many have been lost or damaged.

Mysteriously, the complex was abandoned very soon after it was built. The site is UNESCO World Heritage-listed and is often visited alongside the nearby Borobudur Temple, the world’s largest Buddhist temple.

Prambanan Temple Compounds in Indonesia — The Prambanan Temple Compounds are the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. (Image: Wendy Winarno)

7. Chichén Itzá, Mexico

Chichén Itzá is a pre-Columbian Mayan city on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It was a major centre of Maya civilisation, thought to have been most active between the 7th and 13th centuries CE.

Visit El Castillo (the Temple of Kukulcán), the Great Ball Court and the Cenote Sagrado, a natural sinkhole used for sacrificial offerings. Creepy.

Chichén Itzá with people around the base on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico — The Temple of Kukulcán is a must-visit. (Image: Max Bohme)

8. Valley of the Temples, Italy

The Valley of the Temples or Valle dei Templi in Agrigento, Sicily, is one of the most significant examples of ancient Greek architecture today. It includes seven impressively well-preserved Doric temples built between 510 BCE and 430 BCE, such as the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Juno.

The site also features extensive ancient city walls and necropolises. A hot tip – literally – don’t visit here when the sun is highest without some serious sunscreen and a big bottle of water.

9. Stonehenge and Avebury Stone Circles, England

Stonehenge is a mysterious prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, consisting of a ring of standing stones. It dates back to around 2500 BCE and is believed to have been used for ceremonial or astronomical purposes.

But nearby, the Avebury Stone Circles, which date back to around the same time, get around a fifth of the visitors, despite it being the largest megalithic stone circle in the world.

Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England — Stonehenge is believed to have been used for ceremonial or astronomical purposes. (Image: K Mitch Hodge)

10. Gwalior Fort, India

Gwalior Fort in India has seen several rulers and dynasties over the centuries and is considered by UNESCO to be one of the greatest architectural examples of ‘intercultural exchange’. It is known for its massive walls and the intricate palaces and temples within its grounds.

The fort is also home to the Chaturbhuj Temple, which contains one of the earliest known inscriptions of the number zero.

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11. Skellig Michael, Ireland

Skellig Michael is a remote island off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland, known for its early Christian monastery, which dates back to the 6th century CE. It is famous for the unusual aesthetic of the distinctive beehive-shaped stone huts where monks lived (which might have been one of the reasons Star Wars was filmed here).

Skellig Michael is also well-known for its birdlife, including puffins and one of the largest gannet colonies, as well as grey seals.

Skellig Michael in County Kerry, Ireland — Skellig Michael is well-known for its birdlife, including puffins.

12. Ayutthaya, Thailand

Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, founded in 1350 and flourished until its destruction by invaders in the mid-18th century. The city in Thailand was known for its grand temples, palaces and statues, many of which still stand in ruins today.

There’s a lot to cover here, and you could spend days doing it. But if you’re limited in time, see Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the royal temple.

Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya, Thailand — If you’re limited in time, visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet. (Image: AXP Photography)

13. Ellora Caves, India

This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is recognised for its rock-cut temples and monasteries, dating from the 6th to the 10th centuries CE and featuring 34 caves in total.

It is seen today to represent a harmonious coexistence of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, with temples, sanctuaries and monasteries dedicated to these faiths. The most well-known is the Kailasa Temple, a massive monolithic rock excavation dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Ellora cave entrance in Kailas temple with ancient carved wall near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India — Ellora Caves represent a harmonious coexistence of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. (Image: byheaven via Getty Images)

14. The Temples of Angkor, Cambodia

While you’ve probably heard of the Angkor Wat temple complex, there are others built by the powerful Khmer Empire. Ruling from the ninth to the 15th century, the empire built many of these temples to honour Hindu deities, before transitioning to pay tribute to Buddhism, as it became the main religion. Along with the enormous and highly significant Angkor Wat, you can visit Angkor Thom, the last capital of the empire, the root-covered temple of Ta Prohm, and the pink sandstone Banteay Srei.

Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia — Angkor Wat isn’t the only temple in Siem Reap. (Image: Lidia Stawinska)

15. Rani ki vav, India

Rani ki vav – the Queen’s Stepwell – is a subterranean temple. Commissioned to be built in the 11th century by Queen Udayamati of the Solanki dynasty, a spiritual place that also worked as a water management system with a well at the bottom, in dedication to her late husband. It was later hidden by repeated flooding before being ‘rediscovered’ in the 20th century. Today, you can walk down into the temple to see the hundreds of elaborate sculptures, many of which depict Hindu deities, all the way down to the water.

Rani ki vav – The Inverted Stepwell Temple in Patan, India — Rani ki vav is a subterranean temple in India. (Image: Shivani Chougula)

Why travellers are increasingly dreaming of a white Christmas – and the best places to experience one for yourself.

If the Euro summer has long been Australians’ defining holiday, the white Christmas may well be emerging as its frosty successor.

Booking data from APT Travel Group has revealed that Australians are planning long-haul travel further in advance and increasingly swapping summer at home for a white Christmas abroad.

Why more travellers are booking a white Christmas

tallinn winter — Find festive spirit in abundance in Tallinn, Estonia. (Credit: Unsplash/Dmitry Sumin)

Part of the shift is practical. With the Australian Government recently downgrading its travel warning for parts of the Middle East, travellers’ confidence in long-haul travel is returning as key transit hubs for Australians travelling to Europe reopen.

But accessibility alone isn’t the reason we’re seeing an incline in festive winter holiday bookings.

This year, Australia has experienced a particularly patchy start to the snow season, reminding travellers of how unpredictable winter has become and leading them to look overseas for their next wintry escape. At the same time, rising global temperatures are making reliable snowfall less certain across many parts of the world. Ironically, the rarer a classic white Christmas becomes, the more alluring it feels.

finland snow — Travellers are increasingly looking overseas for guaranteed snowy escapes. (Credit: Unsplash/Joni Kuusisto)

Behavioural psychologists have long observed what they call the ‘scarcity effect’: we tend to assign greater value and desirability to experiences that feel limited or increasingly out of reach. A white Christmas – once an annual tradition for many – has evolved into a bucket-list experience.

It’s also a novel antidote to the Australian festive season. Rather than scorching pavements and beachside barbecues, travellers want to experience the Christmas they’ve spent their whole lives watching in films: snow-dusted pines, chestnuts roasting over an open fire and streets glowing beneath tinsel garlands and fairy lights. Nostalgia sells, but even more so when we feel like it might not always be available to experience.

For decades, Australians have sought to escape winter in search of a European summer. Now, the pendulum is swinging the other way. Below are the top places to have yourself a very Merry Christmas in the snow.

The best places to have a white Christmas

Finland

best places for white christmas — Finland is one of the best destinations for a white Christmas. Credit: APT)

When you’re set on experiencing a blanket-white Christmas, your best bet is to go north. Thanks to its chilly temperatures and geographical proximity to the Arctic Circle (nearly one third of the country’s landmass lies within the Arctic region), travellers are guaranteed to see snow during Finland’s winter months. Plus, the possibility of witnessing the northern lights ribboning across the sky makes the experience all the more magical.

Tallinn, Estonia

tallinn old town — The city of Tallinn has a UNESCO-listed medieval town. (Credit: Unsplash/Ilya Orehov)

While places like Finland and Norway are coveted Christmas destinations, they certainly aren’t easy on the wallet. Estonia’s charming medieval capital of Tallinn is one of the best places to have a white Christmas on a budget, boasting Gothic spires, an intimate atmosphere and toasty market stalls selling everything from handicrafts to sugar-coated almonds. While snow over the Christmas period isn’t guaranteed these days, the country is further north and generally colder than Western European countries such as Germany and the Netherlands.

Canada

whistler christmas — Explore the Christmas lights of Whistler. (Credit: APT)

With its festive spirit, friendly locals and picturesque landscapes, Canada is a top contender for the best place for a white Christmas. Victoria in British Columbia has just about every Christmas tradition covered in one town: a main street of snow-frosted stores, a gingerbread competition, a visit to see the reindeer and horse-drawn trolley rides; while Alberta will see you embracing cosy holiday traditions with the spectacular Canadian Rockies as your backdrop.

If you can’t choose just one destination, the Twelve Days of Christmas tour by APT includes Christmas in Banff, sleigh rides at Lake Louise, Vancouver’s Canyon Lights and the Canadian Rockies. “It’s a relaxed, accessible way to get a proper white Christmas, snow guaranteed rather than hoped for,” says Sarah Latimore, international GM Product & Operations at APT.

New York, USA

new york winter — Central Park dusted with snow is all but magical. (Credit: Unsplash/Caitlyn Wilson)

Yes, films have been romanticising Christmas in New York for decades, but there’s a reason: the cool shift transforms the grand metropolis into what feels like a cinematic village where families glide over ice skating rinks in Central Park, dazzling displays illuminate the streets and carollers sing outside cosy bars with crackling fireplaces.

Germany

Browse bountiful Christmas markets in Regensburg. (Credit: APT)

Germany does Christmas with all the trimmings, especially the Christmas markets; there are hundreds (if not thousands) to choose between in picture-postcard historical towns across the country. Dresden has one of the oldest markets in the country, while Regensburg offers four fairy-light festooned markets within its UNESCO-listed medieval old town.

London, UK

london snow — Cosy up in London for the winter. (Credit: Unsplash/Zhang Kaiyv)

London is a prime place to celebrate a white Christmas with little people: Hamleys alone is worth getting on a plane for! Not only do many hotels offer holiday packages for families, but the sight of latticed snowflakes drifting from the sky on a rugged-up stroll along the Thames is nothing short of enchanting.

Prague, Czech Republic

prague snow — Escape to the charming city of Prague. (Credit: Unsplash/Lukas Konvica)

Offering Gothic architecture, charming cobbled streets and spiced pastries in spades, Prague is among the best places to spend a white Christmas. Come Advent season, when a dusting of snow may cover its ancient castle, and the smell of roasting ham rises from the market stalls, it becomes utterly unforgettable.

Niseko, Japan

niskeo skiing — Hit the slopes for a Christmas spent skiing in Niseko. (Credit: Unsplash/Kristian Klausen)

You don’t need to fly all the way to Europe to enjoy a wintry Christmas abroad. On Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, Niseko is a wonderland for travellers wishing to spend the Christmas season carving up the ski slopes. Promising festive events such as fireworks and giant illuminated trees, as well as plenty of the fluffy white stuff, this ski resort town doesn’t disappoint.

Is Europe or Canada better for a white Christmas?

Europe and Canada are the two most popular destinations among Australian travellers booking wintry Christmas escapes. But which is right for you? Sarah Latimore, international GM Product & Operations at APT, says the answer hinges on your travel interests and preferences.

“Europe suits travellers who want depth, variety and a bit of indulgence, moving through centuries-old Christmas market traditions city by city,” Latimore says.

“Canada is for travellers chasing that classic, snow globe white Christmas. Think twinkling lights and decorations through Whistler and Banff, evenings by an open fire in a Fairmont hotel, and the kind of moments that define the season: dog sledding, sleigh rides, snow underfoot rather than sand.

“Neither is the ‘right’ choice universally; it comes down to matching the traveller. Someone chasing romance and heritage will lean Europe. Someone chasing a classic, white Christmas will lean Canada.”

13 epic ancient ruins you must see around the world