You Have to See These Beautiful Places Around the World

It's a big world out there, with lots of stunningly beautiful places to discover. Whether it be the towering Cliffs of Moher on the western coast of Ireland or the whitewashed villages of the Greek Islands, or maybe even a Bora Bora beach or a lush Caribbean mountain, these are the top Insta-worthy spots to add to your dream travel list. Without further ado, here are the most beautiful places in the world for your viewing pleasure.

One of the world's most remote places is also one of its most beautiful. In the Faroe Islands — an off-the-beaten-path, 18-island volcanic chain in the North Atlantic — you'll be gobsmacked by scenery that includes Mulafossur Waterfall and the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs. Plus, there are puffin breeding grounds, lighthouses, grass-roofed houses, and chances to spot the elusive Northern Lights!

More: What's the Best Country in the World to Live In? Read our List!

Saint-Barthélemy, or St. Bart’s, in the French West Indies, has long been an exclusive playground for the rich and famous (it's made a remarkable comeback after recent hurricanes), who dock their yacht in the harbor, swim in beaches like Grand Salines, and stroll in the cutesy capital of Gustavia, filled with designer boutiques and chic cafés straight out of St. Tropez.

Often called South Africa's prettiest city, Cape Town is located on the country's southwestern coast and sits in the shadow of iconic Table Mountain.

While there, you can visit Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was held, and within a few hours' drive is the scenic Stellenbosch wine region, with award-winning scenic wineries and upscale hotels overlooking vineyards.

One of the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with St. Thomas and St. Croix, St. John steals the limelight from its siblings with its natural beauty — the majority of the island is a national park. There are scenic hiking trails on forested hills and beaches like Trunk Bay, one of the Caribbean's prettiest strands. The only town, Cruz Bay, has a handful of laid-back restaurants and bars.

Any trip to the Southeast Asian country of Cambodia should include a visit to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. This sprawling, hauntingly beautiful Khmer temple complex, built in the 12th century, is comprised of a series of intricately carved stone temples. The main temple is Angkor Wat, but others to explore include Ta Phrom and Bayon.

Immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery of southern Appalachia with a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile scenic road. One of the most popular sections is the 80-mile stretch that starts out in the bohemian city of Asheville and passes the parkway's highest peaks, including Mount Pisgah and Balsam Knob, before ending in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

New Zealand is famous for its jaw-dropping scenery — remember, it doubled for Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings films. One of the locations was Fiordland National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes of snowcapped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and glacier-carved fjords. Be sure to visit Milford Sound, home to colonies of fur seals and dolphins.

While this volcanic chain (named a top 2019 spot by Fodor's) is incredibly remote, it's worth the trek to see sights like Terceira Island's historic city of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Pico Island's wine region; and the capital of Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, the archipelago's largest island.

It's hard to top Amsterdam when it comes to lovely cityscapes, especially due to its historic canals, including Prinsengracht and Keizergracht, which are lined with 18th-century gabled buildings.

The many cyclists who cross their stone bridges also cut a pretty picture. Plus, the major canals are just a few minutes' walk to must-visit museums, like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.

While there are plenty of drop-dead gorgeous beaches in far-flung islands around the world, strands closer to home shouldn't be overlooked. One such place is Siesta Beach in Sarasota. The long and wide beach is famous for its soft white-quartz sand (which stays cool even when the temps soar) and shallow shoreline, which makes it ideal for swimming.

Famous for its dazzling coastline, Sardinia is a no-brainer when it comes to listing beautiful places. This Mediterranean island is home to the upscale resort area of Costa Smeralda, which is known for its beaches like Grande Pevero and Capriccioli. The island also has caves, cliffs, and amazing local cuisine — this is Italy, after all.

A perennial bucket-list destination for world travelers are the Galápagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador. The islands, famously visited by naturalist Charles Darwin in 1835, are a remote volcanic chain in the Pacific Ocean where exotic wildlife outnumbers humans.

During a hike or a swim, you'll encounter many of the same animals Darwin did, including sea turtles, sea lions, and Sally Lightfoot crabs.

The city on the canals never fails to inspire with its singular type of beauty: gondola-filled waterways instead of car-clogged roads. It also boasts stellar architecture, including St. Mark's Square's arcades and the domed St. Mark's Basilica, with its frescoed façade. The Grand Canal, lined with restored palazzi, is the lifeblood of the city, and for fabulous water views, head to the Rialto Bridge.

This Himalayan kingdom, between India and China, is mysterious and mystical — not to mention one of the most beautiful places in the world. Its mountainous landscape is home to remote villages, Buddhist temples, dzongs (traditional fortress-like structures), and monasteries, such as the Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), built into the rocky cliff in the lush Paro Valley.

There are few skylines in the world that can compete with Hong Kong's. Not only does it have dozens of skyscrapers — dazzlingly lit up at night — but they're framed by Victoria Harbour, which is teeming with yachts, Star Line ferries, and traditional junk boats. To get a bird's-eye view of this unforgettable scene, stake out a prime spot in a rooftop bar in one of HK's high-rise hotels.

The tiny island of Bermuda, off the coast of North Carolina, is known for its pastel buildings, golf courses, and pink-sand beaches, including its most photographed strand Horseshoe Bay. Expect bathtub-warm turquoise water and pink-hued sand at this crescent-shaped beauty. Its main city of Hamilton has historic buildings and cute bars where you can sit and sip a dark and stormy.

One can never run out of options when it comes to jaw-droppingly beautiful spots in Italy, but the Amalfi Coast just might take the torta. Just south of Naples, this wildly scenic stretch, with towns like Ravello, Amalfi, and Positano, is known for its colorful houses built into steep hills (and they're often right above black-sand beaches).

Located within Canada's Banff National Park, Lake Louise is famous for its insanely blue glacial water — framed by the snowcapped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. There are plenty of challenging hikes nearby that feature gorgeous lake views, and you can reward yourself afterward with a glass of Ontario wine at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

You've never seen anything quite like the Rainbow Mountains within Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park in China's Gansu province. A combination of sandstone and minerals being pressed together over millennia and erosion have created vibrant streaks of reds, yellows, greens, and blues across the mountains to make a bizarre but fascinating Technicolor landscape. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Photos of Santorini, a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea, are instantly recognizable — whitewashed buildings with cobalt blue domes. Can't you just imagine yourself there right now, sitting in a sun-drenched taverna with a plate of grilled fish and a glass of ouzo? Ahh. These gorgeous vistas can be found in the town of Oia, which has plenty of romantic hotels, shops, galleries, and open-air restaurants.

Ireland is known for its lush scenery — they don't call it the Emerald Isle for nothing! — and one of the most stunning natural attractions are the Cliffs of Moher on the western coast of County Clare. Reaching 702 feet high, these jagged limestone cliffs stretch for 5 miles along the Atlantic Ocean coastline to create an awe-inspiring panorama.

There's no doubt that Machu Picchu is one of the world's most beautiful places, but it's also one of the most mysterious. Built in the mid-15th century, this Incan fortress sits high up in the Andes Mountains, above the Urubamba River valley. The complex, encountered by American explorer Hiram Bingham III in 1911, features a series of intricate stone buildings and agricultural terraces where llamas graze.

One of the world's most famous archaeological sites, Petra is a top attraction in Jordan, named one of Lonely Planet's 2019 must-visit countries.

Fun fact: Several scenes from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade were filmed here. The site's ancient temples and tombs are carved directly into the pink sandstone cliff faces, creating a beautiful but eerie stone tableau. It's definitely worth seeing at sunset.

Be prepared to be blown away by the beauty of Sedona's Red Rocks, an artsy and adventure-minded town known for its spiritual vortexes, which are thought to be energy centers that can help you heal and strengthen your inner balance. In town, you can get readings, aura photos, and healing crystals if you're into that sort of thing, but all you really need to do is get out among the ancient red and pink canyons, mesas, and buttes to feel a more mellow vibe.

One of the seven wonders of the modern world, the Taj Mahal, complete with a domed central tomb and surrounding minarets, never fails to impress with its imposing yet sublime design.

Located on the southern bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, the mausoleum was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house his beloved late wife Mumtaz Mahal — a true monument to love!

Mention the Caribbean, and most likely you immediately think of white-sand beaches with aquamarine waters. Mountains probably don't factor in, but that's just what the island of St. Lucia is known for: the twin peaks of the Pitons — Gros Piton and Petit Peton. You can hike on and around both mountains. Better yet, take in the views from the comfort of your hotel room.

In a country known for fjords, Geirangerfjord is considered the most dazzling. The best way to see this glacial waterway and its multitude of waterfalls cascading down forest-covered mountains (including a famous cluster known as the "Seven Sisters") is to take a scenic cruise. You can also go kayaking, biking, or hiking, and even a helicopter tour is an option.

If you were a fan of the book Eat, Pray, Love, you probably had fantasies about running off to Ubud, the cultural heart of the Indonesian island of Bali. One of the town's most distinctive topographical features are its terraced rice patties, especially the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, about 20 minutes north of town. The emerald green terraces spilling down the hillside and framed by coconut trees are truly an unforgettable sight.

It's all about rugged beauty and eco-friendly adventures at Torres del Paine National Park on the Chilean side of Patagonia (an incredibly scenic and remote mountainous region shared by Chile and Argentina). You can take in the park's natural beauty any number of ways, including horseback riding through the pampas (grasslands), hiking beside expansive glaciers, and taking a Zodiac boat tour.

The Belgium city of Bruges has cobbled streets and charming canals where you can take a scenic tour to see its historic churches and half-timbered buildings. Afterward, lunch on moules frites at a café in 13th-century Market Square, then stop into one of Bruges' many chocolate shops for dessert.

Ayers Rock, also known by its aboriginal name, Uluru, is the centerpiece of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, named a top destination of 2019. This massive sandstone monolith, in one of the most remote outback areas of the country, is sacred to the local Anangu aboriginal people.

Take a hike around the base, where you can see its canyons and caves and learn more about its history and legends. Be sure to stick around for sunset when the rock glows a deep rusty red color.

Kauai is one of the lushest places on Earth, and its most famous natural attraction is the Na Pali Coast. This stretch of incredibly rugged coastline on the island's North Shore is brimming with emerald green cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and tropical plants and flowers. The 11-mile Kalalau Trail is not for the faint of heart, but if you're up to the challenge, you'll be rewarded with once-in-a-lifetime views.

This medieval walled city on the Adriatic Sea, with its imposing limestone walls, rock solid ramparts, and terracotta-tiled roofs, easily goes to the top of the pack among the world's most beautiful places.

Stroll the Stradun (main street) lined with monasteries and museums, and when you need to escape the crowds, drift down a narrow medieval alleyway. You might recognize some of the sights from Game of Thrones, as it doubles for King's Landing (you can even take a tour of filming sites).

Sometimes, you just need to stretch out on a gorgeous beach — or fantasize about doing so, perhaps while lolling on a hammock strung between two coconut trees, frozen drink in hand.

That dream beach can be found on the island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia, named one of the best trips in 2019 by National Geographic. The lagoon is so clear, you can see straight to the bottom (no snorkeling equipment needed to see tropical fish), and the water is bathtub-warm. Sounds like heaven!

Victoria Falls straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe on the Zambezi River. One of the best vantage points in which to view this mile-long waterfall is from Livingstone Island, so named for David Livingstone, the first Westerner to come across the falls in 1855.

Vic Falls has long been considered one of the most beautiful places in the world — and one of the most adventurous, with bungee jumping, zip lining, and white-water rafting all in the vicinity of the falls.

Rio de Janeiro has plenty of iconic attractions, including Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach (cue Antonio Carlos Jobim's famous "Girl from Ipanema" bossa nova song), and the Christ the Redeemer statue, but Sugarloaf Mountain is perhaps its most well-known landmark. The bullet-shaped mountain sits at the mouth of the Guanabara Bay, and you can take a cable car to the summit for views over the entire city.

The centerpiece of Crater Lake, a national park in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon is, of course, the lake itself, a 6-mile-wide caldera created by the eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama thousands of years ago. The freshwater lake, surrounded by old-growth forest and 2,000-foot-high cliffs, is the deepest lake in America, and it's known for its deep blue color.

Mont Saint-Michel, the tiny medieval walled city in Normandy, never fails to take your breath away. Built on a granite outcrop in the Couesnon River's flats and dominated by a massive Gothic abbey, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The area is known for its tidal activity, and during the spring and autumn equinoxes, water can surround the structure, creating quite the photo op.

Mexico's Rivera Maya has a number of Mayan ruins worth exploring, but the only one that's smack-dab on the Caribbean Sea is Tulum. Perched high above crystal-clear turquoise waters in a spectacular cliffside setting, the ancient archeological site is home to numerous stone temples, which are decorated with carvings of Mayan gods.

Salamanca (a 2.5-hour drive from Madrid) is home to one of the most beautiful squares in all of Spain, the Plaza Mayor. Surrounding this grand central square in the Old Town are elegant Baroque-style buildings, featuring graceful arches and balustrades. One of the best times to visit the plaza is in the evening, when the buildings are illuminated, creating an almost magical effect.

The Abu Simbel temple complex, built on the west bank of the Nile River in southern Egypt, is one of the country's most famous ancient sites. Built by Ramses II, the complex consists of two sandstone temples built into the mountainside, one of which is the impressive Great Temple, which features four intricately carved seated figures on the façade, each of which is 65 feet high.

Antelope Canyon, on Navajo land in northern Arizona, is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Southwest (and with the Grand Canyon nearby, that's saying something)! You can visit the Upper and Lower canyons, formed thousands of years ago by erosion and flash flooding, which has resulted in bizarre-looking formations.

From waterfalls to geysers, the compact country of Iceland is packed with exceptional natural scenery, and one of the most memorable sites is Reynisfjara Beach, a black-sand strand near the village of Vik in southern Iceland. This ink-hued beauty is known for its pyramid-like rock formation of basalt columns, as well as rock formations jutting out from the sea.

Cappadocia, in central Turkey, is famous for its otherworldly volcanic rock formations, including pinnacles known as "fairy chimneys." One of the best ways to see this lunar-looking landscape is from the air, especially via a sunrise balloon ride. In fact, Cappadocia is one of the hot air ballooning capitals of the world, so don't miss the chance to take one during your visit.

Japan has several notable temples, but none can compare to the beauty of Kyoto's Kinkaku-ju, built in the 14th century for a leading shogun. Known as the Golden Pavilion, this three-story Zen Buddhist temple is covered in gold leaf — especially dazzling in sunlight — and sits at the edge of a reflecting pond amid landscaped gardens.

Located in the southern portion of the Namib Desert, the Sossusvlei sand dunes are some of the largest on Earth. These massive rust-hued sand mounds are simply stunning to see in person — but visitors don't just look at them, they get to climb on them as well! Sunrise and sunset, when the arid landscape is awash in shades of red, and orange, are peak climbing times.

The Krabi province of Thailand is known as having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. One of the most photographed — and with good reason — is Railay Beach, a pure white-sand beauty framed by towering limestone cliffs. Another Krabi stunner is Phra Nang, which is also surrounded by rock formations and reached via a 10-minute walk through a cave.

The Dead Sea, on the border between Israel and Jordan, is not only the lowest point on earth, but it's also the saltiest body of water in the world — its salinity and minerals provide buoyancy for floating, which is super fun! Floating in the bright blue waters of this ancient lake (it's not actually a sea), surrounded by the Negev Desert, is quite the sight.

Cypress Swamp, just north of Jackson, can be found along Mississippi's Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile scenic route from Natchez to Nashville. Walk beside towering tupelo and bald cypress trees while on a raised wooden boardwalk that goes right through this beautiful swamp. Keep an eye out for wildlife species, including frogs, snakes, and even alligators.

Costa Rica is rich with natural beauty, which can be found in places like the Marino Ballena National Park. This marine park on the Pacific coast side of the country is known for the famous Whale's Tale — a sandbar that emerges on Playa Uvita at low tide that actually looks just like a whale's tale. You may even spot a whale in the water (this area has regular sightings!).