7 Top Picks For People Who Love To See Ancient Ruins

The most popular pick for people who want to see ancient ruins is Mexico’s Mayan ruins.

The next most popular picks are the Egyptian pyramids, the Easter Island statues, and the Inca ruins in Peru. Even if you’ve never visited any of these places, you can still get a sense of their ancient history and culture by visiting one of the many museums that house replicas or originals of these ruins. They are well worth visiting for anyone who loves to see ancient ruins.

Below are seven of the top picks for people who love to see ancient ruins.

1. The Colosseum in Rome, Italy

The largest amphitheater globally, the Colosseum, was built in Rome in the 1st century AD. Also named the Flavian Amphitheater, it is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. It was used for various entertainment events, including gladiatorial contests, public executions, reenactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology.

Today, the Colosseum is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions. You can explore the inside of the structure by booking Colosseum tour tickets in advance. The site is surprisingly well-preserved, considering its age. And be sure to take a look at the nearby Roman Forum, another ancient site worth visiting.

2. Pella in Jordan

Frequently bypassed for the larger sites of Petra and Jerash, the ancient city of Pella is nonetheless an impressive archaeological site. This was once the capital of the Hellenistic Kingdom of Macedon under Alexander the Great, and you can still see elements of Greek architecture in ruins.

Pella is located in modern-day Jordan, northeast of Amman. It’s a small site, so you can easily explore it in a day. And since it’s not as well known as some of the other ancient ruins in Jordan, you’ll likely have it primarily yourself.

3. Machu Picchu in Peru

An Incan citadel set high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is one of the most famous ancient ruins to visit. Though it’s sometimes called the “Lost City of the Incas,” it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.

Machu Picchu is located in Peru, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Cusco. You’ll either need to hike the Inca Trail (which takes four days) or take a train from Cusco to get there. Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the site, including temples, palaces, and other buildings nestled into the mountainside.

4. Troy in Turkey

As recounted in Homer’s Iliad, Troy, the site of the Trojan War, was thought to be nothing more than a legend until its ruins were discovered in the 19th century. Now you can visit this ancient city and see the remains of the massive walls that protected it from enemy attackers.

You can also see the remains of houses, temples, and other buildings that have been excavated at the site. And be sure to take a look at the Trojan Horse, a replica of the one used in the movie “Troy” left at the site.

5. The Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt

One of the most iconic images of ancient Egypt, the Great Sphinx of Giza, is a massive limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human. This statue has stood guard over the Giza Plateau for thousands of years, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Egypt.

You can get up close to the Sphinx and even enter its mouth, which leads to a small chamber inside. Be sure also to visit the nearby pyramids, which were built as tombs for Pharaohs and their families. In order to get to know the other wonders of the country consider investing in Egypt private tour packages for an incredible journey that will last a lifetime.

6. Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England

One of the most famous prehistoric sites globally, Stonehenge is a mystery that has yet to be fully understood. This circle of massive stones was built in the Neolithic period, and it is thought to have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes.

You can visit Stonehenge and walk around the stones surrounded by a circular path. And be sure to take a look at the nearby visitor center, which has exhibits on the history and mystery of Stonehenge.

7. The Parthenon in Athens, Greece

The most iconic building of ancient Greece, the Parthenon, was built in the 5th century BC on the Acropolis of Athens. This temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena and was once covered in gold leaf.

Today, the Parthenon is one of Athens’s most popular tourist attractions. You can explore the inside of the temple, which is surprisingly well-preserved. And be sure to take a look at the fantastic views of the city from the Parthenon’s columns.

Ancient ruins can be some of the fascinating places to visit. Whether you’re exploring a well-known site like Machu Picchu or visiting a lesser-known ruin, there’s something special about seeing these ancient structures in person. And while some ruins can be challenging to get to, the effort is often worth it for the fantastic views and experiences you’ll have.

So if you’re looking for an adventure, consider adding one or more ancient ruins to your travel bucket list.