30 World’s Best Ancient Ruins to See Once in Your Life
I’ve always had a thing for ruins. Not in a casual, “oh that’s nice” kind of way—but full-on obsessed. I’ve visited a ton of stunning ruin sites around the world, and I never get tired of them. Whether it’s clambering over half-buried temples in the jungle, or standing inside an abandoned amphitheatre – I’m totally hooked.
Whenever I plan a trip, ancient ruins shoot straight to the top of my list. There’s just something about standing in a place where history still lingers in the dust that makes travel feel… bigger. More meaningful. And I know I’m not the only one.
This list brings together some of the world’s best ancient ruins – a mix of unforgettable places I’ve explored myself, and a few that are still high on my future hit list.
So if ancient cities, mysterious legends, and long-forgotten empires set your imagination alight, you’re in the right place. How many of these ancient sites make it onto your must-visit list?
Meet Me In Departures contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.
Ruins in Europe
1. Colosseum, Italy
Rome is an absolute must-visit destination, especially if you’re a ruins nerd. The Italian capital is home to one of the world’s most iconic ruins, the Colosseum. It might be crowded, but stepping inside still gives me chills.
Built in 70–80 AD, it once held 50,000 spectators watching gladiator battles.
👉 Insider Tip: To skip the huge line at the Colosseum, I visited the Roman Forum first and got my ticket there.
2. Acropolis, Greece
Athens’ crown jewel, and the first place I visited in Greece. The Parthenon dominates the skyline, and it’s amazing how much history sits on this rocky outcrop. Thousands of people visit the Acropolis every day, which can spoil the experience. I booked an early-hours tour and had the site pretty much to myself for an hour, which is 100% worth it if you hate crowds.
3. Pompeii, Italy
Wandering through Pompeii feels like a proper time warp. You can see shops, houses, and even ancient graffiti. It was buried under volcanic ash in 79 AD and rediscovered in the 18th century. It’s a huge sprawling site, so start early and give yourself plenty of time to explore everything.
4. Stonehenge, England
I grew up in the south west of the UK, so this ancient landmark was pretty much on my doorstep. It’s massive, mysterious, and oddly familiar—I used to see it on regular drives like it was just part of the scenery. No one really knows why it was built, but it’s thought to be around 5,000 years old. It gets busy, so it’s worth booking in advance.
5. Ephesus, Turkey
One of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Highlights include the Library of Celsus – it reminded me of the stunning Treasury at Petra! There’s also a huge theatre and plenty of decorative arches. Ephesus is one of the world’s best ancient sites and gets insanely busy. I visited as soon as the gates opened, so I was able to experience it without the hordes of people – I recommend being at the gate before opening time.
6. Alhambra, Spain
I’ve visited this Moorish masterpiece in Granada several times, and it never gets old. The Nasrid Palaces are stunning, with intricate stucco and tiled walls. Make sure to book your ticket, as they can sell out weeks in advance. Even if you don’t manage to get tickets for the Alhambra, Granada still has plenty to see – I highly recommend the Albaicin district, as well as the cave houses in Sacromonte.
7. Olympia, Greece
Known as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Olympia is a must for ancient history fans. Signage is limited at the site, so I recommend going with a guide. I found it fascinating wandering through the remains of the Temple of Zeus, once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The site also includes a stadium, gymnasium, and the original Olympic track. It’s set in a peaceful valley, and the on-site museum.
8. Selinunte, Sicily, Italy
One of the largest archaeological sites in the world, Selinunte was a powerful Greek city founded in the 7th century BC. I visited this spot during a road trip around Sicily, and the scale really blew me away. In fact, the site is so big that there’s even a land train to take you from one area to another. It’s not as polished as sites like the Colosseum, but that’s part of the charm – huge temple ruins scattered across open fields with hardly anyone around. The view over the Mediterranean is a bonus.
9. Italica, Spain
Just outside Seville lies one of the most underrated Roman ruins in the world – Italica. Founded in 206 BC, this was the birthplace of two Roman emperors: Trajan and Hadrian.
The amphitheatre alone is reason enough to visit – it once held up to 25,000 spectators and was even used as a filming location in Game of Thrones. One of the highlights here for me are the mosaics, which feature some of the best preserved in Spain. They’re still in incredible condition. It’s easy to visit as a half-day trip from Seville and rarely crowded – bring water, wear decent shoes and take a sun hat – there’s next to no shade here.
Ruins in Asia
10. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
This sprawling Khmer temple complex absolutely blew me away. I’m not a morning person, and it takes a lot to drag me out of bed early. But I guarantee this is worth it! The 4 am start means you’ll experience sunrise over the temples, when the reflection hits the moat perfectly. Originally Hindu, later Buddhist, it’s the largest religious monument in the world. The sheer scale and detail are outstanding.
11. Great Wall (Badaling), China
The Badaling section is the most visited part of the Great Wall, and it’s the easiest to reach from Beijing. I went in winter thinking it might be quieter – but it was still packed. Definitely get there early if you want a bit of breathing space. The climb is steep in places, but the views from the top and the sheer scale of the engineering make it totally worth it. Originally built to defend against northern invasions, the Great Wall stretches over 13,000 miles across China.
12. Taj Mahal, India
OK, so technically it’s not a ruin—it’s a mausoleum—but it’s too iconic not to include. The Taj Mahal has been on my bucket list for years, and every time I see a photo of that glowing white marble, it shoots straight back to the top. Built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it’s one of the most famous examples of Mughal architecture. They say it’s best seen at dawn or dusk, when the light hits just right and the whole thing glows pink or gold. One day!
13. Terracotta Army, China
Over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers, each with different faces and details, were buried to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. It was accidentally discovered by a farmer in 1974—can you imagine just digging a hole and finding that?
14. Borobudur, Indonesia
I visited Borobudur during a two-month backpacking trip through Indonesia, and it completely lived up to the hype. This huge Buddhist stupa is covered in intricate carvings, and the scale of it is just incredible. Sunrise is the most popular time to visit—yes, it’s busy, but watching the mist lift over the jungle is something else. If you’re in the area, it’s well worth combining it with a trip to nearby Prambanan too.
15. Ayutthaya, Thailand
Just a short trip from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is packed with crumbling temples, ancient stupas, and headless Buddha statues. The city was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century. There are dozens of separate ruin sites to see here, so to get the most out of it, I hired a tuk-tuk and driver for half a day and set off early to visit the most popular sites before the massive crowds arrived. One of the most famous sights is the Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree at Wat Mahathat!
16. Sukhothai, Thailand
Sukhothai is older than Ayutthaya and, in my opinion, just as beautiful—if not more so. It’s a peaceful, laid-back place with huge Buddha statues, crumbling temples, and quiet lotus ponds. I hired a bike and spent the day cycling between the ruins, and honestly, most of the time I had the sites completely to myself. It’s perfect for exploring at your own pace without the crowds. If you’re after something a bit more off the radar, it’s worth adding to your Thailand itinerary.
17. Prambanan, Indonesia
Just outside Yogyakarta, Prambanan is a stunning Hindu temple complex known for its tall, pointed spires that reach into the sky. It dates back to the 9th century and is one of the most impressive examples of Hindu architecture in Southeast Asia. If you’re visiting Borobudur, it’s easy to combine both into one trip—well worth it to see the contrast between the two.
Ruins in the Middle East & North Africa
18. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
The Pyramids of Giza are some of the most iconic ancient structures in the world—built over 4,500 years ago and still standing tall just outside Cairo. The sheer size of these monuments is incredible, and they’re even more impressive up close. The complex also includes the famous Sphinx and the Solar Boat Museum, which houses a full-size ancient boat believed to have been used in royal funerals.
19. Petra, Jordan
This is easily one of my favourite ruins—I was completely hooked. After seeing the main highlights, I spent two days hiking the desert trails to see the quieter spots most people skip, and even came back at night to see the Treasury lit by candlelight. Carved into rose-coloured sandstone, Petra is every bit as impressive as you’d hope. Walking through the Siq and watching the Treasury come into view was unforgettable. Petra is one of the world’s best archaeological sites, and gets busy, so go early or late to beat the crowds.
20. Jerash, Jordan
Jerash is often dubbed the “Pompeii of the East”, and once you step inside the site, it’s easy to see why. It’s one of the best-preserved Roman sites I’ve visited – complete with collonaded streets, temples, fountains, and a huge amphitheatre that still hosts performances today. You can even spot the remains of chariot tracks in the old hippodrome, which is pretty surreal. If you’re in northern Jordan, it’s well worth a stop.
21. El Badi Palace, Marrakech, Morocco
Once one of the most lavish palaces in North Africa, El Badi was built in the 16th century by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur and decorated with gold, marble, and onyx from across the Islamic world. Today, it’s a hauntingly beautiful ruin. Storks nest on the crumbling ramparts, and the vast courtyards are perfect for wandering and imagining the grandeur that once filled the space. It’s one of my favourite places in Marrakech—go early to really soak up the quiet atmosphere and get a sense of the scale and history without the crowds.
22. Carthage, Tunisia
Overlooking the Mediterranean, Carthage is layered with Phoenician, Roman, and early Christian history. It’s not the best-preserved site on this list, but the history here is immense. Plus, you can explore it at your own pace.
Central & South America
23. Chichén Itzá, Mexico
If there’s one Mayan site that’s firmly on the map, it’s this one. The Pyramid of Kukulcán is perfectly aligned to cast a serpent-shaped shadow on the equinox. I recommend arriving right at opening time or visiting at night for the light show.
24. Machu Picchu, Peru
I did the full four-day Inca Trail hike to get here, and it was tough—altitude, uneven steps, and long days—but absolutely worth it. Reaching the Sun Gate at sunrise and seeing Machu Picchu below was one of those unforgettable moments.
This 15th-century city remained hidden until 1911 and still feels otherworldly. The setting in the Andes is just as impressive as the ruins themselves. Altitude can be a challenge, so take your time. No surprise it’s one of the most famous ruin sites in the world.
25. Tikal, Guatemala
Tikal is deep in the Guatemalan jungle and feels like something straight out of an Indiana Jones film. I started my visit at 4 am, walking through the dark with just a torch and the sounds of the jungle all around. Climbing one of the pyramids to watch the sunrise above the mist-covered canopy was surreal—howler monkeys calling in the distance, ancient stone beneath my feet, and the jungle slowly coming to life.
With towering pyramids poking through the trees and barely any crowds at that hour, it’s easily one of the most atmospheric ancient sites around the world I’ve ever experienced.
26. Ollantaytambo, Peru
This town is part Inca ruins, part living village. The steep terraces were used for agriculture and defence. It’s also the gateway to the Inca Trail, so it’s a great place to start your journey.
27. Nazca Lines, Peru
These mysterious geoglyphs stretch across the Peruvian desert and can only really be appreciated from the air. I took the flight over them to get a better view—it’s definitely worth it, but fair warning: it’s very bumpy. Go in the morning when there’s less turbulence. From up there, you’ll spot some of the most iconic shapes like the spaceman, spider, and condor. Nobody really knows why they were made, but with over 300 figures carved into the earth, the scale and precision are mind-blowing.
28. Tulum, Mexico
Tulum’s definitely changed over the years—when I visited, it was still a small town without the Instagram scene it’s known for now. That said, the ruins are still well worth a visit. Perched above turquoise Caribbean waters, the setting is what really makes this site stand out. It’s not the biggest, but the sea views are stunning. Go early to beat the crowds and the heat.
29. Copán, Honduras
Copán is one of the most artistic and intricate Maya sites. It’s known for its detailed stone carvings, impressive stelae, and the famous Hieroglyphic Stairway—an entire staircase covered in ancient glyphs. It’s much quieter than more well-known sites like Chichén Itzá or Tikal, which makes it ideal if you prefer a slower pace and fewer crowds.
30. Palenque, Mexico
Tucked into the lush Chiapas jungle, Palenque is hands down one of my favourite Mayan ruins in Mexico. It’s not just about the architecture, though that’s impressive—it’s the setting that makes it unforgettable. Misty mornings here feel almost otherworldly, with howler monkeys calling in the distance and temples rising out of the trees.
The Temple of the Inscriptions still holds the tomb of King Pakal, and the carvings throughout the site are some of the most detailed you’ll find anywhere. It’s smaller and quieter than Chichén Itzá, but for me, it felt far more atmospheric and intimate.
Which of These Ancient Ruins Is at the Top of Your List?
From jungle-covered temples to crumbling cities in the middle of the desert, these are some of the ancient sites in the world that have genuinely changed the way I think about travel and history ( I hated history lessons at school!).
Whether you’re just starting to get into ruins or you’re already fully obsessed (guilty!), I hope this list has sparked a few ideas for your next adventure. There’s still so much out there to discover, and I’ve definitely not ticked them all off yet. Here’s to chasing more epic ruins and the stories they still have to tell.