The top 25 places to travel around the world in 2019

Created by architect Jørn Utzon, the staggeringly unique Sydney Opera House became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007 — and is just one of two cultural sites to be named as such while the architect was still alive.

There’s plenty to do outside in Sydney. From visiting Bondi Beach to crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge or visiting the Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves, just be sure to bring your favorite sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.

There’s certainly plenty of hiking to do in Cusco — and the views can’t be beat. Definitely allow yourself time to wander the cobblestone streets, perusing food and the most local of coffee shops in between your outdoor expeditions.

Those interested in archaeological ruins will find plenty to admire in and around Cusco — and anyone who wants to see llamas and alpacas up close will also have plenty of opportunities, even in the middle of the city.

Fans of modern architecture might want to visit I.M. Pei’s famous Bank of China Tower— or Zaha Hadid’s Jockey Club Innovation Tower. There’s something for fans of architecture in many eras as well, which is part of what makes Hong Kong so unique.

Of course, there’s also plenty of food and drink to delight all your senses at any time of the day or night.

Coral reefs and turquoise waters on Egypt’s Red Sea Coast can make almost all your photos look like perfect postcards if you visit. Windsurfing is also a popular pastime.

If you fancy staying on land, there are plenty of desert safari tours on Jeeps or quad bikes to whet your appetite for exploration.

Built in the early 18th century, the Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observation site that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.

Of course, you must make time to visit the Hawa Mahal, also called the Palace of Breeze — which was built in 1799 out of red and pink sandstone. There’s also plenty of delicious food and shopping in and around the area, including in local bazaars.

The capital of Nepal attracts backpackers and fans of outdoor activities from all over the world — whether by foot or by motorcycle, or even on safari in Chitwan — there’s a lot to do.

From visiting the Boudhanath and Pashupatinath temples to doing a scenic flight tour around Mount Everest, there’s plenty to explore for whatever length of time you’ll be staying.

Known collectively as the Complex of Belém, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 16th century to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s expedition.

There’s plenty of beautiful and unique stone architecture to see on one of the city’s many walking tours — or you can lose yourself in seafaring lore at the Maritime Museum. Your trip won’t be complete without a visit to the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos— which was built over 500 years ago.

Vibrant sea life and the Rio Secreto underwater cave system are just two of the reasons you might rarely go indoors if you visit Playa del Carmen. If you love spider monkeys, you must visit the nearby Jungle Placespider monkey conservancy.

If Mayan ruins are your thing, the Coba Mayan village is a must-visit.

Food fans already know there’s plenty to keep you busy here — but even if you can’t take fresh fish home with you, a purely observational visit to the world-famous Tsukiji Fish Market is a must. From temples to karaoke bars to capsule hotels, about the only reason not to go is if you don’t like crowds — it’s a bustling city with plenty to do during every waking minute.

Check out Tokyo Tower and visit the Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace to get a sense of history, and check out Odaiba to get a sense of how Japan envisions the future.

From the Halong Bay Islands to the Hoa Lo prison, there areincomparable destinations and plenty of sights to see along the way. Check out the Temple of Literature, a Confucian temple built in 1070 to see a gorgeous example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the Lake of the Restored Sword, is home to both a rare breed of turtle and unbelievable views.

With its warm, tropical climate, chances are excellent you’ll be spending a lot of time outside — even if you don’t decide to go rafting down theMartha Brae river. There are plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from — but if you’d rather be under the water exploring, there’s plenty of snorkeling and scuba diving to keep you busy, including in the famous Blue Lagoon.

For a truly unique experience, be sure to visit the Luminous Lagoon — microscopic organisms in the water make it appear to be glowing. Youcan even swim in the water and see the beautiful, natural glow firsthand if you like.

From the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building to Broadway, there’s so much to see and do in this world-class city. Take a stroll through the world-famous Central Park, or experience great exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum.

Also, don’t forget to check out the High Line— especially if you love to walk or jog around outdoors in a bustling city.

Angkor Wat is the reason everyone goes to Siem Reap — but the 12th century Angkor Thom village is also a beautiful place to explore. There are plenty of temples to see, including Ta Prohm, Beng Mealea, and Banteay Srei. Great ways to get around including by foot, renting a bicycle, or by tuk-tuk.

Prague Castle — also known as Prazsky hrad — dates back to the 9th century, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s considered one of the most important Czech cultural monuments. Be aware that even though it’s considered the largest coherent castle complex in the world, drones are not allowed on the premises— you’ll have to take photos and videos in designated areas in person.

You can also visit the Charles Bridge, which was commissioned by Holy Roman Emperor and Czech king Charles IV in the 14th century.

With a uniquely diverse population, Dubai features stunning architecture, the man-made palm-shaped island that is Palm Jumeirah, and the Burj Khalifa— currently the tallest building in the world. If you love shopping, there’s a souk for all of your shopping needs— especially gold and spices.

If you thought there couldn’t be a beautiful garden in the middle of a desert, you’ll need to visit the Dubai Miracle Garden to see it for yourself.

Known by some as the Red City due to all the red sandstone used in its unique architecture, the city is comprised of two parts: the Old Medina and the more modern area, the Ville Nouvelle.

Be sure to visit the Bahia Palace, and take a little time to explore the gorgeous Islamic architecture inside Le Jardin Secret. You’re also just a day-trip away from the Ouzoud Waterfalls if you need a quiet break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hagia Sophia has lived many lives— first as a church, then as a mosque, and now as a museum. From Basilica Cistern to Sultanahmet Square, there’s plenty of glorious architectural wonder to experience in Istanbul.

You must also check out at least one of the city’s legendary bazaars.

Although it has amazingly been under construction for over 136 years, the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. According to Artsy, it is scheduled for completion in 2026 — but is well worth visiting even before that time.

There’s plenty of other Gaudí architecture to enjoy — including Casa Batlló and Park Güell — but more outdoor-minded people might like to visit the mountains of Tibidabo or Montjuïc. You might also visit the Gran Teatre del Liceu — Barcelona’s opera house, which was built in 1847.

Go diving off the Similan Islands, visit Wat Chalong, or even see the Big Buddha in Phuket. Of course, there are numerous beaches to explore and find your favorite — and you can easily visit the island of Phi Phi, the filming site of the movie “The Beach.”

There are plenty of night markets around as well — so don’t think your fun needs to end just because the sun has gone down.

From Lempuyang Temple— also known as the Gate of Heaven — to the very active volcano Mount Agung, you’ll find yourself surrounded by wonders both natural and man-made when you visit Bali.

If you want to spend more time in nature, you can visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Or, for a truly unforgettable experience, go snorkeling or scuba diving with manta rays at Manta Point.

If you read about the minotaur in school, you’ll want to see the ruins where legend has it that the beast once roamed — and the ruins at thePalace of Knossos is the place.

For a beautiful beach experience that is unique to Crete, check outElafonissi. Those with an interest in archaeology will want to check out the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which contains artifacts spanning 5,500 years of the island’s history.

Opened in A.D. 80, parts of the Colosseum still stand to delight tourists from around the world to this day. If you’ve only ever seen photos of the beautiful frescoes that adorn the Sistine Chapel, your visit to Rome is the perfect opportunity to witness the real thing in person.

For a glimpse of a different side of Roman history, you could also take one of the many Roman catacombs tours on offer.

Whether you’re visiting the big landmarks, the Louvre, or the Musee d’Orsay, be sure to take time to visit the Seine and walk along its banks. Of course, there’s incomparable food and shopping to be had as well, if that’s your thing — and don’t forget to eat some of the best pastries on the planet.

History fans will no doubt flock to the Tower of London, where you can also see the Crown Jewels. You could also take a day trip to Stonehenge, or visit Abbey Road or even the Sherlock Holmes Museum.

For a taste of some of the best the city has to offer, be sure to check out one of London’s many food halls.