Gazing out at a glorious view is one of the great joys of travel. Whether it’s the vast expanse of the Grand Canyon, the towering peaks of the Swiss Alps, or the awe-inspiring sight of Machu Picchu, there’s something about seeing the world from a unique vantage point that captivates our hearts and minds. Some of us travel halfway around the world just to soak in a particular vista, but for certain professionals, breathtaking views are part of the job.
We reached out to experienced travelers and industry professionals for their recommendations on the world’s most spectacular and awe-inspiring views. From street scenes in India to volcanic landscapes in Chile, their varied and surprising choices will inspire your next adventure.
The Travel Photographer: Richard I’Anson’s Scenic Spots
1. Bamurru Plains, Northern Territory, Australia
The View: The airboat ride across the flood plains in the late afternoon is truly unforgettable. Surrounded by melaleuca forests, some parts of the forest are underwater. As you return to the lodge, the setting sun creates a golden glow over the entire scene, often accompanied by dramatic cloud formations overhead.
2. Salisbury Plain, South Georgia Island
The View: A climb up a low hill grants you an extraordinary view of one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles in the world—a colony of 250,000 king penguins, making it the second-largest penguin colony on South Georgia.
3. The Lemaire Channel, Antarctica
The View: This narrow 11-kilometer-long channel, flanked by towering cliffs, offers spectacular views of icebergs and brash ice, making for a variety of dramatic photographic compositions. The experience is one of untouched natural beauty.
4. Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia
The View: Early morning on the Zambezi River offers a peaceful and unique safari experience. Heading out before sunrise, you can sit silently on the river as the sun rises, watching wildlife in one of the world’s great rivers.
5. Gokyo Ri, Nepal
The View: The hike from Gokyo village provides a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, with four 8,000-meter peaks in full view. It’s one of the most breathtaking sights in the region.
The Ocean Cruise Captain: Serena Melani’s Best Views
6. Lisbon, Portugal
The View: Arriving by ship into Lisbon offers unparalleled views of the old town, the Tower of Belem, and the city’s rich history bathed in brilliant light, thanks to the ocean air that sharpens the visibility.
7. Hubbard Glacier, Alaska, US
The View: The moment the fog clears and reveals the majestic Hubbard Glacier bathed in sunlight is breathtaking. The sight of the massive ice formations glistening under the sun left a deep impression on Captain Melani.
8. The Amazon River, Brazil
The View: Sailing deep into the Amazon River, the constantly changing landscape is mesmerizing. Sometimes you can spot the riverbank, sometimes you can’t, but there’s always something new to marvel at.
9. Sorrento, Italy
The View: As the sun sets over the dramatic cliffs of Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast, the view becomes even more magical, with the warm lights of the town and the fresh scent of lemon and pine filling the air.
10. Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
The View: The old town of Cartagena, a beautifully preserved colonial city, is vibrant and full of history. Its spice and colorful ambience, mixed with Caribbean and South American flavors, makes for an unforgettable visual experience.
The Train Travel Expert: Scott McGregor’s Scenic Rail Routes
11. Belgrade to Bar Railway, Serbia to Montenegro
The View: A dramatic railway journey crossing the limestone mountains of the southern Balkans, offering a constantly evolving landscape with each turn, making every view even more awe-inspiring.
12. Hai Van Pass, Vietnam
The View: One of the most scenic railways in Asia, this route was built with enormous financial and human effort by the colonial French. It weaves through dramatic coastal mountains, offering breathtaking views along the way.
13. The West Coast Wilderness Railway, Tasmania, Australia
The View: Built on steep terrain, the West Coast Wilderness Railway offers spectacular views of the wild virgin rainforest, raging rivers, and mountainous valleys of Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed wilderness.
14. Kalka-Shimla Railway, India
The View: A UNESCO World Heritage-listed railway, this route features striking landscapes as it rises through the lower Himalayas, offering panoramic views of changing vegetation and picturesque surroundings.
15. Kuranda Scenic Railway, Far North Queensland, Australia
The View: The train climbs steeply up to the ranges, passing through rainforest and offering stunning views of the coastal plain, canefields, and the sparkling sea.
The River Cruise Captain: Tamas Mezzo’s Picturesque Routes
16. Rhine Gorge, Germany
The View: Known for its castles, the Rhine Gorge is also a major trading route. As you sail past the mountains, you’ll spot charming castles alongside bustling trade ships—offering a picturesque blend of history and modernity.
17. Budapest, Hungary
The View: Arriving by ship into Budapest lets you enjoy panoramic views of the city’s iconic bridges, castle, and parliament building before you even step ashore. It’s a magnificent way to experience Hungary’s capital.
18. Durstein to Wachau, Austria
The View: The stretch of the river between Durstein and Wachau feels pristine, surrounded by forests on one side and vineyards on the other, making it perfect for a serene bike ride or a leisurely boat trip.
19. Main River, Germany
The View: With narrow locks and dense landscapes, sailing on the Main River offers an intimate view of Germany’s beautiful countryside, with towering hills and quaint villages dotting the shoreline.
20. Passau to Linz, Germany and Austria
The View: This 60-kilometer valley, with higher hills and untouched forest, offers a constantly changing view with each season, making the passage a delight for nature lovers and photographers alike.
The Mountaineer: Lydia Bradey’s High Altitude Wonders
21. Ojos del Salado, Chile
The View: The Altiplano region of Chile is home to countless volcanoes, each with its own unique color and shape. Climbing here provides breathtaking views of these geological wonders, with lava flows that have been frozen in time.
22. Lewis Pass, Aotearoa/New Zealand
The View: Known for its accessible alpine tarns, Lewis Pass offers hikers stunning views of mountains and lakes. This spot is perfect for those who love exploring the beauty of nature up close.
23. Kun Peak, Ladakh, India
The View: At Kun Peak, every step of the trek reveals new landscapes, from wildflowers at base camp to towering peaks that make this one of the most stunning 7,000-meter peaks to summit.
24. Gondogoro La, Pakistan
The View: This mountain pass is a visual masterpiece, with sharp, tower-like peaks and dramatic landscapes. It offers a wilder and more intense experience than the mountains of Nepal, surrounded by a sense of isolation and adventure.
25. Mount Everest, Nepal
The View: Summiting Everest provides a view that’s not only visually dramatic but historically and emotionally overwhelming. Standing atop the world’s highest peak, you gain a perspective of Earth that few will ever experience.
The Airline Pilot: Lynda Prior’s Aerial Perspectives
26. Greenland
The View: Flying over Greenland offers a rare glimpse of ice caps and glaciers, providing a surreal and beautiful aerial view of one of the most remote and untouched places on Earth.
27. Papua New Guinea
The View: Flying over Papua New Guinea offers dramatic views of airstrips built into mountain sides in the jungle, offering an experience that leaves passengers in awe of the region’s challenging yet breathtaking terrain.
28. Auckland, Aotearoa/New Zealand
The View: The flight into Auckland on a clear day reveals an incredible sight of the West Coast and Mount Taranaki, creating a welcoming and spectacular first view of New Zealand.
29. The Equator
The View: Flying over tropical regions near the equator, especially at night, offers a magnificent light show in the form of active thunderstorms, with continuous lightning illuminating the sky.
30. In Transit
The View: Passing another aircraft at high speeds offers a rare, thrilling view of the sky where planes flash their lights in a moment of synchronized spectacle.
The Escorted Journey Guru: Debra Fox’s Enchanting Views
31. Hokkaido, Japan
The View: Cross-country skiing through Hokkaido’s snowy forests is like entering another world. The deep silence of the snow-covered trees combined with the purity of nature creates an unforgettable experience.
32. Varanasi, India
The View: The nightly Aarti ceremony at the Ganges is mesmerizing, while the back streets of Varanasi offer a glimpse into the authentic lives of pilgrims, their journeys deeply tied to the river and its spiritual significance.
33. New York City
The View: Cruising into New York at dawn provides an unforgettable view of the city as the sun rises, transforming the skyline from the bright city lights into soft pinks and oranges, creating a perfect moment to appreciate the city.
34. Antarctica
The View: Antarctica’s stillness and quiet are unmatched, offering an opportunity to witness magnificent wildlife, like a mother whale and her calf, up close in the tranquil surroundings of the icy continent.
35. Mumbai, India
The View: The spectacle of the dabba wallahs distributing meals in Mumbai highlights an incredible logistical operation, offering a unique and captivating view of life in the city.
The above views offer a glimpse into the incredible diversity of landscapes, natural wonders, and cultural spectacles around the world. Each of these destinations provides a fresh perspective, whether from the heights of a mountain, the vantage of a train, or the beauty of nature seen from a cruise.
