40 places worth visiting before age 40

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Find out where to get experiences that you will share with your children and grandchildren.

30-40 years is a good time to travel: career more or less took place, there is money and energy. Get inspired by our list and see the most beautiful corners of the world!

1. Venice, Italy

Walk around Piazza San Marco, admire the Doge's Palace, take a gondola ride and buy Murano glass. Better yet, come to the city of Casanova and Vivaldi in February to breathe in the atmosphere of the Venetian carnival.

2. Monasteries of Meteora, Greece

Enjoy the tranquility of the ancient Orthodox monastery. Climb the majestic cliffs on foot, visit all six monasteries and admire the unique frescoes.

3. Balos, Crete

Discover all shades of blue where the Ionian, Aegean and Libyan Seas converge. Sunbathe on the pink beach and plunge into the azure lagoon. Take in the panoramic views from Cape Tigani before heading to the Archaeological Museum in Kissamos.

4. Vatnajökull, Iceland

Rent a quad bike or snowmobile and experience the scale of the giant glacier. Descend to its depths and plunge into the hot springs of rainbow ice caves. Take your breath away from the power of the Dettifoss Falls and the serenity of the Jokulsarlon iceberg lagoon.

How to go to Iceland on a budget →

5. Marrakech, Morocco

Breathe in the atmosphere of the East at Djemaa el Fna Square. Feel like a medieval Maghreb with an overnight stay at the riad hotel. Watch leather dressing and dyeing and buy yourself some souvenirs.

6. Barcelona, Spain

Climb to the Sagrada Familia observation deck and visit the Picasso Museum. Take a walk in the port and Montjuïc mountain, admire the Magic Fountain. Flirt with mimes on the Ramblas and sample some young Spanish wine at a street cafe.

How to relax in Spain and not go broke →

7. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Wander along the trails of the national park of the same name, admire the beauty of the ensemble of 16 turquoise lakes, breathe in the freshness of the waterfalls and think of the eternal during the ferry ride.

8. Jerusalem, Israel

Take a walk in the Garden of Gethsemane, go to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Wander through the most orthodox area of the city of Mea Shearim and stand at the Western Wall. Bargain at Mahane Yehuda Market and watch the light show on the walls of the Tower of David.

9. Istanbul, Turkey

Compare two of the city's business cards - St. Sophia Cathedral and the Blue Mosque. Learn the secrets of the Sultan's harems at Topkana Palace and see the figures of Medusa the Gorgon in the Basilica Cistern. Haggle at the oriental bazaars in the Takhtakale area, go to the hammam and dine at an authentic bar in Beyoglu.

10. Tulip fields, Netherlands

Walk through the Leiden Botanical Gardens and experience the flower extravaganza of Keukenhof Park. Finally, stop by the famous mills and sample some excellent Dutch cheese. The best time to travel is March-April.

11. Santorini, Greece

Relax on the black beaches of Thira and Perissa, explore the Minoan ruins and write the name of your soul mate on the cliffs of the legendary city of Oia. Dine at a local restaurant and watch the sunset on its terrace.

12. Rome, Italy

Learn the history of the city at the museum complex on Palantine. Descend into the catacombs and peer into the arena of the Colosseum. Wander around Piazza Navona and throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain. Visit St. Peter's Basilica and admire the creations of Michelangelo and Raphael at the Vatican.

How to have a budget vacation in Italy →

13. Paris, France

Climb the Eiffel Tower on foot, stroll around Montmartre and take a river tram ride on the Seine. See firsthand the great legacy of the Louvre and Notre Dame. Listen to street musicians, pose for artists, and learn to play petanque.

Life hacks for those who are going on a trip to France →

14. Prague, Czech Republic

Get a feel for the time thanks to the astronomical clock in Old Town Square, admire the stained glass windows of St. Vitus Cathedral, and walk around the Old Town. Take a good photo of Charles Bridge and post it on social networks and go to the Franz Kafka Museum. Taste local beer and absinthe and savor hearty Czech cuisine.

What to see in Prague: a guide for lazy and active tourists →

15. Durmitor, Montenegro

Discover resort Montenegro from the other side. Visit the largest national park in the country, admire its snow-white mountain peaks and deep forests. Feel the icy water of Crno Jezer (Black Lake) and discover its legends.

16. Pamukkale, Turkey

See a geological wonder with your own eyes, walk barefoot on travertine terraces and plunge into Cleopatra's healing pool. Watch excavations in ancient Hieropolis and drink mineral water from a local spring.

17. Cape Roca, Portugal

This is the westernmost point of Eurasia. Walk to the edge of a 140-meter cliff and appreciate the infinity of the Atlantic Ocean. Be sure to take a photo at the end of the earth and then head to the palaces of Sintra.

18. Dubai, UAE

See the bulk islands and dizzying skyscrapers Climb the Burj Khalifa, attend a musical fountain show, walk through the Middle East's largest shopping mall, and relax at the world's largest water park.

To once again be amazed that recently there was a desert in the place of all this, go on a night safari.

19. Giza, Egypt

Take a look with your own eyes at one of the wonders of the world - the ancient pyramids. Take a photo next to the pyramid of Cheops, compare it with the pyramids of Khephren and Mikerin. Feel like a grain of sand next to the 20-meter Great Sphinx and stay for a light and music show.

20. Petra, Jordan

Feel like Indiana Jones and touch eternity in an ancient city carved into the rocks at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. Explore Al Khazneh Palace, Facade Square and the Royal Tombs, then rent a camel or donkey and head to Ad-Deir Monastery.

21. Great Wall of China, China

Touch one of the most unique creations of mankind, which stretches for more than 20,000 kilometers. Choose a convenient site: the popular Badaling with a funicular and restaurants, the oldest and open at night Simatai or Mutianyu - completely restored, but not so crowded.

22. Halong, Vietnam

Take a cruise on Halong Bay, climb Mount Titov, see the rice fields. Learn the legends of the Wooden Pillar Cave, Heavenly Palace Cave, and the Catba and Tuan Chau Islands. Do not forget about beach holidays and fiery discos.

23. Koh Samui, Thailand

Enjoy a beach holiday on a beautiful Thai island and the unspoiled nature of the south coast. Immerse yourself in the nightlife of Chaweng and Lamai and take a food tour of local restaurants. Be sure to pamper yourself with fresh seafood and taste the famous hot and sour tom yum.

24. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Visit the Angkor temple complex and experience the former glory of the Khmer civilization. Hear legends and legends from local guides. Watch the sunrise at the giant Angkor Wat temple dedicated to the god Vishnu.

25. Chittorgarh, India

See the sights on a rickshaw tour of the fortress and learn about the exploits of Rani Padmini and the other women who did not surrender the fort to their enemies. Admire the Pillar of Victory and the Pillar of Glory, and visit several temples.

26. Singapore

Marvel at the Singapore economic wonder from the height of the world's second largest Ferris wheel. Marvel at the futuristic trees at Gardens by the Bay and watch the stunning laser show at Marina Bay. Visit the local zoo and the orchid garden and oceanarium on Sentosa Island.

27. Hitachi, Japan

The name of this national park is translated from Japanese as "dawn". Walk through it in the early morning and enjoy the harmony and delicate aroma of daffodils, tulips, lilies, sakura, forget-me-nots.

28. Bali, Indonesia

Get to know the traditions of local farmers on the Jatiluwih rice terraces. Catch the waves at Kuta Beach and watch the sunset. Pamper your body with a Balinese massage and your soul with local dances.

29. Kiyomizu-dera, Japan

Walk through the Nio Gate and feel the coolness of the Otova Falls. Walk down through the tunnel to the sacred Buddha stone and walk with your eyes closed between the boulders at Jishu Shrine. And take at least a day to explore other Kyoto attractions.

30. Hong Kong

Ride the ferry from Kowloon to Hong Kong and the cute double-decker trams. Watch the waterfront laser show and admire the city from Victoria Peak. Wander around local markets, try street food. And be sure to go for enlightenment to the 34-meter bronze Buddha statue on Lantau Island.

31. Zhangjiajie, China

Wander the trails of the picturesque woodland park, admiring the quaint pillars. Take the Bailoon elevator to view the 1,000-meter-tall Avatar Hallelujah Mountain. Hang a padlock on a bridge under the sky and taste the mountain peach yangmey.

32. Taj Mahal, India

Admire the luxury of India's most famous landmarks, never destroyed by numerous earthquakes. Learn the beautiful story of Shah Jahane and his wife Mumtaz Mahal and other legends of the Greatest Palace.

33. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Feel the power of one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Tickle your nerves as you stand on the edge of the observation deck, feel its coolness and millions of splashes on you. Photograph dazzling rainbows and try local bungee jumping.

34. New York, USA

See the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and stroll through Central Park. Go to a Broadway musical for a day of shopping.

35. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Climb to the top of Corcovado and see the famous statue of Christ, then take the cable car up to Mount Pan di Asucar for the best selfie. Sunbathe at the legendary Copacabana Beach and plunge into the frenzy of the Brazilian Carnival. It takes place in early February.

36. Machu Picchu, Peru

Touch the mystery of the lost city of the Incas, find the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Solar Gate and the Intihuatana Stone. Meditate as you climb Huayna Picchu and admire the panoramic views from the top. For beautiful pictures, travel to Peru from May to August.

37. Banff, Canada

Enjoy the beauty of Canada's oldest and largest national park. One glacial lake Moraine is worth something! Go snowboarding and skiing, take a dip in sulfur springs, and visit a local bathhouse.

38. Grand Canyon, USA

The sight of the huge stone giants, which captured the four geological eras of the Earth, is breathtaking. Stand on the edge of a cliff, ride down on a mule and then on an inflatable raft across Colorado.

39. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

There are hundreds of endemics on eight thousand square kilometers. See with your own eyes the unique flora and fauna and remember Darwin. Capture a candelabrum cactus, admire an elephant turtle, and scuba dive into the depths of the Pacific Ocean.

40. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

2600 kilometers, nearly three thousand reefs and 900 islands - it can be seen even from space. Swim in the clear azure waters of the Coral Sea and dive off the southern coast. Travel to local national parks and observe the unique flora and fauna of the rainforest.

How to apply for a visa to travel to Australia →