Following on from the post about UNESCO sites in Spain that I have visited..(about half of them)

Out of curiosity I took a look at the full list to see if I had seen any other sites while on my travels. Can you believe there are more than 1100 UNESCO World Heritage Site to see across the world?

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Here´s the list:

River Seine, Paris

In France the banks of the River Seine in Paris. Although I have visited Paris three times. The most memorable trip as a ´poor´ student in the late nineties. The Seine has 37 bridges in Paris crossing the water. Making it a romantic place for photos and sunsets.

I also loved the Shopping in Paris, France as well as all of the fabulous bakeries and pâtisseries

 

UK – The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey & Kew Gardens

UK It currently has 28 sites with UNESCO status. So far I have only seen 3 of them. All of them in London.

The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey are must see places when you visit London. The buildings that make up the area around the tower are wonderfully conserved and of course this is the home to the Crown Jewels of the Royal Family

The Royal Botanic Kew Gardens for me was a delightful day trip, as I am a bit of a greenfingers. I actually studied floristry for several years but that aside these gardens have absolutely everything. It has 300 acres of space packed with thousands of plant species and of course the popular waterlily area.

I have visited Edinburgh. In 2019 I spent a wonderful 3 day break there in December. Staying at the excellently located Grassmarket Hotel it was a lovely break. December, everything was Christmassy even though the month had just begun. I visited Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Zoo and the fabulous Museum of Scotland. Took a day trip to Glasgow while I was there too.

UNESCO World Heritage sites are New and Old towns of Edinburgh

USA – Grand Canyon N.P

I visited Grand Canyon some years ago but didn´t enjoy it as I should have done. I think that if you visit the canyon you need to fly over it in a helicopter or trek down it with mules. There are also some Grand Canyon Day Hikes worth planning so that you really get a feel for the expanse of this natural space.

Seeing the Canyon from above or from the Canyon floor a more fulfilling way to see it.  I was standing on the edge of the vast landmark on a hazy day. This didnt create the WOW factor I was expecting. We also had to leave the canyon rim very soon after arriving as a thunderstorm was coming in.

Maybe the weather affected my experience that day?

Yosemite National Park

When I visited Yosemite, we spent some time on the simple hiking routes, suitable for families and all levels of fitness. And the thing that I remember most are the waterfalls. Absolutely Epic!. As well as the waterfalls the mountain landscapes are stunning. You also get to see Sequoia trees too.

Yosemite was way too busy when I visited in Mid August so I would plan your trip another time of the year.  If you like outdoors you must visit this park at some point, make sure you plan your Yosemite Itinerary ahead of time so you get the best from this Park.

Yellowstone National Park

This place was my highlight of a 19 day trip crossing 9 american states. I absolutely loved it here and am keen to return for a longer stay. The colours of the pools, yellow, turquoise, deep green. The powerful geysers shooting up out of the ground. The huge trees just slain on hillsides from the power of the underground movements. The wildlife, bears, buffalos, eagles and even wolves.

New York – Statue of Liberty National Park

The actual statue is 46 metres tall (the whole piece from Ground to torch is 93m) however this seems small when you are out in the bay observing her from the ferry. An iconic landmark no doubt which has been there since 1886.

Everglades National Park

On a trip to Miami, we took a dayout and drove down to the Everglades. Located in Florida, the Everglades National Park occupies 1.5 million acres of wetlands. Home to endless wildlife species, although the alligator is the most talked about. There are endangered species in the Everglades such as the leatherback turtle, Florida panther and West Indian manatee that need to be conserved.  

UNESCO Sites in Germany

Berlin

The UNESCO sites are palaces and parks of Potsdam and Berlin again the weather. Berlin in February. Well the flight was cheap! It was absolutely freezing. We wrapped up warm and visited the Berlin Wall, checkpoint Charlie and some amazing palaces. (Photo below)

Museumsinsel the Museum island is also on the UNESCO list and in Berlin. Several huge museums all in the same area. You need a weekend just to visit that area itself.

There are also some great daytrips from Berlin to plan for when you visit the region.

The Canals of Amsterdam

The Canals of Amsterdam, Netherlands also make the list. Amsterdam is the place outside of the UK where I always feel at home. The Dutch eat lovely cakes and lots of cheese. They also share a similar sense of humour as the Brits do.

I have been 3 or 4 times now and love the place.

The house boats and wonderful scenery created by the network of canals make a unique city layout.

Portugal

The landscape of Sintra – This trip to Lisbon was an amazing luxury experience. We had a gala dinner in the Sieteais palace which was built in 1787 in Sintra. I remember eating typical pastries in Sintra one morning on a patio in the sun.

In fact I am long due to return to Portugal… I need to investigate which places to head to and build my Portugal Itinerary particularly to learn more about the delicious food and wine.

On the same trip we visited The tower of Belem Lisbon which was built in 1520 to defend the river Tagus and the city.

Israel 

In 2016 I was lucky enough to visit The Old City of Acre in fact, spending a week in Israel this place was my absolute highlight. I really enjoyed the mixture of cultural influences and layers of history in this 4000 year old port city. I was there for 3 days and 2 nights which was the perfect amount of time to visit the main sights in Akko.

Palestine

While I was in Israel I took a private day trip into Palestine. Visiting the Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity. At the time I visited the church was undergoing major repairs however I still go to visit the main sights in Palestine.

Jerusalem

In Autumn 2016 I visited the Old City of Jerusalem which is sadly on the endangered list of UNESCO (meaning the site may suffer damage) Visiting the mount of Olives and some of the most beautiful churches was the highlight of my time here. Catch up with more on my blog post. 

Italy

Without realizing it I have seen two different UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy.  The Historic Centre of Florence and the Porticoes of Bologna. Florence although its a very beautiful city architecturally, I found it very busy with tourists, almost too much. So this aspect spoiled its charm a little for me. 

Whereas Bologna suited me much better. A university city and very important city for Foodies. Check out all the delicous things I ate in Bologna. 

Morocco

In 2014 I travelled to Morocco in August. Don´t do what I did… travel any other month but not in August! I spent a morning in the Medina of Marrakesh and slept at a hotel next to the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou. This meant I got to visit Air Ben Haddou first thing in the morning before anyone else arrived. Quite magical.