From well-known marvels to lesser-known treasures, these sites are a must-visit
Whilst ‘Instagrammable’ and ‘cultural heritage’ might sound like an unusual pairing, social media has for the most part replaced brochures and travel guides to inspire where travellers choose to go on holiday. Instagram data reveals that there’s something timeless and captivating about visiting historical sites as millions flock to Instagram to share their experiences. With travellers increasingly favouring experiential travel, ancient ruins seem to offer the perfect blend of history, culture, and beauty, offering visitors a chance to connect with the past in a profound way.
Saga Holidays analysed the world’s top-rated ancient landmarks to find out which are most popular amongst tourists. Looking into Instagram geolocation data, Saga’s research reveals which ancient sites are attracting the most social media attention.
The growing interest in historical sites is also reflected in Saga’s own bookings, which have increased by two-thirds year-on-year for special interest holidays- a testament of the rising demand for these alternative holidays.
The highest-rated ancient ruins across the world
Saga has compiled a list of the best ancient ruins to visit that come highly recommended by fellow travellers looking into the number of annual visitors, average ratings and Instagram geolocation tags – location-based tags that users link to their stories or posts to show where a video or photo was taken.
| Rank | Place | Country | Instagram Geolocation |
| 1 | Chichen Itza | Mexico | 1,300,000 |
| 2 | Ayutthaya | Thailand | 1,100,000 |
| 3 | Acropolis / Parthenon | Greece | 697,000 |
| 4 | Teotihuacán | Mexico | 528,000 |
| 5 | Great Wall of China | China | 515,000 |
| 6 | Stonehenge | United Kingdom | 424,000 |
| 7 | Pompeii | Italy | 310,000 |
| 8 | Giza Plateau | Egypt | 255,000 |
| 9 | Jerash | Jordan | 213,000 |
| 10 | Tikal | Guatemala | 173,000 |
1. Chichén Itzá, México – 1,300,000 Instagram Geolocation tags
The city of Chichén Itzá was once a centre of culture and religion for the ancient Mayan people, located in present-day Mexico. Today the ruins of the city are a major archaeological site that attracts over two million visitors each year with 80% of visitors’ reviews being five stars a massive step pyramid, known as El Castillo or Temple of Kukulcan, dominates the ancient city and surrounding natural environment. The entire area was designed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
The equinoxes on March 21 and September 22 are popular dates to visit since the sun creates a shadow resembling a serpent descending the pyramid’s staircase.
2. Ayutthaya, Thailand – 1,100,000 Instagram Geolocation tags
Founded in 1350, the Historic City of Ayutthaya served as the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom. It thrived from the 14th to the 18th centuries, growing into a prosperous and influential city, shaping the urban planning and design of Thailand’s current capital, Bangkok.
Despite being attacked and destroyed by the Burmese in 1767, its remains are a testament to the city’s past grandeur, recognised as a World Heritage site in 1991.
The remnants of the ancient city now make up the Ayutthaya Historical Park, an archaeological treasure trove featuring royal palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries, and striking statues.
3. Acropolis / Parthenon, Greece – 697,000 Instagram Geolocation tags
The Acropolis of Athens stands as the ultimate symbol of ancient Greek civilization, embodying the essence of Greek democracy, philosophy, and art.
Perched high atop a rocky hill, it remains the most complete and iconic ancient Greek site, having endured wars and natural disasters over centuries. The Acropolis is home to several remarkable structures, including the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion, each a testament to the architectural genius and artistic mastery of ancient Greece. As a hub of intellectual, democratic, and religious life, the Acropolis continues to fascinate travellers, offering a powerful connection to the legacy that profoundly shaped Western civilization.
4. Teotihuacán, Mexico – 528,000 Instagram Geolocation tags
Dating back to 400 BC, and predating the Aztec civilization by 1,000 years, Teotihuacan is one of the archaeological sites with the longest history of exploration in Mexico. It is famed for its vastly sized monuments including the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon.
It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and is visited by approximately two million people annually. Out of its 22,000 visitor reviews, 80% gave a rating of five stars earning its place in the top ten ranking.
5. Great Wall of China, China – 515,000 Instagram Geolocation tags
The largest man-made project in the world, the Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most iconic structures. The entire route spans over 20,000 km, extending from the eastern coastline to the western deserts of northern China, twisting through mountains and plateaus in a twisting way, resembling the curve of a dragon.
As the result of centuries of labour spanning over 2,000 years, the incredible size and effort involved in constructing the Great Wall make it a marvel of human determination and ingenuity. The wall is made up of beacon towers, barriers, barracks, garrison stations, and fortresses, all of which work together to create a comprehensive defence system. Historically constructed to protect Chinese states from invasions and raids, it remains a powerful symbol of the country’s strength and strategic planning, and a Chinese cultural icon.
6. Stonehenge, United Kingdom – 424,000 Instagram Geolocation tags
Representing the most architecturally advanced prehistoric stone circle in the world, Stonehenge is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Known for its huge stones, sophisticated design, and precise alignment with astronomical events, the construction of the site dates back to over 4,500 years ago. The transportation of the stones, some weighing up to 25 tons from distant places, has intrigued historians and archaeologists for years, raising questions about how such a feat was managed.
The site’s alignment with the sun during the solstices adds to its intrigue, suggesting it may have had astronomical or spiritual significance to the people who built it. The World Heritage site preserves several prehistoric monuments, including settlements, burial grounds, and earthworks. The sites offer valuable insights into Neolithic and Bronze Age practices, technology, architecture, and astronomy.
7. Pompeii, Italy – 310,000 Instagram Geolocation tags
The World Heritage property of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and surrounding villas offer a rare, frozen-in-time glimpse of ancient Roman life. Buried under volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD, the ancient city was very well preserved, with buildings, artwork, and even everyday items and organic materials left intact. This preservation allows visitors to walk through ancient streets, explore homes, and experience a vivid view of Roman daily life, culture, and society.
8. Giza Plateau, Egypt – 255,000 Instagram Geolocation tags
The Giza Plateau, located on the outskirts of modern Cairo, is home to several of the most iconic symbols of ancient Egypt, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, the last remaining of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Commissioned by Pharaoh Khufu during Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty (around 2550 BCE), the Great Pyramid was the largest pyramid ever built in Egypt. Khufu’s successors, Khafre and Menkaure, built the second-largest and iconic Sphynx at Giza, respectively. Over time, hundreds of tombs were added nearby for the royal family and Egypt’s elite officials.
A testament to Egypt’s rich cultural and historical legacy, these monumental structures continue to attract travellers worldwide.
9. Jerash, Jordan – 213,000 Instagram Geolocation tags
Located in northern Jordan, Jerash is recognised as one of the largest and most well-preserved sites of Greek and Roman architecture in the world. Known as the “Pompeii of the East,” visitors can explore its impressive architecture, ranging from the grand Hadrian’s Arch, the well-preserved Roman Theatre, and the beautiful Oval Plaza. The city’s unique character derives from the mix of Greco-Roman and Nabataean influences. The sites’ rich history, striking ruins, and beautiful setting make Jerash it a must-visit for anyone passionate about ancient civilizations.
10. Tikal, Guatemala – 173,000 Instagram Geolocation tags
Tikal, in the heart of Guatemala’s rainforest, is one of the best-preserved ancient Mayan cities. The site is home to imposing pyramids, such as Temple IV, which rises above the jungle canopy, together with sophisticated plazas, ball courts, and residential structures. Surrounded by a lush jungle, with wildlife ranging from monkeys to exotic birds, Tikal offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore both the grandeur of Mayan architecture and the mysteries of a once-thriving civilization, all against the backdrop of Central America’s wilderness beauty.
For the full ranking with a round-up of ancient sites from each continent, please see the Saga website: https://holiday.saga.co.uk/blog/ancient-wonders-of-the-world
