The website that lets you experience the world from home!
Walk Around 100+ Cities Around The Globe! Admire the beautiful scenery and street sounds.
Guess your location from your surroundings and walk around & admire the beautiful scenery!
Drive around and view the scenery from 100+ cities around the globe. Admire the beautiful sights!
Explore the world by walking, driving, flying, and viewing live footage of different locations around the world.
View LIVE Footage from different cities around the world. Enjoy!
Enjoy the view from above for over 80+ cities from around the globe/world.
Explore different famous & not famous monuments from around the world.
Click on cities on a map to view videos from that city!
Experience window views from hundreds of different cities.
Experience road trips by virtually driving between cities.
Guessing Game
Can you recognize where a city is just my walking around it? If so, give this game a go!
Want to help Virtual Vacation out? Give us a share and give others the gift of travel!
virutalvacation.us © 2020
The best virtual tours to explore the world from home
Oct 8, 2020 • 5 min read
The Sistine Chapel is just one wonder offering a virtual museum tour. Rajesh Gathwala / 500px
We live in an age of unprecedented access to digital technology – and with it, brand new ways of exploring the world around us.
While it's not quite the same as seeing, say, the Mona Lisa or Christ the Redeemer in person, some of the world’s most popular and remote destinations have created libraries of online images and video, as well as 360 degree virtual tours that let you virtually explore museums, galleries, world wonders and even national parks.
Here a just a few of the best digital tours that let you wander the world from wherever you may be social distancing.
See the seven wonders of the world
If there’s anything capable of whetting your appetite for world travel, it is the new seven wonders of the world: the Great Wall of China , the ancient city of Petra , the Taj Mahal , the Colosseum , Machu Picchu , Christ the Redeemer , and Chichen Itza . Thankfully there are impressive virtual tours of each from The New York Times , AirPano , Google , and Panoramas .
With modern technology, you can even see the last standing wonder of the ancient world— The Pyramids of Giza . There are a few other wonders that might not make it into to the top seven but are still worth a digital peek, like the Alhambra , Seville's La Giralda , and even Easter Island.
Best virtual museum tours
In recent years, Google has partnered with over 2,5000 art museums to upload high-resolution versions of millions of pieces of art. Highlights include New York’s MoMA , DC’s National Gallery of Art , Chicago’s Art Institute , the Casa Battl ó, and Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum to name a few.
In addition, The Louvre offers a virtual tour , as do The Vatican Museums , many of the Smithsonian Museums , the Russian Museum , the top-rated British Museum , the Minneapolis Museum of Russian Art , and the Palace Museum in Beijing.
You may not be able to kiss the Blarney Stone right now, but you can tour the Blarney Castle from afar. You can also visit the Museum of Flight, the Museum of Science, the Museum of Natural History, the National Women's History Museum and Boston's History of Science Museum .
While museums are often an inherently visual experience, there's a lot to be learned from archives of past lectures and tours like the ones preserved online by Nashville's Frist Museum , the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Frick , and others.
You might also like: Broadway might be closed, but here’s how to stream the best performances from your home
Explore national parks
While travel to National Parks is best avoided for the time being, you don't need to miss out on the scenery. Virtual Yosemite is absolutely stunning and one of the best, replete with audio. Both Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore offer virtual tours as well.
Google has similar 360 degree audio-visual tours of five select national parks, including Kenai Fjords, Hawai'i Volcanos , Carlsbad Caverns, Bryce Canyon , and Dry Tortugas, as well as 31 more on Google Earth . You can also get an up-close look at almost 4,000 pieces of artwork, artifacts, and other treasures related to the history and culture of the national parks, and view online exhibits .
Digital safaris
Wildlife is a big draw for travelers, whether it's sighting some of the Big Five in Africa, glimpsing whales in North America, or introducing your children to new animals in person on a family safari . But if you're forays into the bush are grounded for now, many zoos and aquariums have created digital access to their habitats.
You can easily watch several live webcams of some of the nation’s greatest zoos and aquariums, including the San Diego Zoo , Houston Zoo , Zoo Atlanta , the Tennessee Aquarium , and the Georgia Aquarium . Additionally you can see Canadian farm animals doing their thing , or you could watch Stella the Dog jump endlessly into huge piles of Maine leaves.
You may also like: These nine wildlife web cams offer access to your favorite animals
Virtual hiking
Thanks to panoramic video, you can get a really good idea of what a hike looks like well before you arrive at the trailhead. For example, you can experience all of the following top-rated hikes right now from your computer or tablet: Bryce Canyon , Grand Canyon , GR20 , Inca Trail , and the death-defying Angel's Landing . For even more great hikes, simply YouTube one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 treks or any other hike that suits your fancy. Bonus points if you follow along during a workout to enhance the realism.
Famous landmarks
You can visit many wonders of nature, including the Amazon Rainforest , Iguazu Falls , the Komodo Islands , or Table Mountain , using virtual tours. Or you can explore the Statue of Liberty , the Sahara Desert , Niagara Falls , or even a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower . For even more virtual tours, search your bucket list of adventures with AirPano , Google Earth , or YouTube .
Travel to outer space
The moon hasn't made it to Lonely Planet's Best In Travel list (yet!), and even without self-isolation and shelter-in-place measures for COVID-19, many of us may never travel to space. But thanks to technology, now is as good of a time as any to do so virtually. Before blasting off, considering touring some of NASA’s offices first. Then relive the last lunar missions and moon walks in stunning HD. Or take a virtual tour of Mars with the help of Google.
You might also like:
Listen to the sounds of forests around the world Cook your way around the world with these travel-inspired kitchen essentials Rome watchlist: films to see before your trip
The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) is now a global pandemic. Find out what this means for travelers .
This article was originally published March 2020 and was last updated October 2020.
Explore related stories
National Parks
Jun 14, 2022 • 8 min read
Here are 8 national parks where you can learn more about the history of the Native American peoples first-hand.
Nov 1, 2024 • 11 min read
Oct 28, 2024 • 9 min read
Oct 25, 2024 • 13 min read
Oct 18, 2024 • 8 min read
Oct 17, 2024 • 5 min read
Aug 21, 2024 • 6 min read
Aug 9, 2024 • 4 min read
Jul 6, 2024 • 5 min read
Jun 25, 2024 • 6 min read
60 Virtual Tours To Travel The World During The Coronavirus Pandemic
- Written by Post author: Chloe Smulian
- Post last modified: Updated on April 2, 2024
A comprehensive list of free virtual tours that will intrigue and delight all types of travel lovers. Discover the Seven Wonders of the World, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites and iconic landmarks around the world from the comfort of your home! Experience your first virtual travel experience with us.
With extensive travel bans, citywide lockdowns and strict social distancing measures, it’s hard not to eventually let cabin fever weigh you down. This is especially true if you’ve got a healthy addiction to travel like us. So we’ve found a way around the problem – virtual travel!
Obviously it doesn’t replace the real thing, but it’s better than nothing. It’s also a great way to get travel inspiration and learn some interesting facts about the destination until we can travel again.
It will give you something positive to look forward to while we all do the responsible thing and #stayhome. Treat it like Facetiming the world!
It’s also a great thing to do with kids at home. They’ll especially love the wildlife live webcam feeds! This list is guaranteed to keep them occupied for days if not weeks!
So whether you love city escapes, exploring museums or learning interesting facts about the natural and man-made wonders around the world, there’s something for everyone.
Make sure you share this with your friends and family who love travelling too.
What Do You Need To Virtual Travel The World
Virtual touring the world is easy. All you need is a laptop, cellphone or tablet and an internet connection. You don’t need a VR set (virtual reality set), but if you have one it’s a bonus.
We recommend using Google Chrome web browser because some of these virtual tour websites are not in English. Chrome makes it really easy translating foreign languages to English or whatever language you prefer.
Lastly, have a little patience as some of these virtual tours take a bit longer to load.
New Seven Wonders Of The World Virtual Tour
Everyone’s heard of the Seven Wonders of the World. But did you know that there are two different lists for the 7 Wonders of the World?
No? We didn’t either. The list most people know is the New Seven Wonders of the World. But there’s also the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World.
Are you one of the those rare humans that can list all New 7 Wonders of the World?
1. Great Wall of China
Often cited as the only human-made structure that is visible from space. The Great Wall of China is probably the most well known Wonder of the World. It captures over 2,000 years of history and stretches more than 21,000 km across several provinces in China. That’s as long as 5 times the length of Australia!
This iconic landmark is usually teemed with tourists all year round. But you can visit it crowd-free on this Great Wall of China virtual tour.
2. Chichen Itza, Mexico
The ancient city of Chichen Itza is one of the most well restored Mayan sites in Mexico and also its biggest tourist attraction. El Castillo may be the most famous pyramid of Chichen Itza, but there are many other ancient ruins to explore.
If you love astronomy, you’ll love learning how each structure was intricately designed to align with specific planets and stars. Sounds fascinating?
You can virtually tour Chichen Itza and explore some of its most popular sites and facts right from the comfort of your own home.
3. Christ The Redeemer, Brazil
The cultural icon of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and a symbol of Christianity across the world. The Christ The Redeemer statue is the largest art deco statue in the world. It stands 38 meters tall (around 13 storeys high) and stretches 28 meters wide.
It was built by the Roman Catholic community of Brazil following the end of World War I. The community was concerned about the growing ‘godlessness’ when Brazil officially became a republic and the church was officially separated from the state.
You can skip the 200+ step climb to the top on this stunning virtual tour of Cristo Redentor .
4. Petra, Jordan
Also known as the ‘Carved City’ or the ‘Lost City’, Petra is known as one of the oldest cities in the world. It is estimated that the city was established in the 4th century (312 BC) but was only discovered by Western civilisation in the 1800s.
Only 15% of Petra has been explored by archaeologists, so not much is known besides it being home to about 800 tombs.
It’s simply one of those places that you have to see to believe that it exists in real life. Petra is still on our travel bucket list, but this virtual tour is probably one of our favourites!
5. Taj Mahal, India
One look at the Taj Mahal and it’s easy to see why it’s a wonder. It’s considered to be one of the most magnificent masterpieces of architecture in the world. Besides that, it’s also a symbol of love. Don’t believe us? See the Taj Mahal in VR for yourself.
The emperor built it in remembrance of his third wife who passed away giving birth to their 14th child. Today the couple remains buried together beneath the main inner chamber of the Taj Mahal.
It took more than 22,000 workers, 1,000 elephants and 22 years to build this incredible structure. Now there are concerns that it will crumble into pieces as its wooden foundations are rotting away.
6. Rome Colosseum, Italy
Did you know that Italy has the most number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world? There are a total of 51 World Heritage sites within Italy of which the Colosseum is the most famous.
Historically, the Colosseum was a place where gladiator fights and executions took place in Ancient Rome. Today it stands as a symbol of power and majesty of the Roman Empire. It’s also one of the most popular tourists attraction in the world.
7. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is famous for being the Lost City of the Incas. It is believed that this is where the Incas escaped to when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century.
Besides its historical significance, Machu Picchu also showcases the Incas’ incredible mastery of stone. The stones used to construct some of the most beautiful structures in Machu Picchu were cut so precisely and wedged so closely together, that a credit card cannot be inserted between them.
Not only was this more aesthetically pleasing, it also has engineering advantages. The stones were designed to bounce through earthquake tremors and fall back into place. This was only possible because no mortar (or cement) was used and the reason why Machu Picchu still stands today.
Virtual Tours of Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Top unesco sites in africa.
8. The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the most famous landmarks around the world. Its sheer colossal size and perfect symmetry makes you wonder how this world icon was constructed more than 4,500 years ago.
Today, the Pyramids of Giza are the only surviving members of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World.
9. Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania
Kilimanjaro is one of the largest volcanoes in the world and also home to Africa’s highest mountain.
If you love hiking as much as we do, then Kilimanjaro is probably on your bucket list too. Close to 35,000 people attempt to hike Mount Kilimanjaro every year. But only 40% of them successfully reach the summit and around 5 to 15 people die every year attempting it.
There isn’t a proper virtual tour of Kilimanjaro , but you can get some awesome 360 panoramic views using Google Map street views. Just drag the little yellow man to the circles on the map to ‘explore’ the area.
Save Me For Later
10. Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa
Not only is the Drakensberg Mountains a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, it’s also a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Drakensberg is culturally significant because it hides more than 20,000 San rock paintings inside its nooks and crevices.
These rock paintings are important because they represent the earliest form of human creativity. They also symbolise the beginning of art in the world today.
We’ve had the privilege of hiking the Drakensberg Mountains when we lived in South Africa. If you plan to hike it too, make sure you read our top Drakensberg hiking trails of the Royal Natal National Park . We also share tips on how you can hike the Drakensberg with children .
Since that’s not possible right now, you can enjoy the magnificence of the Drake nsberg on this beautiful virtual tour.
Top UNESCO Sites in Asia
11. Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan is known as the ‘sea of temples’ because it has the largest concentration of Buddhist temples in the world. There were originally 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries built here in the 1000s and 1100s. But only 2,000 of them still exist today.
Needless to say that the entire Bagan Archaeological zone is too vast to explore by foot alone. You can compliment your walk with a ride on old rickety bicycles, hot balloon rides or on this mind blowing virtual tour of Bagan .
12. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat is famous for being the largest religious monument in the world. Yes, it’s even bigger than Bagan! Before the fall of Angkor Wat in the 15th century, it was actually the largest city in the world.
Unlike Bagan, most of Angkor Wat still exists today. It was built with durability in mind because it was designed and dedicated to the immortal gods.
13. Terracotta Army, China
This World Heritage Site isn’t a temple, but a mass grave. It’s the burial ground for the First Emperor of China and his world renowned Terracotta Army.
No one knows exactly how many terracotta warriors were made. But it’s been estimated that more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses were sculpted. And if that wasn’t amazing enough, each soldier has its own distinct facial features and were all built to life-size.
It took around 40 years to ‘build’ the entire army and its sole purpose was for protecting the emperor in his afterlife.
You can wander between these soldiers yourselves on this Terracotta Warrior virtual tour.
Top UNESCO Sites in Europe
14. Acropolis of Athens, Greece
‘Acropolis’ translates into ‘high city’ in Greek. Most cities in ancient Greece had their city centres built on a mound or a hill. This is where they would build their important temples and where citizens could retreat to if under attack.
The most famous acropolis of Greece is, of course, the one in Athens with the iconic Pantheon dominating its skyline. The Acropolis of Athens has withstood the test of time, including bombardments, earthquakes and vandalism. Yet it still stands today as a reminder of the rich history of Greece.
15. Stonehenge, United Kingdom
Also known as the Bronze Age Ring of Standing Stones, Stonehenge is one of the UK’s most unique sites and visited attractions. It’s a prehistoric monument steeped in all kinds of myth and speculation because no one knows its true origin or purpose.
Some believe that Stonehenge was a Druid temple, built by ancient Celtic pagans as a centre for their religious worship. Others believe it to have astronomical significance as the light from sunrise and sunset aligns with the stones during summer and winter solstice.
Why don’t you decide for yourself based on the interesting facts you’ll learn on this Stonehenge virtual tour.
Top UNESCO Sites in North and South America
16. Mesa Verde National Park, USA
Mesa Verde is the largest and one of the most spectacular archeological sites in the USA. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it encapsulates how Native Americans once lived by carving their homes into the cliff.
It’s one of the most well preserved ruins of the Ancestral Pueblo people in North America and you can virtually explore Mesa Verde right from the comfort of your own home.
17. Mayan Ruins of Tikal, Guatemala
At first glance, the Mayan Ruins of Tikal appears to be quite similar to the ruins of Chichen Itza. They were both major cities in the history of the Mayan civilisation and are both declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The biggest difference between the two is that Tikal is less visited and often less crowded compared to the more popular Chichen Itza. That’s because Tikal is located in the remote Guatemalan forests whereas Chichen Itza is much easier to access.
Some areas of Tikal remain unmapped or excavated too. So if you love hidden gems, make sure you visit the Mayan Ruins of Tikal , even if it’s only by virtual tour for now.
18. Easter Island, Chile
Easter Island is a Chilean island in the south Pacific Ocean. It’s famous for its 900+ giant statues known as Moais, which are scattered around the entire island.
It is believed that the Rapa Nui natives built these Moais to honour chieftains and important individuals from their village. They believed that by doing this, the spirit of the person would forever watch over the tribe and bring good fortune.
Today, Easter Island is believed to be the most remote inhabited island in the world. That’s why it’s also very expensive to get to. But have no fear, you can admire Easter Island virtually until then.
Iconic Landmarks and Buildings Around the World
Some of the most iconic and recognised landmarks and buildings around the world that you can explore for free from home.
Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in USA
19. The White House, United States
Anyone can visit the White House free of charge. But you have to register and request a tour online and wait between 3 weeks to 3 months to visit. Skip the wait on this White House virtual tour.
20. Statue of Liberty, USA
More than 130 years ago, France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States to celebrate the friendship the two endured during the American Revolution. Today it represents freedom and democracy in the USA.
Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in the United Kingdom
21. Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom
The official residence of The Queen and a must-visit when in London. Skip the long 3 month wait and the €30 entrance ticket and see Buckingham Palace virtually.
Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in Italy
22. The Vatican, Italy
Vatican City is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and the seat of government. More than 5 million people come to Rome every year to feast their eyes on the prized paintings and sculptures of the Vatican and to experience the most religious and cultural site in the world. Check out youvisit.com/tour/vatican for the tour.
23. Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most recognised landmarks in the world. The intention was to build the tallest bell tower for that era in order to show off Pisa’s growing wealthy and prosperity. The ‘leaning’ part of the equation was actually an engineering mistake.
24. Doge’s Palace, Venice
More than a 1,000 years ago, Doge’s Palace was the home to the ruler of Venice and the seat of power for the Venetian Republic. Today it is one of Venice’s must-see museums. Wander around the corridors of the Doge’s Palace or along one of its many surrounding canals on this beautiful virtual tour.
Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in Germany
25. Reichstag Parliamentary Building, Berlin
The Reichstag is one of the most important buildings in Berlin today. Built to symbolise the reunification of Germany. It’s one of the few parliamentary buildings in the world that allows the public to watch over government processions. Similar to the White House, it’s free to visit but you have to book months in advance for a tour. Wait no more as this virtual tour of the Reichstag is pretty awesome.
Wondering how travelling in Berlin and Germany has changed since COVID? Find out what it’s like to visit Berlin during the coronavirus pandemic .
Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in France
26. Palace of Versailles, France
Did you know that the Palace of Versailles was a mere hunting lodge before it became the world’s largest palace? It’s one of the most important landmarks in French history because it symbolises the power and downfall of the French monarchy.
Explore its opulent, regal interior and admire its intricate details on this Palace of Versailles virtual tour.
27. The Louvre Museum, Paris
The Louvre use to serve as the royal palace for the French monarchy. It only became an art museum after the royal family moved their residence to Versailles. Today it is the world’s largest art museum and an iconic historical monument in Paris.
28. The Catacombs of Paris, France
It’s no coincidence that the word ‘catacombs’ rhymes with ‘tombs’. The Catacombs of Paris is the world’s largest underground burial site. The city was growing too fast for its cemeteries to handle the bodies of the dead. The solution was to move the bodies and bury them underground. Archaeologists estimate that around 6 to 7 million bodies were buried down there. Creepy…
Iconic Landmarks and Buildings in Israel
29. The Holyland, Bethlehem and Jerusalem
Also known as the most sacred place on earth. It is here at The Holyland that the main religious faiths believe that God first entered into a relationship with the human race.
Virtual Tours of Top Natural Wonders and Attractions
30. Niagara Falls , Canada – see live video feeds of these world famous falls on EarthCam.
31. The Northern Lights , Canada – another great live webcam to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Remember to watch this in the evening Canadian time.
32. Victoria Falls , Zambia – a magnificent virtual tour of the world’s largest waterfall.
33. Sahara Desert , Africa – explore the world’s largest desert without getting sand in your eyes.
34. Mount St Helens , USA – travel back in time and witness the day Mount St Helens erupted back in 1980.
35. Mount Everest , Himalayas – the only way to trek the world’s highest mountain without training is going on this virtual tour. Remember to click on the arrows to explore around.
36. Cliffs of Moher , Ireland – discover the most beautiful natural landscapes of Ireland on this gorgeous virtual tour.
37. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , USA – one of our favourite virtual tours from the whole list. Not only is it mesmerising, but you can also learn so many interesting facts on this tour.
38. Grand Canyon , USA – enjoy a virtual hike and explore one of the most famous national parks in the USA.
39. Yellowstone National Park , USA – a nature lover’s paradise. Make sure you use Google Chrome for this tour.
40. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park , China – otherwise known as ‘Avatar Mountain’. The mesmerising, otherworldly landscapes that inspired the ‘floating mountains’ in one of our favourite movies, Avatar.
41. Galapagos Islands , Ecuador – A scuba diver and nature lover’s idea of paradise! This is right on the top of our travel bucket list.
42. Raja Ampat , Indonesia – The epitome of utopia. Hundreds of jungle-covered islands as far as the eye can see and some of the best beaches, coral reefs and scuba diving spots in the world.
Virtual Tours From The Top: City Skylines
43. New York Skyline – New York, New York! Head up to the 102th floor of the Empire State Building on this virtual tour and admire the city that never sleeps from above.
44. Tokyo Skytree , Japan – Teleport yourself to the highest structure in Tokyo and admire the vibrant capital city of Japan from the top. We hope you aren’t afraid of heights because the Tokyo Skytree is 634 meters tall which is more than double the height of the Eiffel Tower.
45. The Eiffel Tower , Paris – Head to the top deck of the Eiffel Tower and marvel at the City of Love on this breathtaking virtual tour.
46. The Peak , Hong Kong – Ever heard the phrase ‘A New York minute is a Hong Kong second’ before? Discover one of the most populous and expensive cities in the world from its highest peak. When you’re ready to visit Hong Kong in person, make sure you read our 7 tips to travel Hong Kong on a budget before you go.
47. St Paul’s Cathedral , London – Admire London’s epic skyline from the top of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Free Virtual Museum Tours
You should download the Google Arts and Culture app to your phone if you’re a museum lover. You’ll find tons of stunning virtual tours and interesting things to learn from the arts and culture world. Here are some of our favourite free virtual museum tours.
48. The British Museum , London – The famous British Museum is dedicated to human history, art and culture. Their permanent collection consists of more than 8 million pieces of artwork. Making it one of the largest and most comprehensive compilations in the world.
49. Musée d’Orsay , Paris – If you love French art whether that’s paintings, sculptures, furniture or photography, you’ll love the Musée d’Orsay Museum.
50. Pergamon Museum , Berlin – Explore one of the largest and most visited museums in Germany. The Pergamon Museum is known for its antiquity collection and Islamic and Middle Eastern artworks.
If you love history and want to learn more about the story behind the Berlin Wall like why it was famous and so important. We’ve explained it simply (i.e. Story of the Berlin Wall for dummies) in our Berlin Wall by Bike guide.
51. Rijksmuseum , Amsterdam – The national museum of the Netherlands that holds some of the world’s most famous artworks from artists like Vermeer and Rembrandt.
52. Van Gogh Museum , Amsterdam – Another jewel from Amsterdam. The Van Gogh Museum needs no introduction.
53. The Metropolitan Museum of Art , New York – Also known as The Met. This is one of the largest museums in the world. You can easily spend days if not weeks here admiring everything from antiquities, paintings, sculptures to modern art and fashion. A museum that has something for everyone.
Live Webcam Feeds for Wildlife Watching and Scuba Diving
We saved the best for last. Watch wildlife and underwater sea life from home via live webcam feeds! If you didn’t know you could do that, now you know.
54. Tau Game Lodge in Madikwe , South Africa – The beautiful Madikwe Game Reserve is located on the edge of the South African border close to Gaborone, Botswana. They have a 24 hour live webcam looking over one of the water reservoirs where the animals come to drink.
55. Kruger National Park , South Africa – Have you always dreamt of going on safari? Wait no more! WildEarth is hosting daily safari rides, twice a day so you can see some of South Africa’s most beautiful wildlife live with their awesome rangers! This is definitely one of our favourite wildlife webcam feeds! Support WildEarth with a donation if you can during these difficult times.
56. African River Wildlife, Kenya – There are more than 10 live webcam feeds here so you’re spoilt for choice. Head over to Explore.org and enjoy ‘Facetiming’ these amazing creatures.
57. Virtual Dives with National Marine Sanctuaries – Discover the underwater world with virtual scuba diving! There’s a host of coral reefs waiting for you to explore. Just click on the video and use your mouse or VR set to look around.
58. Underwater Cave Diving – Even certified scuba divers like us are not allowed to explore underwater caves without the right technical qualifications and training. So whether you’re a scuba diver or not, you’ll most definitely enjoy this cave scuba diving virtual tour.
Want to learn how to scuba dive? Check out our Beginners Scuba Diving guide where we share how you can save time and money getting certified.
59. Georgia Aquarium – ‘FaceTime’ with the residents of Georgia Aquarium via their live webcams. See sea lions, puffer fish and even the elusive beluga whale.
60. Monterey Bay Aquarium – Another amazing aquarium with an array of live webcams. Spy on sea otters, jellyfish, penguins and even turtles and sharks.
Virtual Tours: How To Travel For Free From Home
We had a lot of fun looking for different ways to ‘travel’ the world from home. We hope you enjoyed your first experience of ‘armchair travel’. We’d love to hear which one was your favourite.
Thank You For Reading
If you enjoyed reading this guide, share it with your friends and family. Have a question or need advice? Contact us via Email, Messenger or WhatsApp. And if you'd like to leave a comment, tweet us . Oh, and don’t forget to subscribe and follow us on social media !
Help the site by leaving a review:
Buy Us A Coffee
Our content is free and always will be. But if this guide has saved you time, money or made your life easier, feel free to buy us a coffee . We’ll really appreciate your support.
Support Our Work
Can't donate? No problem! You can still support us by booking hotels , car rental , and tours with us. Check out our resource page for all offers and discount codes.
📣 This guide contains affiliate links. This means if you click on our links and buy something, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This allows us to work on the website full time and keep Nomad And In Love alive and thriving.
Related Guides
How We Got €400 Flight Diversion Compensation Paid Out by Ryanair Commission Free
How To Travel for Cheap Using VPN To Unlock The Best Travel Deals in 2024
360° Panoramic Creations:
We create high-quality stabilized video having 8k and 4k resolution, 48 or 24 frames per second together with high-quality post-processing. Videos are supported by the most advanced technologies, such as virtual reality headsets (including Samsung Gear VR), different electronic devices and YouTube channels.
We use different types of moving and fixed objects (tripods, monopods, cars, helicopters, building cranes, etc.) to record videos. For aerial shooting we usually use drones with fully gyro-stabilized unique suspension. Panoramic video covers up all the space around the camera 360x180 degrees without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle.
360° videos are available in any format you choose: .mp4, .avi, .mov, etc. All the videos are made and kept in frames, making it possible to encode them into any available format and bitrate with the resolution up to 8k.
360° PHOTOGRAPHY
Our team creates high-quality 360° photo-panoramas with 35000x17500 pixels resolution (in the equidistant projection) and carries out professional post-processing and corrections of any complexity. We develop virtual tours which are suitable for all browsers, support both Flash and HTML5 technologies and are compatible with different mobile devices and virtual reality headsets (including Samsung Gear VR).
We use different types of moving and fixed objects (tripods, monopods, cars, helicopters, building cranes, etc.) to record videos. For aerial shooting we usually use drones with the fully gyro-stabilized unique suspension. Panoramic video covers up all the space around the camera 360x180 degrees without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle.
Ready 360° photo-panoramas cover up all the space around the camera 360x180 degrees without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle.
Info-points (description buttons that can be placed in the panorama), embedded pictures, video and audio can be added to the virtual tour.
360° GIGAPANORAMA
Our team creates high-quality 360° photo-panoramas with resolution from 1 to 3 gigapixel and carries out professional post-processing and corrections of any complexity. We develop virtual tours which are suitable for all browsers, support both Flash and HTML5 technologies and are compatible with different mobile devices and virtual reality glasses (including Samsung Gear VR).
Info-points (description buttons that can be placed in the panorama), embedded pictures, video and audio can be added to the ready virtual tour.
360° TIMELAPSE
We can make panoramic timelapses with the given viewing angle and resolution up to 12k with professional post-processing and without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle. 360° timelapses are supported by the most advanced technologies, such as virtual reality glasses (including Samsung Gear VR), different electronic devices and YouTube channels.
360° timelapses are available in any format you choose: .mp4, .avi, .mov, etc. All the timelapses are made and kept in frames, making it possible to encode them into any available format and bitrate with the resolution up to 12K.
Content sales:
VIRTUAL TOURS
On the basis of 360° panoramas we create virtual tours of any complexity, branded with logos and design elements of the company’s website together with embedding interactive elements, such as photos, slideshows, videos, descriptions, switch-points to other panoramas, audio descriptions, 3D sounds.
Our clients receive a fully functional virtual tour developed in HTML5 and supported by any computer or mobile device (iOS, Android, Windows Phone).
360° Photo Price List
STOCK PHOTOS
For almost 10 years of travelling around the world our team has gathered an extensive stock of pictures, taken from both flying devices and the ground.
Any picture presented at our stock can be licensed for any kind of possible use. We can also offer the photos of ultra-high quality (the longer side up to 103,000 pixels).
You can also take a look at the spherical panoramas published on the website www.airpano.ru . Any of the 360° panoramas represented on the website can be converted into a printed image of very high quality.
Photogallery Price List
STOCK 360° VIDEOS
By filming 360° video since 2011, our team has gathered an extensive stock of clips, taken from both flying devices and the ground.
Any video presented on our website can be licensed for any kind of possible use.
360° videos are available in any format you choose: .mp4, .avi, .mov, etc. All the videos are made and kept in frames, making it possible to encode them into any available format and bitrate.
360° Video Price List
APPLICATIONS
We are one of the software developers of applications based on 360° photos and videos. Currently, there are 7 applications in our portfolio. One of them was top-rated in 84 countries and listed among the best applications of the year 2014 according to App Store.
These applications can also be used for demonstration of panoramic content with the help of virtual reality devices, such as Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard and analogues.
Exhibition installations:
EXHIBITION INSTALLATIONS
AirPano team has the experience of creating panoramic cinemas and video-walls, making it possible to demonstrate our panoramic content at different kinds of events, exhibitions and in museums. The size is only defined by the premises, the quality of projector and the dimensions of plasma screens. Such solutions usually make a deep impression on visitors.
The control is carried out by a tablet or Kinect devices.
TOUCH SCREENS
We are ready to create applications with panoramic content working on touch screens of any size. Both AirPano panoramas and the client’s material can be the basis for this kind of software.
We create virtual tours of any complexity, branded with logos and design elements of the company’s website together with embedding interactive elements, such as photos, slideshows, videos, descriptions, switch-points to other panoramas, audio descriptions, 3D sounds.
VR HEADSETS
Our virtual tours and 360° videos are supported by all the types of virtual reality headsets (VR): Google Cardboard, Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, Sony Morpheus and others.
We can also develop special software for operating on Samsung Gear VR, if required.
AirPano in cooperation with Polden Studio carries out the installation of the binocular usage of the client’s or our own content. With the help of binoculars, the client can present the panoramic content at different kinds of events, exhibitions and in museums. This kind of devices usually attract a lot of visitors and leave a deep impression on them.
- Search Please fill out this field.
- Manage Your Subscription
- Give a Gift Subscription
- Newsletters
- Sweepstakes
- Attractions
- Museums + Galleries
These 15 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take from Your Couch
Experience the best museums — from London to Mexico City — in the comfort of your own home.
If you're a dedicated art lover, you likely go to great lengths to visit renowned museums and galleries. But even when you’re not traveling, you can still get a taste of the masterpieces, artifacts, and architecture at many famous institutions — and get inspired for future trips while you're at it.
Google Arts & Culture teamed up with more than 1,200 museums and galleries around the world to create a collection of online exhibits and virtual tours . Other museums have their own virtual tours, too, such as the Vatican Museums and the Louvre , which features a selection of exhibitions on their websites.
Top 5 Can’t Miss
- View legendary artifacts like the Rosetta Stone on a virtual stroll through the British Museum.
- Gaze up at the Sistine Chapel’s divine ceiling without the crowds at the Vatican Museums.
- The Met’s immersive 360-degree VR videos are arguably the best virtual museum tours.
- Get a glimpse of the four locations of National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea, on a Google Street View tour.
- Peruse some of Van Gogh's most iconic works in the artist's namesake Amsterdam museum.
The British Museum, London
This iconic museum located in the heart of London allows virtual visitors to tour the Great Court, which was given a striking contemporary redesign in 2000. Move through other galleries to discover ancient artifacts like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.
Vatican Museums
MihaiDancaescu / Getty Images
The next best thing to an after-hours tour , the Vatican Museums offers virtual access to more than a dozen of its galleries and richly decorated spaces. Explore the sumptuous murals of Raphael's Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, where you can zero in on Michelangelo's famous ceiling.
The Met, New York City
While you can explore highlights of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's encyclopedic collection — including the ancient Egyptian Temple of Dendur — via Google Arts & Culture , the institution offers its own virtual reality tours. The Met 360° Project comprises six videos that can be viewed with a VR headset for an immersive experience, complete with ambient soundtracks.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea
Don Eim/Travel + Leisure
One of Korea's popular museums can be accessed from anywhere around the world. Google's virtual tour gives you a taste of the museum's four locations with Street View visits and online exhibits. For a deeper dive, check out the museum's website for video walk-throughs of select exhibitions, including immersive VR versions.
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
Anyone who's a fan of this tragic, ingenious painter can see his works up close (or, almost up close ) by virtually visiting this museum, home to the largest collection of art by Vincent van Gogh. Check out some of his most iconic paintings, including "Sunflowers" and "The Potato Eaters."
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
This renowned American art museum offers three online exhibits through Google. An overview of American fashion from 1740 to 1895 features watercolors of garments from the colonial and Revolutionary eras. You can also browse through works from Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer and other Dutch genre painters of the period and take an in-depth look at an early work by Leonardo da Vinci.
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
If you can't get to D.C., take a stroll among the historic planes, rockets, and other craft on display at the country's top air and space museum . Check out the Wright Brothers' first bona fide plane, the Wright Flyer, which took to the skies in 1903, and astronaut Neil Armstrong's spacesuit from the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Guggenheim, New York City
NurPhoto / Getty Images
Google's Street View feature lets visitors tour the Guggenheim's famous spiral staircase without ever leaving home. From there, you can discover incredible works of art from the impressionist, post-impressionist, modern, and contemporary eras.
The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
European artworks from as far back as the eighth century can be found in this California art museum. Take a Street View tour to discover a huge collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, manuscripts, and photographs.
Musée d’Orsay, Paris
You can virtually walk through this popular museum that houses dozens of famous French works from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Get a peek at paintings and sculptures by Monet, Cézanne, Gauguin, and Rodin, among others.
Pergamon Museum, Berlin
As one of Germany's largest museums, Pergamon has a lot to offer — even if you can't physically be there. This historical museum is home to plenty of ancient artifacts including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and, of course, the Pergamon Altar.
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Explore masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including works by Vermeer and Rembrandt. Google offers a Street View tour of this iconic museum, so you can feel as if you're actually wandering its halls.
Uffizi Gallery, Florence
Housed in a purpose-built 16th-century palace, the Uffizi Gallery showcases the art collection amassed by the wealthy and powerful de' Medici family. Today, anyone can wander its halls from anywhere in the world to view world-famous works like Sandro Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus."
MASP, São Paulo
The nonprofit Museu de Arte de São Paulo was Brazil's first modern museum. Artworks placed on clear, raised frames make it seem like they're hovering in midair. Take a virtual tour to experience the wondrous display for yourself.
Frida Kahlo Museum, Mexico City
Getty Images / Andrew Hasson
Enter the world of 20th-century artist Frida Kahlo with a Street View tour of several spaces in Casa Azul, the modest, vivid blue-painted house where she was born, now the Frida Kahlo Museum . You can tour her studio and peek into other personal spaces like the kitchen and lush courtyard garden as well as view works by Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera.
Related Articles
Advertiser Disclosure
Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .
The 50+ Best Virtual Walking Tours Around the World [City & Scenic Tours]
Christy Rodriguez
Travel & Finance Content Contributor
89 Published Articles
Countries Visited: 36 U.S. States Visited: 31
Keri Stooksbury
Editor-in-Chief
49 Published Articles 3431 Edited Articles
Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28
Table of Contents
50+ best virtual walking tours around the world, nature and hiking walking tours, city walking tours, final thoughts.
We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.
While COVID-19 meant travel came to a standstill, it also ushered in the golden age of virtual travel! Searches for virtual tours became increasingly popular, which lead to a rise in the quality and availability of some pretty incredible videos. Many of these virtual walking tours are even offered in 4K! Even now that travel is returning, we’re still able to count on technology to visit almost any place on the planet with the click of a button.
We’ve compiled a list of 50+ virtual walking tours that you can experience all around the globe. The great thing about these walking tours is that you can use them while you’re on your treadmill, to relax, as travel inspiration, or as simply an inexpensive way to experience another culture.
We’ve separated this list of virtual walking tours into nature and city sections, but we’ve also taken the time to put together a ton of other comprehensive lists. Whether you’re interested in national parks , museums , or educational tours for the whole family , we’ve got you covered!
Walking in nature is incredibly restorative. The good news is that you can get to experience this — even from the comfort of your own home! Check out these nature-centric virtual walking tours.
1. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
National parks certainly saw an increase in tourism due to COVID-19. But even if you don’t want to deal with the increased crowds at Bryce Canyon , you can still explore the unique red rocks. This virtual 1.5-hour hike takes you through narrow canyons and desert paths and the views only get more stunning.
As the video recommends, this would be the perfect walk to put in front of a treadmill or exercise bike as well!
To start your virtual walking tour, click here .
2. Giant’s Causeway (U.K.)
This short virtual tour of Giant’s Causeway allows a great way to take in the beautiful views of this unique landscape. Step around the basalt rock columns at sunset as you listen to the waves crashing below. This is a great way to experience a UNESCO World Heritage site!
3. Godrevy Lighthouse (Cornwall, U.K.)
Take in the beautiful countryside of Cornwall for a little over an hour as you walk to the Godrevy Lighthouse. Along the way, you’ll stop in at Mutton Cove to catch a glimpse of a seal colony. Bonus: You’re accompanied by an adorable cocker spaniel on your walk!
4. Great Wall of China (China)
Walk along the Great Wall of China and learn insider facts about this amazing feat of architecture. While the whole wall stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, you can explore a few different sections with this 30-minute virtual walking tour.
5. Havasu Falls (Arizona)
Being able to hike on the Havasupai tribal lands requires scoring a reservation and sleeping under the stars for a few nights, but now you can experience it virtually instead. Located in the Grand Canyon, this 40-minute virtual tour leads you between mesas and the red desert — all leading up to the stunning turquoise-green Havasu Falls.
6. Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park (Washington)
This 40-minute video walks you along 2 short nature trails — the Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 miles) and the Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles). The vibrant moss-covered trees really make you feel like you’re walking on another planet. The soothing nature sounds only add to the ambiance.
7. Indian Beach Trail (Oregon)
Escape to the Oregon Coast and hike the popular Indian Beach Trail in Ecola State Park. This 1-hour virtual hike lets you walk along the rugged Oregon Coast on a sunny day. You’ll be able to experience the rocky beaches, mossy forests, and some stunning ocean views.
8. James Irvine Trail in Redwood National Park (California)
It doesn’t get more other-worldly than walking amongst some towering redwood trees. This trail takes you from Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park to the beach at Fern Canyon. Take a nearly hourly-long hike paired with soothing music and explore these majestic trees.
9. Juan de Fuca Trail (Vancouver Island, Canada)
This 40-minute virtual hike takes you along for the first part of the beautiful Coast Trail on Vancouver Island. You will witness endless water views, abundant wildlife, pounding waves, and the occasional views of the Olympic Mountains along this coastal path. The sounds of nature will accompany you and contribute to the sense of relaxation.
10. Kuliouou Ridge Trail (Hawaii)
Take a nearly 2-hour stroll through the Kuliouou Ridge Trail on Oahu, Hawaii. This trail is perfect for people who love walking in a beautiful green rainforest. You’ll get to experience a unique Hawaiian landscape while walking past lush vegetation and rocks covered with moss — all while listening to the leaves rustling and birds chirping.
To start your virtual walking tour, click here .
11. Macchu Picchu (Cusco, Peru)
Walk one of the world’s most famous hiking trails — the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! This 1.5-hour hike features the highlights of the shorter 2-day trek, including arrival by train, walking along the “Royal Road,” and ending at Machu Picchu via the Gate of the Sun.
12. Moraine Lake in Banff National Park (Canada)
Enjoy a short 25-minute virtual hike alongside beautiful Moraine Lake in Banff National Park . This glacially fed lake is world-famous for its bright blue waters. Whether you want to use your treadmill or simply watch this hike, it’s a great way to feel like you are outdoors experiencing some fresh air.
13. Mt. Everest (Nepal)
This tour of Mt Everest is pretty unreal, especially since most of us will never be able to experience this climb for ourselves. Over 4 “chapters” you’ll follow 3 climbers as they attempt to reach the peak of the tallest mountain in the world. You’ll have an interactive, 360-degree view of this adventure, making you feel like you’re right there in the thick of the trek.
Note: If you have a virtual reality headset, your experience will be even better!
14. Nambung National Park (Australia)
You’ll think you’re on Mars as you walk through Nambung National Park near Perth, Australia. This unique locale, called the Pinnacles Desert, is full of red sand and otherworldly limestone formations everywhere you look. This short 20-minute virtual flyover at golden hour is a great way to experience this unique and remote place.
15. The Narrows in Zion National Park (Utah)
Experience the most popular hike at Zion National Park — no wetsuit required! This 35-minute virtual hike will take you through the Narrows at the river bed of the Virgin River. You’ll see the sandstone canyon walls tower thousands of feet above and enjoy the views of the canyons with the sounds of the river to accompany you on the way.
16. Panorama Trail (Grindelwald, Switzerland)
Walk around some of the most beautiful peaks of Switzerland, including Jungfrau. This virtual hike will travel along the popular mountain path above Grindelwald and down through the valley. You will pass Aplen cows, stunning vistas, and many charming restaurants along the way.
17. Positano (Italy)
Grab a glass of limoncello and settle in for a virtual walk around Positano, a cliffside village along the Amalfi Coast. This walk begins high up on the hill and you’ll walk down through steep, narrow streets lined with shops and cafes. The walk finishes as you head down towards the beach at the base of the town.
18. Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)
Experience the last wonder of the ancient world thanks to ProWalk Tours. This 2-hour walking route starts at the Mortuary Temple of Khafre, passing by the pyramids of Khafre, Khufu, and Menkaure before ending at the iconic Sphinx. You’ll also be able to experience a virtual horse ride around the plateau.
19. Son Doong Cave (Vietnam)
Explore the world’s largest cave and learn interesting facts along the way, thanks to this incredible tour from National Geographic. You’ll start by navigating through the Vietnamese jungle before descending into this massive cave system. The tour shows you the 360-degree sights and sounds of this cave.
20. Sossusvlei Dunes (Namibia)
Walk up the beautiful sand dunes and deserts in Namibia, with bonus footage of Botswana. See the bird ’s eye views atop the 650-foot-high “Big Mamma” Sand Dune at Sossusvlei, explore the salt and clay pan surrounded by high red dunes, and see miles of canyons and coastline. View the starry night sky over the beautiful desert, see the famous trees at Deadvlei, and more.
21. South Kaibab Trail (Grand Canyon, Arizona)
The South Kaibab Trail is 1 of the signature hikes of the South portion of the Grand Canyon. Join along with the 1-hour hike and witness some truly awe-inspiring views. The virtual walk offers sweeping vistas of red rock and the canyon at every twist and turn.
22. Tulip Fields (The Netherlands)
A trip to see the neat rows of brightly colored tulips in Keukenhof might be a good addition to your next gloomy day at home. This virtual walking tour through the garden lets you see the flowers from every angle, so you can truly appreciate the size, beauty, and variation of color among the tulip fields. You’ll definitely understand why the tulip fields are a constant draw for travelers from all over the globe.
23. Tunnel of Love (Ukraine)
The Tunnel of Love looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. If you’re in need of a dose of relaxation, spend 3 hours virtually walking on this abandoned train track that’s surrounded on all sides by bright green foliage and chirping birds.
24. Virtual Gorilla Trek (Uganda)
Tag along on a gorilla trek Uganda with East African Jungle Safaris and search for endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This 360-degree video gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself into the trek — and see gorillas of course!
25. Wailea Beach Path (Maui, Hawaii)
Hawaii is a top destination for many Americans with its year-round tropical climate and seemingly endless stretches of beautiful beaches. But if you don’t want to wade through all of the quarantine and vaccination requirements, you can still experience the islands! The tour takes you from the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort to the Fairmont Kea Lani and along the Wailea Beach Path.
If you’re wanting to experience city life instead, you’ll want to click on these next virtual walking tours!
26. Acropolis Tour (Athens, Greece)
The Acropolis is a must-see when you visit Athens. Start at the Entrance Gate and see other famous sites including the Athena Nike Temple, the Monument to Agrippa, and the famous Parthenon. These beautiful sites are made even better since they are set high above with a fabulous view of Athens.
27. Barcelona (Spain)
If you’re dreaming of visiting Barcelona, this virtual walking tour will only make that desire stronger! Over 2+ hours, stroll over 9 miles while you walk through Barcelona’s gorgeous squares, the beach, and parks. This walking tour is super comprehensive, so you’ll see most of the main sites!
28. Berlin (Germany)
Settle in for this in-depth 3-hour virtual walking tour through Berlin, Germany. Walk the streets and see the Parliament Building, Brandenburg Gate Arch, and the famous Linden Alley. Listen to the city noise, enjoy the picturesque views, and soak up the outstanding architecture of Berlin.
29. Bologna (Italy)
In this 1-hour virtual walking video, you will enjoy exploring the streets of Bologna in Northern Italy. This foodie city has so many fascinating medieval historic buildings, narrow streets, lovely arches, majestic towers. Enjoy a leisurely virtual city walk through this charming city.
30. Buenos Aires Street Art Walk (Argentina)
Google Art Project presents this Street Art walk through the La Boca and Barracas neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A foundation was created to promote urban artists, and there is even an audio guide that explains the context for all of the art you see and tell you how it was created. Take this virtual tour at your own pace!
31. Cappadocia (Turkey)
Cappadocia, Turkey is a popular tourist destination known for unique volcanic landscapes with mountain ranges, cave dwellings, and balloon rides. This virtual tour walks you around various cities in the region, including Goreme and Uchisar, exploring cave dwellings and city streets along the way. At the end of the tour, you’re treated to an aerial view from a balloon.
32. Forbidden City (Beijing, China)
If you’ve ever wanted to tour China’s Forbidden City, you’ll love this virtual tour. You’ll pass through all of the top attractions, like the Halls of Harmony, the stunning Gate of Supreme Harmony, and the Imperial Garden during this 1.5-hour virtual walking tour.
33. Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco, CA)
Spend a clear afternoon running across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, and back. When this famous bridge was built in 1937, it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world! This is the perfect video to put in front of your treadmill to jazz up your at-home exercise routine.
34. Helsinki (Finland)
Spend an hour taking a morning walk around Helsinki. This virtual walk begins at the train station, heads to the Helsinki Music Centre, and then back over towards the Hietalahti area towards downtown. Enjoy the city sounds, clean streets, and Scandinavian architecture on this peaceful walk.
35. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is famous for its neon-lit skyline, silhouetted against towering mountain peaks. See unique parts of this beautiful and exciting city by exploring the walking and biking paths of Kowloon and Central Hong Kong. Bike through city parks, along the waterfront, and even experience a beautiful sunset.
36. Ibiza (Spain)
Take a virtual walking tour around Ibiza, in the Balearic Islands. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the sea, picturesque marinas, walled fortress, and charming cobblestone narrow streets. After watching this 1.5-hour tour, you’ll feel like you just went on holiday!
37. Krakow (Poland)
To start, use the legend at the top to select from your desired language. Then, click through the countless options! There are incredible aerial views of the city and walking tours, as well as views of iconic buildings and museums. Most options include video or audio commentary, but not all are in English. Still, a fantastic way to experience Krakow!
38. Manhattan (New York)
If you’ve never been to the Big Apple, this is a great introduction to the borough of Manhattan. It is the city’s historic birthplace, and the most densely populated of the 5 boroughs of New York City. During this 3.5-hour walking and bus tour, you’ll get to take in all the biggest sites at various points throughout the day, including Times Square, Central Park, and more.
39. Moscow (Russia)
Moscow is among the most enchanting cities in the world and you can really step inside this beautiful city on this virtual walking tour. Enjoy the famous sites of Red Square and the Kremlin at Christmastime over the course of an hour.
40. Naples (Italy)
No, this tour doesn’t include Italian food. But if you’ve ever wanted to visit Naples, this interactive 360-degree video walking tour is still a treat! You start with a map and overview of your route and then walk through Naples’ historic center. Enjoy the street ambiance and wander in and out of famous buildings.
41. Old Town Taormina (Sicily)
Take a wonderful virtual walking tour through Old Town Taormina in Messina, Sicily. One of Italy’s most picturesque destinations, Taormina is perched high above the Ionian Sea on Sicily’s eastern coast. This means that the views from every vantage point are outstanding, and this tour makes you feel like you’re almost smelling the sea breeze.
42. Paris (France)
Walk around the City of Lights with this almost 6-hour (!) virtual walking tour. This walk includes insightful captions about all the sites you’ll see. You will see the most famous streets, monuments, and parks in Paris including the Pantheon, the Latin Quarter, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower.
43. Pompeii (Italy)
Making the short journey from Naples to Pompeii, this virtual tour of the ancient city ruins of Pompeii is worth the trip. This 2-hour virtual walk through the city really makes you feel like you’re walking through one of the ancient cities of the world. Get lost strolling down the many narrow streets of Pompeii.
Hot Tip: We’ve only included a couple, but ProWalk Tours also has some other fabulous virtual walking tours of Italy you should check out!
44. Quito (Ecuador)
This tour is a bit different from the others on this list. In this Airbnb virtual experience, you’ll book a time slot and let a local guide you through Ecuador’s capital via 360-degree photos, videos, and traditional music that will heighten the virtual experience. Your host will also teach you how to make an Ecuadorian drink or dessert to enhance the experience. The cost for this tour is $10 per person.
Hot Tip: If you’re interested in other tours led by locals, check out our article on the best Airbnb Online Experiences !
45. Singapore
This hour-long virtual walk throughout Singapore lets you experience the hustle and bustle of this metropolitan city. The walk starts at Suntec City Mall, goes to Marina Bay Sands, and crosses the famous Helix Bridge. From this vantage point, you’ll be able to see a stunning view of the Singapore skyline at sunset.
46. Tokyo (Japan)
Take a walk through 1 of the most famous parts of Tokyo under the night sky — Shibuya — known for its various street musicians, microbars, and bustling nightlife. During this 45-minute virtual walk, you’re sure to be mesmerized by the architecture and the vibrant metropolitan area.
47. Tremé Neighborhood (New Orleans, LA)
This 45-minute tour is a super informative introduction to Tremé — the first African American neighborhood in the U.S. As the birthplace of jazz, there is much to learn and experience in New Orleans beyond the French Quarter and this is a great start!
48. Tuscany (Italy)
From the opulent art galleries of Florence to the postcard-worthy cypress alleys, Tuscany is a traveler’s dream. During this 4-hour virtual walking tour, explore the rolling hills and ancient olive groves as well as the charming towns with narrow alleys and stunning architecture.
49. Ubud (Bali)
This 3-hour virtual walking tour will take you through the city of Ubud in Bali, Indonesia. Ubud is where traditional Balinese culture is evident in every corner of the city. Enjoy the views at the Campuhan Ridge Walk, discover local markets with colorful handicrafts, local delicacies, street food, and see the famous Ubud Monkey Forest — all while motorcycles zip by you!
50. Vancouver (Canada)
Vancouver is a beautiful city surrounded by nature. Enjoy this hour-long virtual walking tour through Vancouver, Canada. You will see Vancouver Waterfront, walk along the Canadian Trail, and more. Be sure to stick around so you can enjoy the spectacular Vancouver skyline at night at the end of the tour!
51. Venice (Italy)
If you have 1 hour, you can see experience the magic of Venice! From the canals sparkling at sunset to the famous plazas and bustling marketplaces, Venice is the city of romance! This walking tour is a relaxing way to immerse yourself in 1 of the most beautiful cities in the world.
As you can see, there are virtual walking tours of all shapes and sizes to fit your mood, activity, and interests. While we can start to travel again as restrictions lift, there are still many benefits to taking a virtual tour.
Just to name a few, you won’t have to leave the comfort of your bed to experience beautiful national parks or walk along the Oregon Coast, and you can enhance your workouts by walking along the Great Wall of China or to the top of Mt. Everest. We hope you enjoy your explorations!
Explore more of our virtual tour guides at the links below:
- Virtual Tours of Aerospace Museums [Aviation, Military & Space]
- Virtual Tours of Iconic National Parks Around the U.S.
- The Best Virtual Museum Tours Around the World [Art, History, Science, and Technology]
- The Best Virtual Tours and Field Trips for Kids and Students
- Virtual Tours of Popular Tourist Attractions Around the World
- The Best Virtual Train Rides Around the World [Asia, Europe, Peru, U.S.]
- Magical Virtual Disney Rides and Attractions Across the World
Related Posts
- Destinations
- Travel Deals and Promos
- Travel With Us
- Paid Travel Internship
- TTIFridays (Community Events)
- SG Travel Insider (Telegram Grp)
- Around The World
Virtual Tours: 17 Incredible Places Around The World You Can Visit For Free
The world’s most iconic landmarks, famous museums and attractions you can visit — from your living room 😉
P.S. Travel Virtually with us on a 21-day itinerary around the world for $0 ! For 21 days, we’ll be exploring a new destination through immersive POV videos, online discussions with our travel community , and surprises along the way!
The only travelling I’ve done since 2020 started is a thorough exploration of my fridge. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has caused numerous countries to go on lockdown and airlines to ground their fleets , it’s safe to say none of us will be travelling for a while.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t continue exploring the world!
Forget about flight deals for a moment, teleport yourself around the world with these 17 incredible virtual tours!
Wonders Of The World
1) machu picchu, peru.
Photo credit: You Visit
Machu Picchu is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled between the Andes and the Amazon Basin. This grand complex of around 200 structures was thought to have been built during the height of the Inca Empire, which ended in the 1500s.
For all you Indiana-Jones-wannabes, you don’t have to book a trip to Peru just to see Machu Picchu. With a virtual tour offering 360-degree views of the stunning landscape and a helpful narrator sharing the history behind it, you’ll feel like you’re touring the grounds yourself!
Explore Macchu Picchu now.
2) Walking Tour of the City, Japan
Credit: Visit Japan
Fans of Japan and all things Japanese are bound to love this tour. It’s a 3-minute 360-degree video taking you through some of the country’s most popular sights — Kyoto ‘s bamboo forest, Nara Deer Park , and even a sumo exhibition!
*Pro-tip: Order in some sushi, plug in your headphones and watch it on a desktop to truly immerse yourself in the experience!
Save these references for future trips to Japan: 10-Day Japan Itinerary — Tokyo to Osaka With The JR Pass for S$1.1k & 8-Day Japan Winter Itinerary For Less Than S$1.2k — Fox Village, Snow Monkey Park, Gassho Houses
3) Petra, Jordan
Photo credit: Google Maps
Known as the rose-red city because of the rock colour, Petra is Jordan’s beloved national treasure. Hailed by many as “a must-see before you die”, the ancient city draws in around 500,000 tourists each year.
The virtual tour follows a detailed route that begins at Bab Al Siq (Gateway to the siq in Arabic) and ends at Al Dier, one of Petra’s largest monuments. 360-degree views and little audio nuggets of knowledge sprinkled along the journey makes the tour truly immersive.
Explore Petra .
4) Great Wall of China, China
Photo credit: The China Guide
During our two-week-long trip to China last year, seeing the Great Wall in all of its grandeur was definitely one of the highlights. While visits to China are off the table for now, we can still take a virtual trip to one of the seven wonders of the world!
The best part of the tour? You don’t have to fight with crowds for unobstructed views 😏
Explore the Great Wall of China .
Read also: Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to China: 14 Exciting Things To Do In Beijing
5) Taj Mahal, India
Photo credit: Air Pano
The crown jewel of India , the Taj Mahal is a grand mausoleum complex built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 1600s in memory of his wife. It’s one of the world’s most iconic architectural monuments and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
See the Taj Mahal for yourself from different angles via this 360-degree tour ! It includes soothing music and insane helicopter views of the complex — something you won’t get even when you visit the place for real.
If you’re tempted to see India for yourself after this virtual tour, check out our one-week India itinerary for first-timers and also 10 of the most beautiful cities to visit on your first trip !
Explore the Taj Mahal .
Read also: First-Timer’s Guide to India — Everything you need to explore India like a pro
6) Khumbu Valley, Nepal
Khumbu Valley is a sacred valley situated on the Nepalese side of Mt. Everest . It’s one of the most famous treks amongst mountaineers and is home to breathtaking views of the world’s tallest mountain.
Check out the awesome animated navigation page! Photo credit: Google Maps
This tour takes you on a journey through the Everest region and showcases snippets of local life — you can even step inside the classroom of a Himalayan primary school or the home of a traditional healer!
Explore Khumbu Valley .
7) Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Photo credit: Virtual Angkor
Angkor Wat means “temple city” in the Khmer language and its name speaks for itself — it’s said to be the largest religious monument in the world. This enriching virtual tour brings you back to Angkor Wat during the Khmer Empire, giving you a truly unique experience of the magnificent temple complex during its hayday.
Explore Angkor Wat .
Read also: 7-Day Cambodia Itinerary Under S$600 — An Epic Journey of History, Adventure and Tranquility
8) Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, USA
Photo credit: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. was thrust into the Hollywood spotlight in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian . Since then, I’ve been dying to make a trip there myself.
This virtual tour not only includes 360-degree views, it covers every exhibit room-by-room. The quality is also phenomenal — you can see the creases on the T-rex bones! My favourite part of the tour? You can zoom in and read the exhibit descriptions — something not all virtual tours allow!
Explore the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History .
9) The Vatican, Italy
Photo credit: Musei Vaticani
Vatican City, the world’s smallest fully independent nation-state, is usually crawling with international visitors on a regular day. So it was highly unusual to see Pope Francis giving a solitary prayer service to an eerily empty St Peter’s Square.
Fret not, you can still enter the Vatican and be with the Pope in spirit. Make sure to check out the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms and the New Wing!
Explore the Vatican .
10) National Museum of the United States Air Force, USA
Photo credit: National Museum of the United States Air Force
If you were crazy about planes growing up (and possibly still are), this is the tour for you. The National Museum of the United States Air Force is the world’s largest military aviation museum and houses aircraft and other relics from the Korean War and World War Two.
It’s a self-guided tour that allows you to navigate the various galleries — you can even click on the screens on display to watch the videos!
Explore the National Museum of the United States Air Force .
11) National Gallery of Art, USA
Photo credit: National Gallery of Art
For the uninspired, this virtual tour featuring the National Gallery of Art in Washington is a visual feast for you art lovers!
This dynamic tour allows you to explore the gallery room-by-room, giving you access to the museum’s current exhibitions. View the gallery via the top-view floor plan, and zoom in to specific pieces!
Explore the National Gallery of Art .
12) The British Museum, England
Photo credit: British Museum
This virtual tour is truly one-of-a-kind! Instead of a room-by-room layout, The British Museum displays its exhibits in a timeline format. The sleek interface organises exhibits by category, region as well as year.
Select an exhibit and you’ll be able to read all about the history of the artefact!
Explore The British Museum .
Mountains and Animals
13) georgia aquarium, georgia, usa.
Photo credit: Georgia Aquarium
This aquarium in Georgia has allowed its scaly residents to continue bringing joy to its patrons despite being closed. Check out the adorable African penguins and cheeky Beluga Whales via the aquarium’s live streams!
*Update: Georgia Aquarium now offers guided virtual tours from S$12.95.
Explore the Georgia Aquarium .
14) Mt. Fuji, Japan
Ever wanted to hike up Japan’s tallest mountain but lacked the fitness to do so? Then you should check out our 8-minute full body workout !
In the mean time, get motivated by taking a virtual hike up Mt. Fuji using google maps — you can “walk” up the path by simply clicking arrows in the direction you want to go.
Explore Mt. Fuji .
Visiting Japan after COVID-19? Check out our Japan itineraries and guides for inspiration!
Read also: 7-Day Tokyo and Mount Fuji Itinerary Under S$1.3k
15) San Diego Zoo, USA
Photo credit: San Diego Zoo Kids
If you prefer land animals over creatures of the sea, check out San Diego Zoo’s live streams instead. Rather than exploring the entire park on foot, you can switch between the elephant cam, koala cam and panda cam — all in a matter of minutes. Nothing like watching a few furry critters going about their day to brighten up yours!
Explore the San Diego Zoo .
16) Houston Zoo, USA
Photo credit: Houston Zoo
Houston Zoo is another cool option for live streams of different animals! Check-in on the friendly giraffes, mighty western lowland gorillas or leaf cutter ants — it’s oddly therapeutic!
The live feed is from 7AM to 7PM CST which is 8PM to 8AM SGT. Just in time for you to tune in after work to wind down after a day of working from home .
Explore the Houston Zoo .
17) Yosemite National Park, USA
Photo credit: Virtual Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular national parks in America , and a must-see when you visit California. It was definitely high up on our to-do list during our 11-Day USA Road Trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles (under S$1.8K!)!
Explore Yosemite National Park .
Read also: 7 Once in a lifetime road trips to take in USA
Explore the world through exciting virtual tours
This lockdown period has been a damper for everyone, especially those who enjoy regular hikes and the great outdoors. While there’s nothing like experiencing these in real life, I dare say these virtual tours are a worthy substitute for the time being.
Let’s make the most of our time at home and maybe even start planning your post-COVID-19 adventures!
Read also: Travel Virtually with us on a 21-day itinerary around the world for $0
What are your travel plans for post-COVID-19? Share with us in the comments below!
For more travel inspiration, follow us on Instagram , YouTube , Facebook , and Telegram !
View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Mar 31, 2020 at 4:20am PDT
RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR
In The Age Of Covid-19, Are We Spoiled And Entitled To Still Want To Travel?
IATA Travel Pass App — What It Means for Future Travel
Everything You Need to Know About the Singapore–Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble Starting on 22 Nov 2020
12 Things to Do in Sentosa for Travel-Starved Singaporeans — Sentosa Staycation
Theme Parks Reopen with New COVID-19 Safety Measures — Disneyland, Universal Studios, Six Flags…
COVID-19 Travel Regulations — What to Expect for Each Country Before Travelling Again
I am not surprised that Nepal is on the list of virtual tours. It’s good to know that Everest Skydive trip runs twice a year, in March and in October. Asian Trekking can also provide a jump cameraman at an additional charge. After all, the trip may only be a few days, but the memories of your Himalayan skydive will last a lifetime!
LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Spontaneous Getaways Made Easier — Free Data Roaming is Now Included...
42 New Deals and Attractions in Singapore this November 2024
17 Fun Things to Do in Mount Austin — A Guide...
Disney Adventure Cruise to Set Sail from Singapore on 15 December...
Penang Food Guide — 9 Best Places for Sedap Street Food,...
- Search Please fill out this field.
- Newsletters
- Inspiration
- Weird & Amazing
The 12 Best Virtual Vacations You Can Take Without Traveling
While recent events may have kept us off planes and, well, on our couch, travel still remains one of the best ways to demonstrate our global interconnectedness and humanity. So for now, because we are all in this together (and separately from our individual couches), we’ll have to be armchair voyagers as we explore museums, libraries, and historical, religious, and cultural sites. Learning and discovery don’t have to stop. Keep reading to find out about the best virtual vacations from the comfort—and safety—of your own home.
Have a Virtual Adventure at the Grand Canyon
The National Park Service does more than educate sightseers in person when they visit any of the 61 national parks. You can view the Grand Canyon via 360-degree photographs on an archeology virtual tour, go on a virtual hike past layers of earth to the famous Phantom Ranch, or float down the Colorado River on a rafting trip.
Online: View virtual tours, maps, and photographs through the National Park System’s website.
See Llamas at Machu Picchu
Wendy Altschuler
High in the Peruvian Andes mountains sits Machu Picchu , an ancient citadel built in the 15th century. A visit here will reward you with stunning mountain views, llama sightings, and great hikes throughout olden ruins.
Online: Visit the citadel online through a 360-degree virtual tour , provided by You Visit.
Wander Through the Sistine Chapel in Italy
Located in the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel is famous for the Renaissance frescos that brighten up the interior. In person, when open to the public, The Sistine Chapel is crowded, and it can be difficult to view all of the artwork. A virtual tour is not only a great way to appreciate the chapel without the interference of too many people, but you can also see the gardens, Pontifical Villas, and Vatican City museums.
Online: See the Vatican grounds, including the Sistine Chapel , by clicking on arrows to move up, down, left and right throughout each tour. You’ll also be able to zoom in to get a better look at the paintings.
Visit the Land of Creation
Jerusalem is home to three monolithic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is one of the most notable locations in Jerusalem . Located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City in Israel, this religious site is said to be where Jesus was crucified, where his empty tomb is located, and where he is believed to have been resurrected.
Online: Experience 360-degree virtual tours of Jerusalem, including The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Western Wall, Old City markets, Mount of Olives, and much more via Samsung XL.
Tour the White House
Visiting Washington, D.C. , is inadvisable right now, but you can still go on a virtual tour of the White House . See the Eisenhower Executive Office Building positioned next to the West Wing where White House Staff offices are located. Click through a 360-degree view of the Vice President’s Ceremonial Office, the Secretary of War Suite, the War Library/The Law Library, and The Indian Treaty Room. Learn about how the art and décor of the White House has changed with each Presidential occupancy. You’ll have the opportunity to view the Entrance Hall, Cross Hall, East Room, Green Room, Blue Room, Red Room, State Dining Room, Vermeil Room, China Room, East Garden Room, and more.
Online: Google Arts & Culture offers a wide variety of virtual reality tours.
Visit the Guggenheim Museum in New York City
Courtesy of The Guggenheim Museum
New York City’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is one of the most stunning Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structures in the country. The white spiral ramp in the interior takes you from the bottom to the top in an organized and visually pleasing way.
Online: Google Arts & Culture will lead you through the museum’s multiple floors, highlighting 600 artworks along the way. You’ll be able to zoom in and out and rotate your view 360 degrees.
Understand the Natural World in Washington, D.C.
TripSavvy / Victoria Chamberlain
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History , home to 125 million artifacts, is one of the most-visited natural history institutions on the planet. Visit the exhibits—permanent, current, and past—from your desktop or mobile device on a virtual tour. You’ll be able to click on blue arrows as you navigate through each exhibit, located on the ground, first, or second floors. Be patient as pages load and click on camera icons to get a close-up view of a particular object.
Online: The museum’s website showcases a wide variety of exhibits via virtual tours.
Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in New York City
If you’ve never been to New York City, then the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island and the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration on Ellis Island are likely high on your travel wishlist. Both islands, which are part of the same National Park System, are worth exploring. Go on a virtual tour of Ellis Island to see where more than 40 percent of Americans can find family history and climb inside of the Statue of Liberty.
Online: The National Park Service has virtual tours of Ellis Island , created by Heritage Documentation Programs, and the Statue of Liberty National Monument. Scholastic also has an informative Teacher’s Activity Guide that will allow you to see photos, listen to audio, and learn about Ellis Island on an interactive tour.
Smile Back at Mona Lisa in Paris
kwanchai_k photograph / Getty Images
The Louvre in Paris is the largest art museum on the planet, home to more than 35,000 displayed works, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. While this historic museum is usually congested, especially on the weekends, you can visit virtually, from the comfort of your own home, and see the museum’s most impressive works. If nothing else, this online experience can be valuable research for when you travel to Paris in the future.
Online: Immerse yourself in the museum’s galleries and exhibits via virtual reality. See Egyptian antiques, the Louvre’s moat, and, of course, Mona Lisa’s smile. The museum’s website also has a number of videos that you can watch to get a better understanding of the museum’s art. Note: You’ll have to download Flash Player. You Visit also has a great 360-degree virtual reality display of several museum galleries.
Witness the Treasures of England’s British Museum
TripSavvy / Gautier Houba
Home to the Rosetta Stone, Greek vases, Egyptian mummies, an Easter Island statue, an Aztec double-headed serpent sculpture, and n umerous other artifacts and artworks , the British Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. See impressive examples of human history, art, and culture through a virtual tour.
Online: See the British Museum via Google, where you can navigate a timeline to view specific artifacts.
Learn About Amsterdam’s History and Culture at The Rijksmuseum
Merten Snijders / GettyImages
The Rijksmuseum is one of the most visited museums in Amsterdam, and for good reason. See works from the Dutch Golden Age by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Ruisdael, Steen, and more. The building itself is also a work of art and worth viewing through virtual reality.
Online: Virtual tours, of the interior as well as the exterior, are available through Google Arts & Culture.
Float Along the Great Wall of China
Fortification walls, stretching thousands of miles, were built in northern China to protect the country against invaders and to control trade along the Silk Road. The Great Wall of China is known as one of the most impressive and significant archeological human feats in history.
Online: Wander through sections of the Great Wall of China through a virtual tour, provided by You Visit. Click on the camera icons to see close-up photographs.
Related Articles
More related articles.
Top 10 virtual tours: see museums and the world without leaving home
Stuck at home? You can still enjoy amazing sights and experiences
Many of the world’s most iconic locations now offer virtual tours, meaning you can visit museums, world heritage sites and other attractions from the comfort of your couch. You don’t need a VR headset , either, although some attractions do support virtual reality for a more immersive experience.
So if you’re looking for things to do at home, and in need of a change of scenery, simply grab your laptop, tablet or phone, and join us on a world tour filled with history, nature and – of course – technology.
1. Machu Picchu, Andes Mountains, Peru
A simply stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, Machu Picchu is a visual wonder that just has to be seen. You no longer need to fly all the way to Peru to see it in all its glory, however, as the virtual tour is comprehensive, immersive, and filled with fascinating insights.
With 360-degree views of the ruins of Inca settlements and lush green landscapes, you can visit every popular vantage point and learn more about the history of the famous site thanks to a helpful voice narrator. OK, you can’t feel the warm breeze around you, but if you turn on the heat and have a handy desk fan set to low, it’s almost as good as the real thing. Almost.
Behold the marvel : Machu Picchu
2. The Louvre Museum, Paris
An attraction visited by millions of tourists in person every year, the Louvre Museum has also created a selection of virtual tours based on its permanent collections. Explore Egyptian antiquities, the Remains of the Louvre’s Moat, and the decorative arts of the Galerie d’Apollon.
The tour is easy to navigate, with an expandable minimap that lets you highlight exhibits to view with just a couple of clicks. You can also find out more about each room in The Louvre, with detailed descriptions that will probably make the room you’re actually sitting in feel frightfully dull in comparison.
Take a trip: Louvre Museum
3. The National Museum of Computing, Milton Keynes, UK
The National Museum of Computing contains the world’s largest collection of working historic computers. That means one of them probably runs Microsoft Vista and is still working...
The museum features a fantastic, intuitive, virtual 3D tour. You can zoom in on each exhibit’s details, and find out more about every aspect of computing history, such as the world’s oldest working digital computer. Impressive stuff.
Discover a digital treasure trove: The National Museum of Computing
4. Georgia Aquarium, Georgia, USA
Nothing beats the beauty of nature, so it’s good to know you can still get your daily dose of “aww” from the safety of your sofa. The Georgia Aquarium has over 50 species ranging from sea lions to underwater puffins, with many available to view via webcam. There’s also a daily and weekly livestream that’s aimed at piquing children’s interest in animals, and a great at-home educational tool if you want to entertain the little ones.
Ever wondered what a Beluga Whale gets up to in its spare time? Just click on the link below and find out. Water-way to have a good time.
Sea more: Georgia Aquarium
5. A 3-Minute Tour, Tokyo
What if we told you that you could ride in a Tuk Tuk, walk across the famous Shibuya crossing, win a Pikachu from a claw machine, and make friends with a robot… all in under three minutes. That might be physically impossible, but with VR it’s a breeze.
If you’ve ever wanted to take a whistle-stop tour of Japan, the Japan National Tourism Organization has created a 360-degree virtual reality video that lets you do all of the above, and lots more.
Simply put on a VR headset to experience a surreal thrill ride, where you’ll go from feeding a deer to facing off against a sumo wrestler in a matter of seconds. The video is also viewable in 2D, and well worth a look.
Check it out below.
6. The British Museum, London
Home to a remarkable collection that spans over two million years of human history and culture, The British Museum has nearly 50 online exhibits to view. From Bonaparte and the Battle of Waterloo to exploring the history of LGBTQ, there’s plenty of informative content to delve into.
For a more interactive experience, check out the Museum of the World tour . You can browse through a large selection of exhibits that are dated by century, continent and category – such as trade and conflict or art and design. Each exhibit offers a detailed description as well as accompanying audio, which helps provide a fascinating backstory to each piece.
Browse the exhibits: The British Museum
7. The Vatican, Rome
Filled with spectacular architecture and historic monuments, The Vatican is within your virtual reach, with a host of museums providing online tours. Step into the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms, which are adorned with simply sensational artwork.
The tour is compatible with WebVR, so you can pop on a VR headset to get an even closer look at some of mankind’s most memorable creations. It’s truly breathtaking, even when viewed through a screen.
When in Rome, visit: The Vatican
8. Musée d’Orsay, Paris
Located in the center of Paris, this historic museum was installed in the former Orsay railway station. It was originally built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, and displays collections of art from the period 1848 to 1914.
Take a leisurely virtual stroll through the opulent hallways and witness works from dozens of famous French artists, including Monet, Gauguin and Van Gogh. With no other visitors to contend with, you can soak up all the culture on display to your heart’s content – and there’s a lot to soak up.
Take the tour: Musée d’Orsay
9. Athens Acropolis, Athens
A must-visit destination for history buffs, the Athens Acropolis includes the world-famous Parthenon, and is a cultural hotspot for tourists. Choose between popular sites such as the Theatre of Dionysus and enjoy in-depth videos that provide a fascinating and educational insight into ancient Greece.
There are plenty of photographs to view and engrossing facts to learn, so don’t be surprised if you become an armchair expert in no time. Now, where’d you put that amphora of wine?
Get to the Greek: Athens Acropolis
10. The Royal Academy of Arts, London
If you’re amazed by architecture, the Royal Academy of Arts has a virtual tour that will make you go “ooo” and “ahh” for hours. The Sensing Spaces exhibition uses high-quality 360-degree photography to give visitors a taste of its structures and remarkable exhibitions – it really does feel as if you’re actually there.
Each exhibition is complemented by further information for users to read through, but you’re encouraged to come to your own conclusions, and think about what each space means to you.
Visit the exhibition: Sensing Spaces
- Want to get into VR? The best VR prices and deals 2020
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
Adam was formerly TRG's Hardware Editor. A law graduate with an exceptional track record in content creation and online engagement, Adam has penned scintillating copy for various technology sites and also established his very own award-nominated video games website. He’s previously worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor and once played Halo 5: Guardians for over 51 hours for charity. He is now an editor at The Shortcut.
NYT Strands today — hints, answers and spangram for Wednesday, November 6 (game #248)
Quordle today – hints and answers for Wednesday, November 6 (game #1017)
How to watch Gangnam B-Side online – stream the South Korean drama from anywhere
Most Popular
- 2 NYT Connections today — hints and answers for Wednesday, November 6 (game #514)
- 3 NYT Strands today — hints, answers and spangram for Wednesday, November 6 (game #248)
- 4 Trade in your old smartwatch and get the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra for $299.99
- 5 Hundreds of malware-laden fake npm packages posted online to try and trick developers
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Explore the world by walking, driving, flying, and viewing live footage of different locations around the world. Begin!
You can visit many wonders of nature, including the Amazon Rainforest, Iguazu Falls, the Komodo Islands, or Table Mountain, using virtual tours. Or you can explore the Statue of Liberty, the Sahara Desert, Niagara Falls, or even a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower.
Here are 45+ of the best virtual tours around the world in the following categories: Table of Contents. MUSEUM VIRTUAL TOURS. The Louvre – Paris, France. Guggenheim Museum – New York, New York, USA. MASP – São Paulo, Brazil. Van Gogh Museum – Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Rijksmuseum – Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Pergamon Museum – Berlin, Germany.
Travel to 60+ bucket list destinations around the world virtually. A comprehensive list of free virtual tours that will intrigue and delight all types of travel lovers. Discover the Seven Wonders of the World, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites and iconic landmarks around the world from the comfort of your home!
Today AirPano is the largest virtual travel resource in the world -- by geographical coverage, number of aerial photographs, and artistic and technical quality of the images — featuring 360° panoramas and 360° videos of the highest quality shot from a bird's eye view.
Explore online exhibits and virtual tours of museums around the world. View famed masterpieces and immerse yourself in iconic spaces like the Sistine Chapel.
We’ve compiled a list of 50+ virtual walking tours that you can experience all around the globe. The great thing about these walking tours is that you can use them while you’re on your treadmill, to relax, as travel inspiration, or as simply an inexpensive way to experience another culture.
Stuck at home? These free virtual tours will take you across the world to iconic landmarks like the Petra in Jordan or Yosemite National Park in America!
You can view the Grand Canyon via 360-degree photographs on an archeology virtual tour, go on a virtual hike past layers of earth to the famous Phantom Ranch, or float down the Colorado River on a rafting trip.
Many of the world’s most iconic locations now offer virtual tours, meaning you can visit museums, world heritage sites and other attractions from the comfort of your couch. You don’t need a VR...