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Islands

The Best Islands to Visit and Global Landmarks

Find the best months to visit top islands and world wonders. This guide provides practical travel advice for the most famous locations on earth.

10 places4 min readUpdated 22 September 2026
A Guide to the Best Islands to Visit and World Wonders
The short answer

Singapore is the best island to visit for travelers who want modern luxury and easy navigation. For those seeking coastal beauty or natural water systems, Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls are excellent choices during the southern spring and autumn.

We selected these locations based on their scale and the specific months they are most accessible. This list includes the best islands to visit along with landmarks that are worth the travel time.

1

Coastal history in Brazil

Rio !
Photo: Rafael Rabello de Barros, CC BY-SA 3.0

Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city in Brazil. It has a population of 6 million people in the city proper. Portuguese leaders founded the city in 1565. It later became the seat of the Portuguese Royal Court in 1808. You should plan your visit for March or October. These months have pleasant temperatures and less rain than the summer. It is the most popular city in Brazil for international tourists. The city is spread out between mountains and the sea. You can take a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain for a view of the bay. The city stays active late into the night.

Suits
People who enjoy large cities with access to the ocean
Worth knowing
Traffic is very heavy and can make travel times between neighborhoods unpredictable.
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2

The world's largest waterfall system

Iguazu Falls·Argentina
Aerial view of Foz de Iguaçu, Brazil-Argentina border.
Photo: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz), CC BY-SA 4.0

These falls are located on the Iguazu River on the border of Argentina and Brazil. They make up the largest waterfall system in the world. The name comes from indigenous words meaning big water. Most of the falls are on the Argentine side of the border. You can walk along trails that take you very close to the edge of the water. March and April are excellent months for a visit because the weather is cooler. The falls divide the river into upper and lower sections. The water flow is powerful and creates a constant mist. You can view the falls from both countries to see different angles.

Suits
Nature lovers who want to see massive water systems
Worth knowing
You will get wet on the walkways so bring a waterproof jacket.
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3

Luxury on the bay in Singapore

Marina Bay Sands·Singapore
The elevation view from the west of Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Photo: This Photo was taken by Supanut Arunoprayote. Feel free to use any of my images, but please mention me as the author and, CC BY 4.0

This resort is a major landmark in Singapore. It opened in 2010 and cost 8 billion Singapore dollars to build. The resort includes a hotel with 1,850 rooms and a large casino. The site features a luxury shopping mall and an ArtScience museum. It also has the first floating Apple store in the world. February and March are the best months to visit for dry weather. The hotel is famous for its long rooftop pool. This area is only open to guests who are staying at the hotel. Other visitors can pay to access the observation deck.

Suits
Travelers looking for high end shopping and city views
Worth knowing
The shopping mall is very large and requires a lot of walking.
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4

The historic capital of Scotland

Edinburgh·United Kingdom
A ScotRail Saltire-liveried Class 334, no 334038, sits at Edinburgh Waverley having just completed a North Clyde Line run from Helensburgh Central.

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland. It has been the recognized capital since at least the 15th century. It is the seat of the Scottish Government and the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. May and June are the best months for a trip. The days are long and the weather is often mild. August is the busiest month because of the local festivals but it is very crowded. The city is built on hilly ground near the Firth of Forth. It is the second most populous city in Scotland. The streets are lined with old stone buildings and historic sites.

Suits
History enthusiasts and fans of traditional architecture
Worth knowing
Wear comfortable shoes because the streets are steep and often made of cobblestones.
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5

The highest peak on Earth

Mount Everest seen from Gokyo Ri
Photo: Rdevany, CC BY-SA 3.0

Mount Everest stands on the border between Nepal and China. The summit is 8,848.86 meters above sea level. It is part of the Himalayas and attracts many experienced mountaineers. There are two main climbing routes. One starts in Nepal and the other in China. Many people visit the base camp without attempting the summit. This requires a multi day trek at high altitude. April and May are the best months to visit. This is the window when the weather is most stable before the monsoon rains arrive. October and November are also good for clear views.

Suits
Experienced hikers and mountain climbers
Worth knowing
Flight delays to the mountain region are common due to weather.
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6

A landmark of Istanbul

Hagia Sophia·Turkey
Hagia Sophia with its dome and minarets seen from outside in Istanbul
Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 3.0

This site in Istanbul has served as a church and a museum and is now a mosque. It was completed in AD 537. It was once the largest interior space in the world. The building is famous for its large dome. It is considered a major example of Byzantine architecture. April and May are good months to visit for comfortable walking temperatures. The interior features historic mosaics and large pillars. It is a central cultural site in Turkey. Visitors should check prayer times before planning their entry.

Suits
Cultural travelers and fans of ancient architecture
Worth knowing
Expect long queues to enter during the middle of the day.
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7

Massive waterfalls in Africa

Aerial view of the Victoria Falls of the Zambezi River, border between Zambia (left side) and Zimbabwe (right side). The Victoria Falls is the largest sheet of falling water in the world based on its
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is over 1,700 meters wide. The local name means the smoke that thunders. The area has high biodiversity with many plants and animals. David Livingstone was the first European to see the falls in 1855. It is one of the largest waterfalls on the planet. Visit between February and May to see the water at its highest volume. The spray can be seen from many miles away. The sound of the water is very loud.

Suits
Wildlife fans and nature photographers
Worth knowing
Visibility can be low at peak flow because of the heavy mist.
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8

Mineral terraces and ancient ruins

Pamukkale, Denizli 2026
Photo: Biologg, CC BY-SA 4.0

Pamukkale means cotton castle in Turkish. It is a natural site in southwestern Turkey famous for white mineral terraces. These were formed by thermal spring water flowing down the hill. The ancient Greek city of Hierapolis was built on top of these terraces. The site is 2,700 meters long. It has been drawing visitors to its thermal springs for thousands of years. April and May are ideal for a visit. The weather is warm but not as hot as the peak summer. You can walk through the ruins after seeing the white pools.

Suits
People interested in geology and ancient ruins
Worth knowing
You must walk barefoot on the terraces to protect the minerals.
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9

Twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Towers·Malaysia
Petronas Twin Towers lit up at night above the KLCC fountain
Photo: Bruce Poon, CC BY-SA 4.0

These towers are located in Kuala Lumpur. They have 88 storeys and stand 451.9 meters tall. They were the tallest buildings in the world until 2004. They remain the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world. A bridge links the two towers at a high level. February and March are good months to visit for drier weather. The towers were the tallest buildings in Malaysia until 2019. They are a central landmark of the city. There is a large park at the base of the towers.

Suits
Urban explorers and fans of modern engineering
Worth knowing
Tickets for the skybridge often sell out early in the day.
Planning Petronas Towers?

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10

Mountain scenery in Montana

Glacier National Park·United States
Glacier National Park

This park is in northwestern Montana on the border with Canada. It covers more than 1 million acres. It contains two mountain ranges and over 130 named lakes. The park is home to hundreds of animal species and 1,000 types of plants. It is part of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem. July and August are the best months for hiking. Most of the high roads are only open during the short summer season. The park was first inhabited by Native Americans before European explorers arrived.

Suits
Hikers and people who enjoy mountain wilderness
Worth knowing
Parking at popular trailheads often fills up before 8 am.
Planning Glacier National Park?

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What people wish they had broughtFor the places on this page

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These destinations offer a variety of natural and human made wonders. Planning your trip around the best weather months will help you avoid the worst crowds and rain.

Questions people ask


Which is the best island to visit for a short trip?

Singapore is the best island to visit for a short stay because it is a small nation with a very efficient transport system. You can see major landmarks like Marina Bay Sands in just a few days.

When is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro?

The heaviest rain in Rio usually falls between December and March. Visiting in October or November allows you to avoid the wettest weather while still enjoying warm temperatures.

Can you see Victoria Falls from both Zambia and Zimbabwe?

Yes, the falls are on the border and can be viewed from both countries. You may need a visa for both if you plan to cross the bridge to see all the viewpoints.

Is Hagia Sophia free to enter?

There is now an entry fee for foreign tourists to visit the gallery areas. The ground floor remains a place of worship and has specific hours for visitors.

How long does it take to see Iguazu Falls?

You should allow at least two days to see the falls properly. This gives you enough time to explore the trails on both the Argentine and Brazilian sides.

Somewhere to stay on this trip

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