15 World Heritage Spots Anyone Can Easily Access
Do you know that not every bucket list icon demands a long-haul flight or a trek through the wilderness? In fact, some of the world’s most jaw-dropping UNESCO World Heritage Sites are steps from a train station or minutes from a ferry terminal. Here are ten such treasures that are remarkably easy to visit.
The Historic Centre Of Bruges, Belgium
When you’re in Bruges, it feels like you’re in a life-size Gothic painting. Board a train from Brussels and walk into this waltz of canals, belfries, lace shops, and cozy cafes. Once in Bruges, you can climb the Belfry and cruise the canals, then catch your ride back before sunset.
The Alhambra, Spain
Think you need a tour group and a camel caravan? Nah. Just catch a high-speed AVE train from Madrid to Granada. Walk uphill through Moorish gardens, and you’ll hit the Alhambra—an ancient palace complex dripping in Islamic art and intricate tilework. Day trips are doable.
Mont-Saint-Michel, France
A few hours from Paris, a shuttle glides across the causeway, and suddenly, you’re in Mont-Saint-Michel, exploring medieval lanes and breathtaking bay views. This enchanted castle floating between the tide and the sky looks like a mirage rising from the sea.
Stone Town Of Zanzibar, Tanzania
Catch a ferry from Dar es Salaam, and that’s it. You have arrived. You’ll dock in a labyrinth of coral stone buildings and rooftop cafes. Visit the Freddie Mercury Museum and sip mango juice in Jaws Corner. Feel the history in the carved balconies and fading spice trade mansions.
The Great Wall Of China (Badaling Section)
Other parts of the walls may be hard to reach, but not this one. From Beijing, hop on a direct train or bus to Badaling. There, the Great Wall greets you with wide walkways and dramatic mountain views. You’ll climb history’s spine without needing hiking boots or survival gear.
The Statue Of Liberty, USA
Lady Liberty is for walk-ons and not just for postcards. Here, you can visit the immigration museum at Ellis Island and climb to the crown. How do you get here? Grab a ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan, and you’re on Liberty Island in 15 minutes.
Old Havana, Cuba
Color bleeds from every corner, from teal shutters to faded murals. And it’s all in the heart of Havana. After landing at Jose Marti Airport, take a 30-minute taxi, and the next thing you know, you’re strolling past cigar shops and pastel plazas and hearing salsa echo through alleyways.
The City Of Bath, United Kingdom
All you need to get here is a train from London Paddington. Bath gives you ancient spas, Georgian terraces, and more within a gentle stroll. Besides touring the Abbey, you can soak in the Thermae Bath Spa or sip tea in a garden once roamed by emperors and authors.
Cinque Terre, Italy
They look unreachable—five tiny villages painted onto cliffs, each one flexing its own charms like pesto in Vernazza and wine in Manarola. But a local train links them all. Skip the rental car. These seaside dreamscapes unfold by boat or rail, whichever you choose.
The Historic Centre Of Prague, Czech Republic
Mist clings to spires here, and lanterns flicker on Charles Bridge. The atmosphere fools you, but it’s incredibly accessible. Fly into Vaclav Havel Airport and take a 30-minute cab or metro. Soon, you’ll be passing through ancient streets, staring at a clock that’s kept time for 600 years.
The Old City Of Jerusalem, Israel
This four-quarter city has a lot to offer tourists who wish to see beyond its ancient walls. You can tour millennia of belief within a few city blocks. From Tel Aviv, it’s just an hour’s ride to the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The Palace And Park Of Versailles, France
Gold gates and manicured gardens with fountains worthy of a second visit! It all feels magical, but it is real and easy to reach. Versailles is a suburban stop. If you board the RER-C from central Paris and ride for 45 minutes, you’ll soon be standing in the Hall of Mirrors.
Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam
As you watch the lanterns float, and the riverboats glide while taking in the scent of lemongrass that clings to the air, you’re a 30-minute ride from Da Nang’s airport. Hoi An offers ancestral temples and fusion dishes in French-colonial courtyards, all without long transfers or hiking packs.
The Historic Centre Of Florence, Italy
Florence is a feast of domes and Renaissance genius, and the best part is they’re all wrapped in walkable ease. Hop on a train from Rome or Milan, and you’ll arrive on time for lunch at Piazza della Signoria. The Uffizi, Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio are just steps apart.
Petra, Jordan
Petra isn’t lost in some desert abyss—it’s a smooth three-hour drive from Amman, an easy day trip away. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking the Siq, gasping at the Treasury, and climbing rock-carved stairs to ancient temples, know this: it’s all within reach.
