28 Bucket List Destinations That Everyone Needs To Experience At Least Once

With so many places to see and visit across the globe, cultivating the perfect travel bucket list is no small feat. And, of course, what speaks to one traveler may not always speak to another. But there is no denying that quite a few spots on the map reign supreme and offer visitors a truly incredible experience from start to finish. From dreamy coastlines, pristine landscapes, and limitless adventure to phenomenal nightlife, rich history, and distinctive culture, there are more than a dozen places that tend to make most travelers' rosters. So, whether you are a newbie world traveler, a lifelong wanderluster, or a seasoned globetrotter, here are the top bucket list destinations everyone needs to experience at least once in their lifetime.

Speaking of unbelievable views, the Amalfi Coast is another must on any traveler's list because it's just beautiful. The Amalfi Coast is a vibrant, beachy seaside wonderland situated south of Rome in the Campania region of Italy. With 500-foot-tall cliffs, quaint towns, fine dining in caves at the Grotta Palazzese Restaurant, must-see attractions, convenient access to the Island of Capri, and so much more, the Amalfi Coast is another bucket list gem. Plus, if you manage to tear yourself away from this legendary coastline, you have amazing cities like Naples, Pompeii, and Rome all within driving distance.

The Galápagos Islands are teaming with adventure. There are several ways to explore this touristy hot spot, from trekking and kayaking to snorkeling and scuba diving. Made up of 19 separate islands, inlets, and rock formations, the Galápagos Islands is a nature lovers' paradise. Not only is there an abundance of wildlife, fascinating artifacts, unique history, and more here, but the Galápagos Islands are also located on both sides of the equator in both the northern and southern hemispheres — so being able to stand essentially in the middle of it all makes this destination truly unique.

For travelers looking to experience legendary nightlife, partying to dawn, and ample beach and boating time, Ibiza is a must. This famous destination was made for thrills, fun, and celebrating life. So, if this sounds like your type of grand getaway, add this world-renowned party town to your to-do list. Besides the sensational nightlife and club scene, Ibiza has pristine beaches, crystal clear water, and delightful Mediterranean views. Ibiza is also known for its yoga retreats, history, world-class restaurants, and flourishing art scene.

Travelers bound for Peru should not pass up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Machu Picchu. Situated high in the stunning Andes Mountains in South America, adventurers will find the 15th-century Inca citadel in Peru. Here you can appreciate this wonderous site and tour a host of attractions like the Temple of the Sun and the Hut of the Caretaker of the Funerary Rock via a climb, hike, or on horseback. So history lovers, outdoorsy types, and really anyone looking to marvel at the extraordinary archaeological works of the Inca Empire should add this one to their list as well.

Of course, one cannot travel the globe and not see the Pyramids of Giza, so add this one to your list as well. One of the true world's wonders, the Pyramids of Giza, located in Cairo, Egypt, are undoubtedly impressive. The grand scale of the Pyramids' exterior, the adventure that awaits inside these ancient creations, and the Sphinx are definitely worth the travel time. And after you marvel at these monumental structures, several other points of interest and activities are available in the city of Cairo, such as The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, which is an expansive artifact treasure trove that you will not see anywhere else.

This peaceful nation is an outdoorsy traveler's paradise with its black sand beaches, exceptional views of the Northern Lights, gorgeous and rugged outdoor spaces, untouched wilderness, ample opportunities for hiking, and geothermic swimming pools. Iceland also has quite the culinary scene, fascinating Viking history, rich folklore (elves, trolls, and more), friendly locals, a bustling nightlife, and iconic music. Besides all of this, Iceland is a safe destination that is not typically overrun with tourists. So you can absolutely have the time of your life here and check several musts off your adventure list.

Undoubtedly one of the most popular U.S. cities, New York City is America's culture hub, fashion capital, major art scene, and culinary delight. So if you have not had the pleasure of experiencing the hustle and bustle of New York City before, then what are you waiting for? The Big Apple is full of things to do, incredible things to see, and there is so much ground to cover here that you will absolutely be back to keep enjoying all that this iconic bucket list destination has to offer.

Tahiti is a breathtakingly beautiful destination in French Polynesia with once-in-a-lifetime tourist activities and adventure. With its spectacular beaches, including Lafayette Beach with its gorgeous black sand, stunning natural beauty, vast marine life, jungle tours, rich culture, gourmet French Polynesian cuisine, welcoming locals, and so much more, Tahiti is truly as captivating as it is entertaining. So make sure to add this destination to your to-do list— regardless of whether you are an avid solo wanderer or prefer to tackle this epic adventure with friends and family.

The Dalmatian Coast in Croatia is known for its crystal-clear waters, fantastic beaches, Mediterranean climate, and all-around beauty. That said, you can expect a healthy mix of outdoorsy fun, beach time, history, culture, and more. The Dalmatian Coast is littered with towns, including popular tourist spots Dubrovnik, Trogir, Hvar, Korcula, and Split. A definite well-rounded vacation that allows visitors a chance to choose their own adventure, the Dalmatian Coast is a great destination for any traveler.

Sydney is truly a bucket list destination that is all its own — with its unique wildlife, incredible beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, fascinating history, magnificent architecture, the iconic Sydney Opera House, the Blue Mountains National Park, and a fantastic wine country just outside the city. Sydney is Australia's largest city, its capital, and is overflowing with things to see and experience. So as long as you do not mind a lengthy flight, then you should absolutely head to the Harbour City for a trip you will never forget.

There are so many reasons to visit Cape Town. Home to breathtakingly beautiful coastlines, Table Mountain, Table Bay, Cape Point, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and the Victoria & Albert Waterfront, the Mother City is simply alluring and beyond bucket-list-worthy. With its beautiful scenery, rave-worthy beaches, abundant biodiversity, and lively culture, this city by the sea, or rather the ocean, is paradise. And when you factor in Cape Town's first-rate cuisine, incredible local wines, fabulous shopping, vibrant nightlife, and varied tourist activities, it is not hard to see why travelers looking for the trip of a lifetime should head to Cape Town.

Also located in the UK, globetrotters will find London, England. This buzzing metropolis has no shortage of attractions, including favorites like the Tower of London, Big Ben, the British Museum, and the London Eye. There is also an abundance of activities, tours, theater productions, enticing events, and hidden wonders to discover here. London should be a bucket list stop on any traveler's agenda if you want to catch a glimpse of the royals, learn more about the city's fascinating history, revel in fun nightlife, enjoy countless afternoon tea experiences, get in some renowned shopping, or indulge in a truly amazing restaurant scene.

Said to be one of the happiest cities in the world, Copenhagen is both culturally rich and enchanting. In the City of Spires, bucket list travelers can marvel at all the unique artwork and architecture, appreciate its culinary landscape, peruse its many museums, and enjoy quite a few points of interest like the world's very first theme park. Copenhagen is committed to the Danish concept of "hygge" – a cozy and comfortable way of living, so visitors can expect to feel at home here.

Last but not least, the Spa Capital of the World, also known as Budapest, is definitely bucket-list material because even die-hard adventurers need a little pampering, rest, and relaxation — especially if it is in any of Budapest's natural mineral springs, thermal pools, or the Szechenyi Baths. Of course, this grand European city has much more to offer, including medieval ruins, sightseeing galore, boat cruises on the Danube River, plus an impressive blend of cultures and styles. So, whether you choose to pamper yourself like never before in this wellness and history-rich destination or opt to make your way down the entire list, the world and all its bucket-list-worthy wonders await.