In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.

John Muir

While some of the world is back open for business, the vast majority of the world is still experiencing some level of lockdown. While we navigate this new normal, we can still take advantage of the incredible sites, museums, and landscapes we’d normally have to travel to see.

I’ve compiled a hefty list of places you can experience virtually. While some require a VR headset, many do not. Grab a snack, bring your pets, roommates, significant others, and family and choose as many from the list below as you please! Just because we can’t physically visit certain places right now, doesn’t mean we can’t do the same virtually and without the costs and lines!

Famous Landmarks

1. The Taj Mahal — This site features several different 360 degree views of the outside of the mausoleum. You can even jump to view various features in closer detail.
2. The Great Wall of China — Why not virtually walk this incredible site at your own pace without the throngs of tourists?
3. The Colosseum — View the outside and inside of this extremely famous site.
4. Versailles — You don’t get much time to explore each room during tours, so this gives you all the time in the world to marvel at the smallest of details.
5. Stonehenge — Learn more about this site and view the stones from not only where tourists are allowed, but also from the inside of the stone circle.
6. Great Pyramids — Get a bird’s eye view of these enormous monuments from ancient Egypt.
7. Machu Picchu — Beat the crowds, fees, scary bus rides, and the altitude!
8. Petra — Can’t make it to Jordan right now? That’s okay. Google can take you there for free.
9. Acropolis — I don’t know about you, but this has always been near the top of my list.
10. Buckingham Palace — Feel free to snoop into 4 rooms!
11. Jerusalem’s Old City — You can pack an entire day’s worth of attractions and sites into an afternoon of couch surfing. It’s worth it.
12. The Sistine Chapel — Another landmark that doesn’t give you much time to visit is the Sistine Chapel. You also can’t take pictures. Here’s an up close visit that won’t disappoint.

Museums

1. The Musee d’Orsay — Looking for impressionist art? You’ve come to the right place. Explore to your heart’s desire.
2. The Louvre — While not all of the art and exhibitions are available for touring, there are 10 amazing exhibits you can visit from your couch.
3. The Vatican’s Museums — There are several Vatican museums you can visit during this virtual tour. You don’t have to choose between one or two. You can tour them all.
4. J. Paul Getty Museum — Have a hankering for some 8th century art? Got it. What about something more modern? Got that too.
5. National Museum of Natural History — You should be running towards your computer for a tour of this Smithsonian museum.
6. The British Museum — You can view several exhibits and over 1 MILLION objects in their online collection. If that doesn’t get you through this quarantine I don’t know what will.
7. Grammy Museum — Check out some content from their archives, listen to curated playlists, or even get some musical education while you’re there.
8. Metropolitan Museum of Art — It’s iconic. With art from around the world spanning 5,000 years, you won’t want to miss this.
9. International Center of Photography — Take a class, listen to tunes, or just marvel at these amazing photos.
10. The Dali Museum — Not all of the exhibits are online, but there are quite a few that make it a worthwhile experience.
11. National Palace Museum — Forget 360 tours. This virtual experience has 720 degree tours, animations, and audio available.

Parks and Landscapes

1. Giant’s Causeway — This tour may or may not prevent rolled ankles and you always get the best seat in the house.
2. Yosemite National Park — Star gaze, hike, or simply marvel at the view on several trails in this acclaimed park.
3. Hawaii National Volcanoes Park — You’ll learn just about anything you ever wanted to learn about volcanoes and this park. There’s a live webcam, podcasts, and so much more.
4. Inca Trail — It’s not interactive, but you can virtually hike the Inca Trail via YouTube now.
5. Northern Lights — Experience live or recorded sessions featuring the northern lights and all of their glory.
6. Carlsbad Caverns — You’ll get to explore the 119 caves that make up this massive system.
7. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — Explore while you learn more about this sacred site.
8. Glacier National Park — You’ll get views you’d be hard press to find as a tourist without paying an arm and a leg.
9. Death Valley — One of the most inhospitable places on earth is now much more accessible.
10. Virtual Flower Blooms — Love flowers? These virtual blooming events will keep your love of nature alive during lockdown.

Outdoor Adventures

1. Natural Wonders of the World — Choose from multiple tours to view the seven wonders of the world.
2. Dog Sled Rides — Ever wanted to take a dog sled ride? Now’s your chance.
3. Swimming with Sharks — Want to get close to sharks without have to brave the fear? Here you can get extremely close without a scuba certification.
4. Aerial Tours — You can now choose from 63 aerial tours of places the Smithsonian as documented!
5. Mars — Yep. You can now tour some of Mars. Granted it is a 3D rendering, but it’s really cool.

Concerts and Shows

1. Metropolitan Opera — If opera is your thing, enjoy nightly shows!
2. Seattle Symphony — Classical music is a fantastic way to unwind and listen stress way.
3. Free Virtual Concerts — Here’s a great list of concerts that are available to watch on certain dates by huge artists we know and love.
4. Broadway Online — Want to see a Broadway show from any room in your house? Here’s how!
5. Livestreams — Here’s another way to find more livestreams and concerts by date and artist.
6. Comedy Shows — Everyone could use a good laugh right about now. Find your favorite or a new favorite comedian and forget about reality for a while.

Food Experiences

1. Binging with Babish — You’ll be making food every single meal of every single day with his tutorials.
2. Quar Eye: Cooking Lessons in Quarantine — Our favorite foodie from Queer Eye will help you become your best chef self on Instagram with his quarantine series.
3. Kitchen Quarantine — Esteemed chef Massimo Bottura will help you make some fancy new items!
4. Borough Market Cooking Classes — This London Market is super famous and the chefs take you through some delicious recipes to try.
5. Buzzfeed’s Tasty Series — Simple videos, ingredients you probably already have, and easy to follow instructions. These are so much fun to try.
6. Virtual Cooking Classes — Learn knife skills, how to make certain foods, and so much more. Come hungry, leave full.
7. Bonus: Look for local online cooking classes to help local restaurants and chefs!