100 interesting places in the world – when and why should you see them?

Is it possible to arrange a perfect calendar of travel around the world? Of course not – the weather sometimes plays tricks, and airlines like to change schedules. But we can hint at when the chances of a “wow-effect” are greatest: when the Taj Mahal glistens in the crisp winter sun, Iceland bathes in the glow of northern summer, and the corridors of the Alhambra are fragrant with blooming oranges.

So we’ve put together a list of a hundred places we’ve either been to ourselves or that are constantly on our radar, and we’ve added the best dates so you can catch them at the most photogenic, palatable or just convenient time.

Where and when is it worth going? 100 seats!

The order is completely random and random, because it is known that everyone likes something different. Treat the following list of interesting places in the world as an inspiration, because you may not be directly interested in the Great Wall in China, but already eager to hop over to Beijing? :) The same when it comes to possible events assigned to specific places. It’s not that there’s nothing else going on outside this term, but something had to be chosen.

So we start the countdown!

1. The Grand Canyon, USA

When is the best time to go: March – May, September – November
In spring and autumn you will avoid the desert heat, and the rocks burn red in the soft light.

2. Yellowstone National Park, USA

When is the best time to go: May-June, September-October
The geysers are bubbling at full power, the buffalo are active, and the crowds are definitely smaller.

3. Toruń, Poland

When is the best time to go: August
The Gingerbread Festival smells of roots, and historic parades enliven the Old Town.

4. Great Wall of China, China

When is the best time to go: April – May, September – October
With no sand blizzard and a sultry summer, visibility extends for miles in every direction.

5. Xi’an, China

When is the best time to go: March – May, September – October
The Terracotta Army glistens in the soft light, and the temperature is conducive to walking on the city walls.

6. Dubai, UAE

When is the best time to go: November – March
Temperatures drop below 30 °C, so you can visit without taking a break between air conditioners.

7. Beaches of Sarasota, USA

When is the best time to go: November – April
The dry season guarantees the azure Gulf of Mexico and the powdery sand of Siesta Key.

8. Zion National Park, USA

When is the best time to go: April – June, September – October
You pass The Narrows and Angel’s Landing in pleasant 20-25 °C, with little chance of flooding.

9. London, England

When is the best time to go: May-June, September
The magnolias are in bloom, the museums are not bursting at the seams, and the weather can surprise you… with sunshine.

10. Tokyo, Japan

When is the best time to go: March – April, November
The city explodes with sakura pink or maple fire – photographers have a holiday.

11. Perth & Rottnest Island, Australia

When is the best time to go: November
Quokki pose for a selfie, and the surfer waves are perfect.

12. Rome, Italy

When is the best time to go: April – June, September – October
You visit the Roman Forum without the heat, and gelato doesn’t melt in three seconds.

13. Sicily, Italy

When is the best time to go: May-June, September-October
Etna is calm, the sea is warm, and prices are lower than in peak summer.

14. Algarve, Portugal

When is the best time to go: May – October
The cliffs of Ponta da Piedade are bathed in sunshine, and the ocean is guarded by surfers and dolphins.

15. Machu Picchu, Peru

When is the best time to go: May – October
In the dry season, the mists quickly subside, revealing the Inca ruins in their full glory.

16. Alhambra, Spain

When is the best time to go: April – June, September – October
The Generalife gardens are in bloom, and Granada is not yet turning into a hot pan.

17. Málaga, Spain

When is the best time to go: May-June, September-October
The Costa del Sol is alive with tapas and beaches without the summer crowds and 40-degree heat.

18. Maldives

When is the best time to go: November – April
Monsoon “Iruvai” brings cloudless skies and fabulous sunsets over the bungalows on the water.

19. Kos, Greece

When is the best time to go: May-June, September
Warm Aegean Sea and bicycle tours around the island without the August heat.

20. Istanbul, Turkey

When is the best time to go: April – May, September – October
The golden dome of Hagia Sophia glistens in the soft light, and the bazaars smell of spices.

21. Iceland

When is the best time to go: June – August
Mountain roads are open, waterfalls in full flow, and the sun hardly sets.

22. Azores, Portugal

When is the best time to go: May – September
Hydrangeas turn the islands into a blue carpet, and whales visit the channel between the islands.

23. Lapland, Finland

When is the best time to go: December – March
The aurora borealis dances every night, and reindeer pull sleighs like out of a Santa Claus story.

24. Cappadocia, Turkey

When is the best time to go: April – June, September – October
Balloons take off almost daily, and temperatures are favorable for trekking in the valleys.

25. Coimbra, Portugal

When is the best time to go: May, October
Student atmosphere and fado concerts without the summer heat of central Portugal.

26. Kotor, Montenegro

When is the best time to go: May-June, September
The Bay of Kotor reflects the mountains like a mirror, and cruise ships are still (or already) asleep.

27. Ella, Sri Lanka

When is the best time to go: December – March
The dry season in the Hill Country features green tea plantations and an iconic train ride.

28. Socotra, Yemen

When is the best time to go: October – April
No monsoon winds, and dragon trees create a cosmic landscape.

29. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

When is the best time to go: March – October
Sea calm as a mirror, turtles and reef sharks almost guaranteed.

30 Svalbard, Norway

When is the best time to go: May – August
The sun shines 24 hours, and cruises allow you to watch walruses and polar bears.

31. Tartu, Estonia

When is the best time to go: June
White nights and festivals keep the student city awake.

32. Balchik, Bulgaria

When is the best time to go: May, September
Queen Mary’s garden is drowning in flowers, and the Black Sea is still warm for bathing.

33. Rhodes, Greece

When is the best time to go: May-June, September
You explore the medieval walls and beaches without the hellish July sun.

34. Wadi Rum, Jordan

When is the best time to go: March-May, October
A night under the stars at 20 °C is the golden mean between winter cold and summer heat.

35. Banff & Lake Louise, Canada

When is the best time to go: June – September
The emerald lakes are de-iced and all the mountain trails are open.

36. Huacachina, Peru

When is the best time to go: May – September
Sunset dunes and sandboard without the desert heat.

37. Isla Holbox, Mexico

When is the best time to go: December – April
Clear water, flamingos and no mosquitoes in the dry season.

38. Altiplano, Bolivia

When is the best time to go: June – September
Cloudless skies contrast with pink lagoons full of flamingos.

39. Brecon Beacons, Wales

When is the best time to go: April-June
The waterfalls are in full flow, and the green valleys smell of moss.

40. Gothenburg, Sweden

When is the best time to go: July
The longest days of the year and cultural festivals light up the canal waterfront.

41. Cirque de Mafate, Reunion

When is the best time to go: May – October
Trekking in the volcano’s crater with no downpours and clear skies overhead.

42. Abruzzo, Italy

When is the best time to go: May, October
A wild alternative to Tuscany – vineyards and medieval towns in golden light.

43. Table Mountains, Poland

When is the best time to go: September
Rock labyrinths in autumn colors and trails without school tours.

44. Okinawa, Japan

When is the best time to go: late January – early February
The earliest cherry blossoms in all of Japan and a warm blue sea.

45. Ischgl, Austria

When is the best time to go: December – February
Reliable powder, and Top of the Mountain concerts combine skiing with a music show.

46. Bieszczady, Poland

When is the best time to go: October
Poland’s most beautiful golden autumn and the woodlands free from the holiday hustle and bustle.

47. Franschhoek, South Africa

When is the best time to go: February – March
Wine harvest, picnics in the vineyards and tastings of fresh vintages.

48. Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua

When is the best time to go: December – April
The dry season allows you to conquer the Concepción volcano and swim in the crystal springs.

49. Gozo, Malta

When is the best time to go: May-June
The Dwejra cliffs glisten in the sun, and the Mediterranean Sea is already suitable for snorkeling.

50. Göreme Open-Air Museum, Turkey

When is the best time to go: March, November
You admire the frescoes in the rock chapels almost in solitude.

51. Orkney, Scotland

When is the best time to go: June
Long days and no mosquitoes, and prehistoric circles bathed in golden light.

52. Queenstown, New Zealand

When is the best time to go: February – March
Stable weather and a full menu of extreme sports.

53. Belfast & Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

When is the best time to go: May
Basalt columns without autumn storms and the longest days for photos.

54. Kelingking Beach, Indonesia

When is the best time to go: June
Calmer waves, and the green “T-Rex” of the cliff looks spectacular.

55. La Geria (Lanzarote), Spain

When is the best time to go: July – August
Europe’s earliest grape harvest and lunar vineyards on black solidified lava.

56. Milos, Greece

When is the best time to go: June, September
The white Sarakiniko contrasts with the turquoise sea without crowds.

57. Guadalajara, Mexico

When is the best time to go: late August – early September
The city reverberates with the Mariachi and Charrería Festival.

58. Fraser Island (K’gari), Australia

When is the best time to go: July – October
Humbacks swim right by the beach, and the heat is milder.

59. Madeira, Portugal

When is the best time to go: March – May
“The island of eternal spring” is in bloom, and the levada trails are full of strelitzia flowers.

60. Kigali, Rwanda

When is the best time to go: June
The dry season is the perfect time to head further out to the gorillas in Volcanoes Park.

61. Aran Islands, Ireland

When is the best time to go: July
The surest weather for a bicycle tour of stone walls and cliffs.

62. Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

When is the best time to go: end of November
Purple and pink lupines surround the turquoise lake like a living garland.

63. Costa Smeralda, Italy

When is the best time to go: September
Sardinia’s emerald waters, lower prices and fewer yachts at anchor.

64. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

When is the best time to go: October – April
The best underwater visibility in the heart of the Coral Triangle.

65. Torres del Paine, Chile

When is the best time to go: November
The Patagonian summer is taking off – long days and milder winds.

66. Slowinski National Park, Poland

When is the best time to go: June
The moving dunes look like the Sahara, and there are fewer tourists than in July.

67. Kamchatka, Russia

When is the best time to go: August
Volcanoes without snow, and bears catch salmon in rivers.

68. Galway, Ireland

When is the best time to go: July
The International Arts Festival turns the city into one big stage.

69. Córdoba, Spain

When is the best time to go: May
The Patios Festival turns courtyards into a floral explosion of color.

70. Kuching (Borneo), Malaysia

When is the best time to go: June – August
Dry jungle trails and a better chance to meet orangutans in Semenggoh.

71. Isfahan, Iran

When is the best time to go: March
Spring Nowruz, Imam Square in flowers and a pleasant 20 °C.

72. Chiang Mai, Thailand

When is the best time to go: November
Yi Peng Festival – thousands of lanterns float over the old city.

73. Dolomiti Bellunesi, Italy

When is the best time to go: June
Rifugia open, and alpine meadows flourish beneath limestone crags.

74. Cat Ba & Hạ Long, Vietnam

When is the best time to go: March
The fog adds to the mystery, and the rainy season has yet to take off.

75. Ocho Rios, Jamaica

When is the best time to go: February
Minimal risk of hurricanes, reggae and 28 °C in the air.

76. Olomouc, Czech Republic

When is the best time to go: May
The city smells of flowers during the Flora Olomouc exhibition.

77. Baikal, Russia

When is the best time to go: February
The crystal ice creates turquoise sheets – a paradise for skaters and photographers.

78. Patmos, Greece

When is the best time to go: September
Apocalypse Monastery without crowds, and the sea still warm for swimming.

79. Motovun, Croatia

When is the best time to go: late July – early August
Film Festival and truffle tastings – two reasons in one term.

80. Göta Canal, Sweden

When is the best time to go: July
Cruise through the locks in a slow rhythm – all of Sweden then “flows”.

81. Žabljak & Durmitor, Montenegro

When is the best time to go: August
Tara Canyon available for rafting, and the mountain roads are already cleared of snow.

82. Isle of Harris, Scotland

When is the best time to go: June
Beaches like in the Caribbean, only surrounded by Scottish hills.

83. Kyoto, Japan

When is the best time to go: March – April, November
The Golden Pavilion is reflected in the pond under a canopy of cherry or red maple trees.

84. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

When is the best time to go: May
Jumping from the Old Bridge and spring temperatures without the crowds.

85. Kutaisi & Prometheus Cave, Georgia

When is the best time to go: April
The rivers are full of water after the melt, and the cave sparkles with thousands of stalactites.

86. Mount Rinjani, Indonesia

When is the best time to go: July
The dry season guarantees safe climbing and Mars-like views.

87. Leba – Festival of Kites, Poland

When is the best time to go: August
Colorful dragons on the Baltic Sea and a family atmosphere among the dunes.

88. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

When is the best time to go: January
A thin layer of water turns the saltmarsh into an endless mirror of the sky.

89. Jeju Olle Trail, South Korea

When is the best time to go: October
The tangerine orchards are fragrant, and the temperature is perfect for a multi-day trek.

90. Salta & Cafayate, Argentina

When is the best time to go: April
The grape harvest in Cafayate and the red Quebrada in its best light.

91. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

When is the best time to go: December
The town turns into a lively, fairy-tale Christmas tree bauble.

92. Singapore

When is the best time to go: February – April
After the northeast monsoon, it is clearest and has the least rainfall, perfect for futuristic gardens.

93. Bialowieza, Poland

When is the best time to go: February
Bison tracks are easiest to spot in the snow, and the wilderness looks fairytale-like.

94. San Sebastián, Spain

When is the best time to go: September
International Film Festival and pintxos crawl – a feast for the eyes and palate.

95. Brno, Czech Republic

When is the best time to go: June
IGNIS BRUNENSIS lights up the city with fireworks displays over the castle.

96. Rotorua, New Zealand

When is the best time to go: May
Geothermal parks are quieter, and the weather is favorable for bathing in the hot springs.

97. Cenotes Riviera Maya, Mexico

When is the best time to go: January
The crystalline waters are crisp, and the crowds from New Year’s Eve have already departed.

98. Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

When is the best time to go: July
The International Film Festival is combined with a tasting of medicinal waters.

99. Niseko, Japan

When is the best time to go: February
Asia’s best powder skiing and après-ski with ramen as the centerpiece.

100. Zakynthos – Cape Keri, Greece

When is the best time to go: June
Caretta-caretta turtles are back on the beaches, and the Keri cliffs are bathed in a sapphire sea.

100 interesting places in the world – our opinion and yours?

And how, is there anything to choose from? We know that life likes to mix up plans, so treat this list like a treasure map, not a marching order ;) Always check current forecasts, local holidays and… ticket promotions – then you’ll have a better idea of where and when to go.

If you visit or have already seen any of the places in “our” timeframe, let us know in the comments if our tips worked. Or do you have your own secret for the perfect time in Kyoto, Sarosota or Madeira? Share your thoughts in the comments.