The 20 destinations you must visit before you die

Have you ever made a list of the countries you want to visit before you die? If not, grab a pen and paper to jot down these suggestions. If you already have a list, you can add 20 more options. How many countries from this list do you still need to visit? Read it and check!

The city of love... is a typical destination, but if so many people visit it, there must be a reason. The Eiffel Tower shining at night, the Louvre Museum, and authentic croissants... You must experience it at least once in your life.

The Italian capital is one of the favorite destinations for Spaniards. The city is an open-air museum, both for the art evident in sculptures like the Trevi Fountain or the fountains in Piazza Navona, and for the history that can be found in almost every corner: the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum... and even though it's part of a different country, the Sistine Chapel must be seen with your own eyes before you die.

The cultural heart of Japan is Kyoto, with over 1,600 temples, gardens, and palaces to visit. Some of the highlights include the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the historic Gion district, famous for its geishas.

Frank Sinatra wouldn't dedicate a song to just any city in the world. New York represents the American Dream, with imposing skyscrapers and an unmistakable vibe. Visitors can stroll through Central Park, see the Statue of Liberty, visit museums of all sorts, and watch Broadway shows. It's impossible not to enjoy this city: there are activities for all tastes.

Antoni Gaudí dedicated most of his artworks to Barcelona, which, with its modernist buildings, gives the city a unique personality. We haven't yet seen the dragon of Casa Batlló awaken, nor the little lizard of Parc Güell in motion, but we can say that the city is magical. The towers of the Sagrada Familia visible from different points in the city are a reference for Barcelonians who are not located in l'Eixample, although there are dozens of equally iconic monuments that must be visited at least once in a lifetime.

This city is famous for its imposing mosques like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Süleymaniye Mosque. Additionally, Istanbul is known for the Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar. Travelers lucky enough to set foot on the soil of ancient Constantinople can enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus and experience the rich Turkish culture.

Cape Town, originally known as Kaapstad, is famous for Table Mountain, an impressive mountain offering panoramic views of the city and ocean. Other highlights include the Cape of Good Hope (a "must see" at least once in a lifetime), the vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and Robben Island, a place to explore history as it was where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. The beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay are some of the most popular among visitors, so be sure to note it for your next trip!

Australia's capital is famous for its iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, an image that often comes to mind when thinking of this city (unless thinking of kangaroos and giant spiders). The beaches of Bondi and Manly are ideal for surfing and relaxing, the Royal Botanic Garden and the historic district of The Rocks offer a rich cultural experience, and to complete a full experience, Sydney Harbour is perfect for boat rides and offers stunning views of the city.

There are traditions like Carnival that are famous in the country of great footballers, but Rio de Janeiro can be visited all year round. Rio is not just a character from Money Heist; it is also known for Christ the Redeemer, one of the new seven wonders of the world. The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are iconic, although visitors can also explore Sugarloaf Mountain, enjoy samba and bossa nova, while strolling through the bohemian district of Santa Teresa.

Filled with contrasts with its opulent temples and palaces, like the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok is a great experience you must live. The floating markets, the vibrant Khao San Road district, and the modern shopping malls are some of the attractions, although the natural areas can also be explored on a rented motorcycle (an original and very cheap plan). We can't forget the street food, which is an unmissable culinary experience, but one must be careful when choosing dishes.

Although it has gone through different names like Petrograd or Leningrad, Saint Petersburg must be visited to learn about the interesting history of Russia. The Hermitage Museum, the Winter Palace, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and the Catherine Palace are some of the main attractions of the city, and the Red Square must be seen in person at least once in a lifetime.

The well-preserved medieval old town, its Gothic architecture, and its historic bridges make this city a true gem. Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the Old Town Square, and the Astronomical Clock are must-see attractions. The city also offers a vibrant nightlife and a rich brewing tradition to enjoy the city with friends (although there are also museums to enjoy with family).

Not far from Spain, this city is full of palaces, gardens, and markets (souks). Jemaa el-Fnaa Square is the heart of the city, bustling with vendors, musicians, and snake charmers, a scene that could be straight out of a movie. Visitors can explore the Bahia Palace, the Majorelle Gardens, and the Ben Youssef Madrasa, as well as enjoy Moroccan cuisine in traditional riads.

The capital of Vietnam is known for its rich history and culture. The old town, with its narrow streets and bustling markets, is a perfect destination to explore local life and the daily lives of the inhabitants. Visitors can see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and Hoan Kiem Lake. The city also offers delicious cuisine, including the famous pho, but like in Bangkok, one should be cautious when buying street food.

If you are a "history geek" and love the world of mythology, you should already be searching for a plane ticket. The Acropolis and the Parthenon are monuments to explore the myths hidden in the engravings of the ruins. Other interesting places are the Agora, the Acropolis Museum, and the Plaka neighborhood, with its narrow streets and traditional taverns. Athens is also an ideal starting point for exploring the Greek islands and feeling like you live in Mamma Mia.

If a city were a postcard, it would be Amsterdam. The canals are iconic, and must be seen once in a lifetime (or take a boat ride on them). The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are treasures for art lovers, and those interested in history can't miss the Anne Frank House. The nightlife, cafes, and flower markets are also a must-stop.

This city is full of charm and color, where the past intertwines with the present at every corner. In its historical center, Old Havana, there exists a maze of cobbled streets where colonial architecture and picturesque squares transport you to another era, where you can discover the connections Spain had with the country. You can't miss the majesty of the Cathedral Plaza or the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza Vieja. Along the iconic Malecón, panoramic views of the Caribbean take center stage, and Havana will captivate you with its authenticity and unique spirit.

Siem Reap is famous for being the gateway to the Angkor temples (yes, like the Portaventura attraction), including the iconic Angkor Wat temple, one of humanity's greatest architectural achievements. The mystical atmosphere that envelops this territory blends with the life of the city, where visitors can enjoy traditional dance shows, local craft workshops, and learn about Cambodia's history and folklore.

This city captivates with its historic charm, vibrant culture, and beautiful natural surroundings, perfect for people who like to "romanticize" their lives, as whether by clouds or landscapes, it seems like a sepia filter covers the city, turning it into the perfect setting for a 19th-century book. From the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the Queen in Scotland, to the Royal Mile, a historic street connecting the castle with the palace, the city is filled with fascinating historical sites.

In Dubrovnik, you can explore the old town with its imposing medieval walls that offer panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the city. Stradun Street, the main pedestrian thoroughfare, the Rector's Palace, and St. Blaise Church are perfect for a visit. The Franciscan Monastery has one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, and the beaches of Banje or Sveti Jakov are a must-see. And finally, a tip: a cable car ride to Mount Srd will give you spectacular views of Dubrovnik and its surroundings.

So... how many places do you still need to visit?