See the World From Your Couch: 15 Virtual Tours of Amazing Places
Even if you can’t be in Washington, you can still take a tour of the Museum of Natural History. (Courtesy: Smithsonian)
By Colin Patrick
If you can’t check out these places in person, you can at least visit them virtually — no flights or road trips required.
1. The National Museum of Natural History
Learn where we’ve been by taking a look around the stunning exhibits at this Smithsonian museum in the nation’s capital.
2. Taj Mahal
This look at the the famous Indian mausoleum is one of several Airpano flying 360 tours on this list.
3. U.S. Capitol
The U.S. Capitol was completed in 1800, but it still seems to be in a constant state of construction. This virtual tour is a great way to see the landmark, and it’s always scaffolding-free.
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4. Eiffel Tower
Getting to the top of the iconic Parisian landmark has never been so simple. Click on the different vantage points at the bottom of the page to get a killer view — then click on numbered buildings in the distance to learn more.
5. Louvre
From this page you can choose several different areas of the world-famous museum to explore.
6. Vatican
This page on the Vatican’s website allows you to click on any of several different locations and quickly go inside for a look around. Make sure your computer is muted if you don’t want to hear music.
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7. Sistine Chapel
One place the tour of the Vatican doesn’t include is the Sistine Chapel. Click here and look skyward to see Michelangelo’s handiwork.
8. Route 66
Get your kicks on Google Street View of Route 66.
9. The Colosseum
Are you not entertained? You will be as you click around this virtual tour of this ancient arena.
10. The White House
This one isn’t a full 360-degree experience, but it still allows you to click on different levels and rooms of the Executive Mansion to learn more and watch videos about them.
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11. The Ancient City of Petra
This aerial tour of Petra, Jordan starts at Al Khazneh, the stunning temple carved into a sandstone cliff. Fans of Indiana Jones will instantly recognize it as the location where Indy chose wisely. Drag the mouse around to get a full view of your surroundings.
12. Stonehenge
Click on one of the four Street View options to take a look around this ancient stone, uh, calendar? Jungle gym? Graveyard? Whatever it is, it’s interesting.
13. 9/11 Memorial
If you can’t make it to New York City, you can pay your respects in the meantime by taking the virtual tour here.
14. Yosemite National Park
If you’re sitting in an office, do yourself a favor and take a minute to roam around Yosemite National Park. You can almost smell the grass. As 30 Rock’s Liz Lemon would say, “I want to go to there.”
15. The Pyramids
Survey the awe-inspiring achievement of the Great Pyramids at Giza from above.
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