best vr virtual tours

Top 10 virtual tours: see museums and the world without leaving home

Stuck at home? You can still enjoy amazing sights and experiences

Many of the world’s most iconic locations now offer virtual tours, meaning you can visit museums, world heritage sites and other attractions from the comfort of your couch. You don’t need a VR headset , either, although some attractions do support virtual reality for a more immersive experience.

So if you’re looking for things to do at home, and in need of a change of scenery, simply grab your laptop, tablet or phone, and join us on a world tour filled with history, nature and – of course – technology.

1. Machu Picchu, Andes Mountains, Peru

A simply stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, Machu Picchu is a visual wonder that just has to be seen. You no longer need to fly all the way to Peru to see it in all its glory, however, as the virtual tour is comprehensive, immersive, and filled with fascinating insights.

With 360-degree views of the ruins of Inca settlements and lush green landscapes, you can visit every popular vantage point and learn more about the history of the famous site thanks to a helpful voice narrator. OK, you can’t feel the warm breeze around you, but if you turn on the heat and have a handy desk fan set to low, it’s almost as good as the real thing. Almost.

Behold the marvel : Machu Picchu

2. The Louvre Museum, Paris

An attraction visited by millions of tourists in person every year, the Louvre Museum has also created a selection of virtual tours based on its permanent collections. Explore Egyptian antiquities, the Remains of the Louvre’s Moat, and the decorative arts of the Galerie d’Apollon.

The tour is easy to navigate, with an expandable minimap that lets you highlight exhibits to view with just a couple of clicks. You can also find out more about each room in The Louvre, with detailed descriptions that will probably make the room you’re actually sitting in feel frightfully dull in comparison.

Take a trip: Louvre Museum

3. The National Museum of Computing, Milton Keynes, UK

National Museum of Computing virtual tour

The National Museum of Computing contains the world’s largest collection of working historic computers. That means one of them probably runs Microsoft Vista and is still working...

The museum features a fantastic, intuitive, virtual 3D tour. You can zoom in on each exhibit’s details, and find out more about every aspect of computing history, such as the world’s oldest working digital computer. Impressive stuff.

Discover a digital treasure trove: The National Museum of Computing

4. Georgia Aquarium, Georgia, USA

Nothing beats the beauty of nature, so it’s good to know you can still get your daily dose of “aww” from the safety of your sofa. The Georgia Aquarium has over 50 species ranging from sea lions to underwater puffins, with many available to view via webcam. There’s also a daily and weekly livestream that’s aimed at piquing children’s interest in animals, and a great at-home educational tool if you want to entertain the little ones.

Ever wondered what a Beluga Whale gets up to in its spare time? Just click on the link below and find out. Water-way to have a good time.

Sea more: Georgia Aquarium

5. A 3-Minute Tour, Tokyo

What if we told you that you could ride in a Tuk Tuk, walk across the famous Shibuya crossing, win a Pikachu from a claw machine, and make friends with a robot… all in under three minutes. That might be physically impossible, but with VR it’s a breeze.

If you’ve ever wanted to take a whistle-stop tour of Japan, the Japan National Tourism Organization has created a 360-degree virtual reality video that lets you do all of the above, and lots more.

Simply put on a VR headset to experience a surreal thrill ride, where you’ll go from feeding a deer to facing off against a sumo wrestler in a matter of seconds. The video is also viewable in 2D, and well worth a look.

Check it out below.

6. The British Museum, London

Home to a remarkable collection that spans over two million years of human history and culture, The British Museum has nearly 50 online exhibits to view. From Bonaparte and the Battle of Waterloo to exploring the history of LGBTQ, there’s plenty of informative content to delve into.

For a more interactive experience, check out the Museum of the World tour . You can browse through a large selection of exhibits that are dated by century, continent and category – such as trade and conflict or art and design. Each exhibit offers a detailed description as well as accompanying audio, which helps provide a fascinating backstory to each piece.

Browse the exhibits: The British Museum

7. The Vatican, Rome

Filled with spectacular architecture and historic monuments, The Vatican is within your virtual reach, with a host of museums providing online tours. Step into the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms, which are adorned with simply sensational artwork.

The tour is compatible with WebVR, so you can pop on a VR headset to get an even closer look at some of mankind’s most memorable creations. It’s truly breathtaking, even when viewed through a screen.

When in Rome, visit: The Vatican

8. Musée d’Orsay, Paris

Located in the center of Paris, this historic museum was installed in the former Orsay railway station. It was originally built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, and displays collections of art from the period 1848 to 1914.

Take a leisurely virtual stroll through the opulent hallways and witness works from dozens of famous French artists, including Monet, Gauguin and Van Gogh. With no other visitors to contend with, you can soak up all the culture on display to your heart’s content – and there’s a lot to soak up.

Take the tour: Musée d’Orsay

9. Athens Acropolis, Athens

A must-visit destination for history buffs, the Athens Acropolis includes the world-famous Parthenon, and is a cultural hotspot for tourists. Choose between popular sites such as the Theatre of Dionysus and enjoy in-depth videos that provide a fascinating and educational insight into ancient Greece.

There are plenty of photographs to view and engrossing facts to learn, so don’t be surprised if you become an armchair expert in no time. Now, where’d you put that amphora of wine?

Get to the Greek: Athens Acropolis

10. The Royal Academy of Arts, London

If you’re amazed by architecture, the Royal Academy of Arts has a virtual tour that will make you go “ooo” and “ahh” for hours. The Sensing Spaces exhibition uses high-quality 360-degree photography to give visitors a taste of its structures and remarkable exhibitions – it really does feel as if you’re actually there.

Each exhibition is complemented by further information for users to read through, but you’re encouraged to come to your own conclusions, and think about what each space means to you.

Visit the exhibition: Sensing Spaces

Want to get into VR? The best VR prices and deals 2020

Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox

Get the hottest deals available in your inbox plus news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more from the TechRadar team.

Adam was formerly TRG's Hardware Editor. A law graduate with an exceptional track record in content creation and online engagement, Adam has penned scintillating copy for various technology sites and also established his very own award-nominated video games website. He’s previously worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor and once played Halo 5: Guardians for over 51 hours for charity. He is now an editor at The Shortcut.

Quordle today – hints and answers for Wednesday, April 24 (game #821)

NYT Strands today — hints, answers and spangram for Wednesday, April 24 (game #52)

This Game Boy-styled MagSafe stand just tickled my retro-gaming synapse – now all I need is a matching controller for Nintendo emulators

Best virtual tours that you can take without leaving home

Need to get out of the house and go on vacation, but finances, health, or other circumstances have you staying at home? Virtual tours are the next best thing. They allow you to travel to exotic locations, including space, without ever leaving home. Here are some of the best ways to take a staycation getaway using virtual tours.

Best virtual tour app for Android

Best virtual tour app for iphone, best virtual tours online, best virtual space tours, best virtual tours of us national parks, best way to take a random tour, best global virtual tour, best zoo virtual tours, best aquarium virtual tours, best fine art virtual tours, best history museum virtual tours, best virtual nature walks.

The Seven Wonders app allows you to travel to the seven wonders of the world from your phone. The app supports the use of Google Cardboard but you don’t have to use it. You can just hold your phone up to your face — as you move the phone, you’ll see a 360-degree view of whatever location you’re visiting.

People are returning the Vision Pro. Here are the best alternatives you can buy now
Apple’s XR headset could get one of the Mac’s best features
‘Metaversities’ let you attend digital twins of real-world college campuses in VR

With the Sites in VR app, you can take tours around the world using a virtual reality headset or just your phone or iPad. You can choose from cities or countries to visit, or you can go inside famous landmarks, like the pyramids. There are even space panoramas for a little out-of-this-world entertainment.

AirPano is a free site that allows you to wander beautiful locations all over the world. The best features of these virtual tours are choosing to take a helicopter view over the landscape or a walking trail through the area. The site also has articles about the location you are visiting and allows visitors to leave comments. If you really like a tour, you can choose to buy it as a download.

Sometimes you just want to leave this planet behind. That’s where virtual space tours come in handy. The Exoplanet Travel Bureau , powered by NASA, is here for you. You can choose an exoplanet and travel around its alien surface. Of course, the planets are artist renderings, since we haven’t actually traveled there yet, but they’re fascinating just the same. NASA at Home has many more space-themed virtual and augmented reality tours, too.

The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks is a Google project that lets you explore five different U.S. parks, including Florida’s Dry Tortugas, Hawaiian volcanoes, the Kenai Fjords in Alaska, New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns, and Utah’s Bryce Canyon. Each tour starts with a little history lesson about the area, and then you can dive into the 360-degree landscape. There are also audio tour guides that help you along your journey, explaining what you’re looking at and a little of its history.

Sometimes you don’t know where you want to go, and that’s OK. The Random Street View generator (powered by Google Maps ) is the answer. It will take you on a virtual stroll down a random street somewhere in the world. Be careful, though. Exploring random locations is a bit addicting. One minute you may be virtually walking down a highway in Michigan, and then with a click, you could be in an alleyway in Romania. The best part is that you get to see places that other virtual tour sites and apps don’t offer.

With Google Earth , you can go anywhere on our planet, from your hometown to the other side of the earth. You can use the website to take your journey, or use the app together with VR equipment to enhance your experience. Other than the awesome street views and ability to travel just about anywhere, you can also enhance Google Earth with your own videos and photos of places you have been in person.

If you’re an animal lover, there are many great virtual zoo exhibits that you can visit from your home. The San Diego Live Cams , for example, let you watch live footage of a wide range of animals, from baboons to penguins. Some other great animal cams can be found at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute , The Houston Zoo , and EarthCam .

There are plenty of ways to visit our fishy friends, too. The Monterey Bay Aquarium, The Georgia Aquarium, and The National Aquarium all have fantastic live webcams that allow you to watch sharks, jellyfish, stingrays, and much more.

When it comes to fine art, it’s hard to do better than a virtual tour of the Louvre . The website has a variety of tours you can take throughout the gallery, including The Galerie d’Apollon, Louvre’s Petite Galerie, and the east side of the Sully wing. When you’re finished at the Louvre, check out the virtual tours of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in South Korea , the Musée d’Orsay in Paris , and the Museu de Arte de São Paulo in Brazil .

There are also virtual tours that can take you back in time, sort of. You can see amazing exhibits of curiosities from the past, like dinosaurs, Egyptian relics, Stone Age tools, and more at The Natural History Museum in London , The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History , and The British Museum .

Longing for a walk in the woods or a tour through habitats that rarely see a human? No problem. There are plenty of virtual tours to satisfy you. Conservation International, for example, has a 360-degree tour through the Amazon that is narrated by an indigenous guide. Other virtual hikes you might enjoy include a trip through the redwoods at Muir Woods National Park , a stroll through the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, and a tour of New Zealand’s Great Walks .

Editors' Recommendations

The best VR headsets for PC you can buy right now
You really do not want to forget your Vision Pro passcode
If iOS 17 is a letdown, you can blame this one Apple device
New mini-LED VR headset to ‘take clarity to another level’
You can now high-five in VR
Virtual Reality

As rival Apple is rumored to be eyeing an entrance into the metaverse, Microsoft, an early proponent of mixed and augmented reality applications, is criticized for its blurry vision behind the company's own HoloLens strategy. While HoloLens notched big early wins, including scoring a U.S. Department of Defense contract, subsequent delays, project cancellations, and high-profile executive departures may have resulted in the death of the HoloLens 3. Still, despite a scathing profile by Business Insider, it appears that Microsoft remains, at least publicly, committed to its HoloLens endeavors for now. The company has gone on record to refute the publication's reporting that HoloLens 3 has been killed.

There are a number of factors that may be causing Microsoft to pivot from its early bet on HoloLens, but the Microsoft profile cited internal divisions and the lack of a unified strategy among the top reasons for concern. As a result of the chaos, it appears that the largest collateral damage to Microsoft's infighting is the cancellation of its next-generation HoloLens 3 hardware.

Actronika, a startup company known for its HD haptics technology has a futuristic new product. Expected to be on display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2022 is Skinetic, a haptic vest that should make virtual reality experiences feel a lot more realistic.

Skinetic works much as you'd expect. The wearable vest makes VR feel more immersive by bringing life-like sensations and touch-like experiences to areas of the body like the chest when paired with a compatible headset. As reported by Business Wire, the technology "works with 20 patented vibrotactile voice-coil motors, capable of generating a wide range of vibrations that cover 100% of human vibrotactile perception."

It seems that virtual reality may be about to become even more real than ever before -- all thanks to a new VR headset. Pimax, a company that manufactures VR equipment, announced the upcoming release of a new 12K QLED VR headset that will feature technologies such as eye tracking, full-body tracking, and refresh rates of up to 200Hz. The headset, dubbed Pimax Reality 12K QLED, is part of the company's venture into the metaverse and a step toward bringing true realism to using VR.

During today's Pimax Frontier event, the company's representatives talked at length about the goals behind the product -- naturalness, self-awareness, and freedom. Pimax wants to bring these qualities into virtual reality and the metaverse, allowing people from all over the world to interact and explore virtual worlds together. While VR technology already allows for some of that to happen, Pimax wants to take it to the next level with its new invention -- the Reality 12K QLED VR headset.

The Best Tech Gifts Under $100
Traveling? Get These Gadgets!

7 Great Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

Try VR travel to fulfill your bucket list without leaving the couch

Auburn University

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Electric Vehicles
Working From Home
Headphones & Ear Buds
Smart Watches & Wearables
Travel Tech
Connected Car Tech
iPods & MP3 Players

Who says you can't see the world if you stay home? Virtual reality (VR) tourism experiences let you see places all over the world without ever leaving your couch. These aren't games; they're experiences, so the pace may be slower than you expect, but they are worth your patience. Here are some of the best VR tourist destinations to help you decide on your next virtual adventure.

Make sure your computer is beefy enough to handle the demands of virtual reality technology.

The Grand Canyon VR Experience

Very relaxing experience.

Excellent visual and sound quality.

Impressive attention to detail.

Predefined with little control.

Requires powerful hardware.

Short experience.

In The Grand Canyon VR Experience ($2.99 by Immersive Entertainment), you sit in a virtual motorized kayak ride through the Grand Canyon. Tailor the tour to your preferences by selecting either a sunlit or moonlit experience and controlling the ride's speed.

While you cruise along, you'll enjoy the sights and sounds of procedurally generated, artificially intelligent wildlife. Attract and feed the virtual fish as you navigate the waterways.

The ride is on rails, so you can't steer the kayak. However, you can stop at various points and enjoy the scenery by using the throttle speed controls of your motorized kayak or by exiting at scenic rest stops.

The tour is short, and there's no historical background information for history buffs. Still, it is a fun ride perfect for someone new to VR.

This tour requires one of the following virtual reality headsets: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift , or Valve Index .

Explore amazing places.

Impressively detailed.

More locations are added to the library regularly.

Not updated recently.

Realities (free from Realities.io ) is a VR travel app that allows you to explore scanned and modeled real-world environments. The environments aren't just 360-degree photos; these locations were captured with specialized scanning equipment, allowing for immersive rendering in virtual reality.

The user interface is a giant globe you rotate with your VR controllers. Once you decide on the place you want to visit, tap the area on the virtual globe, and you are instantly whisked away to the exotic locale.

One interesting destination is a cell in the infamous Alcatraz prison. When you arrive, you're greeted by an unseen narrator, presumably a former prisoner in the cell next to you, who recalls their experiences. It's museum-like and an educational adventure worth having.

There are other destinations of varying size and complexity, and the experience is updated with new realities regularly.

This experience is compatible with the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality .

Titans of Space PLUS

Great soundtrack.

Detailed 3D visuals.

Impressive sense of scale.

Flying through space makes some users feel nauseated.

No improvements since late 2019.

Do you like planetariums? Have you always wished they were more realistic? If you've ever dreamed of riding in a spaceship and exploring the solar system and beyond, Titans of Space PLUS ($9.99 by DrashVR LLC) helps make this a reality—at least a virtual one).

The original Titans of Space was one of the first polished virtual reality experiences available; it created a lot of buzz about all the potential VR had to offer.

This app provides a theme park-style ride through the solar system and beyond, allowing you to control the pace of the experience. Factoids about the planets and moons are provided throughout your journey, as are distances and other measurements of interest.

The sense of scale of the planets and moons is truly awe-inspiring and gives a unique perspective only astronauts usually get to have.

This title runs in both standard and VR modes. It does not require a VR headset. It is compatible with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality.

Impressive rendering technology.

Auto-tunes for your GPU.

Stunning visuals.

Can feel slow.

Mostly narration with little hands-on time.

Everest VR ($9.99 from Sólfar Studios ) is an interactive Mount Everest VR tourism experience.

You'll experience Mount Everest in five iconic scenes. Prepare for your expedition at Basecamp, traverse the terrifying Khumbu Icefalls, spend the night at Camp 4, ascend the perilous Hillary Step, and finally conquer the summit of Everest.

After completing your first summit attempt, unlock God Mode to reach a unique vantage point of the Himalayas that's only possible in VR. Towering over the mountain range, this is a stunning VR diorama.

EVEREST VR is a must if you're into mountain climbing but don't like its possible death and frostbite aspects.

Requires one of the following virtual reality headsets: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, or Valve Index.

The VR Museum of Fine Art

Lots of content.

Educational experience.

Hasn't been updated since its initial release.

No voice narration.

Only takes about 20 minutes to experience.

If you've ever wanted to peruse a museum at your own pace with no limits on how close you can get to the artwork, then The VR Museum of Fine Art (free from Finn Sinclair) is for you.

This free app holds amazing educational value with incredibly detailed scans of some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures. Look at the brushstrokes of Monet's Water Lilies or take a 360-degree tour of Michelangelo's David. This is an art lover's delight.

The experience makes you feel as if you're visiting a museum, complete with a pamphlet map to help you navigate your way around the exhibits.

Great VR experience.

Incredibly realistic.

Contains three episodes.

theBlu ($9.99 from Wevr INC .) is a collection of virtual reality-based underwater experiences that make you feel as if you're literally in the tank of a huge aquarium exhibit.

Stand on the deck of a sunken ship while a gargantuan whale swims by and looks you straight in the eye or swim in a sea of bioluminescent jellyfish. There's no need for expensive scuba equipment or diving classes, or even to leave your living room, for that matter.

The level of detail in this app is amazing, and the sense of scale (especially during the whale encounter in the first episode) is jaw-dropping.

Compatible with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality.

Google Earth VR

Amazing street view VR.

Travel the world virtually.

Impressive, vast experience.

Can be slow to load.

Lacks a search feature.

May cause motion sickness.

When Google Earth was released many years ago, everyone marveled at the novelty of finding and viewing their house from satellite imagery. Now, Google Earth VR (free from Google) lets you see your house from space and virtually fly to it and stand in your front yard or on your rooftop.

Change the sun's position, scale objects to any size you like, and fly around the world. The detail levels depend on what you're trying to view. For example, tourist destinations are likely to have more detailed geospatial imagery than rural areas. There is so much to see, and Google offers virtual tours to help you get started.

Google has even added several comfort features to prevent virtual travel sickness in this must-see virtual reality app.

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

The 8 Best Free VR Games of 2024
The 15 Best Minecraft Mods
The 10 Best Scary Virtual Reality Games
The Best VR Apps for the iPhone in 2024
The 19 Best Free Virtual Field Trips of 2024
The 9 Best VR Workout Games
The 10 Best VR Puzzle and Escape Room Games
The 10 Best Virtual Reality Games For Kids
5 Things to Consider Before Buying a VR Headset
What Is Mixed Reality?
How to Check If Your PC Is VR Ready
The 6 Best Virtual Reality Movies to Watch (2024)
What Is an Immersive Experience?
Everything You Need to Know About Virtual Reality on iPhone
Valve Index Review
How to Avoid Virtual Reality Sickness

10 of the Best Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

With the time and expense required to travel being prohibitive to many, there are alternative ways of indulging your wanderlust – including via the burgeoning world of Virtual Reality.

(Photo: Cubicle Ninjas)

There are a huge number of VR companies all vying to create ever more unique experiences for consumers – and one of the biggest growth categories has been travel. And what better time to get a taste of exploration and adventure from the comfort of your living room, equipped only with a VR headset, than now, when travel is a luxury that many just can’t stretch to? We’ve picked out 10 of the best virtual reality travel experiences currently on the market.

So which VR headset should you go for? Our favourite is the Meta Quest 3, which launched onto the market in mid-2023 and is the successor to the Meta Quest 2. For immersive games and travel experiences, we believe the Meta Quest 3 is destined to become the leading VR headset over the coming years. It’s pretty affordable, too, and unlike other headsets, doesn’t require cords or a computer. You can purchase the Meta Quest 3 at Amazon.com.

Guided Meditation VR

Developed by Cubicle Ninjas, Guided Meditation VR is designed to bring peace, joy, and calm back into your daily life by teaching you ancient meditation practices in a cutting-edge way. It features over 40 lush environments to escape the everyday, 30-plus hours of guided meditations on anxiety, depression, maternity, resilience, sleep and zen, and hundreds of hours of calming musical audio tracks to help enhance your meditation experience. Users can also customise their sessions to their own specific preferences and needs, including the option to switch into Motion mode and gently float through beautiful vistas like you would on a lazy river, leaving the worries of your life behind before returning calmer and stronger.

PRICE £10.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

Be anywhere in the world with anyone, instantly, in this captivating game developed by Wooorld Inc. Visit hundreds of cities, architectural landmarks, natural wonders, and vacation spots in incredible 3D detail, and get tips about the best places to visit, the hidden gems, where to get the best food and all the tourist traps to avoid. You can also create your own 3D avatars with face and body tracking and test your worldly knowledge by guessing where you are after being teleported to 5 random locations, with only the landscape, flora, architecture, and road signs for clues. The game can played as collaboratively as you wish, with options to explore the world with friends and meet new people, or hop into a Solo World without any distractions.

PRICE Free HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Wooorld Inc.)

Blueplanet VR Explore

(Photo: Blueplanet VR Explore)

Highlighting sacred and fragile locations of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Blueplanet VR Explore is a collection of remarkable places across the world. With freedom to move around and explore, the virtual reality experiences are captured in volumetric 3D with great detail and accuracy. The scenes look and feel like these places do in real life, and enable you to freely move around to enjoy and explore these remarkable, fragile, and priceless environments. Concern for the environment often comes from direct experience, and being as close as we can get to experiencing a sense of actually being there, Blueplanet can help encourage people to appreciate and protect these treasures.

PRICE £18.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

BRINK Traveler

Travel to some of the world’s most amazing natural wonders in fully immersive 3D and feel like you’re really there in this awe-inspiring game by Brink XR. Step into a scene akin to a postcard as you visit a total of 28 (with more on their way) of the most breathtaking places on Earth. In-game highlights include room-scale walkable areas in each destination, a virtual guide and assistant to learn about where you’re visiting, and the chance to shoot photos to share with friends. You can either play the game solo or with friends and family in multiplayer mode.

PRICE £11.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: BRINK XR)

National Geographic Explore VR

Created in partnership with National Geographic, a world-leading society in the fields of geography, cartography and exploration, this magical VR experience invites you to discover two of the most iconic locations on Planet Earth. Don your explorer hat and head to Antarctica for an exhilarating expedition. Navigate around icebergs in a kayak, climb a vast ice shelf and survive a snowstorm as you hunt for a lost emperor penguin colony. Visit the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru and get immersed in amazing digital reconstructions of the legendary site. Witness mummy worships, raise a cup of sacred chicha and encounter cute and furry alpacas as you match Hiram Bingham’s photographs from when he rediscovered the citadel. Be sure to take a camera as your best snaps may even make it into the prestigious National Geographic magazine.

PRICE £7.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Force Field Entertainment B.V)

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

Fans of the hugely popular TV blockbuster The Walking Dead can now join the world of zombies in this new VR adventure. Travel through the ruins of New Orleans as you fight, scavenge, and survive, each day unravelling another mystery lurking within the city’s historic quarters. Encounter desperate factions and lone survivors who could be friend or foe. Whether you help others or take what you want by force, every choice you make has consequences. What kind of survivor will you be for the people of NOLA? Scavenge for anything that you can; weapons, food, tools, and clues. Be wary of the living and the dead, with spatial audio drawing attention to any loud noise. Craft makeshift gear out of scrapped material; blades, guns, medicine, and more. Test your morals and make difficult choices for yourself and others. It’s all here, bringing the small screen to life in a big way.

PRICE £29.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Skydance Interactive)

Narrated by award-winning actress Anna Friel, this trail-blazing VR series opens the door to some of the planet’s wildest environments while redefining the limits of 3D-180 cameras. Meet the humans protecting our most precious wildlife, explore the great savannahs of Kenya, discover the ancient jungles of Borneo and dive into the rich coral reefs of Raja Ampat. Encounter elephants, orangutans, manta rays and some incredible humans, all in stunning cinematic footage filmed from the air and deep into the ocean. The series was produced in partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF),

(Photo: PHORIA)

The world is your oyster with this interactive, immersive VR experience that’s designed to be played by the whole family. There’s global travel and adventure in which your friends and family can join city tours, hot air balloon rides, back-country road trips, and plenty more. Or you can simply kick back and relax, practice meditation and get back to nature – all in the company of a guide or going solo, if you prefer. Other features include photo sharing, soundtracks, a range of fun games and media customisation.

(Photo: AARP Innovation Labs)

Rome Reborn: The Pantheon

Created by Flyover Zone, an American company specialising in virtual travel applications that present the world’s most important cultural heritage sites and monuments, Rome Reborn is one of five applications that present different areas of ancient Rome. This particular one transports users over the entire ancient city, focussing on the Pantheon, perhaps the best-preserved building from antiquity. In the company of two virtual guides, you’ll get to explore the exterior forecourt and interior sanctuary of the reconstructed complex as you listen and learn about the Pantheon’s design and decoration, as well as the nature of the religious cult once housed within it.

PRICE £3.99 HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Rift

(Photo: Flyover Zone Productions)

Monte Fitzroy is Argentina’s most famous mountain landmark and is even used as the logo for outdoor retailer, Patagonia. It is a place that immediately evokes a sense of adventure. At the foot of the mountain is a beautiful and remote glacial lake known as Laguna Sucia. Most people who visit Monte Fitzroy view it from a location that is much easier to access. Laguna Sucia requires a much tougher hard-to-access trail that culminates in one of the most beautiful and remote glacial lakes in existence. You are rewarded with a sense of almost meditative stillness as you approach this untouched natural amphitheatre. This VR experience utilises Pterovision, a 3D technology that integrates computational photography, 360 Video, and gaming and allows you to take off like a bird, fly around the lake, visit the waterfalls along the edge, and fly over glacial formations beneath the mountain peaks. Numerous narrations will tell you about the challenges we faced when filming in this location, as well as educate you about the geology, culture, and history.

PRICE $2.99 HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Rift

(Photo: Specterras Productions)

Gala360 – Travel & Relax

Taking you on awe-inspiring virtual adventures across the globe, Gala360 is the result of the magic touch of an array of exceptionally talented photographers who have captured their globe-trotting trips in all their glory before being rendered into VR form. In professional 6K resolution, more than 300 tours around the world are featured, with some also including narration which allows you to listen to the stories behind the trips. Most of the tours are free, but you can pay a small fee to unlock more.

PRICE Free HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Go (soon available on Quest 2)

(Photo: Gala 360)

Latest Articles

5 of the Best Airbnb Management Companies in Paris April 26, 2024
5 Charming Hostels in Berlin with Private Rooms April 25, 2024
Top 5 Brands for Polarized Sunglasses, for Men and Women April 25, 2024
Editor’s Choice: Escorted Tours of Japan April 25, 2024
The best Coworking Spaces in Arlington April 24, 2024

The best virtual tours to explore the world from home

Oct 8, 2020 • 5 min read

Ceiling of Sistine Chapel, Vatican City. Check permissions for this image

The Sistine Chapel is just one wonder offering a virtual museum tour ©Rajesh Gathwala/500px

We live in an age of unprecedented access to digital technology – and with it, brand new ways of exploring the world around us.

While it's not quite the same as seeing, say, the Mona Lisa or Christ the Redeemer in person, some of the world’s most popular and remote destinations have created libraries of online images and video, as well as 360 degree virtual tours that let you virtually explore museums, galleries, world wonders and even national parks.

Here a just a few of the best digital tours that let you wander the world from wherever you may be social distancing.

A woma nin a pink technical fabric top and matching pants and a black cap with a brim walks past the orange buildings and clay roofs of the Choijin Lama Museum in Ulan Bator with a green camera sphere from Google Street View strapped to her back

See the seven wonders of the world

If there’s anything capable of whetting your appetite for world travel, it is the new seven wonders of the world: the Great Wall of China , the ancient city of Petra , the Taj Mahal , the Colosseum , Machu Picchu , Christ the Redeemer , and Chichen Itza . Thankfully there are impressive virtual tours of each from The New York Times , AirPano , Google , and Panoramas .

With modern technology, you can even see the last standing wonder of the ancient world— The Pyramids of Giza . There are a few other wonders that might not make it into to the top seven but are still worth a digital peek, like the Alhambra , Seville's La Giralda , and even Easter Island.

The Egyptian Antiquities room in the Lovure Museum is empty except for several statues of various sizes from Tanis, Karnak, and Thebes

Best virtual museum tours

In recent years, Google has partnered with over 2,5000 art museums to upload high-resolution versions of millions of pieces of art. Highlights include New York’s MoMA , DC’s National Gallery of Art , Chicago’s Art Institute , the Casa Battl ó, and Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum to name a few.

In addition, The Louvre offers a virtual tour , as do The Vatican Museums , many of the Smithsonian Museums , the Russian Museum , the top-rated British Museum , the Minneapolis Museum of Russian Art , and the Palace Museum in Beijing.

You may not be able to kiss the Blarney Stone right now, but you can tour the Blarney Castle from afar. You can also visit the Museum of Flight, the Museum of Science, the Museum of Natural History, the National Women's History Museum and Boston's History of Science Museum .

While museums are often an inherently visual experience, there's a lot to be learned from archives of past lectures and tours like the ones preserved online by Nashville's Frist Museum , the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Frick , and others.

You might also like: Broadway might be closed, but here’s how to stream the best performances from your home

Turquoise Pool in Yellowstone National Park surrounded by a contrasting blanket of fresh white snow

Explore national parks

While travel to National Parks is best avoided for the time being, you don't need to miss out on the scenery. Virtual Yosemite is absolutely stunning and one of the best, replete with audio. Both Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore offer virtual tours as well.

Google has similar 360 degree audio-visual tours of five select national parks, including Kenai Fjords, Hawai'i Volcanos , Carlsbad Caverns, Bryce Canyon , and Dry Tortugas, as well as 31 more on Google Earth . You can also get an up-close look at almost 4,000 pieces of artwork, artifacts, and other treasures related to the history and culture of the national parks, and view online exhibits .

A penguin looks at the viewer through the glass walls of a habitat at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Digital safaris

Wildlife is a big draw for travelers, whether it's sighting some of the Big Five in Africa, glimpsing whales in North America, or introducing your children to new animals in person on a family safari . But if you're forays into the bush are grounded for now, many zoos and aquariums have created digital access to their habitats.

You can easily watch several live webcams of some of the nation’s greatest zoos and aquariums, including the San Diego Zoo , Houston Zoo , Zoo Atlanta , the Tennessee Aquarium , and the Georgia Aquarium . Additionally you can see Canadian farm animals doing their thing , or you could watch Stella the Dog jump endlessly into huge piles of Maine leaves.

You may also like: These nine wildlife web cams offer access to your favorite animals

A view overlooking the Wotans Throne feature at the Grand Canyon

Virtual hiking

Thanks to panoramic video, you can get a really good idea of what a hike looks like well before you arrive at the trailhead. For example, you can experience all of the following top-rated hikes right now from your computer or tablet: Bryce Canyon , Grand Canyon , GR20 , Inca Trail , and the death-defying Angel's Landing . For even more great hikes, simply YouTube one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 treks or any other hike that suits your fancy. Bonus points if you follow along during a workout to enhance the realism.

Famous landmarks

You can visit many wonders of nature, including the Amazon Rainforest , Iguazu Falls , the Komodo Islands , or Table Mountain , using virtual tours. Or you can explore the Statue of Liberty , the Sahara Desert , Niagara Falls , or even a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower . For even more virtual tours, search your bucket list of adventures with AirPano , Google Earth , or YouTube .

Astronatur Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. looks at the Lunar Module Pilot during the 1969 moon landing

Travel to outer space

The moon hasn't made it to Lonely Planet's Best In Travel list (yet!), and even without self-isolation and shelter-in-place measures for COVID-19, many of us may never travel to space. But thanks to technology, now is as good of a time as any to do so virtually. Before blasting off, considering touring some of NASA’s offices first. Then relive the last lunar missions and moon walks in stunning HD. Or take a virtual tour of Mars with the help of Google.

Explore related stories

A Dine boy rides his horse in the Navajo Nation in the southwestern United States

National Parks

Jun 14, 2022 • 8 min read

Here are 8 national parks where you can learn more about the history of the Native American peoples first-hand.

Apr 23, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 22, 2024 • 13 min read

Apr 14, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 15, 2024 • 10 min read

Mar 1, 2024 • 6 min read

Feb 27, 2024 • 6 min read

Tulum, Mexico. May 20, 2021.Beautiful towering wooden sculpture called "Ven a La Luz" welcomes guests onto the beach at Ahau Tulum in Mexico.; Shutterstock ID 1981632350; your: Ann Douglas Lott; gl: 65050; netsuite: Digital Content; full: Tulum beaches article refresh

Jan 24, 2024 • 7 min read

Dec 27, 2023 • 8 min read

Tourist contemplating the sea of clouds from above with infinity landscape.

Dec 3, 2023 • 6 min read

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

The 50+ Best Virtual Walking Tours Around the World [City & Scenic Tours]

Christy Rodriguez

Travel & Finance Content Contributor

88 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 36 U.S. States Visited: 31

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3130 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

50+ Best Virtual Walking Tours Around the World

1. bryce canyon national park (utah), 2. giant’s causeway (u.k.), 3. godrevy lighthouse (cornwall, u.k.), 4. great wall of china (china), 5. havasu falls (arizona), 6. hoh rain forest in olympic national park (washington), 7. indian beach trail (oregon), 8. james irvine trail in redwood national park (california), 9. juan de fuca trail (vancouver island, canada), 10. kuliouou ridge trail (hawaii), 11. macchu picchu (cusco, peru), 12. moraine lake in banff national park (canada), 13. mt. everest (nepal), 14. nambung national park (australia), 15. the narrows in zion national park (utah), 16. panorama trail (grindelwald, switzerland), 17. positano (italy), 18. pyramids of giza (egypt), 19. son doong cave (vietnam), 20. sossusvlei dunes (namibia), 21. south kaibab trail (grand canyon, arizona), 22. tulip fields (the netherlands), 23. tunnel of love (ukraine), 24. virtual gorilla trek (uganda), 25. wailea beach path (maui, hawaii), 26. acropolis tour (athens, greece), 27. barcelona (spain), 28. berlin (germany), 29. bologna (italy), 30. buenos aires street art walk (argentina), 31. cappadocia (turkey), 32. forbidden city (beijing, china), 33. golden gate bridge (san francisco, ca), 34. helsinki (finland), 35. hong kong, 36. ibiza (spain), 37. krakow (poland), 38. manhattan (new york), 39. moscow (russia), 40. naples (italy), 41. old town taormina (sicily), 42. paris (france), 43. pompeii (italy), 44. quito (ecuador), 45. singapore, 46. tokyo (japan), 47. tremé neighborhood (new orleans, la), 48. tuscany (italy), 49. ubud (bali), 50. vancouver (canada), 51. venice (italy), final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

While COVID-19 meant travel came to a standstill, it also ushered in the golden age of virtual travel! Searches for virtual tours became increasingly popular, which lead to a rise in the quality and availability of some pretty incredible videos. Many of these virtual walking tours are even offered in 4K! Even now that travel is returning, we’re still able to count on technology to visit almost any place on the planet with the click of a button.

We’ve compiled a list of 50+ virtual walking tours that you can experience all around the globe. The great thing about these walking tours is that you can use them while you’re on your treadmill, to relax, as travel inspiration, or as simply an inexpensive way to experience another culture.

We’ve separated this list of virtual walking tours into nature and city sections, but we’ve also taken the time to put together a ton of other comprehensive lists. Whether you’re interested in national parks , museums , or educational tours for the whole family , we’ve got you covered!

Nature and Hiking Walking Tours

Walking in nature is incredibly restorative. The good news is that you can get to experience this — even from the comfort of your own home! Check out these nature-centric virtual walking tours.

National parks certainly saw an increase in tourism due to COVID-19. But even if you don’t want to deal with the increased crowds at Bryce Canyon , you can still explore the unique red rocks. This virtual 1.5-hour hike takes you through narrow canyons and desert paths and the views only get more stunning.

As the video recommends, this would be the perfect walk to put in front of a treadmill or exercise bike as well!

To start your virtual walking tour, click here .

This short virtual tour of Giant’s Causeway allows a great way to take in the beautiful views of this unique landscape. Step around the basalt rock columns at sunset as you listen to the waves crashing below. This is a great way to experience a UNESCO World Heritage site!

Take in the beautiful countryside of Cornwall for a little over an hour as you walk to the Godrevy Lighthouse. Along the way, you’ll stop in at Mutton Cove to catch a glimpse of a seal colony. Bonus: You’re accompanied by an adorable cocker spaniel on your walk!

Walk along the Great Wall of China and learn insider facts about this amazing feat of architecture. While the whole wall stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, you can explore a few different sections with this 30-minute virtual walking tour.

Being able to hike on the Havasupai tribal lands requires scoring a reservation and sleeping under the stars for a few nights, but now you can experience it virtually instead. Located in the Grand Canyon, this 40-minute virtual tour leads you between mesas and the red desert — all leading up to the stunning turquoise-green Havasu Falls.

This 40-minute video walks you along 2 short nature trails — the Hall of Mosses Trail (0.8 miles) and the Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles). The vibrant moss-covered trees really make you feel like you’re walking on another planet. The soothing nature sounds only add to the ambiance.

Escape to the Oregon Coast and hike the popular Indian Beach Trail in Ecola State Park. This 1-hour virtual hike lets you walk along the rugged Oregon Coast on a sunny day. You’ll be able to experience the rocky beaches, mossy forests, and some stunning ocean views.

It doesn’t get more other-worldly than walking amongst some towering redwood trees. This trail takes you from Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park to the beach at Fern Canyon. Take a nearly hourly-long hike paired with soothing music and explore these majestic trees.

This 40-minute virtual hike takes you along for the first part of the beautiful Coast Trail on Vancouver Island. You will witness endless water views, abundant wildlife, pounding waves, and the occasional views of the Olympic Mountains along this coastal path. The sounds of nature will accompany you and contribute to the sense of relaxation.

Take a nearly 2-hour stroll through the Kuliouou Ridge Trail on Oahu, Hawaii. This trail is perfect for people who love walking in a beautiful green rainforest. You’ll get to experience a unique Hawaiian landscape while walking past lush vegetation and rocks covered with moss — all while listening to the leaves rustling and birds chirping.

To start your virtual walking tour, click here .

Walk one of the world’s most famous hiking trails — the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu! This 1.5-hour hike features the highlights of the shorter 2-day trek, including arrival by train, walking along the “Royal Road,” and ending at Machu Picchu via the Gate of the Sun.

Enjoy a short 25-minute virtual hike alongside beautiful Moraine Lake in Banff National Park . This glacially fed lake is world-famous for its bright blue waters. Whether you want to use your treadmill or simply watch this hike, it’s a great way to feel like you are outdoors experiencing some fresh air.

This tour of Mt Everest is pretty unreal, especially since most of us will never be able to experience this climb for ourselves. Over 4 “chapters” you’ll follow 3 climbers as they attempt to reach the peak of the tallest mountain in the world. You’ll have an interactive, 360-degree view of this adventure, making you feel like you’re right there in the thick of the trek.

Note: If you have a virtual reality headset, your experience will be even better!

You’ll think you’re on Mars as you walk through Nambung National Park near Perth, Australia. This unique locale, called the Pinnacles Desert, is full of red sand and otherworldly limestone formations everywhere you look. This short 20-minute virtual flyover at golden hour is a great way to experience this unique and remote place.

Experience the most popular hike at Zion National Park — no wetsuit required! This 35-minute virtual hike will take you through the Narrows at the river bed of the Virgin River. You’ll see the sandstone canyon walls tower thousands of feet above and enjoy the views of the canyons with the sounds of the river to accompany you on the way.

Walk around some of the most beautiful peaks of Switzerland, including Jungfrau. This virtual hike will travel along the popular mountain path above Grindelwald and down through the valley. You will pass Aplen cows, stunning vistas, and many charming restaurants along the way.

Grab a glass of limoncello and settle in for a virtual walk around Positano, a cliffside village along the Amalfi Coast. This walk begins high up on the hill and you’ll walk down through steep, narrow streets lined with shops and cafes. The walk finishes as you head down towards the beach at the base of the town.

Experience the last wonder of the ancient world thanks to ProWalk Tours. This 2-hour walking route starts at the Mortuary Temple of Khafre, passing by the pyramids of Khafre, Khufu, and Menkaure before ending at the iconic Sphinx. You’ll also be able to experience a virtual horse ride around the plateau.

Explore the world’s largest cave and learn interesting facts along the way, thanks to this incredible tour from National Geographic. You’ll start by navigating through the Vietnamese jungle before descending into this massive cave system. The tour shows you the 360-degree sights and sounds of this cave.

Walk up the beautiful sand dunes and deserts in Namibia, with bonus footage of Botswana. See the bird’s eye views atop the 650-foot-high “Big Mamma” Sand Dune at Sossusvlei, explore the salt and clay pan surrounded by high red dunes, and see miles of canyons and coastline. View the starry night sky over the beautiful desert, see the famous trees at Deadvlei, and more.

The South Kaibab Trail is 1 of the signature hikes of the South portion of the Grand Canyon. Join along with the 1-hour hike and witness some truly awe-inspiring views. The virtual walk offers sweeping vistas of red rock and the canyon at every twist and turn.

A trip to see the neat rows of brightly colored tulips in Keukenhof might be a good addition to your next gloomy day at home. This virtual walking tour through the garden lets you see the flowers from every angle, so you can truly appreciate the size, beauty, and variation of color among the tulip fields. You’ll definitely understand why the tulip fields are a constant draw for travelers from all over the globe.

The Tunnel of Love looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. If you’re in need of a dose of relaxation, spend 3 hours virtually walking on this abandoned train track that’s surrounded on all sides by bright green foliage and chirping birds.

Tag along on a gorilla trek Uganda with East African Jungle Safaris and search for endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This 360-degree video gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself into the trek — and see gorillas of course!

Hawaii is a top destination for many Americans with its year-round tropical climate and seemingly endless stretches of beautiful beaches. But if you don’t want to wade through all of the quarantine and vaccination requirements, you can still experience the islands! The tour takes you from the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort to the Fairmont Kea Lani and along the Wailea Beach Path.

City Walking Tours

If you’re wanting to experience city life instead, you’ll want to click on these next virtual walking tours!

The Acropolis is a must-see when you visit Athens. Start at the Entrance Gate and see other famous sites including the Athena Nike Temple, the Monument to Agrippa, and the famous Parthenon. These beautiful sites are made even better since they are set high above with a fabulous view of Athens.

If you’re dreaming of visiting Barcelona, this virtual walking tour will only make that desire stronger! Over 2+ hours, stroll over 9 miles while you walk through Barcelona’s gorgeous squares, the beach, and parks. This walking tour is super comprehensive, so you’ll see most of the main sites!

Settle in for this in-depth 3-hour virtual walking tour through Berlin, Germany. Walk the streets and see the Parliament Building, Brandenburg Gate Arch, and the famous Linden Alley. Listen to the city noise, enjoy the picturesque views, and soak up the outstanding architecture of Berlin.

In this 1-hour virtual walking video, you will enjoy exploring the streets of Bologna in Northern Italy. This foodie city has so many fascinating medieval historic buildings, narrow streets, lovely arches, majestic towers. Enjoy a leisurely virtual city walk through this charming city.

Google Art Project presents this Street Art walk through the La Boca and Barracas neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A foundation was created to promote urban artists, and there is even an audio guide that explains the context for all of the art you see and tell you how it was created. Take this virtual tour at your own pace!

Cappadocia, Turkey is a popular tourist destination known for unique volcanic landscapes with mountain ranges, cave dwellings, and balloon rides. This virtual tour walks you around various cities in the region, including Goreme and Uchisar, exploring cave dwellings and city streets along the way. At the end of the tour, you’re treated to an aerial view from a balloon.

If you’ve ever wanted to tour China’s Forbidden City, you’ll love this virtual tour. You’ll pass through all of the top attractions, like the Halls of Harmony, the stunning Gate of Supreme Harmony, and the Imperial Garden during this 1.5-hour virtual walking tour.

Spend a clear afternoon running across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, and back. When this famous bridge was built in 1937, it was the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world! This is the perfect video to put in front of your treadmill to jazz up your at-home exercise routine.

Spend an hour taking a morning walk around Helsinki. This virtual walk begins at the train station, heads to the Helsinki Music Centre, and then back over towards the Hietalahti area towards downtown. Enjoy the city sounds, clean streets, and Scandinavian architecture on this peaceful walk.

Hong Kong is famous for its neon-lit skyline, silhouetted against towering mountain peaks. See unique parts of this beautiful and exciting city by exploring the walking and biking paths of Kowloon and Central Hong Kong. Bike through city parks, along the waterfront, and even experience a beautiful sunset.

Take a virtual walking tour around Ibiza, in the Balearic Islands. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the sea, picturesque marinas, walled fortress, and charming cobblestone narrow streets. After watching this 1.5-hour tour, you’ll feel like you just went on holiday!

To start, use the legend at the top to select from your desired language. Then, click through the countless options! There are incredible aerial views of the city and walking tours, as well as views of iconic buildings and museums. Most options include video or audio commentary, but not all are in English. Still, a fantastic way to experience Krakow!

If you’ve never been to the Big Apple, this is a great introduction to the borough of Manhattan. It is the city’s historic birthplace, and the most densely populated of the 5 boroughs of New York City. During this 3.5-hour walking and bus tour, you’ll get to take in all the biggest sites at various points throughout the day, including Times Square, Central Park, and more.

Moscow is among the most enchanting cities in the world and you can really step inside this beautiful city on this virtual walking tour. Enjoy the famous sites of Red Square and the Kremlin at Christmastime over the course of an hour.

No, this tour doesn’t include Italian food. But if you’ve ever wanted to visit Naples, this interactive 360-degree video walking tour is still a treat! You start with a map and overview of your route and then walk through Naples’ historic center. Enjoy the street ambiance and wander in and out of famous buildings.

Take a wonderful virtual walking tour through Old Town Taormina in Messina, Sicily. One of Italy’s most picturesque destinations, Taormina is perched high above the Ionian Sea on Sicily’s eastern coast. This means that the views from every vantage point are outstanding, and this tour makes you feel like you’re almost smelling the sea breeze.

Walk around the City of Lights with this almost 6-hour (!) virtual walking tour. This walk includes insightful captions about all the sites you’ll see. You will see the most famous streets, monuments, and parks in Paris including the Pantheon, the Latin Quarter, the Louvre, Notre Dame, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower.

Making the short journey from Naples to Pompeii, this virtual tour of the ancient city ruins of Pompeii is worth the trip. This 2-hour virtual walk through the city really makes you feel like you’re walking through one of the ancient cities of the world. Get lost strolling down the many narrow streets of Pompeii.

Hot Tip: We’ve only included a couple, but ProWalk Tours also has some other fabulous virtual walking tours of Italy you should check out!

This tour is a bit different from the others on this list. In this Airbnb virtual experience, you’ll book a time slot and let a local guide you through Ecuador’s capital via 360-degree photos, videos, and traditional music that will heighten the virtual experience. Your host will also teach you how to make an Ecuadorian drink or dessert to enhance the experience. The cost for this tour is $10 per person.

Hot Tip: If you’re interested in other tours led by locals, check out our article on the best Airbnb Online Experiences !

This hour-long virtual walk throughout Singapore lets you experience the hustle and bustle of this metropolitan city. The walk starts at Suntec City Mall, goes to Marina Bay Sands, and crosses the famous Helix Bridge. From this vantage point, you’ll be able to see a stunning view of the Singapore skyline at sunset.

Take a walk through 1 of the most famous parts of Tokyo under the night sky — Shibuya — known for its various street musicians, microbars, and bustling nightlife. During this 45-minute virtual walk, you’re sure to be mesmerized by the architecture and the vibrant metropolitan area.

This 45-minute tour is a super informative introduction to Tremé — the first African American neighborhood in the U.S. As the birthplace of jazz, there is much to learn and experience in New Orleans beyond the French Quarter and this is a great start!

From the opulent art galleries of Florence to the postcard-worthy cypress alleys, Tuscany is a traveler’s dream. During this 4-hour virtual walking tour, explore the rolling hills and ancient olive groves as well as the charming towns with narrow alleys and stunning architecture.

This 3-hour virtual walking tour will take you through the city of Ubud in Bali, Indonesia. Ubud is where traditional Balinese culture is evident in every corner of the city. Enjoy the views at the Campuhan Ridge Walk, discover local markets with colorful handicrafts, local delicacies, street food, and see the famous Ubud Monkey Forest — all while motorcycles zip by you!

Vancouver is a beautiful city surrounded by nature. Enjoy this hour-long virtual walking tour through Vancouver, Canada. You will see Vancouver Waterfront, walk along the Canadian Trail, and more. Be sure to stick around so you can enjoy the spectacular Vancouver skyline at night at the end of the tour!

If you have 1 hour, you can see experience the magic of Venice! From the canals sparkling at sunset to the famous plazas and bustling marketplaces, Venice is the city of romance! This walking tour is a relaxing way to immerse yourself in 1 of the most beautiful cities in the world.

As you can see, there are virtual walking tours of all shapes and sizes to fit your mood, activity, and interests. While we can start to travel again as restrictions lift, there are still many benefits to taking a virtual tour.

Just to name a few, you won’t have to leave the comfort of your bed to experience beautiful national parks or walk along the Oregon Coast, and you can enhance your workouts by walking along the Great Wall of China or to the top of Mt. Everest. We hope you enjoy your explorations!

Explore more of our virtual tour guides at the links below:

Virtual Tours of Aerospace Museums [Aviation, Military & Space]
Virtual Tours of Iconic National Parks Around the U.S.
The Best Virtual Museum Tours Around the World [Art, History, Science, and Technology]
The Best Virtual Tours and Field Trips for Kids and Students
Virtual Tours of Popular Tourist Attractions Around the World
The Best Virtual Train Rides Around the World [Asia, Europe, Peru, U.S.]
Magical Virtual Disney Rides and Attractions Across the World

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you do a virtual walk.

It’s simple to do a virtual walk. Simply click on any of the links above and watch along! You can also choose to place the video in a place that will help enhance your workouts — like a treadmill, VR device, or exercise bike. Just make sure to watch your surroundings if you’re actually walking along in person!

How do you plan a virtual walk?

If you’d like to plan a virtual walk for a group, make sure to send them a link to the walk you’d like to complete together. This way, you can enjoy the same sites and sounds as your group!

Once everyone is ready to go, just set up your video on a treadmill, exercise equipment, VR device, or your smartphone and start walking!

Are virtual tours free?

There are literally hundreds of free virtual tours available for every possible interest — national parks, forest walks, desert walks, city walks — you name it! There are also paid options that might be more interactive, such as conversing with a local guide or paying a small donation as a tip.

Are online walking tours interactive?

There are many options for interactive virtual walking tours. Be sure to check out our list above for some of these options. Typically searching for words like “interactive” or “click” will help you narrow down your search for these interactive walking tours.

What’s the best walking tour?

The best walking tour is whatever matches your interests the best. For example, if you’re in the mood for a relaxing nature walk, a tour that will walk you along the Oregon Coast may be best. But if you’re missing the hustle and bustle of a city, a walking tour around Barcelona may be the best choice for you. The good news is that we have tons of great options for you to choose from in the article above.

Was this page helpful?

About Christy Rodriguez

After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a certified CPA.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

G Adventures Review – Adventure Travel Tours [Tour Styles, Destinations, Reviews]

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

Best VR experiences 2023: Explore, learn, and be entertained in virtual reality

Toy with planets, explore the ocean, or step into the past with the best VR experiences.

Best VR experiences - National Geographic Explore VR Machu Picchu_National Geographic

Space Explorers: The ISS Experience

Brink traveller, star chart vr, national geographic explore vr, all kinds of limbo xr, universe sandbox, perspectives: paradise, the book of distance, within - cinematic vr.

With virtual reality well and truly in the mainstream, there’s no time like the present to dive into the best VR experiences on offer. And we do mean experiences, not games. Yes, there’s fun to be had soaring through space in an X-Wing or gunning down bad-guys from behind a dumpster but VR has so much more to offer besides.

There are a whole range of VR applications that, from the comfort of your own home, let you visit places, times and even whole worlds that would otherwise be out of your reach. Sometimes you’re just you, while some titles put you in someone else’s shoes, offering a perspective you might never have considered. VR fitness apps are becoming more popular, and you can even work in VR .

Without the need to fend off murderous bandits or face-eating xenomorphs, you can take your time to immerse yourself in the experience of your choosing. And if you haven’t already picked up a VR headset (they’re surprisingly affordable) check out our list of the best VR headsets here.

The only snag is there are so many VR experiences out there that it can be hard to know where to start, even if you’ve a specific area of interest in mind. For example, put “dinosaurs” and “VR” into the Steam Store and you’re greeted by 80+ results.

That’s why we’ve rounded up the ten of the best VR experiences available. Some are free, others sport a reasonable price tag but all offer the chance to expand your horizons without even leaving your living room. And if you want to pick up a VR headset to check out these experiences, head to our VR headset deals page to get the best price.

Platforms: Oculus
Price: $2.99 for each of the 4 episodes (via Oculus Store)

If anyone is looking to experience the wonders of space, this VR experience may be close to what you’ll get to seeing what its like aboard a space station. Shot over two years, the VR experience was filmed at the International Space Station. It’s a gorgeous look at life aboard the station, told through four parts as you follow eight astronauts on a journey through some missions. It’ll give viewers an intimate look at living the life on orbit.

There won’t be much interaction, but the experience does dive deep into space exploration through the eyes of these astronauts. With these extreme close-ups of these workers in space together, you’ll feel like you are with them during the joys and dangers of their profession.

Check out Space Explorers on the Oculus Store .

Platforms: Steam VR, Meta (including Meta Quest)
Price: $9.99 / £7.99 (via Steam Store, Meta Quest Store)

BRINK Traveller takes you on a tour of twenty stunning natural spots, across thirteen locations. That may not sound like a lot when you can run Google Earth on most headsets, but BRINK Traveller’s locales are more than just 360° videos or shots.

Instead, you get to roam around each lookout spot, gazing down into the Grand Canyon, for example, watching the odd bird soar overhead. Should you be so inclined you can pick up a rock and pitch it into the water or take photographs. Or why not pull up a chair and just relax? It’s not 100% photorealistic but it’s convincing enough that it’s almost as good as being there.

The locations are, mostly, American but the developers are slowly adding more international locations. Besides which, (virtually) taking in California’s Death Valley, Arizona’s The Wave rock formation and more, you’re bound to come away impressed.

Buy BRINK Traveller on Steam .
Buy BRINK Traveller on Meta Quest Store .

Platforms: Oculus, Steam, Google Play
Price: $9.99

Speaking of space, this VR experience is also out of this world as it allows you to explore the solar system in a beautiful rendering of a real-time space simulation. You can take a closer look at all the planets in our galaxy whether its Saturn’s rings or the moons that orbit it. This is a great way to educate yourself in what the solar system has to offer and see how these constellations are formed in the night sky. Choose from different Star Chart modes to give you some choices in your star gazing activity.

There’s also tons of experiences like Moments in Time that take you throughout history in space expedition like the moon landing and the rover’s exploration in Mars. No matter what you choose, you’ll enjoy what our solar system has to offer thanks to this one-of-kind VR experience.

Buy Star Chart VR on Steam.
Buy Star Chart VR on Oculus .
Buy Star Chart VR on Google Play Store .

National Geographic Explore VR_National Geographic

Price: $9.99

There are plenty of discoveries to be made in this world, and National Geographic help make this possible with their app called Explore VR. There are countless experiences to uncover and it’s a nice educational tool to see what this world has to offer regarding culture and exploration.

Users can explore the old ruins of Machu Picchu or even scale the icebergs in the far-off region of Antarctica. It’s perfect for the whole family to travel the world without ever leaving the house. The main goal is to capture photos on these exhibitions, so the National Geographic Explore VR experience is a nice way to discover these vast locations to get to know the landscape and learn its history.

Buy National Geographic Explore VR for $9.99 at Oculus store .

Platforms: Steam VR, Meta (including Meta Quest 2)

It’s estimated that 80% of the ocean’s depths remain unexplored and while Ocean Rift is based on what we do know, it still offers some amazing encounters. Swimming around one of several sub-aquatic areas, you’ll get to gawp at humpback whales, play with dolphins and, should you so choose, swim with a handful of prehistoric animals.

Ocean Rift isn’t the only application to offer a similarly watery experience, but what’s impressive is the freedom it grants you. You can roam to your heart’s content, assuming you’ve not chosen the shark cage area, and, occasionally, stumble on some unsettling aquatic items. Ocean Rift doesn’t set out to kill you, but we still got the chills when we stumbled across an abandoned submersible.

Buy Ocean Rift on Steam .
Buy Ocean Rift on Meta Quest Store .

Platforms: All
Price: £6/$8

Live theater still draws in a big crowd with the likes of Broadway shows, concerts, and other types of entertainment. If you would rather see live entertainment from your own home, look no further than the performers behind All Kinds of Limbo. The musical performance is developed by artists Raffy Bushman and Nubiya Brandon alongside the NuShape Orchestra in the U.K.

Using just a VR headset on a mobile device or PC, audiences can take part in this immersive experience that brings the Caribbean culture to life in a story of a life in limbo across different genres of music. Called All Kinds of Limbo XR, this special production from the National Theater utilizes VR technology to create a place for audiences to watch these musicians perform with the tunes of the Caribbean.

See upcoming All Kinds of Limbo events here.

Platforms: Steam VR
Price: $29.99 (via Steam Store, also includes non-VR version)

Universe Sandbox happily caters to those who just want to watch the planets leisurely orbit the sun or, with the click of a button or two, watch days pass in seconds. Even without touching the extensive and sometimes silly Steam Workshop items (space whale included), just poring over solar systems (ours and a handful of others) will keep stargazers happy.

However, it’s the option to experiment that really elevates Universe Sandbox. You can move planets, alter their size, their composition, blow them up – the Solar System is your oyster. Yes, there’s nothing to stop you swapping the Sun out for a black hole and the resultant planetary chaos is really something. But you can have just as much fun making little tweaks and observing the knock-on effects.

Buy Universe Sandbox VR on Steam (Early Access)

Price: Free (via Steam Store)

Perspectives: Paradise starts with a bang and ends with a whimper which, given the subject matter is entirely appropriate. It’s a virtual reality dive into the 1952 test detonation of the first hydrogen bomb and the effect it had at Enewetak/Bikini Atoll, both upon the environment and the original inhabitants.

Aside from a spectacular VR recreation of the detonation of the bomb, you get to delve into the unsettling aftermath, standing atop the sealed mound where radioactive materials were buried. On top of that, there are 360° views of the island, interviews (including with the people who live there now) and more.

The subject is treated with an appropriate level of dignity – it’s not a fist-pumping celebration of America’s might, thanks in part to the involvement of some Finnish journalists. And it’s absolutely going to leave you with food for thought.

Get Perspectives: Paradise on Steam .

Platforms: Steam VR, Meta
Price: Free (via Steam Store, Meta Quest Store)

Aside from visiting remote locations, VR allows you to experience other people’s stories. The Book of Distance tells just one such story, about a Japanese man who emigrated to America. That might be an interesting tale in its own right, but what makes his story so significant is that he was one of the many, many Japanese American citizens who spent some or all of WWII in American internment camps .

What makes this such an impactful experience is that it has such a narrow, personal focus. It was produced with the involvement of Randall Okita, the man’s grandson, and it lets you delve into various aspects of his life. It’s presented as sort of a play, one that will absolutely hold your attention, and it’s the perfect way to illuminate an important but often glossed over chapter of America’s history.

Get The Book of Distance on Steam .
Get The Book of Distance on Meta Quest Store .

Platforms: Oculus, Steam, Google Play, Apple
Price: Free

For those in need of a cinematic experience at home, Within VR can make that happen. Get immersed in some amazing stories in different genres like documentaries, horror, music videos, animation, and so much more. What’s great is that these are viewed at no charge at all.

You can catch the best from indie filmmakers and studios from around the world. These videos are also available to download in high-resolution, so you can take it anywhere you go if you don’t have an internet connection to stream it. If you’re up for some video content, then you’ll find plenty of that through Within.

Best of all, there are no platform limitations, as the Within website proudly states that it's "available everywhere fine VR is served".

Check out Within VR on Steam , Oculus, Google Play , or Apple .

Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now

Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.

Chris is a freelance journalist who, aside from covering games and gaming-related tech, has a taste for horror, sci-fi and the post-apocalyptic. As well as Live Science, you can find his work at Space.com, The Escapist, GameSpew (where he’s the morning news writer) and more. You can follow him on Twitter @MarmaladeBus .

Mufsin Mahbub

VR headsets vulnerable to 'Inception attacks' — where hackers can mess with your sense of reality and steal your data

Watch scientists control a robot with their hands while wearing the Apple Vision Pro

World's thinnest gold leaf, dubbed 'goldene,' is just 1 atom thick

The Ultimate Guide to the Best VR Travel Apps on Meta Quest

Discover the world from the comfort of your own home with our meticulously handpicked selection of the best VR travel apps available on the Meta Quest platform. With these immersive and engaging virtual reality applications, you can traverse continents, delve into the depths of the ocean, soar through the skies, and embark on exhilarating adventures, all without ever leaving your living room.

As virtual reality technology continues to evolve, the experiences offered by these apps become increasingly lifelike and captivating, creating unforgettable memories and fostering a deeper appreciation for our planet's diverse beauty. Whether you're a seasoned traveler seeking new horizons, a curious explorer who loves learning about different cultures, or someone who simply wants to relax in breathtaking environments, our curated list of the best VR travel apps for Meta Quest caters to every taste and interest. These cutting-edge experiences will undoubtedly transport you to extraordinary places and provide unique perspectives that redefine the way you discover and connect with the world around you.

Introduction: The World at Your Fingertips

Virtual reality has transformed how we explore the world, allowing us to travel to far-off destinations without ever leaving our homes. The Meta Quest platform offers a plethora of immersive experiences with the best VR travel apps that take you on breathtaking adventures. From guided tours of the world's most stunning locales to tranquil meditation retreats, there's an app for everyone in this comprehensive guide.

Wander: Roam the Globe with Street View

Wander is one of the best VR travel apps on Meta Quest, providing users with access to Google Street View in a fully immersive environment. Traverse city streets, hike through national parks and visit historical landmarks as you explore the world at your leisure. Key features include:

360-degree panoramas
Time travel: view historical imagery
Multiplayer mode: travel with friends
Voice search and teleportation

Google Earth VR: Soar Through the Skies and Dive into Oceans

Google Earth VR is another top contender among the best VR travel apps on Meta Quest. It allows users to fly over cities virtually, dive into oceans, and walk the streets of their favorite destinations. Highlights of Google Earth VR include:

Immersive 3D environments
Guided tours of popular attractions
Customizable itineraries
Integration with Google Maps

National Geographic Explore VR: Embark on Exciting Expeditions

National Geographic Explore VR brings the world's most iconic locations and thrilling adventures to life. This Oculus-exclusive app allows users to:

Dive with sharks in Belize
Climb Antarctica's highest peak
Explore Machu Picchu and ancient Incan history
Uncover hidden secrets of Egyptian tombs

Guided Meditation VR: Find Peace and Serenity

Guided Meditation VR transports users to a serene, virtual world filled with breathtaking environments to aid in relaxation and meditation. This app ranks among the best VR travel apps on Meta Quest for those seeking a peaceful escape. Features of Guided Meditation VR include:

Over 100 meditation sessions
A variety of calming environments
Personalized meditation experiences
Integration with popular wearables for biofeedback

TheBlu: Dive into the Depths of the Ocean

TheBlu offers a mesmerizing underwater experience that immerses users in the beauty and wonder of the ocean. As one of the best VR travel apps on Meta Quest, TheBlu lets you explore the depths of the sea and interact with marine life in stunning detail. Key aspects of TheBlu include:

Photorealistic marine environments
Three unique oceanic experiences
Interaction with diverse marine species
Educational content about ocean conservation

Conclusion: The World Awaits in VR

Virtual reality has revolutionized how we explore the world, offering immersive experiences that transport us to distant lands and captivating environments. The best VR travel apps on Meta Quest provide an unmatched way to discover new destinations, embark on thrilling adventures, or simply unwind in peaceful settings. As you journey through these breathtaking experiences, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the beauty and wonder of our planet.

Can I use these VR travel apps without a Meta Quest device? Most of the apps mentioned in our list are specifically designed for Meta Quest devices, such as the Meta Quest Quest and Oculus Rift. However, some apps, like Google Earth VR, may be available on other VR platforms such as HTC Vive and PlayStation VR. It is always recommended to check the compatibility of the apps with your specific VR headset.
Are there any free VR travel apps for Meta Quest? Yes, there are free VR travel apps available on the Meta Quest platform. Google Earth VR, for instance, is a free app that allows you to explore the world in immersive 3D environments. However, some apps may require a one-time purchase or offer in-app purchases to unlock additional content and features.
Can I travel with friends using these VR travel apps? Some VR travel apps, like Wander, offer multiplayer modes that allow you to explore and experience the world together with friends or family members who also have compatible VR headsets. This feature can make virtual travel more engaging and enjoyable as you share adventures with your loved ones.
Are there any educational VR travel apps? Many VR travel apps provide educational content and experiences. For example, National Geographic Explore VR combines breathtaking expeditions with informative content on history, culture, and wildlife. Similarly, TheBlu offers educational material about ocean conservation and marine life.
Is an internet connection required for using these VR travel apps? Most VR travel apps require an active internet connection, as they rely on real-world data and imagery to create immersive environments. However, some apps may allow you to download content for offline use. It is best to check the specific requirements of each app before use.
Can I use these apps to plan real-life trips? While VR travel apps primarily focus on providing immersive experiences, they can also be helpful in planning real-life trips. For example, Google Earth VR and Wander can give you a sense of what a destination looks like and help you identify places of interest before you visit. This can aid in creating a more efficient and enjoyable travel itinerary.

About the author

Join our newsletter.

We respect your email privacy

How to Clean Your VR Headset and Maintain Its Longevity

Best Meta Quest 2 Zombie Games

Augmented Reality vs Virtual Reality: A Comprehensive Comparison

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Virtual Reality: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover The Best VR Add-Ons on Amazon: Transform Your Experience

Virtual Reality Headset Showdown: Which Is Best for You?

Meta Quest 2 vs. PSVR 2: A Comprehensive Comparison

Virtual Reality Near Me: Exploring the Best VR Centers in Your Area

Best VR Headsets for Watching Movies

Virtual Reality Safety: Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Experience

Types of Virtual Reality: Exploring Immersive Experiences

Exploring Types of Virtual Reality

Soaring High with the Best VR Flight Simulator: A Comprehensive Guide

Before you go...

Check out today's top deals.

Plus, get free shipping and easy returns.

HP TECH TAKES /...

Top 10 Virtual Travel Experiences with the HP Reverb G2 VR

Introduction.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”

1. Virtually visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The remotely located island abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel and one of Normandy, France’s most iconic landmarks.
The Pompeii ruins of a city preserved in ash, resulting from the tragic eruption of Mount Vesuvius on August 24, 79 BCE.
The site of the first hominid fossil and an important place for understanding human evolution at the Sangiran Early Man Site in Java, Indonesia.
Petra, Jordan , the city of stone built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans.
The Slovakia-based Domica Cave , shaped by limestone from the Middle Triassic era and an underground river (actually) named Styx.
The limestone statue of the half-lion, half-human mythical creature known as the Great Sphinx of Giza, Egypt .
The Genbaku Dome, otherwise known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and the only structure left standing after the August 6, 1945 explosion of the first atomic bomb during WWII -- preserved in the same state as it was immediately following the explosion.

2. Take in online exhibits

Peruse rooms and galleries of the rightfully world-famous Louvre in Paris, the world’s largest art museum, and even visit with the Mona Lisa from home in the Louvre’s first virtual reality project applying the latest scientific research on Leonardo da Vinci’s creative processes and painting techniques.
Virtually visit the iconic spaces of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art such as the Cloisters, the Temple of Dendur, the gilded sculpture of Diana in the Charles Engelhard Court, and more – all without the pressing crowds.
Explore Saint Petersburg, Russia’s State Hermitage Museum – second only to the Louvre in size -- through this truly comprehensive VR experience that includes many of the museum’s renowned works of art from Catherine the Great’s expansive collections as well as special exhibitions.
Experience the world’s first entirely virtual art museum (including the building itself), the Virtual Online Museum of Art (VOMA) , launched in September 2020, featuring galleries of works by dozens of artists such as Matisse, Manet, Li Wei, Bosch, and many more including newer and lesser-known artists from the around the world.

3. Partake in cross-cultural virtual experiences steeped in literary and art history

Virtually run with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain at the annual Festival of San Fermin and be like Hemingway, who immortalized this event in his acclaimed novel The Sun Also Rises .
Take an interactive, virtual tour of the J ane Austen House in Chawton, Hampshire, UK, to explore some of the rooms where she wrote her renowned novels.
Immerse yourself in the Immersive van Gogh Experience , which places you inside several of his paintings such as “The Starry Night.”
Join in on Dublin-based Bloomsday activities with other super-fans of James Joyce’s Ulysses , which celebrates the central character of Leopold Bloom on June 16, 1904, the specific day depicted in the novel.
Step into the Anne Frank House and rooms of the secret annex, where the brave 13-year-old diarist, her family, and friends hid for more than two years from the Nazis during WWII.

4. Join in virtual castle tours in the UK

Edinburgh Castle , one of Scotland’s most impressive landmarks built in 1103 on top of 350-million-year-old volcanic rock. It’s an ancient stronghold with a long and rich history as a fortress, prison, and military garrison, as well as the royal residence of several kings and queens.
Blair Castle , a 750-plus-year old Scottish castle in Perthshire in the central Scottish Highlands, ancestral home of the Clan Murray and historic seat of the Duke of Atholl.
Malahide Castle , one of Ireland’s oldest and most historic castles dating from 1185, in the picturesque seaside town of Malahide about 20 miles north of Dublin.

5. Take virtual tours of national parks

Yellowstone Park , established in 1872 and America’s first national park, spans approximately 3,500 miles of breathtaking views across Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. It has numerous hiking trails, hot springs, and geysers like Old Faithful, which shoots water 100 feet into the air.
The Grand Canyon National Park , a true wonder of the world and one of this planet’s geological spectacles, was carved out by the Colorado River. It’s nearly one mile deep, and covers over 1.2 million acres.
National Mall and Memorial Parks Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC features almost 3,800 cherry trees, 3,020 of which were gifted by Japan in 1910, and represent 12 different varieties.
Redwood National Park is home to the world’s tallest trees, some of which are taller than the Statue of Liberty. With specimens up to 2,000 years old, this spectacular biosphere located in northern California contains almost half of the world’s old-growth redwoods.

6. Visit theme parks

Dollywood VR roller coaster rides , some of the best and fastest roller coasters in the world, located in Dolly Parton’s eponymous Dollywood theme park in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Universal Orlando in Florida, walk through and experience some of the rides of this theme park completely on your own in this truly immersive virtual experience, including Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

7. Take a virtual cooking class

8. share in a virtual wine tasting, 9. swim with the sharks on a deep-sea dive.

10. Visit out-of-this-world places with NASA

Bonus: experience the travel experience itself, experience virtual travel with the hp reverb g2 vr headset.

Industry-leading, Valve-designed lenses, which can be adjusted for each user’s unique eye distances and face shape
Four cameras and internal sensors for detecting position to track more of your arm movement and jump right into VR without additional peripherals
Ultra-sharp visuals with 2160 x 2160 LCD panels per eye
An ergonomic design with controllers that are comfortable to hold onto

Related tags

online exhibits
virtual reality
virtual tours

Article archives

2023 Articles
2022 Articles
2021 Articles
2020 Articles
2019 Articles
2018 Articles

Screen Rant

10 virtual travel apps for oculus/meta quest 2.

VR gives people the chance to travel the world from the comfort of their own house, and these ten apps are the best for the Oculus/Meta Quest 2.

Travel is a major goal for many people, but it can be inaccessible even in the best of times because of financial and mobility-related barriers. As unfortunate as it is, some people may never have the chance to visit all the places they want to. But VR allows its users to not only explore virtual worlds but also get a better understanding of their own.

Between 360-degree breakdowns of the world, guided tour videos, and documentaries, VR allows people to get closer to the places of their dreams than was previously possible. Many travel apps even include interactive features, so the users can feel like they're actually able to connect with different cultures and topography. As systems like the Oculus/ Meta Quest 2 become more widely available, and as programmers and cinematographers put more effort into advancing the technologies, travel will truly be possible without having to leave home.

Traveling While Black

Traveling While Black is an Emmy-nominated VR experience that talks about the process of traveling, specifically focusing on the barriers that have been put in place for Black populations, in history and in the present. The experience takes advantage of every benefit VR offers, which helps its message connect with the audience.

While this is not a documentary that focuses on the freedom of VR, it does try to get its users to think outside their own bodies and life experiences to see how other people can be limited in their own freedom. It tells an incredibly important story, which deserves to be heard by those who have now gained a deeper level of freedom through the digital realm.

For those looking for a way to walk around the world, Wander is the app to download. The app's primary function is to allow users to navigate the world similarly to Google Maps' StreetView, allowing them to enter an address and be transported to that spot. This can be a great way to explore new areas or look back on places you used to live.

In addition to immersive imagery, users can use the historical jumping feature to see what different areas looked like over the years. Many famous landmarks even have the ability to be explored from the inside, giving users the feeling that they're really there.

BRINK Traveler

BRINK Traveler gives users the ability to see some of the most amazing places on Earth from the comfort of their own homes. While there are currently only 17 locations for users to visit, the additional features make each one a true travel experience that may push them to travel in real life as well .

Virtual guides can explain the features and history of each spot, and an in-app camera allows users to take all the pictures they would want if they were to visit in person. Another great feature is the ability to travel in multiplayer mode, which lets users meet up with friends from anywhere while getting a remarkable view at the same time.

OtherSight is one of the most interactive travel apps out there because it specifically focused on including usable objects in every location. Currently, users only have the option of going to four different locations, but there's a lot that they can do at each one.

Users can visit churches, streets, and museums and really get a sense of how it feels to be there. The scale, texture, and movement qualities of interactive features are especially well done. While this is a fairly limited app at the moment, the developers are working on new locations, which can provide future explorations.

The Ocean might not be the first place people think of when they try to imagine their travel plans, but it is one of the great untapped resources on Earth. There is far more to be seen and discovered in the Ocean than there is on land, and Ocean Rift gives users the chance to explore that realm.

There are 14 different habitats to explore, which can be used as an educational program or one for relaxation, depending on the settings. The sea creatures are extremely detailed, and users can actually interact with many of them, giving the perspective of a true underwater safari. However, those with a fear of the ocean and its creatures may find some modes a little too realistic for their comfort level.

Blueplanet VR Explore

Blueplanet VR Explore is one of the most expensive travel apps, but that's in part because it is so extensive. The app allows its users to travel to 40 different cultural sites, with some offering the ability to interact with the landscape or even hang glide over it.

One of the best qualities of this app is the spacial breakdown, where users can truly explore the location. It is a physically navigable terrain, which creates a greater level of immersion than standard point-and-click systems. The one downside to the app, beyond its price, is that it takes up a lot of space, requiring a lot of memory and a strong internet signal while downloading.

Alcove is not technically a travel app, but it does offer a number of virtual tour experiences for free. The app itself is a virtual home, where users can download different in-app features depending on their interests. The travel features do include a number of tours on the ground, under the sea, and even in the sky, narrated by some of the most thorough guides available in VR.

The limitation of the app is that each experience is entirely pre-determined. There are no interactive features that would make it more immersive. However, given that it is free and has such incredible visual quality, that might be a sacrifice worth making.

National Geographic Explore VR

National Geographic Explore VR is a highly-interactive app that allows users to take on the role of a National Geographic photographer. They have the ability to travel to Machu Pichu or Antarctica, where they can navigate the landscape and take pictures of the many sights to see.

Users feel the strain of rowing boats and climbing cliffs, which makes for a more immersive experience . However, the quest is fairly pre-programmed, which means that individual decision-making is only possible in the pictures a user takes rather than in the experience as a whole. Coupled with another, more interactive app, this could be a great way to feel the travel in a way that images themselves cannot achieve.

Nature Treks VR

Nature Treks VR isn't overly concerned with realism, instead focusing on making a relaxing experience. Users have the ability to go on a walk on a variety of virtual paths, with exotic animals meandering by and control of the weather allowing the user to fit the experience to their preferences.

Because it isn't definitively located in any real-world locations , users have the ability to mold the world as they see fit, interacting with the trees to summon animals and controlling the sound levels to be more immersive or more relaxing. The detail work and spontaneity make it an engaging experience, though users should be aware that it is not intended to be a completely realistic one.

ecosphere is a photo-realistic breakdown of the Earth's most beautiful locations and the people that are working to protect them. Intended as a way to help the average person connect with the environmental crises of our time , these immersive documentaries show the importance of caring for the Earth before the damage is irreversible.

This is distinct from other user-directed travel apps but also provides a sense of depth and significance far beyond what other apps can offer. There are only a handful of experiences, but they go beyond visuals to explain what really matters about the different locations they portray. As an added bonus, the app is free, making these videos some of the most accessible ways for Oculus users to travel in VR.

NEXT: The 10 Coolest Games To Play On Oculus Quest 2

Traveling the World…Virtually

Written by: Cheryl

On: March 27, 2020

Updated: March 28, 2020

When you're stuck at home one way to possibly assuage your travel lust is to go on some virtual tours. Plenty are available on your laptop or desktop and, if you're lucky enough to be staying home with a VR headset, you can heighten the escapism with plenty of 360 degree videos and adventures. Here are some of my favorites.

No comments, Be the first to leave one

I’ve had this post partially written and on the back burner for a while, in favor of writing actual travel posts. But, under stay at home orders, this seems like a good time to finish it. My husband, a VR headset aficionado, has tried to get me to travel virtually for a while but met with resistance. But there are some VR travel programs worth exploring , plenty of immersive videos and many online virtual tours as well if you don’t have a VR headset available. Here are some of the best VR travel experiences and online tours I’ve found so far:

Before the coronavirus hit, keeping us all at home, my husband and I had a conversation about the idea of not traveling . I was high on the idea of seeing as much of the world as I could and, though I knew about the environmental impacts of flying, cruise ships, RVs — that was at war with my desire to experience the places in the world I had always wanted to visit. Carbon offsets? Wasn’t that an option? Hadn’t I offset my carbon use already by not traveling at all for so many years? But, deep down, I knew that both these things didn’t truly mitigate the impact of frequent flying (though I still don’t fly that frequently in comparison to many people.)

My husband is into VR headsets. “Here. Put this on,” he would say, a virtual VR pusher. But I mostly avoided the headset, both because they look idiotic and because I have the tendency to get easily drawn into escapist pastimes. And virtual travel? It’s nowhere the same as going to a place, meeting people, tasting the food, experiencing the culture…

But. Here we are all stuck at home now. And, on the other end of this crisis, many of my adventures may end up being local rather than international ones.

Maybe it was time to finally take him up on his suggestion and do some virtual exploration. Surprisingly (or not so surprisingly), I liked it.

Read on for some of the virtual tours and explorations I found worthwhile starting with ones you can do on your computer , followed by ones that require a VR headset .

Online Virtual Tours

Google virtual tours : versailles and other tours.

Platforms: The Versailles tour is available on VR headset via Steam on the Oculus Rift and also has a website component. Other tours are on the website.

GGoogle Virtual Tours presents this “private virtual tour” of the Château de Versailles . The website includes many “virtual tours” with historical facts, 3D renderings of art and objects from the palace. The Versailles tour is part of Google Arts and Culture (see below), which has a bunch of online tours of exhibits and monuments.

Unless I missed something, the Steam VR tour lets you “hop” from room to room within the primary part of the palace and interact with various objects, learning more about each as you go. It didn’t offer (unfortunately), the ability to wander around the massive palace grounds. But it’s free, and it was fun to navigate through once I got the hang of it, so no complaints!

I may wander around the palace again with the audio guide in French, just for practice!

Google Arts and Culture

Format: Website. Google Arts and Culture also has a VR app, but it needs a Daydream-ready VR headset. However , some virtual tours (i.e., the Versailles tour mentioned above) may be available on other VR devices.

While I chose to list some specific virtual tours individually here, I’m still browsing Google Arts and Culture because there is so much content here — from historical explorations to tips on doing phone camera projects while stuck at home. But I’ve been most drawn to their Google Street View tours. You can walk around exhibits that are now closed, including an abandoned Paris building turned into a street art exhibition, (re)explore the stones at Stonehenge , look at Macchu Picchu from above, among many other virtual adventures. Some of these tours, like the Paris street art one, mentioned previously, let you navigate room to room to get a virtual close up of the art. Others, like Machu Picchu, were from a distance vs. a walkthrough. None, of course, are as immersive as VR, but I found some of the tours, particularly the art ones, an enjoyable distraction.

Google Earth: Let’s Explore National Parks

I’ve always loved Google Earth — I’ve used it for fun, even during trip planning in some cases. I was looking forward to getting back to the outdoors this Spring and up to Olympic National Park, but for the time being, it’s back to armchair exploring. Google Earth offers a look at 31 national parks in the United States, including Pacific Northwest Parks like Mount Rainier and Olympic. Clicking on one of the circles will “fly” you to the park of your choice. You then have the option of navigating to various places in the park with arrows on the right side of your screen. For some components of the tour, such as the Nisqually entrance, you can “walk” through that part of the park by clicking the forward arrows in Street View. For others, like the Grove of the Patriarch’s trails, the only choice seemed to be a “photosphere” that offered a 360-degree view of a fixed location. I haven’t visited enough of our National Parks — this “tour” offers plenty of inspiration for when exploration, again, goes live instead of virtual. If you happen to have a compatible VR headset at home, Google Earth VR is impressive. You can read more about it below .

Explore the Paris Catacombs…Virtually

If “Dark Tourism” is your thing, you might want to visit this online tour of the Paris Catacombs. Here, you can tour part of the famous Paris ossuary without the crowds, or the damp. It was easiest to navigate by just going forward from room to room, but if you enter a chamber, like the one above, you can pan the camera around for a 360-degree view.

If visiting the actual catacombs is in your future plans, we wrote a post about our visiting the catacombs here. If “Dark Tourism” is your thing, Wandering Crystal wrote a post about other online dark tourist places here.

Louvre Virtual Tours

Platform: Website

At the time I’m writing this, the Louvre has shut its doors due to coronavirus. However, it offers a few “online tours” on its website: Egyptian Antiquities, Remains of the Louvre’s Moat, and Galerie d’Apollon. The tours are all in Flash, and I found it a bit difficult to navigate through them. But, then, I found the actual Louvre hard to navigate due to its immensity.

Best VR Travel Experiences and Apps

If you’re fortunate enough to be stuck at home with a virtual headset, there are a bunch of “virtual travel” options, both free and paid. My favorite? So far, simply exploring with Google Earth, with Wander as a close second. The good news is that I didn’t experience any virtual “travel sickness” with any of these. Note that when I say “free” here — I refer to the app — unfortunately, not the headset.

Google Earth VR

Platforms: HTC Vive and Oculus Rift

I sometimes like browsing Google Earth on the desktop anyway, so I wasn’t surprised that I enjoyed Google Earth VR on the Oculus Rift. It offers many “tours” — from various cities to themes like “nature” and colors. You can change the time of day, and I found some of the starry skies and sunsets unexpectedly beautiful.

But, stuck inside the house, I found myself first not navigating to faraway places but to the familiar — Seattle. I sat gazing down Yesler toward Smith Tower and the waterfront and then “flew” northbound first to the house where I grew up.

I found myself staring at the house from above, my sentimental, emotional nonsensical brain doing a time rewind. The careful, craftsman-restoration style siding morphed to 1970s aluminum yellow, then to barnyard red. The open porch, again, became covered by a panel of windows. And, finally, my mom walked out the front steps, waving, getting ready to water the little primroses she’d plant each year, followed by a little barefoot blonde girl who twirls on the front lawn to the church bells that ring out every day at noon.

Ugh! Too sentimental! I tried to check my voyeurism and move on. But, somehow, I wasn’t ready to leave the past behind just yet. I navigated over to the house we used to own to check out what the new owners had done. This offered me the opportunity to complain about their lack of weeding (while conveniently ignoring the unpleasant truth about the current state of my yard.)

Finally, I decided to tour a couple of other cities. I hovered over Venice and Paris and Tokyo, looming above the rooftops, a virtual Godzilla. I could lose myself in Google Earth VR for a long time.

Format: Oculus Quest , Oculus Go , Gear VR Price: Usually about $9.99 for Oculus Quest, less on Oculus Go, with occasional deals or bundles.

I didn’t want to like Wander at first.I felt spoiled by Google Earth VR’s open ended explorations. Wander, available on Oculus Quest and a couple of other platforms, seemed limited at first. But it grew on me, –and now I’m having difficulty putting it down. I think it’s one of the best vr travel experiences for the Oculus Quest.

Wander is based on Google Street View. Wander wouldn’t let me “fly” into a location like Google Earth. However, I found that it did allow me to navigate down streets anywhere in the world. Even down to the alley I played in growing up (another trip down memory lane.)

On occasion, I got a surprising overhead view like the photo below of Robin Hood’s Bay UK. A torrential rain and wind storm prevented my visit to this little fishing town when I was in the UK. VR offered a chance to (sort of) complete that trip.

Most of the time, navigating straight down streets seemed the only thing I could do. I couldn’t find my way inside York Minster Cathedral, for instance. And I couldn’t enter the Egyptian Circle at Highgate Cemetery. But a few times I was surprised.

Upon one login, I found myself inside the Sagrada Familia. And another time, using voice control to get to Chateau de Versailles, I found myself not outside the grounds on the street, but inside the Palace of Mirrors. Wander also lets you do a few other tricks. For streets that have multiple-year Street View data, you can become a virtual time traveler (but with a minimal range.) Look back at how the roads and buildings have changed.

You can also explore by clicking any location on a map. You have the choice of either a minimap at the bottom of the screen or a large, central map. The push of a button will send you to a random location. I found myself playing a virtual version of “Where in the World is Cheryl?” Wander dropped me off on rural roads in South Africa, at waterfalls, and in run-down villages. Guessing my location usually was difficult and I was usually dead wrong. If you have a friend who also has a headset, you can open a virtual room and do socially-distant-mutual-exploration.

Wander also has several “collections” available. Should you not be able to decide for yourself where in the world you want to (virtually) travel, you can explore these. I tried the “Haunted Houses” collection. This put me streetside and on the grounds of places I’d visited before. Places such as Winchester Mystery House, and outside of sites such as the Borden House. But Wander didn’t seem to want to let me wander into these places, so this adventure proved a bit frustrating. But the escape offered by Wander, overall, was satisfying, if temporary. It’s a small fix for wanderlust when the only wandering that I’m doing is between the backyard and the sofa. I’ll be returning to wandering in this app.

Format: Desktop, Phone, VR Headsets

Price: Free

When I first put on the headset, I saw the choice for YouTube VR. Of course , YouTube has VR! Why had that not occurred to me? While you don’t have to have a VR headset you’ll only get a 360-degree experience by using a headset. Other videos, even with a headset, are not immersive. Fly over Neuschwanstein Castle or dive with giant manta rays . If you want to escape reality altogether, experience The Dali Museum’s Dreams of Dali 360 .

The Dali Museum’s video, based on his painting Archaeological Reminiscence of Millet’s Angelus, is impressive when viewed through a headset. Fly through a 360-degree surrealistic dream world. Elephants with stilt legs, a sunset sky with crescent moon, and moody music proved to be a relaxing experience.

National Geographic Explore VR

Platforms: Oculus Quest (National Geographic also has a VR app for Google Daydream and Samsung devices, but we haven’t tried that for comparison.)

National Geographic’s Explore VR is not an adventure that works well sitting on a couch. Unlike many of the other virtual “adventures” listed here, this one’s a roomscale experience and is best done standing up with a generous “Guardian” set up. Sitting down, I found myself unable to easily hit the buttons, pick up the camera, or grab the pole that appears to be a positioner for the adventure ahead.

You’re a National Geographic photographer, but with, it seems, only two assignments: Antarctica or Machu Picchu. I chose Antarctica for mine.

The portion of the adventure I tried involved kayaking through the icebergs and taking nature photos: Sea Lions, Orcas, Emperor Penguins — but in the comfort of a warm, non-antarctic room.

I didn’t expect to actually like paddling this virtual kayak. But, especially since I haven’t been able to use my kayak since last Spring due to a shoulder problem, I unexpectedly found myself enjoying steering the kayak through the icebergs. It’s your choice whether to sit on the floor and pretend you’re in a real kayak or stand at the kayak’s center.

Crash into an iceberg? No problem! You just bounce off or go right through it. Avalance in the distance? No worries, so far danger has stayed safely away from me in this Antarctic adventure.

Next? Off to Machu Picchu.

Facebook via Oculus

Targo is a French website that makes VR documentaries, and not just about France. But I “discovered” them via Facebook on Oculus and their 360-degree video “ Paris Under Lockdown .”

It’s an eerie experience to see Paris’ iconic locations mostly absent of people and cars.

But, this same scene is reflected everywhere right now; the same emptiness haunts the streets of Seattle or San Francisco. I make promises to myself to not complain about traffic and crowds once we can return to some semblance of normal.

Honorable Mention

Travel 360-degree videos are too numerous to mention, and quality varies widely. Some videos, such as a series on Scotland we viewed on the Oculus Quest appeared grainy. However, you still may want to watch them just for the view.

We also experimented with Nature Treks VR on the Oculus. This app puts you in various landscapes from a meadow to fall leaves, to underwater — but, overall, I wasn’t a fan of this one. Somehow, I found the environments too animated-looking to suspend disbelief temporarily.

As we find more of the best VR travel experiences and online virtual tours, we’ll add them to this post in the future.

Do you have any favorite online virtual tours or VR travel “experiences” that you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments!

How many cups of hot coffee does this deserve?

Click on a mug to rate it. To leave a written review use the comment section or, in the shop, use the reviews tab.

This post got 0 mugs out of 0 votes.

No votes so far! Be the first to rate it.

As you found this post useful...

We are so sorry that you found this post like a weak cup of swill!

Leave some feedback about why.

Let us know why you gave this post a low rating. We may or may not share your feedback with the post's author. If you want to leave public feedback, leave a comment.

You might also be interested in:

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Subscribe by Email

Want to keep up with our crunchy granola-like mixture of variable content subscribe here, and we'll send you a weekly digest of new stuff from our site, a monthly newsletter of upcoming events from our calendar, and occasional multi-content newsletters., if you'd like to subscribe to other, specific, content areas, you can do that here., you can unsubscribe at any time you wish from a link in the footer of email newsletters that we send..

Manage push notifications

To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.

Our website uses cookies. Some are required for website functions, others are there for advertising, analytics, or keeping bad bots at bay. By continuing to browse this website, you're consenting to accepting our full plate o' all types of cookies.

360° Panoramic Creations:

We create high-quality stabilized video having 8k and 4k resolution, 48 or 24 frames per second together with high-quality post-processing. Videos are supported by the most advanced technologies, such as virtual reality headsets (including Samsung Gear VR), different electronic devices and YouTube channels.

We use different types of moving and fixed objects (tripods, monopods, cars, helicopters, building cranes, etc.) to record videos. For aerial shooting we usually use drones with fully gyro-stabilized unique suspension. Panoramic video covers up all the space around the camera 360x180 degrees without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle.

360° videos are available in any format you choose: .mp4, .avi, .mov, etc. All the videos are made and kept in frames, making it possible to encode them into any available format and bitrate with the resolution up to 8k.

360° PHOTOGRAPHY

Our team creates high-quality 360° photo-panoramas with 35000x17500 pixels resolution (in the equidistant projection) and carries out professional post-processing and corrections of any complexity. We develop virtual tours which are suitable for all browsers, support both Flash and HTML5 technologies and are compatible with different mobile devices and virtual reality headsets (including Samsung Gear VR).

We use different types of moving and fixed objects (tripods, monopods, cars, helicopters, building cranes, etc.) to record videos. For aerial shooting we usually use drones with the fully gyro-stabilized unique suspension. Panoramic video covers up all the space around the camera 360x180 degrees without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle.

Ready 360° photo-panoramas cover up all the space around the camera 360x180 degrees without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle.

Info-points (description buttons that can be placed in the panorama), embedded pictures, video and audio can be added to the virtual tour.

360° GIGAPANORAMA

Our team creates high-quality 360° photo-panoramas with resolution from 1 to 3 gigapixel and carries out professional post-processing and corrections of any complexity. We develop virtual tours which are suitable for all browsers, support both Flash and HTML5 technologies and are compatible with different mobile devices and virtual reality glasses (including Samsung Gear VR).

Info-points (description buttons that can be placed in the panorama), embedded pictures, video and audio can be added to the ready virtual tour.

360° TIMELAPSE

We can make panoramic timelapses with the given viewing angle and resolution up to 12k with professional post-processing and without black spots at both nadir and zenith viewing angle. 360° timelapses are supported by the most advanced technologies, such as virtual reality glasses (including Samsung Gear VR), different electronic devices and YouTube channels.

360° timelapses are available in any format you choose: .mp4, .avi, .mov, etc. All the timelapses are made and kept in frames, making it possible to encode them into any available format and bitrate with the resolution up to 12K.

Content sales:

VIRTUAL TOURS

On the basis of 360° panoramas we create virtual tours of any complexity, branded with logos and design elements of the company’s website together with embedding interactive elements, such as photos, slideshows, videos, descriptions, switch-points to other panoramas, audio descriptions, 3D sounds.

Our clients receive a fully functional virtual tour developed in HTML5 and supported by any computer or mobile device (iOS, Android, Windows Phone).

360° Photo Price List

STOCK PHOTOS

For almost 10 years of travelling around the world our team has gathered an extensive stock of pictures, taken from both flying devices and the ground.

Any picture presented at our stock can be licensed for any kind of possible use. We can also offer the photos of ultra-high quality (the longer side up to 103,000 pixels).

You can also take a look at the spherical panoramas published on the website www.airpano.ru . Any of the 360° panoramas represented on the website can be converted into a printed image of very high quality.

Photogallery Price List

STOCK 360° VIDEOS

By filming 360° video since 2011, our team has gathered an extensive stock of clips, taken from both flying devices and the ground.

Any video presented on our website can be licensed for any kind of possible use.

360° videos are available in any format you choose: .mp4, .avi, .mov, etc. All the videos are made and kept in frames, making it possible to encode them into any available format and bitrate.

360° Video Price List

APPLICATIONS

We are one of the software developers of applications based on 360° photos and videos. Currently, there are 7 applications in our portfolio. One of them was top-rated in 84 countries and listed among the best applications of the year 2014 according to App Store.

These applications can also be used for demonstration of panoramic content with the help of virtual reality devices, such as Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard and analogues.

Exhibition installations:

EXHIBITION INSTALLATIONS

AirPano team has the experience of creating panoramic cinemas and video-walls, making it possible to demonstrate our panoramic content at different kinds of events, exhibitions and in museums. The size is only defined by the premises, the quality of projector and the dimensions of plasma screens. Such solutions usually make a deep impression on visitors.

The control is carried out by a tablet or Kinect devices.

TOUCH SCREENS

We are ready to create applications with panoramic content working on touch screens of any size. Both AirPano panoramas and the client’s material can be the basis for this kind of software.

We create virtual tours of any complexity, branded with logos and design elements of the company’s website together with embedding interactive elements, such as photos, slideshows, videos, descriptions, switch-points to other panoramas, audio descriptions, 3D sounds.

VR HEADSETS

Our virtual tours and 360° videos are supported by all the types of virtual reality headsets (VR): Google Cardboard, Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, Sony Morpheus and others.

We can also develop special software for operating on Samsung Gear VR, if required.

AirPano in cooperation with Polden Studio carries out the installation of the binocular usage of the client’s or our own content. With the help of binoculars, the client can present the panoramic content at different kinds of events, exhibitions and in museums. This kind of devices usually attract a lot of visitors and leave a deep impression on them.

Guide to VR
Events 2024
Interesting

25 Best & Famous Virtual Museum Tours

Virtual Reality, VR, Immersive Technology & Simulated Environment

Recently updated on June 18th, 2021 at 01:30 am

During our childhood days, whenever we want to visit the museum, we need to physically be there with our teachers or parents. However, with the latest virtual reality technology, we are now able to attend it virtually too. Now, let’s see what is the popular, the best and famous virtual museum tours that we and our kids can try from the comfort of our home and sofa.

What is Virtual Museum Tour?

It is another way to experience the museum without being physically at the location. For this purpose, usually the museums will use approach such as 360-degrees videos or walk-around tour. With this facility, you can have the tour in 360 degrees and some is available in VR format too. Most of the virtual tours are also interactive where they provide the voice over descriptions with slideshows as well.

The List of Famous Virtual Museum Tours…

We try our best to get the list of good museum virtual tours that you can try at home. Some of them claim that they have virtual reality gallery , but in order to try it you need to go there physically first. And from what we found, this is the list that you can try without coming to the museum itself. As much as possible, we will try to provide more variety to the list below…

1) Smithsonian American Art Museum

This very famous museum in America offer the virtual reality tour for us to experience the Renwick Gallery Exhibition . To add, there are nine great contemporary artists that involved in creating it using InstaVR platform. To enjoy the tour, you can try it yourself by downloading the “ Wonder 360 ” app to your mobile phone and use it with the Google Cardboard technology that should be affordable to nearly everybody.

URL : https://americanart.si.edu/wonder360

2) Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

This museum located in England also offer the looks inside it from remote. The virtual tour consists of four locations is the collaboration between the museum and Scan Tech Digital company. In addition, they are using Matterport platform to deliver it.

URL : https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag/virtual-tour

3) Franklin Institute in Philadelphia

IMS provided service that offer the 360 degrees view of this popular museum in United States. Beside that, the tour includes the view of different event spaces and come up with the option to open photo galleries or videos of the space. You can watch the tour by using your browser.

URL : http://3hundred60.com/Franklin_Institute_360web.html

4) Musée du Louvre, Paris

This famous Louvre museum in Paris, France, has the exhibit called “ Monalisa: Beyond the Glass “. As most of us already know, Monalisa is a great and most popular painting in the world by Leonardo da Vinci. This exhibit is the collaboration between this museum and also the HTC Vive Arts. In addition, you can download the app from the VIVEPORT website .

URL : https://arts.vive.com/us/articles/projects/art-photography/mona_lisa_beyond_the_glass/

Furthermore, Louvre is one of the most historic art museums and also the most visited museum in the world. Hence, it is very thankful that they also provide the Louvre virtual tour service for us to visit the museum during this COVID-19 pandemic season. In addition, it offers seven galleries that you can explore via online. One of them sounds interesting to us which is “ Founding Myths: From Hercules to Darth Vader “. It looks into how the artists, filmmakers and musicians around the world have drawn inspiration from myths to create their masterpieces.

URL : https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne

5) Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

This great museum in Washington, D.C, is the most visited natural history museum in the world. It also offers the virtual tour of its museum by using our own web browser. They build it by using the WebVR technology. The good thing is that, you can switch it to the stereoscopic mode so you can enjoy the 360 degrees virtual tour using your Google Cardboard too. The interesting exhibits are like the skeleton of American mastadon, the cool T-Rex and other dinosaurs from the Jurassic age…

URL : https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour

6) Rijksmuseum with Museum VR Tour

This national museum of Netherlands also offer the virtual tour and it seems they take it very serious. With the tagline “ From Home: We bring the museum to you “, they also provide some gamification elements in it such as the challenge to find keys, discover hidden words and you can also win prize for it. That’s really awesome initiative.

URL : https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/from-home

7) National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea

This famous museum in Korea offers the VR tour with title “ How to create a landscape “. It also comes with realistic 3D model of the gallery that you can play around like a doll house. Moreover, if you want to view in in VR mode, they highly recommend using Oculus Quest. But they also support Oculus Go and other headsets that include controllers.

URL : https://www.mmca.go.kr/eng/pr/movDetail.do?mbMovCd=01

8) The National Gallery, London

The National Gallery in London offers the virtual tours to let you explore their greatest collection of paintings through your VR headset, desktop or smartphone. Moreover, they have the panoramic view of the gallery in 360 degrees by collaborating with Google Street View. And they also have the “Sainsbury Wing VR Tour” where you can experience the collection of over 270 Early Renaissance paintings from year 1200 to 1500. In addition, the gallery and Oculus teamed up using Matterport’s 3D camera technology to produce this virtual tour.

URL : https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/virtual-tours

9) Picasso Museum of Barcelona

This museum offer the 360-degrees tour to its courtyard and you can observe the details of the patios of the museum. Unfortunately, the only downside is that you need to download and enable the Adobe Flash Player first which the product itself is no longer supported by Adobe after 31st December 2020. Hope the museum will upgrade the technology soon.

URL : http://courtyard.museupicassobcn.org/

10) The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

This gallery in Melbourne, Australia also provide the virtual tour of their exhibition by using the Matterport’s technology. It is an interactive self-guided tours that you can enjoy from your home. Their recommendation is to use Oculus Quest to fully enjoy it.

URL : https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/

11) Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum has the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit and is located in western North America. It also offers the 360 virtual tour where you can explore the underground tomb and witness the Alchemy Garden.

URL : https://egyptianmuseum.org/360-museum-tour

12) Nikola Tesla Museum

Nikola Tesla, a great inventor, electrical engineer and mechanical engineer, also got his own museum. It is the only museum that preserve the original and personal legacy of that legendary figure in science world. You can explore the 3D interactive view of Nikola Tesla’s lab on Long Island. Build using Web VR, you can also watch it in the stereoscopic VR mode.

URL : https://nikolateslamuseum.org/en/virtual/longisland/

13) National Museum United States Air Force

This virtual tour of US Air Force museum has many cool exhibits related with aviation and planes. And it also shows the planes that it used in the World War 2 as well. Because of that, it is a good place to visit for the military or army veterans.

URL : http://www.nmusafvirtualtour.com/

14) The Dalí Theatre-Museum

This museum in Spain is dedicated to Salvador Dalí , who is the famous surrealist artist in the world. You can visit the museum virtually to appreciate his works, sculptures and masterpieces.

URL : https://www.salvador-dali.org/en/museums/dali-theatre-museum-in-figueres/visita-virtual/

15) The State Hermitage Museum

This museum located in St. Petersburg, Russia, has a vast amount of artwork on display. Furthermore, that includes the work by Rembrandt, Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Moreover, they take the Hermitage virtual tour very seriously where it covers nearly all part of the museum and it’s very, very comprehensive tour. You can imagine it by looking at the map below and it is just the First Floor! You gonna get shock to see the number of circles in the Second Floor 🙂

URL : https://www.hermitagemuseum.org/wps/portal/hermitage/panorama/virtual_visit/panoramas-m-1/?lng=en

16) The Egyptian Museum

This museum in Cairo is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East. Furthermore, it has the largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities in the world. Moreover, in one of the Egyptian Museum virtual tours, it gives us opportunity to see the iconic mask of the Golden Pharaoh, Tutankhamun. In addition, the discovery of the Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 was one of the most spectacular moment in the history of archeology.

URL : https://egymonuments.gov.eg/news/a-virtual-tour-through-the-tutankhamun-collection-at-the-egyptian-museum/

17) The Natural Museum History, London

This very famous museum located in London is very popular with the display of a big blue whale skeleton named Hope. Furthermore, the skeleton is so big and estimated to be 82-foot long. The museum also showcases the valuable pieces collected by Charles Darwin as well.

Secondly, with many life and earth science specimens under it roof, no wonder that it is the most visited natural history museum in Europe. Lastly, from the site, it looks like the Natural Museum History virtual tour is leveraging a lot on the Google Arts and Culture platform.

URL : https://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/virtual-museum.html

18) Science Museum, London

This museum in London has over 350,000 objects and archives from the collection of its group. The collection come from many areas such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. Due to its popularity, it is estimated there around five millions visitors each year coming to the museum. Finally, for its virtual tour, the Science Museum leverage on the Google Streetview to deliver it.

URL : https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/virtual-tour-science-museum

19) The Museum of Flight

This museum in Seattle dedicated itself with the history of aircraft. Its virtual tour enable us to see the inside of some of the iconic planes. In addition, you’ll be able to access the cockpits and interiors of the aircraft as well. For those planes that involve in war, you can also observe the gunner position as well.

Moreover, some brand of the aircrafts are like Antonov, Boeing, Concorde and Douglas. There is also the iconic presidential jet plane which is “Air Force One” that is using Boeing VC-137B as well. The museum uses Matterport 3D, 360 Photosphere and also WebGL to deliver the virtual tour to us.

URL : https://museumofflight.org/Explore-The-Museum/Virtual-Museum-Online

20) The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC)

Located in England, this museum is dedicated to the world of computer or computing technology. It is the home to the largest collection of working historic computers since the 1940s. It is since the era of Turing-Welchman Bombe and Colossus where the size of computer and mainframes during that time was so gigantic. Furthermore, it is estimated there are around 50,000 artefacts in their collection.

URL : https://www.tnmoc.org/3d-virtual-tour

21) Bank Negara Malaysia

For this banking museum in Malaysia, it dedicated itself on the financial and economic exhibits. It also offers the virtual trip to its museum where you’ll be able to view it in 360 degrees format.

URL : http://www.museum.bnm.gov.my/v2/virtualmuseum/

22) Museum Nasional Indonesia

This national museum located in Jakarta, Indonesia, houses around 160,000 artifacts and exhibits. You also will be able to experience the virtual tour of the museum in 360 degrees view by using the browser or VR headset as well.

URL : https://www.museumnasional.or.id/virtual-tour

23) NASA (National Aeronautics & Space Administration)

NASA , the popular and outstanding space agency in the world, also provides the virtual tours to its centers such as Ames Research Center, Armstrong Flight Research Center, Glenn Research Center and many more. Besides the research center, you can also ‘visit’ their other facilities, laboratories and operations control centers too.

URL: NASA at Home – Virtual Tours and Apps

24) Boston Children’s Museum

Founded in 1913, this museum is the second oldest and one of the largest children’s museum in the world. The exhibits of the museum focus on science, culture, environmental awareness, arts, health and fitness. It is estimated around 50,000 artifacts in the museum’s collection.

URL : https://bostonchildrensmuseum.org/museum-virtual-tour

25) International Spy Museum

For those that seeks the thrill of spy and espionage world, then this museum might be just suitable for you. Located in Washington DC, the International Spy Museum dedicated itself in the research, exhibitions and educational programming in the world of secret intelligence and espionage. It has the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display.

URL : https://www.spymuseum.org/exhibition-experiences/virtual-tours/

26) Bonus: More Famous Museum VR Tour at Google Arts & Culture

According to Google, there are over 2,000 famous museums that you can explore online. You can visit it at https://artsandculture.google.com/partner . That’s really impressive!! We try one of them and able to tour the museum in 360 degrees and also able to zoom in and zoom out.

To make it more real, you can download the Google Arts & Culture app on Android or iOS and view it using the virtual reality viewer like Google Cardboard. When you are already inside the museum’s page, you need to go down to the “Virtual Tours” section and click on a tour to experience it in VR…

In case if there is any more interesting museum VR tour, we will update the list accordingly. And lastly, for your information, the wonderful image above is by just-pics from Pixabay .

About Author

I am a guy who is very excited on anything and everything related with virtual reality. My mission is to spread the love of VR to the world.

See author's posts

famous museums museum vr tour virtual museum tours virtual tour virtual trip

More From Forbes

Ranked: the world’s 15 best virtual tours to take during coronavirus.

Share to Facebook
Share to Twitter
Share to Linkedin

While travel has come to a near standstill during the coronavirus pandemic, technology is allowing you to visit almost any place on the planet in the blink of an eye. According to Google Keyword Planner data, searches for the term “virtual tour” increased seven times—from 1,300 in February to almost 10,000 in March, when governments around the world began locking down countries and cities. And as billions of people around the world continue to shelter in place, the numbers keep rising.

With this in mind, the travel insurance site InsureMyTrip has created a list that ranks the virtual tours seeing the biggest increases in Google searches since the beginning of March. Here, we’ve got the list of the 15 top-ranked virtual tours, plus some other cool travel experiences to have from the comfort of your couch.

READ MORE: “Ranked: The 10 US Cities Best Positioned To Recover From Coronavirus (And The 10 Worst)”

Take a tour of the Louvre, the top-ranked virtual travel experience in the world. (Photo by ... [+] Chesnot/Getty Images)

1. The Louvre : Now you don’t need to battle the crowds at the Louvre to get an up-close look at the Mona Lisa. Topping the list of the world’s top-searched virtual tours is Paris’s legendary art museum. Dive deep into the museum’s archives with detailed virtual tours on the Louvre’s website. Another option for museum-goers? “Google Arts & Culture has teamed up with over 2,500 museums and galleries around the world to bring priceless art and experiences into your living room,” says Ronni Kenoian, manager of ecommerce for InsureMyTrip.

2. San Diego Zoo: Love cuddly animals? The San Diego Zoo is live-streaming many of its animal areas, allowing viewers to virtually visit their favorite furry friends any time of the day or night. Another option: The Houston Zoo offers multiple animal cameras focused on different habitats.

Best Tax Software Of 2022

Best tax software for the self-employed of 2022, income tax calculator: estimate your taxes.

3. Disney World: Disney is bringing the magic of the Mouse right to you, with everything from 360-degree street panoramas to virtual theme park rides on its YouTube channel. Want to see more scenes from the Theme Park Capital of the World? Visit Orlando is serving up plenty of other virtual thrills on its blog.

READ MORE: “17 Ways You Can Make Money Online Right Now”

Take a virtual tour of the Great Wall of China.

4. Great Wall of China: Explorers can jet off to the Great Wall of China and learn insider facts about this amazing feat of architecture—the longest structure ever built by humans. Want to visit other UNESCO World Heritage sites using 3D maps? Check out Google’s Heritage on the Edge . “This is particularly special because the featured sites are currently threatened by climate change and the goal of this interactive experience is to digitally preserve them,” says Kenoian. “Not only are the sites beautiful to see, but the entire experience provides education about the history, heritage, protection and conservation efforts for these landmarks.”

5. Guggenheim: The Guggenheim in New York City will allow you to walk the curving halls of this hallowed institution using Street View, making for a more realistic experience.

6. Google Arts Project: Street Art: Google Arts Project: Street Art showcases the world’s greatest graffiti works and tells the stories behind them. “Viewers can take virtual walking tours, view online exhibitions and learn about the artists themselves through interactive features,” says Kenoian.

Picture yourself at the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

7. Eiffel Tower: Head to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris without any lines—or jet lag.

8. Metropolitan Museum of Art: From a timeline of 5,000 years of art history to meeting artists, New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art shares an immersive menu of interactive offerings.

9. Georgia Aquarium: Take a trip under the sea at the Georgia Aquarium , which shows live streams of an array of creatures, from sea otters to jellyfish to beluga whales. Other amazing underwater virtual visits include the Monterey Aquarium and the New England Aquarium , which also streams live presentations and suggests activities to try at home. Or explore life under the real sea with the National Marine Sanctuaries, which is doing virtual dives in the American Samoas, the Florida Keys, Monterey Bay and more.

10. London’s National Gallery: The possibilities of what you can see at London’s National Gallery are nearly endless. If you are feeling overwhelmed by choices, Google also offers a quick link to the top 10 virtual museums around the globe.

Take an out of this world trip—to Mars.

11. Google & NASA’s Access Mars: Here’s a trip that’s out of this world—to Mars. “While actual travel to the red planet may not yet be possible for our travelers, NASA has partnered with Google to offer a tour of a 3D replica of the Martian surface as recorded by the Curiosity rover,” says Kenoian.

12. Legoland Hotel: Need a vacation? Pretend to check into the Legoland Hotel .

13. Universal Studios: Want to get your thrills on? Go behind the scenes at Hollywood’s Universal Studios or enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter —and more—from home via Universal Orlando’s virtual offerings.

14. SeaWorld: Check out the sea life and hop on the Mako roller coaster at SeaWorld in Orlando.

15. Atlanta Zoo: For an extra dose of adorable, the Atlanta Zoo features a PandaCam showcasing the adventures of its giant pandas. Want to see more nature in action? You can tour five of the world’s most incredible National Parks , thanks to Google Arts & Culture and the National Park Service.

• “Ranked: The 10 US Cities Best Positioned To Recover From Coronavirus (And The 10 Worst)”

• “Ranked: America’s 20 Best Places To Travel During Coronavirus (Plus, Top Beaches, Small Towns And More)”

• “The Ultimate Coronavirus Travel Deal: This Island Wants To Pay You To Come Visit”

• “Coronavirus Career Advice: 27 Best Work From Home And Remote Jobs”

• “Ranked: The 20 Happiest Countries In The World”

Editorial Standards
Reprints & Permissions

Welcome to Epic Travel Plans!

Epic Travel Plans

Destinations that will leave you Breathless. Plans to make it happen

Virtual tour of Singapore, city travel destinations

17 Best Virtual Tours of CITIES Around the World

If you ever wanted travel inspiration, THIS is it! These incredible virtual tours of cities take you to some of the most inspiring cities of the world. From the ultra-modern futuristic supertrees of Singapore to ancient ruins of Pompeii in Italy, I guarantee you’ll be wowed!

All of these city virtual tours are interactive 360 videos or 360 photos. To make them immersive , just put on your VR headset.

This post is part of a best-of series of virtual tours. Find more incredible virtual tours , including famous historic sites, beautiful national parks and waterfalls, wildlife encounters, and crazy adventure travel.

4 Best Virtual Tours of Cities: Asia
8 Best Virtual Tours of Cities: Europe
5 Best Virtual Tours of Cities: North America

Summary and Resources

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links to excellent travel-related products. This means that if you use the links below to make a purchase, we’ll receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

17 Best Virtual Tours of CITIES Around the World!

You’ll find plenty of styles in the list below of best virtual tours of cities around the world. Some are aerials and some are street views. Some have commentary, music or just the local ambience. If you want more city virtual tours or really like a particular style, check out the links in the Summary and Resources section at the end.

Now, before you start exploring these cities of the world, I highly recommend downloading my free travel bucket list template. It’s a fillable PDF, so it’s perfect for capturing which of these cities you’ll want to visit yourself one day. And I guarantee there’ll be a few!

Note: If the YouTube video looks blurry to you, change your video settings to higher resolution.

Want to upgrade your interactive 360 video experience to immersive VR videos? Here are some great options to check out for VR headsets. You can get a cheap but totally respectable Google Cardboard VR headset to use with your smartphone YouTube app. Or, get a stand-alone VR headset ; a very respected brand out there is Oculus .

Best Virtual Tours of Cities of the World: ASIA

1. city virtual tour of singapore.

Virtual tour of cities, Singapore, travel destinations

This 360 video virtual tour of Singapore from Sygic Travel has added this city to my travel bucket list! Singapore has SO much to offer. Of course it has stunning architecture, fantastic shopping malls and incredible city views. But it also has very cool urban parks. Fountains with light shows. Certainly among the coolest cities of the world. Enjoy this great city virtual tour with helpful commentary.

2. City Virtual Tour of The Forbidden City (China)

If you’ve ever wanted to tour China’s Forbidden City, you’ll love this Forbidden City virtual tour from YouVisit. It’s a series of 360 photos that take you through the top things to see in the Forbidden City. Enjoy the panoramas of the many Halls of Harmony, the stunning Gate of Supreme Harmony, and the Imperial Garden. Use the map to orientate yourself and get a sense of the entire complex. For more views, click on the small images in the bottom-right corner.

3. City Virtual Tour of Hong Kong (China)

AirPano’s 360 video virtual tour of Hong Kong includes street views, aerial views and insightful commentary. What an INCREDIBLE city. Enjoy the beautiful interactive videos while learning more about Hong Kong. Check it out!

4. City Virtual Tour of Tokyo (Japan)

Get a personal tour of the historical Asakusa area of Tokyo, Japan on a rickshaw. Man, I have SO much respect for this guy, hauling us all around Japan! This series is brought to us by visitjapan. The first of three videos in Asakusa features Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple.

You might also want to check out the other videos in this series, including the fun Asahi Breweries Headquarters , Bell of Time and Zuishin gate .

Want to see Mount Fuji? Head over to 23 Best Virtual Tours of National Parks !

Shop Google Cardboard, an inexpensive VR headset

Best Virtual Tours of Cities of the World: EUROPE

5. city virtual tour of moscow (russia).

Moscow is among the most enchanting cities of the world. Take an aerial 360 video virtual tour of Moscow from AirPano, who knows how to produce incredible aerial 360 videos! While I recognize some of these iconic buildings, many of these sights are brand new to me. Like so many of these incredible, massive statues. This city virtual tour is set to calm but inviting music.

6. City Virtual Tour of Krakow (Poland)

This virtual tour of Krakow is INCREDIBLE. I had no idea that Krakow is so stunning, and this is undoubtedly the best city virtual tour I’ve found yet.

Use the legend at the top to select from types of views, like incredible aerial views of the city, walking tours, and iconic buildings and museums. Easily click on icons to explore specific sights, which include commentary and interior views. To change the commentary to English, look for the flag icon in the top-right corner and change it to the British flag. Some spots, like along the river, also have embedded YouTube videos (although they’re not in English).

WOW. Give yourself some time to enjoy this fantastic city virtual tour!

7. City Virtual Tour of Naples (Italy)

If you’ve ever wanted to visit Naples , this 360 video walking tour from Prowalk Tours will thrill you! You start with a map and overview of your route, and then simply walk through. Enjoy the street ambience and wander in and out of famous buildings. If you forget where you are or want to jump ahead, just use the time stamps in the description. Very nice.

While you’re here, I’m also going to point out this regular non-360 video tour Prowalk Tours did of the Roman Ruins . Although it isn’t interactive, it’s fully narrated and very enjoyable.

8. City Virtual Tour of Pompeii (Italy)

Virtual tour of cities, Ancient ruins of Pompeii

Although Pompeii is technically part of Naples, this virtual tour of the ancient city ruins of Pompeii is worth its own entry. WOW. Prowalk Tours takes us on a thorough 2-hour virtual tour. While this sounds crazy-long, it’s just like you’re THERE walking through one of the ancient cities of the world. Strolling down the many narrow streets of Pompeii. Ducking into some of the buildings and stepping over walls. LOVE. THIS.

You may also like Inspiring OUTDOOR DECOR Items for Travel Lovers

9. City Virtual Tour of Taormina (Sicily)

Take a wonderful walking tour through Old Town Taormina in Messina, Sicily on this beautiful city virtual tour from Daniel VR4Holiday. The views are outstanding, and you feel like you’re right there. Walking those beautiful narrow streets, gazing into cute boutique shops, and enjoying some wine overlooking the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea faaar below.

10. City Virtual Tour of Barcelona (Spain)

Here is another wonderful virtual tour of one of the most romantic cities of the world. If you’re dreaming of visiting Barcelona , this 360 video virtual tour will help you plan that trip! Sygic Travel takes you through its gorgeous squares, streets and churches. Along the beach. To parks with colorful mosaics and incredible views. If you ever wondered why Gaudi is so popular, you’ll know after this!

11. City Virtual Tour of Paris (France)

Virtual tour of cities, Paris France, visit Europe

Now, if you’re looking for the most romantic cities of the world, then we have to visit Paris ! Enjoy this wonderful 360 video city virtual tour with Captivision, including insightful commentary. Step inside Notre Dame and climb the steps up to the hunchback bells. Stroll through the Louvre’s stunning halls and glimpse the famous Mona Lisa. Then the Palace of Versailles.

If you want more time to explore the Palace of Versailles, check out in Best Virtual Tours of Famous Historic Sights .

12. City Virtual Tour of London (England)

Virtual tour of cities, London England, United Kingdom

I quite love this 360 video virtual tour of London from Sygic Travel. It takes you around to the top tourist destinations in London and its commentary gives you insight into what you might want to see for yourself. Popular landmarks, buildings and parks. Where to eat and drink. Check it out!

Best Virtual Tours of Cities of the World: North America

13. city virtual tour of quebec city (canada).

You definitely feel the charm of Old Quebec City in this 360 video virtual tour from Quebec region.

Take in the gorgeous views of the St. Lawrence River from a pretty promenade and as you descend along a tram. Chuckle (and watch your step) at the Breakneck Staircase and pan around to the cute shops along the narrow stone streets. Did you know that Rue du Petit-Champlain is the oldest commercial street in North America?

Want to visit for real? Check out QUEBEC Getaways for Couples !

14. City Virtual Tour of New York City (United States)

Virtual tour of NYC, Brooklyn Bridge in New York City

New York City is certainly among the most fascinating cities of the world. And, of course, there are a few city virtual tours through NYC! Which one will be your favorite depends on a lot of things.

Here are my favorite three for you to check out:

New York City 360 video city virtual tour from Captivision. This virtual tour hits most of the top tourist destinations in the city, along with helpful commentary.
Here’s a very enjoyable 360 video virtual tour of New York City’s best views from The 360 Guy, including some less-known sights.
If you want a more in-depth experience of New York City, take a guided tour through NYC Central Park with YouVisit.

Ready to plan your trip? Check out Where to Stay in Manhattan , Brooklyn, Staten Island , Queens and The Bronx !

15. City Virtual Tour of Austin, Texas (United States)

Virtual tour of Austin, Texas, travel United States

Here’s a fun city virtual tour of Austin, Texas from YouVisit with spectacular 360 photos. Explore parks and bridges with very pretty views. Famous buildings and city streets. Even a salt lick BBQ and brewery … complete with the barrel room tour! When you see small images in the bottom-right corner, click for more 360 views.

You may also like: ROMANTIC Getaway in Texas and Across the USA

16. City Virtual Tour of Mexico City (Mexico)

Check out the Mexico City virtual tour with vagabrothers. It includes commentary of some of Mexico City’s top tourist destinations, including Zocalo Square, Palacio de Bellas Artes, and Casa Azul – Frida Kahlo Museum. Learn more about local mural artists and Mexico City’s street art, too!

Also check out Inspiring OUTDOOR DECOR Items for Travel Lovers

17. City Virtual Tour of Havana (Cuba)

VR Gorilla has a TON of 360 video virtual tours I’m sure you’ll love. Below you’ll find a link to their YouTube channel, and I encourage you to explore!

One of my favorite city virtual tours is the one VR Gorilla did of Havana , Cuba. It’s only 3 minutes long, but has a fun vibe of exploring Havana’s main spots and includes commentary. Visit historical squares and ocean views, and even go for a ride in a hot-pink classic car. SO. FUN.

Of these virtual tours of cities, which is YOUR favorite? Which style of city virtual tour do you prefer: stunning aerials or immersive street views? Educational commentary or just the ambience of the area?

Remember to capture your travel bucket list ideas in one place! My travel bucket list post includes a free fillable PDF template and a how-to guide. It’ll take you from brainstorming to prioritizing, so you make those trips happen!

BEST YouTube Channels for Virtual Tours of Cities of the World

To see all of the city virtual tours above that are on YouTube, check out my YouTube playlist .

And if you want to see MORE virtual tours of cities of the world, check out the YouTube channels of some of the best 360 videos out there:

VR Gorilla : Find TONS of fantastic 360 video virtual tours from around the world. If you’re looking for more great city virtual tours, check out their guided tours playlist . It includes the greats, like Vienna and Amsterdam.
Sygic Travel : This is such a fantastic YouTube channel for planning your next trip! Their playlist tab organizes all of their videos according to city. Each playlist opens with an introductory video and then deep-dives into specific tourist destinations in that area.
Captivision : Keep an eye on this YouTube channel! Even though it only has 12 videos at the time of writing this, they already have more than 65K subscribers. It’s because they do a great job of moving you through cool places with their quality 360 video virtual tours, with commentary.
Prowalk Tours : This YouTube channel features walking tours through a bunch of beautiful places in Italy. Here’s the 360 video playlist , which includes a walk through Herculaneum (1.5 hours) and a scooter ride along the Amalfi Coast. WOW.
AirPano : Most of AirPano’s 360 video virtual tours are aerial shots set to music, but you’ll also find a few with good commentary. Check out their playlist of cities in 360 videos .
Andy Kay : These 360 videos take you to fascinating cities in places I know very little about, like Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. Enjoy the soft music mixed with city ambience. There’s no commentary; just you and lots of time to pan and relax.

Enjoyed these city virtual tours? SHARE with your FRIENDS!

Inspired to get a VR headset?

It’s easy to turn these interactive 360 videos into immersive VR videos. You can get a low-cost Google Cardboard VR headset to use with your smartphone YouTube app. Or, get a stand-alone VR headset ; a very respected brand brand is Oculus . Enjoy!

Here are other posts you might like:

BEST Virtual Tours of Famous Historic Sites
CRAZY Virtual Tours of Extreme Sports and Adventure Travel
Trip Planning Step 1: Define YOUR Perfect Experience

And if you just want MORE virtual tours, here’s all of the posts in my best-of virtual tours series .

Featured photo credit (Singapore): Coleen Rivas from Unsplash

Add a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Plan your ROMANTIC getaway with our eBook, available in our TRAVEL PRINTABLES store Dismiss

Epic Travel Plans to Beautiful Places to Visit Around the World, Melk Austria, Europe

Sign up now to receive your fillable PDF templates for building your travel bucket list and planning those epic trips! Plus, monthly inspiration and tips to make those "wow" trips happen.

Unsubscribe at any time. But we don't think you'll want to.

Best virtual tours you can take online now — enjoy a free digital vacation

Visit the Faroe Islands or a Paris art museum right on your laptop

Virtual tours — they’re the internet’s greatest gift to social distancing, travel-deprived individuals with a wanderlust itch they can’t scratch due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We can’t physically visit the Faroe Islands’ windswept mountains nor can we feast our eyes on the Louvre’s artsy masterpieces, but thanks to remote tourism, travel lovers can experience both locales with virtual tours here and here , respectively — all while being couch potatoes in our living rooms.

The best VR-ready laptops in 2020
HP Valve and Microsoft tease a new VR headset on Steam
We tried the first augmented reality laptop , and it's awesome

We’ve scoured the far corners of the internet for the best virtual tours — I’m talking 360-degree panoramic views, high-definition imagery and interactive engagement with far-flung environments that you could only dream of visiting. Some virtual tours are even optimized for VR headsets .

Categorized by six continents — Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, Australia/Oceania and South America — here are the most amazing virtual tours you can experience in the comfort of your own home.

The best virtual tours in Europe

Sinking one’s feet into the unforgiving cobblestone roads that populate Europe’s ancient, beautiful cities isn’t an option for many travel enthusiasts right now, but thankfully, the internet has provided us with a cornucopia of stunning virtual tours — and your soles will thank you for laying back and enjoy the remote-tourism experience without putting a foot on the ground.

Czech Republic: Prague

This beguiling nighttime virtual tour of Prague will have you scribbling “Czech Republic” on your must-see travel list. On this virtual tour, you can feast your eyes on a pretty-as-a-picture, bird’s eye view of the Charles Bridge — a historic structure that was built to completion in 1402. You can also look across The Vltava, the longest river in the Czech Republic. This virtual tour includes 360-degree panoramic views and ethereal, magical music that will transform you into another world.

Stay in the know with Laptop Mag

Get our in-depth reviews, helpful tips, great deals, and the biggest news stories delivered to your inbox.

Spain: The National Museum of Sculpture

This immersive virtual tour of Spain’s National Museum of Sculpture features not one, not two, but 30 — yes, that’s right, 30 -- 360-degree rooms that allow you to explore the museum’s stately (and informative) interior. You can hop from room to room and zoom in on intricate sculptural details by clicking on magnifying glass symbols. You can also wander around the museum’s patio and marvel at the building’s magnificent architecture. As a cherry on top, a traditional Spanish folk song plays in the background while you weave in and out of the museum’s exhibits.

Portugal: The Pena Palace

Virtual tour of Penal Palace in Portugal

The best virtual tours in North America

Two of the best North American virtual tours are located in the good ol’ USA — these remote-tourism visual masterpieces will have you singing, “America the Beautiful.” From a mesmerizing national park to a state with rich colonial history, you’ll find yourself getting lost in deeply engaging tours. Finally, you’ll be able to visit Mexico and explore the sacred, ancient Mayan ruins.

California: Yosemite National Park

There’s no way to fully explore the Yosemite National Park virtual tour in one sitting — there are more than 130 sites to visit right from your couch. You can bask in the beauty of California’s stunning waterfalls, spin around in vibrant meadows, and take in nature’s grandeur as you stand on imposing cliffs. Clicking on red points populated throughout the virtual tour will transport you to a different location in the park. The virtual tour also captures the true-to-life ambiance of each scene with accurate audio — from the chitchatter of fellow tourists to the burble of a fast-moving creek.

Kentucky: Lexington

This remote-tourism platform is particularly special because of its mish mash of engaging features, including aerial views that let you soar through the sky from one site to another. You can also explore Lexington on foot and take a peek inside popular political figures’ estates. My favorite part of the Lexington virtual tour was visiting the quaint home of Mary Todd, Abraham Lincoln’s wife. And as an added bonus, this virtual tour supports VR headsets.

Mexico: Chichen Itza

The best virtual tours in Asia

Skip the super-long flight to Asia and absorb the continent’s most beautifully striking locales right on your laptop. The best Asia-based virtual tours will have you exploring the depths of a mind-blogging cave in Vietnam, strolling through vibrant tourist attractions in Thailand and gawking over scenic vistas in Bali. It’s too bad, though, that we can’t chow down on delicious, authentic Asian dishes such as pho, spicy shrimp soup and Indonesian fried rice.

Vietnam: Hang Son Doong

Prepare to be amazed! National Geographic is offering a picturesque look inside the world’s largest cave — Hang Son Doong in Vietnam. The virtual tour features a map on the right-hand side; you can click on various points of interest throughout the map to navigate to a place that arouses your curiosity. You can also click the on-screen arrows and the tour will lead you deeper into the colossal cave. The high-definition imagery heightens your senses — you can almost “feel” the textured aspects of the cave, including the rugged rocks and dewy vegetation.

Indonesia: Bali

Bali is an Indonesian archipelago — and a masterpiece of nature that was carved by a talented divine being. See for yourself in this postcard-perfect virtual tour , which features more than 50 points of interest, including rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches and rich-blue lagoons.

Thailand: The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is the eclectic architectural splendor of Bangkok, filled with multi-tiered roofs, golden spires and intricately decorated statues. Check it out in this magnificent virtual tour.

The best virtual tours in Africa

With more than 50 countries to choose from, the African continent seduces tourists with its exquisite views from Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro to the steep descent of Zambia’s Victoria Falls. With these virtual tours, you can get a taste of the natural wonders (and historical treasures) that Africa has to offer.

Egypt: Tomb of Menna

Of all the tours I’ve discovered, this one is by far the most immersive — this virtual tour of the Tomb of Menna isn’t just a 360-degree image. Oh no, it’s far better than that. You can explore every nook and cranny of this ancient tomb, which is decorated with well-preserved Egyptian wall paintings and hieroglyphics. Other Egyptian virtual tours you should check out are the Tomb of Queen Meresankh III , The Red Monastery and The Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan.

South Africa: The Msanzi Experience

This virtual tour invites you to explore the hidden wonders of South Africa, including three spectacular national parks. Before each tour, you’ll get whisked away into an awe-inspiring video that succinctly describes the site you’re about to visit (you can always skip this).

You can stand on the rocky edge of Table Mountain and ogle at the beautiful city of Cape Town. Or you can visit an elephant graveyard and the iconic Hole-in-the-Wall — an extraordinary natural arch.

Ethiopia: Bete Giyorgis

Bete Giyorgis is a striking structure that was carved out of a single rock dozens of feet below the surface. Archaeologists date Bete Giyorgis back to the late 12th century. The cross-shaped underground wonder continues to draw curious tourists from all over the world, but this virtual tour gives you up-close access to Bete Giyorgis without moving a muscle. To navigate to other perspectives of the Bete Giyorgis, you can click on the tiny yellow camera icons on the map or scroll through the bottom carousel.

The best virtual tours in Australia/Oceania

Australia and Oceania may seem like out-of-reach locales for now, but I've discovered some virtual tours that will make these picturesque regions seem like a quick click away.

Australia: Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park

What makes the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park virtual tour unique is that it is populated with music note icons. When you click on one, you can hear the locals’ thought-provoking perspectives on the unspoiled natural beauty of the far-reaching park located in the Northern Territory of Australia.

New Zealand: Fiordland

Holy smokes! Welcome to paradise, folks. This heart-stopping virtual tour will take your breath away. As you’re hovering above the landscape, AirPano offers you a scenic slice of heaven in a little place called New Zealand. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Manapouri reflect the grandiose mountains of Fiordland — it is a spectacular sight.

Tahiti: The Museum of Tahiti

Polynesian culture is so much more than hippy Tahitian dancing and bright, colorful flower headdresses — Tahiti has a rich cultural history and The Museum of Tahiti has captured snapshots of the fascinating story behind the island paradise. There are several exhibits you can explore in this virtual tour , including the spiritual saga of Tahitian locals.

The best virtual tours in South America

South America is exploding with rich history and well-preserved traditional culture, but you don't have to miss out on the region's splendor due to the pandemic. Here are the best virtual tours of South America.

Peru: Lima

British Airways is sponsoring virtual tours that reveal the many electrifying sides of Lima, including the famed 15th-century Inca citadel Machu Picchu. It’s a smart business move for British Airways — virtual tours are a perfect way to build a niche of eager tourists who will jump at the opportunity to take a flight to Lima when COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted. And we won’t hesitate to take advantage of the free digital entry into Lima right on our laptops.

Brazil: Rio de Janeiro

It’s unfortunate that a virus is hindering our travel to Rio de Janeiro, but on the plus side, you can skip the super-long Christ the Redeemer queue (which some say takes hours) and explore the most popular Brazilian landmark without having to wait a second with this virtual tour . You should also check out Ipanema Beach and the Corcovado Viewpoint .

Argentina: Buenos Aires

With this virtual tour , you can almost hear the Argentinian tango music emanating from your laptop. The remote-tourism platform will give you a bird’s eye view of Buenos Aires — and unless you snagged a helicopter ride, it’s a perspective you could ever experience on foot in the bustling Argentinian city.

Bottom line

At Laptop Mag, we’re known for being thorough when it comes to the tech we’re passionate about — and virtual tours are no different. I dug through the far corners of the web to discover the best virtual tours I could find for readers who’ve been yearning to escape their hometown as the viral pandemic anchors us all.

While we immerse ourselves into virtual tours from all over the world, I can’t help but marvel at technology’s ability to rise to the occasion when humans suffer setbacks, whether it’s Microsoft Teams and Zoom calls to connect remote co-workers or virtual tours to remedy our insatiable itch to travel.

Kimberly Gedeon, holding a Master's degree in International Journalism, launched her career as a journalist for MadameNoire's business beat in 2013. She loved translating stuffy stories about the economy, personal finance and investing into digestible, easy-to-understand, entertaining stories for young women of color. During her time on the business beat, she discovered her passion for tech as she dove into articles about tech entrepreneurship, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the latest tablets. After eight years of freelancing, dabbling in a myriad of beats, she's finally found a home at Laptop Mag that accepts her as the crypto-addicted, virtual reality-loving, investing-focused, tech-fascinated nerd she is. Woot!

Meta just took a bold step to try to beat Apple Vision Pro with Horizon OS

HyperX Cloud Alpha wireless gaming headset with 300 hour battery life hits lowest price of the year

The new FCC net neutrality rules have a gaping loophole

Rosie Fitzgerald | 01 May 2020

19 immersive tours and virtual experiences in europe.

Whether you're looking for culture, history, adventure or wildlife, you can discover it all from home on these virtual European tours...

Europe offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether you want to explore the grounds of a castle, learn about the history of Pompeii, watch birdlife in action or walk across a mountain range, there's an experience for you.

For now, you'll have to settle for seeing Europe from your sofa. With plenty of virtual experiences on offer, it should be a breeze. Simply search based on your interests, or keep scrolling for the full guide...

Top virtual experiences for culture seekers

Top virtual experiences for foodies

Top virtual tours for history buffs

Top virtual experiences for wildlife enthusiasts

5 immersive virtual experiences for culture seekers

1. admire andy warhol's art at the tate modern, england.

Admire Andy Warhol's work on a virtual tour through the Tate Modern (Shutterstock)

Featuring iconic images of Marilyn Monroe and Campbell's soup cans, Andy Warhol's colourful pop art is among some of the most recognisable in the world.

Learn more about the man behind the work on this insightful virtual tour of his exhibition in London's Tate Modern.

Take the tour

2. Explore the Strada Nuova Museums in Genoa, Italy

Palazzo Rosso is one of three castles making up the Strada Nuova Museums (Shutterstock)

Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Bianco and Palazzo Tursi are all separate and magnificent 16th-century palaces, but it is what they all share that's most of interest.

Together, the three neighbouring palaces make up the Strada Nuova Museums, which houses an extensive and impressive collection of ancient art.

Take this virtual tour to take a closer look at the portraits hanging inside.

3. Take a city tour of Gdańsk , Poland

Walk the colourful streets of Gdańsk, Poland (Shutterstock)

With a picturesque waterfront, cobbled streets in the Old Town, spindly spires topping colourful buildings and rich, maritime history - Gdańsk is the type of city where you can't take two steps without wanting to stop and take a photo.

Get a taste of vibrant Gdańsk with this virtual walking tour, which allows you to peruse the main sites and soak up the bustling atmosphere, without having to leave your house.

4. Explore the Vatican in Vatican City

Virtually explore the Vatican (Shutterstock)

There's nothing like seeing the Sistine Chapel in real life.

Hearing the echo of your footsteps in the otherwise empty hall, and tilting your head back to scour at every detail of Michelangelo's masterpieces, painted on the ceiling.

But nothing gets closer to the real thing than this 360-degree virtual tour. Y ou'll be able to marvel the paintings for as long as you desire, without getting neck ache - the ability to zoom in and out means you can appreciate the full scale of art, narrowing in on particular details.

This isn't the only part of the Vatican you're able to see virtually. The tour also includes online interactive visits to the Pio Clementino Museum, Chiaramonti Museum and the Niccoline Chapel, among others.

5. Step inside the Palace of Versailles, France

Virtually tour the Palace of Versailles, France (Shutterstock)

With 2,300 rooms spread over 63,154 sq m, the 17th century Palace of Versailles has rightly been a World Heritage Site for more than 30 years.

It's around half an hour away from Paris by car, but now, you can see the glittering royal home from the comfort of your living room.

A partnership with Google means there are now a selection of virtual tours that allow you to see the paintings, engravings and sculptures up close - and learn about their significance.

There are many virtual exhibitions to choose from. The Louis XIV/Nicolas Fouquet: A Certain History of Taste tour teaches you what these two powerful men had in common in their artistic choices, while the Louis XIV: The Construction of a Political Image tour focusses on the many portraits of the past King, explaining how he used art to maintain his influence.

Explore exhibitions covering science, fashion, royalty and the history of the palace itself, too.

Like these? Explore more virtual tours of the world's best museums

4 delicious virtual experiences for foodies , 1. get a taste of france with this onion soup.

Cook a French onion soup (Shutterstock)

France is undoubtedly one of the world's great culinary capitals. So what better way to get a sense of travel here than to taste the country's food?

Onion soup is a popular dish in France, and makes a hearty lunch or starter. Follow this recipe and have your own French dining experience at home.

See the recipe

2. Sample Borough Market's finest, England

Discover the delights of Borough Market from home (Shutterstock)

London's bustling Borough Market is a travel experience full of bright fruit and vegetables, cheerful vendors and mouth-watering smells.

The popular market may be closed for now due to coronavirus, but the bustle of this community is still very much in action.

Check out the Borough Market Community Facebook page to join this community, learn new recipes and find top tips for locating local produce.

Find out more

3. Cook authentic Italian food

Cook Italian food (Shutterstock)

Join Grandma Nerina in her kitchen in rural Italy to learn the secrets of Italian cooking and create your own authentic and fresh pasta dish.

Cook alongside Nerina, or simply watch her at work, all while listening to her fascinating stories, giving you an insight into Italian culture. You can even take a virtual walking tour around the Medieval village where Nerina lives.

4. Try a taste of tradition in Germany

Cook German food from home (Shutterstock)

Sausage, stews and comforting pies - German cuisine is hearty, filling and well-loved the world over. Of course, its best tried in the country itself, though these authentic recipes are guaranteed to take you there with just one bite.

The 600 year-old Thüringer bratwurst recipe, Aachener printen (ginger bread) and Bavarian bread dumplings are just a few of our favourites. They're all available to download for free, too.

See the recipes

5 best virtual tours for history lovers

1. explore the batalha monastery, portugal .

Virtually explore the Batalha Monastery, Portugal (Shutterstock)

Head back in time to 1385 on this immersive and historic tour of Portugal's Batalha Monastery. You'll learn all about Portugal's victory in the Battle of Aljubarrota, which took place close by.

You'll also be able to admire the monastery's incredible architecture, as well as the sculptures that stand inside.

2. Look around Acropolis, Athens

Acropolis of Athens (Shutterstock)

Think of the Greek capital and this large, crumbling, colonnaded building standing stoically on the cliffs likely comes to mind. It may be over 2,400 years old, but this ancient site still denotes power and importance.

Greece may be closed off to tourists for the time being, but one of its most iconic archaeological wonders can still be explored.

With a video showing Acropolis from above and the view from the ground, paired with detailed information about its history, this virtual tour is an interactive and informative way to experience Greece's symbol of democracy.

3. Explore Drachenburg Castle , Germany

Explore Drachenburg Castle (Shutterstock)

You can tell the Drachenburg Castle is steeped in history just from one look. The castle sits on a hilltop and is crowned by fairy tale-esque towers, offering picture-perfect views over the Rhine River

This virtual tour of Drachenburg Castle gets you onto street view, so you can 'walk' the grounds at your leisure.

4. Step inside the Tower of London

The Tower of London (Shutterstock)

The Tower of London is in the heart of England's capital. The stony, square-shaped fort remains is a popular destination with people from all over the world.

Not only does the building house the crown jewels, but it's also thousands of years old, and with time comes many fascinating (often gory) stories of those who spent their final days imprisoned inside.

This virtual tour pairs 360-degree photos and street walking options with detailed accounts of the tower's past.

5. Soak up the history of Pompeii, Italy

Explore Pompeii from home (Shutterstock)

This ancient city in Italy is famously preserved in ash, following a deadly volcano eruption hundreds of years ago.

This virtual tour shows you what the site looks like now, while also filling you in on what life would have been like before the tragic volcano eruption that froze Pompeii in time took place.

5 incredible virtual experiences for getting closer to nature

1. go for a walk in denmark's countryside .

Walk across the Rabjerg Mile, Denmark (Shutterstock)

Visit Denmark has put together a list of seven nature-filled walks that you can experience from your living room.

Whether you want to experience a moving sand dune or spot birds along Horsens Fjords, these virtual walks will make you feel closer to nature.

2. Admire tulips in the Netherlands

Virtually admire Holland's tulips (Shutterstock)

Neat rows of brightly coloured tulips are sure to lighten up even the bleakest of days. That's just one reason why the Netherlands remains popular with travellers across the globe.

This virtual experience allows you to see the flowers from every angle, so you can truly appreciate the size, beauty and variation of colour among the tulip fields.

3. Watch wild badgers in Cumbria, England

Spot badgers in Cumbria (Shutterstock)

Keep a careful eye on this live webcam, and you'll likely see a badger or two walking past.

The European badger, with its burglar-striped faces, is extremely rare and hard to spot in the wild. However, the staff of the Badger Bar & Restaurant noticed a family living nearby and left food out for them, upping the chance of seeing them.

Since the COVID-19 lockdown, the Cumbria Wildlife Trust has been keeping an eye on these shy creatures. For your best chance of a sighting, watch the live feed at dusk on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

4. Watch ospreys in Estonia

Watch an osprey live cam in Estonia (Shutterstock)

These huge birds of prey have almost a hypnotic affect on those who spot them majestically gliding through the sky. Their wingspans can be as long as 180cm.

Get a closer look by watching this live cam in Estonia. The incredible footage allows you to see straight inside an osprey nest, where you can admire the youngster and watch its mother come and go with food.

5. See puffins up close in Alderney

See puffins in the Channel Islands (Shutterstock)

Did you know that puffins sometimes fight with rabbits? If you don't believe us, then take a look for yourself.

Alderney, one of the Channel Islands, has set up three cams to keep an eye on the comings and goings of the popular puffins. Whether you want to enjoy a rare up-close view or see the whole colony from a distance, the webcams give you a real insight into these beautiful birds' lives.

More virtual experiences:

Our guide to the best virtual tours of africa, 12 immersive virtual experiences of north america, incredible virtual experiences of latin america, related articles, looking for inspiration.

Join our newsletter

Get the very best of Wanderlust by signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers.

Virtual Experiences
In-Person Experiences
Hybrid Experiences
Social Calendar [New]
Experience FAQ
Features & Benefits
How Pricing Works
Client Testimonials
Happiness Guarantee
Blog Articles
Video Library
View Experiences

Online Virtual Tours: The 69 BEST to Explore in 2024

You found our list of the best online virtual tours !

Virtual tours are online experiences that enable visitors to experience museums, zoos, national parks, landmarks, and attractions. These tours use methods such as 360 pictures, satellite imagery, virtual reality, or video conferencing to bring famous sites into living rooms or classrooms. The purpose of these tours is to inspire, entertain and educate audiences. These experiences are also called “online tours.”

These tours are popular virtual field trips and can be fun online classroom activities .

This post includes:

virtual museum tours
online tours of national parks
virtual zoo tours

So, here is the list!

List of virtual museum tours

Here is a list of online museum tours that are perfect for both adults and kids. We also have a list of virtual museum scavenger hunt templates for you to use.

1. Smithsonian

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History offers a self-guided virtual tour of current and past museum exhibits. This experience includes narrated components, accessible via computer or smartphone. The Smithsonian also offers virtual experiences for its other institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery, National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the National Museum of the American Indian.

Visit the Smithsonian .

2. British Museum

The British Museum hosts an online “Museum of the World” that enables visitors to browse exhibits by area of origin, era, and subject matter. For example, you can search the collection by themes like “power and identity” or “art and design.” Each digital exhibit includes a picture, description, audio file, and links to related artifacts.

Visit British Museum .

Get our free team building toolbox

icebreaker games
bingo cards

3. Auschwitz

This virtual tour of Auschwitz offers a panoramic birds eye view of the camps, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau, along with clickable descriptions of each area. Online visitors can also switch to an illustrated map of the grounds to better understand the scope of the concentration camps. The online tour is available in both English and Polish.

Visit Auschwitz .

4. Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House welcomes visitors from around the world with digital experiences such as video, virtual reality, 360° photos of the Frank home, and translations of the diary in over 20 languages. Virtual visitors can also browse a pocket gallery by downloading the app.

Visit Anne Frank House .

5. 9/11 Memorial & Museum

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum website has a learn and explore feature which includes live, guide-led panoramic virtual tours of the rebuilt center, interactive videos, and webinar stories. The site also recommends activities to do at home with children to simulate the museum’s activity stations.

Visit 9/11 Memorial & Museum .

6. Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums provides an online experience consisting of 360° high resolution photos of over a dozen features such as the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Rooms. The website also grants web access to archaeological areas, various departments, and a searchable online catalogue.

Visit Vatican Museums .

7. Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien in Austria hosts a digital museum consisting of an online collection, artist talks and lectures, podcasts and Spotify series, and high resolution images of works and galleries. The museum also has its own app that enables online walk-throughs, including specialty tours for children.

Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien .

8. National Museum (New Delhi)

New Delhi’s National Museum, often called the National Museum of India, displays the largest collection of art and artifacts in the country. The institution’s Museum at Home web portal consists of dozens of videos depicting sculptures, artifacts, and customs, with accompanying cultural analysis from curators. The site also links to several 360° and 3-D virtual galleries that enable online walk-throughs of the building.

Visit the National Museum (New Delhi) .

9. National Palace Museum & the Forbidden City (Beijing)

The National Palace Museum sits in the heart of Beijing and houses centuries worth of art and history. The museum building is a monument to classic Chinese architecture, as is the surrounding palace complex, the Forbidden City. Virtual visitors can tour works inside the museum and stroll through the outer courtyards by indulging in interactive and immersive virtual and VR tours. Both options give viewers the opportunity to explore the grounds up close without navigating the crowds.

Visit National Palace Museum and the Forbidden City .

10. Pergamonmuseum

Pergamonmuseum in Berlin contains a wealth of art and archaeological treasures, and curators give home viewers a glimpse into the collections through several online exhibits on Google Arts & Culture. The collection includes over 1,000 images of objects made of clay, metal, copper, and gemstone, originating in regions such as Iran, Spain, Turkey, and Germany.

Visit Pergamonmuseum .

11. National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia offers free one hour digital excursions to schools that cannot visit the museum in person. The tours are available on weekdays between 9:30-10:30 am or at other times by request, and accommodate groups of 10 to 30 students. Classes meet with museum staff via Zoom and complete missions based around themes like the fight for indigenous rights. Virtual exhibition gallery tours are also available on occasion.

Visit the National Museum of Australia and check out these Indigenous Peoples Day ideas .

The Louvre virtual tour consists of 360° panoramic views of exhibit halls such as Egyptian Antiquities and the ruins of the Louvre Moat. By downloading a special app, visitors can also experience Mona Lisa in virtual reality. The museum website hosts multimedia online exhibitions of famous works such as Portrait of the Marquise de Pompadour and Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss.

Visit the Louvre .

13. Guggenheim

The Guggenheim museum offers staff facilitated online tours for students ranging from kindergarten to grade 12. Educators can book interactive, real-time tours for classes that engage students and enable question and answer sessions. Tours are no cost for New York City public schools. For other districts the tours are less than $100, and discounted rates are available. Tours have a maximum of 30 participants, meaning groups are sure to receive an intimate experience.

Visit Guggenheim .

14. Musée d’Orsay

The Google Arts tour of the Musée d’Orsay includes background and history on the museum building, as well as images, descriptions, and details of some of the museum’s most famous works. For example, the collection includes Van Gogh’s Self Portrait , James McNeill Whistler’s Whistler’s Mother , and Bartholdi’s Liberty .

Visit Musée d’Orsay .

15. Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is a Dutch National Museum that hosts an impressive array of art and history. Rijksmuseum’s virtual tour, which includes a Rijksmuseum from home series, consists of high definition pictures, videos, and audio narration that details seminal works inside the museum. The experience also includes interactive components such as a “find the key” challenge and creative tutorials.

Visit Rijksmuseum .

16. Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City launched a virtual views series which enables website visitors to browse rotating online exhibits. As part of the series, the MoMA site also hosts virtual events with components such as live Q&A sessions with artists and curators, readings and theatrical performances, 3-D renderings, and interactive games.

Visit MoMA .

17. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met 360° Project is a collection of six wide-lens videos compatible with both virtual reality systems, or regular computer screens or smartphones. Virtual viewers take a point-of-view tour of museum areas such as the Great Hall, the Met Cloisters, and the Arms and Armor Gallery, set to a soundtrack of instrumental music. The Met website also hosts an Art at Home series that offers up close virtual access and analysis to famous works, as well as videos of conservation projects and instructions for art projects.

Visit the MET .

18. Paul J. Getty Museum

The Google Arts & Culture online tour of the Getty Museum spans dozens of exhibits with thousands of digital artifacts. Pieces span as far back as the eighth century until modern times, with notable pieces including The Virgin Mary with Saints Thomas Aquinas and Paul , Rembrandt Laughing , and Irises .

Visit the Getty Museum .

19. Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago facilitates online visits consisting of virtual video and audio tours, searchable online collections, digital publications, as well as online lesson plans and art projects. There is even an “Ask an Educator” form that enables parents or teachers to communicate with museum staff who hand-pick resources to assist with lessons planning.

Visit the Art Institute of Chicago .

20. National Gallery of Art (Washington D.C.)

The National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. website hosts digital perspectives, virtual exhibitions, and digital collections. The online experience also includes streamable films visitors can watch online.

Visit the National Gallery of Art .

21. The National Gallery (London)

The National Gallery of London offers immersive virtual tours accessible via smartphone, computer, or virtual reality headset. Through three different remote tours, virtual visitors can explore multiple wings of the museum, 18+ rooms, and 300+ paintings. The Gallery’s robust social media presence promotes further interaction with online art.

Visit The National Gallery .

22. Uffizi Gallery

The Google Arts & Culture Tour of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence explores four online exhibitions and hundreds of pieces of arts and artifacts, many in the Renaissance style. Notable pieces include Birth of Venus by Botecelli, Portraits of the Duke & Duchess of Urbino by Piero Della Francesca, and Madonna of the Goldfinch by Raphael.

Visit Uffizi Gallery .

23. Frida Kahlo Museum

The virtual tour of the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City is one of the most colorful museum tours online. Virtual visitors tour various areas of the grounds in a 360°, up close experience. The colors of the architecture and artifacts are works of art in themselves, and are sure to brighten viewers’ days. The website offers additional resources including downloadable photos, videos, quotes, and even recipes.

Visit Frida Kahlo Museum .

24. Russian Museum

The Virtual Russian Museum is a web portal consisting of several digital resources such as online lectures, virtual 3-D walk through tours of the museum complex with accompanying audio, and a multimedia center. The multimedia component of the virtual branch includes digital content and displays, broadcasts and video conferencing, and interactive web workshops.

Visit Russian Museum .

25. Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum contains artworks and antiquities dating back several centuries, and displays over 100 digital images of textiles, clay-ware, ceramics, and similar artifacts on its Google Arts & Culture tour. During this remote museum tour, virtual visitors peruse Asian art and conduct Google Earth walk-throughs of museum galleries.

Visit Tokyo National Museum .

26. National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea

This online tour of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Korea enables web visitors to explore the country’s unique culture and heritage. The tour includes multiple online exhibits, hundreds of pieces of modern artwork, and several floors of the building, including sections of the outdoor sculpture garden.

Visit the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art .

27. MASP – Museu de Arte de São Paulo

The Museu de Arte de São Paulo has an impressive online presence with over 1,000 images of paintings, photographs, and objects in its Google Arts & Culture collection. Online visitors can delve into South American art and culture by exploring online exhibits and browsing through digital collections. The Google App also enables virtual reality tours of the museum via smartphone.

Visit MASP – Museu de Arte de São Paulo .

28. Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston offers free interactive virtual learning experiences like an online Apollo 13 exhibit, video series, and an app that offers mobile tours plus augmented reality and virtual reality experiences. The center also occasionally hosts virtual stargazing camp-outs and suggests at home science experiments and games. Plus, the website is a wealth of online outer space resources.

Visit Space Center Houston .

29. American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History suggests several options for virtual visits. These options include virtual field trips, an “inside the museum” high resolution picture tour, guided tours on Facebook live, and an expedition app experience that includes quizzes and exhibit highlights.

Visit American Museum of Natural History .

30. Oxford University’s History of Science Museum

The Oxford History of Science Museum website displays past exhibits so virtual visitors can learn more about concepts such as antibiotics, the human brain, and the Transit of Venus. The format of each online exhibit varies, but most contain, at minimum, sample images and descriptions.

Visit Oxford University’s History of Science Museum .

31. The National Museum of the United States Air Force

The National Museum of the United States Air Force provides digital resources such as 360° photo cockpit tours, podcasts, and videos. The site also supplies lesson plans broken down by grade level, with extras like aircraft coloring pages and word searches.

Visit The National Museum of the United States Air Force .

32. The National Museum of Computing

The National Museum of Computing offers a comprehensive 3D virtual tour of the entire museum, with multiple touch-points explaining the significance of fixtures. The online walk-through enables a point-of-view, clickable dollhouse tour of the entire building, with a wealth of supplemental materials like videos, audio files, and documents. For a fee, the museum also arranges curated virtual tours that form a more personalized experience.

Visit The National Museum of Computing .

33. Boston Museum of Science

Boston’s premier science museum presents a Museum of Science at Home experience consisting of virtual exhibits, daily live streams, podcasts, town halls, and family STEM activities. The museum provides digital programs for both adults and children, with highlights including live social events, an ant colony webcam, and stimulating multimedia content.

Visit the Boston Museum of Science .

34. Glazer Children’s Museum

The Glazer Children’s Museum website hosts virtual experiences such as digital field trips and weekly facilitated live Zoom play sessions. These sessions have educational themes like music and movement or STEM. The site also publishes content designed for anytime learning, such as instructional videos and blog posts that lead visitors through at-home art projects, science experiments, and story-time.

Visit Glazer Children’s Museum .

35. Children’s Museum Houston

The Children’s Museum Houston advertises an ongoing all-time access program. This program provides regular content such as 3-D digital field trips, virtual adventure camps, daily broadcasted project tutorials, webinar workshops, and video call-in shows. The museum also has a free smartphone app for additional at-home adventures.

Visit Children’s Museum Houston .

36. Children’s Museum Indianapolis

Children’s Museum Indianapolis provides a museum at home experience including ongoing virtual events, digital museum programs, follow-along hands-on activities, and virtual birthday parties. The museum also creates holiday-themed downloadable activity bundles and resources for teachers.

Visit Children’s Museum Indianapolis .

37. The Strong National Museum of Play

The Strong museum in Rochester, NY, examines the history of playtime throughout recent history. Its online exhibits follow fun themes such as “Pinball in America”, “The History of Valentines”, and the Oregon Trail computer games. The online collection hosts a staggering 77,000+ images, many of which are designs for games throughout the decades.

Visit The Strong National Museum of Play .

38. Boston Children’s Museum

The Boston Children’s Museum website provides learning resources including weekly activitiy emails, Mad Libs, and links to mini digital museums and interactive apps. This section of the museum’s website has many tools to keep kids occupied for hours.

Visit Boston Children’s Museum .

List of online national park tours

Here is a list of national parks to visit online.

A simple interface for a virtual national park tour

39. Joshua Tree

A virtual tour to Joshua Tree includes video, readable web content, photos and other multimedia. To captivate younger visitors, the park posts digital scavenger hunts, a junior ranger program, and guest speaker series. Educators can schedule virtual field trips with park rangers centered around topics such as plants and animals, rocks and minerals, and weather and erosion.

Visit Joshua Tree .

40. Zion National Park

An online visit to Zion National Park includes virtual hikes and shuttle tours, along with a free app that launches a historical exploration of the region. Web visitors explore the canyons in virtual reality from multiple vantage points, exploring the terrain from the comfort of the couch.

Visit Zion National Park .

41. Yosemite

Virtual Yosemite provides an aerial view of the park with zoomable scenic spots. The remote park tour also features a panoramic index for easy navigation to various locales within the preservation, but visitors can also click through and rotate the views to explore more organically. Virtual Yosemite presents high resolution images of a variety of landscapes, highlighting the geographical diversity of the land.

Visit Yosemite .

42. Bryce Canyon

While not an immersive experience, the Bryce Canyon virtual tour provides pictures and descriptions of locations along the trail so that virtual visitors can imagine hikes and plan future trips. The points of the online tour outline the landscape variety of the canyon, describing sights like Mossy Cave, Swamp Canyon, and Natural Bridge.

Visit Bryce Canyon .

43. Death Valley

This 360° online tour of California’s Death Valley National Park allows visitors to pan around the attraction’s various landscapes, from dunes to craters to canyons. Each spot contains a short description of the geography. The high resolution images create a virtual reality experience that immerses viewers in the environment.

Visit Death Valley .

44. Grand Canyon

This virtual tour of the Grand Canyon consists of 3D satellite images via Google Earth. Virtual visitors can rotate or click through trails, view the canyon from above, and navigate to photos of notable landmarks like Yavapai Point and The Abyss. High resolution pictures enable cyber sightseers to take in the views without the fear of falling.

Visit the Grand Canyon .

45. Redwood National Forest

Redwood National Forest facilitates virtual reality experiences via smartphone or computer, where online visitors take in 360° canopy tours for a panoramic view of the forest. The site also hosts multimedia presentations that include narrated videos, documentaries, songs, and other educational materials.

Visit Redwood National Forest .

46. Hot Springs National Park

Exploring Arkansas’ Hot Springs National Park from home is possible thanks to a collection of photography, suggested readings, and an aerial digital map. The latter presents a birds eye view of the bath house district with clickable panoramic views inside the buildings. These resources enable virtual visitors to learn about the region’s rich cultural past and recent scientific research.

Visit Hot Springs National Park.

47. Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis provides a series of short pre-recorded videos exploring the history of the region and the exhibitions within the park, along with livestream webcam views from the top of the arch. The park website features historical analysis and photo galleries too, along with a virtual stamp for visitor’s National Park Passport books.

Visit the Gateway Arch.

48. Niagara Falls

This panoramic tour of Niagara Falls presents rotating 360° photos of park vistas such as the Cave of the Winds, Prospect Point, and the river rapids. A short description accompanies each photograph, outlining background information about the scenic spots.

Visit Niagara Falls .

49. Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park provides a robust selection of virtual experiences. The options include a 24/7 live wildlife webcam, short documentaries and educational videos, audio narrated virtual tours, and an official digital photography collection. The park website offers a free curriculum for distance learning programs as well.

Visit the Everglades .

50. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

This online multimedia presentation guides virtual viewers through the islands and volcanoes of Hawaii. The experience includes audio, video, and panoramic photography of volcanic cliffs, caverns, and rainforests. Web visitors can also explore an active volcano by joining a digital helicopter flyover and watching an eruption from the 1950s.

Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes .

51. Table Mountain and Kruger National Park

South Africa has stunning national parks. Discover Africa enables visitors to explore the sights of South Africa via immersive video and interactive panoramic photography accompanied by narration. Virtual visitors choose from five attractions, including Cape Town’s Table Mountain and Northern South Africa’s epic Kruger nature preserve. The digital experience constitutes a virtual safari that lets viewers experience the country’s diverse landscapes.

Visit Table Mountain and Kruger National Park .

52. Mount Everest

This digital rendering allows website visitors to scale the peaks of Mount Everest from behind a screen. The website is a 3D geographic model of the mountain with clickable descriptions for key peaks. While many folks will never climb Everest in person, they can explore the range through this immersive cyber expedition.

Visit Mount Everest .

53. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Phong Nha-Ke Bang in Vietnam contains one of the world’s largest caves alongside lush rainforests. Digital visitors trek through caves, viewing high resolution images and listening to realistic background sounds. The result is an immersive experience that simulates the sensation of navigating the caves in person.

Visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park .

54. Zhāngjiājiè National Forest Park

For much of the world, Zhāngjiājiè National Forest Park in China is more recognizable by sight than by name. The park’s steep, wooded cliffs appear in movies like Avatar, and the landscape looks more like a film set than a natural occurrence. Website visitors navigate between explorable panoramic views to the sounds of instrumental music for a simultaneously captivating and calming web experience.

Visit Zhāngjiājiè National Forest Park .

55. Namib Desert

This digital tour of the Namib Desert in Southern Africa gives viewers birds eye perspectives of dunes, parched plains, and rolling mist, plus vast starry skies. The high quality, panoramic images constitute virtual hikes through the vast landscape, without the scorching heat of day or the freezing chill of night.

Visit Namib Desert .

56. Banff National Park

A remote tour of Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada consists of dozens of 360* videos showing scenes like snowy canyons, serene lakes at sunset, and mountainous trails. Though short, the videos enable you to pause and take in the scenery, and watching the playlist gives online visitors the benefit of viewing the park during multiple seasons.

Visit Banff National Park .

57. Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a coastal region of Italy renowned for its colorful hillside houses. In this experience, online visitors take a panoramic photo tour of the coastline at various angles and times of days, set to a backdrop of calming music. The site also includes educational descriptions and an additional photo gallery.

Visit Cinque Terre .

List of virtual zoo tours

Here is a list of virtual zoos and aquariums that enable up-close online animal encounters.

Three girafes representing an online zoo tour

58. San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo streams live cams of animals including polar bears, tigers, penguins, baboons, and koalas, and as well as hosting highlight archive footage of past panda cams. For a fee, the zoo also offers virtual programs that enable private online encounters with animals. The website also hosts an online directory of zoo animals and plants so that virtual visitors can learn more about the zoo’s exhibits from home.

Visit the San Diego Zoo .

59. San Antonio Zoo

The San Antonio Zoo arranges online meetings between virtual visitors and animals like hippos, giraffes, and rhinos for $100. For an additional $50 fee, guests can add a question and answer session with a zookeeper. Experiences are available Tuesday through Saturday. The zoo also offers online educational workshops.

Visit the San Antonio Zoo .

60. Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo website includes a variety of live webcams with stars such as rhinos, gorillas, flamingos, and elephants. Cameras are live between 7AM and 7PM CT. The zoo also advertises live virtual experiences including web conference meet and greets with animals and virtual scavenger hunts. Notable digital offerings include an animal painting experience where guests watch a creature create art and receive a copy in the mail afterwards, and a Cameo video greeting to send to a friend.

Visit the Houston Zoo .

61. Cincinnati Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo offers a home safari consisting of videos recorded during Facebook Live streams. Website visitors can browse through over 50 animal encounters and learn facts about creatures like red pandas, parrots, zebras, and orangutans. Online modules also include activities such as homemade birdfeeders and balancing exercises so kids can participate more fully in the virtual experience.

Visit the Cincinnati Zoo .

62. Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo streams live between 10AM and 4PM ET, showing off visitor favorites such as sea lions and lemurs. The zoo also books out virtual wild encounters with creatures like cheetahs, alpacas, sloths, and warthogs, for prices ranging from $80 to $150. Each session takes place over Zoom and allows virtual visitors to get up close to animals while asking caretakers questions.

Visit the Bronx Zoo .

63. Alaska Zoo

The Alaska Zoo presents a distance learning experience through its virtual animal encounters and arctic discovery programs. Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes and costs $150. These experiences include interactive presentations and virtual visits with animals such as tigers, gray wolves, polar bears, or seals. A scheduled visit ensures the animals are unlikely to be camera-shy, creating a memorable and intimate online experience for students.

Visit the Alaska Zoo .

64. Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo proposes a variety of e-learning options designed to enrich virtual classrooms. The website modules sort experiences by grade level, making it easy to choose an experience appropriate for your classroom. Students can explore topics such as zoology careers, reptile habitats, and African wildlife.

Visit the Singapore Zoo .

65. Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo offers virtual encounters on platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and GoToMeeting. During these sessions, caregivers and animals such as armadillos, giraffes, elephants, sloths, and lemurs join virtual visitors for a 15 minute meet and greet. The two available daily time slots are at 10AM and 2PM PT.

Visit the Oregon Zoo .

66. Monterey Bay Aquarium

The Monterey Bay Aquarium hosts ten live webcams featuring critters such as penguins, jellyfish, sharks, and sea otters. The variety of exhibits means that teachers can switch between streams when a particular camera is not live. The aquarium also facilitates narrated feeding times on certain webcams during weekdays, with the feeding schedule posted on the site.

Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium .

67. National Aquarium (Baltimore)

The National Aquarium in Baltimore offers an interactive virtual map folks can navigate for an online tour. Virtual visitors can follow the arrows for a walk-through experience, or can click a menu of creatures like dolphins and sharks to instantly view anticipated animals. The aquarium website also hosts three 24/7 webcam livestreams , and offers guided virtual programs too.

Visit the National Aquarium .

68. Georgia Virtual Aquarium

The Georgia Virtual Aquarium allows visitors to book a 10 to 20 minute guided online tour. Participants select a tour, receive viewing instructions via email, then enjoy up-close views of animals with educational insight. Participants get to view oceans, rivers, or sea creatures within an immersive virtual environment.

Visit Georgia Virtual Aquarium .

You may not be able to jet around the world at a moment’s notice. However, you can still visit famous parks, zoos, or museums by taking an engaging, interactive online virtual tour.

These online experiences enable you to stare as long as you like, avoid crowds, learn more about a subject or piece instantly, and enjoy other benefits. Not to mention, at home experiences are a great way to educate and teach children, coworkers, and yourself!

Next, check out our list of virtual family reunion activities and this one with online volunteering ideas .

Book wildly fun team building events with expert hosts

FAQ: Virtual Tours

Here are some of the common questions we see about virtual tours of museums, zoos and parks.

What are virtual tours?

Virtual tours are online galleries of famous attractions such as zoos, national parks, and museums. These experiences often consist of online exhibitions, videos, 360 degree and satellite photography, and virtual reality elements. Some tours may also include a facilitated live experience with a guide.

What are the best virtual tours?

The best virtual tours tend to include an interactive element. For example, the tour could be a live experience led by a guide and include trivia, polls, or other forms of engagement. These online tours are the best because they focus on the visitor experience.

How much do virtual tours cost?

Virtual tours are available at a variety of costs, ranging from free to $5 per person, $50 per person and upwards. We recommend starting with some of the free tours to see what your group likes and benefits most from. Then, you can invest in one of the paid options.

How do virtual tours work?

Virtual tours take place on online platforms such as Zoom, Google Street View, or custom software. Users login solo or as a group, and follow along with either a live or automated guide to learn about the tour stops.

Author: Angela Robinson

Marketing Coordinator at teambuilding.com. Team building content expert. Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses.

We lead wildly fun experiences for teams with 1,000,000+ players to date.

4.96 / 5.0 rating on

50,225 Google Reviews

Virtual Team Building Events

From $20 per person.

Choose from 30+ event types
Fun for all team sizes
Includes DEIB options
Rated 4.96/5.0 on 50,225+ reviews

Enter your email for instant access

Top VR Games for PC in 2024

D iscover the best VR games available on PC, featuring updates that enhance existing titles and new experiences crafted specifically for virtual reality.

The world of VR gaming is flourishing, especially with the introduction of the Meta Quest 3 headset.

Whether you own a Meta Quest or any other major VR headset, these games showcase the incredible potential of virtual reality.

Ghosts of Tabor

Drawing inspiration from the popular Escape from Tarkov, Ghosts of Tabor is an intense VR extraction shooter. Like its inspiration, this game isn’t for casual players—it requires mastering various mechanics to fully appreciate.

Ghosts of Tabor gained immense popularity, surpassing 500,000 players even before leaving early access—an impressive feat in today’s gaming market, particularly for a VR title.

Assassin’s Creed: Nexus

Assassin’s Creed fans might initially be skeptical about the move to VR, but Assassin’s Creed: Nexus quickly dispels any concerns.

This 15-hour campaign immerses you in the Assassin’s Creed universe, letting you embody three unique characters in a charming narrative. Although the campaign doesn’t cover every corner of the game’s setting, this leaves plenty for players to travel at their own pace.

PowerWash Simulator VR

Experience the mesmerizing world of power washing in VR with PowerWash Simulator VR.

Our review praises the VR edition as the ultimate way to play, offering a feature-rich adaptation that elevates the cozy fun to new heights.

For those seeking more excitement, you can invite friends to join for added chaos.

Vampire: The Masquerade Justice

Step into the role of a vampire prowling a sleepy town in Vampire: The Masquerade Justice.

Our review highlights the compelling story and impressive visuals, though the game is critiqued for repetitive gameplay and confusing level design.

Despite its flaws, this is a must-have for VR enthusiasts craving immersive experiences.

Weekly Top Posts:

Grab the Most Controversial Horror Game Ever for Under $2 Today
Exciting News: Pac-Man Battle Royale Coming to Steam!

Assassin’s Creed: Nexus ( credits: Ubisoft)

IMAGES

The 25 Best Virtual Museum Tours From Around the World
3D 360 Virtual Tours and Bespoke Virtual Tours
Download VR games for Android
60 Virtual Tours To Travel The World For FREE From Home
VR Interactive Virtual Tours
VR Will Transform the Way We Experience these 6 Things

VIDEO

Ghost Town 360 vr video. House Head, Demogorgon, Siren Head. Horror Video. Try Not To Blink!
Virtual Reality Rental
Top 10 Virtual Reality Games Providing Immersive Experiences
TOP 4: Best VR (Virtual Reality) Headsets 2017
The Ultimate Battle Magic Experience in Virtual Reality Games: Play with Metavurx VR
Comparing a Virtual Tour to a 3D Virtual World in the Metaverse

COMMENTS

Virtual Vacation: 11 VR Apps and Films That Let You Travel the ...
Virtual Vacation: 11 VR Apps and Films That Let You Travel the World From Home | Meta Quest Blog. With Oculus Quest, you can travel pretty much anywhere you'd like without ever leaving home. Inside, you'll find 11 VR experiences for the adventurous at heart.
Top 10 virtual tours: see the world without leaving home
1. Machu Picchu, Andes Mountains, Peru. A simply stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, Machu Picchu is a visual wonder that just has to be seen. You no longer need to fly all the way to Peru to see ...
Best virtual tours that you can take without leaving home
Best virtual tours of US national parks. The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks is a Google project that lets you explore five different U.S. parks, including Florida's Dry Tortugas, Hawaiian ...
7 Great Virtual Reality Travel Experiences
In The Grand Canyon VR Experience ($2.99 by Immersive Entertainment), you sit in a virtual motorized kayak ride through the Grand Canyon. Tailor the tour to your preferences by selecting either a sunlit or moonlit experience and controlling the ride's speed. While you cruise along, you'll enjoy the sights and sounds of procedurally generated ...
10 of the Best Virtual Reality Travel Experiences
PRICE Free HEADSETS Meta Quest 3. (Photo: Wooorld Inc.) Blueplanet VR Explore. (Photo: Blueplanet VR Explore) Highlighting sacred and fragile locations of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Blueplanet VR Explore is a collection of remarkable places across the world. With freedom to move around and explore, the virtual reality experiences are ...
Best Virtual Reality Tours You'll Want to Embark On Today
9. When We Stayed Home - Oculus Quest. Coming from a totally different perspective from the other titles so far, When We Stayed Home is actually a virtual reality series about the pandemic, or rather, an international travel experience through the world's most iconic cities as they were empty during lockdowns.
Best virtual tours to explore the world from home
Virtual Yosemite is absolutely stunning and one of the best, replete with audio. Both Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore offer virtual tours as well. Google has similar 360 degree audio-visual tours of five select national parks, including Kenai Fjords, Hawai'i Volcanos, Carlsbad Caverns, Bryce Canyon, and Dry Tortugas, as well as 31 ...
50+ Best Virtual Walking Tours Around the World [City, Scenic]
This 1.5-hour hike features the highlights of the shorter 2-day trek, including arrival by train, walking along the "Royal Road," and ending at Machu Picchu via the Gate of the Sun. To start your virtual walking tour, click here. 12. Moraine Lake in Banff National Park (Canada) Image Credit: Jaime Reimer via Pexels.
Bucket List Travel: The World's Best Virtual Tours
Virtual Editions is making a worldwide tour in 2021, including dedicated VR art fairs in Los Angeles, London, Sydney, Brooklyn, Chicago, Dallas, and Toronto, and each fair will feature artists and ...
Can't Travel? Here are 45+ of the Best Virtual Tours Around The World
Here are 45+ of the best virtual tours around the world in the following categories: Table of Contents. MUSEUM VIRTUAL TOURS. The Louvre - Paris, France. Guggenheim Museum - New York, New York, USA. MASP - São Paulo, Brazil. Van Gogh Museum - Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Rijksmuseum - Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Best VR experiences 2023: Explore, learn, and be entertained in virtual
Star Chart VR. National Geographic Explore VR. Ocean Rift. All Kinds of Limbo XR. Universe Sandbox. Perspectives: Paradise. The Book of Distance. Within - Cinematic VR. With virtual reality well ...
The Ultimate Guide to the Best VR Travel Apps on Meta Quest
Wander: Roam the Globe with Street View. Wander is one of the best VR travel apps on Meta Quest, providing users with access to Google Street View in a fully immersive environment. Traverse city streets, hike through national parks and visit historical landmarks as you explore the world at your leisure. Key features include: 360-degree panoramas.
Top 10 Virtual Travel Experiences With a VR Headset
10. Visit out-of-this-world places with NASA. Explore our solar system and beyond with these virtual tours and experiences from NASA. Take a virtual tour of the Moon, explore Earth-sized exoplanets, view spacecraft, and walk through the laboratories, mission and operations control centers themselves, and more.
10 Virtual Travel Apps For Oculus/Meta Quest 2
Blueplanet VR Explore. Blueplanet VR Explore is one of the most expensive travel apps, but that's in part because it is so extensive. The app allows its users to travel to 40 different cultural sites, with some offering the ability to interact with the landscape or even hang glide over it. One of the best qualities of this app is the spacial ...
Best VR Travel Experiences and Virtual Tours ⋆ PNWBeyond
GGoogle Virtual Tours presents this "private virtual tour" of the Château de Versailles. The website includes many "virtual tours" with historical facts, 3D renderings of art and objects from the palace. The Versailles tour is part of Google Arts and Culture (see below), which has a bunch of online tours of exhibits and monuments.
15 Best INTERACTIVE Virtual Tours of HISTORIC SITES
3. Angkor Wat Historic Site Virtual Tour (Cambodia) Screenshot from virtual tour. Cambodia's Angkor Wat complex is incredible. It's one of my happy places, and was a must for this list of best virtual tours of historic sites. The Angkor Wat virtual tourfrom Google Maps Street View is pretty great.
Virtual Travels, 360° Aerial Panoramas, 360° Virtual Tours Around the
AirPano is a VR project created by a team of Russian photographers focused on taking high-resolution aerial 360° photographs and 360° video. Today AirPano is the largest virtual travel resource in the world -- by geographical coverage, number of aerial photographs, and artistic and technical quality of the images — featuring 360° panoramas and 360° videos of the highest quality shot from ...
25 Best & Famous Virtual Museum Tours
5) Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. This great museum in Washington, D.C, is the most visited natural history museum in the world. It also offers the virtual tour of its museum by using our own web browser. They build it by using the WebVR technology.
Ranked: The World's 15 Best Virtual Tours To Take During ...
Getty. 7. Eiffel Tower: Head to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris without any lines—or jet lag. 8. Metropolitan Museum of Art: From a timeline of 5,000 years of art history to meeting artists ...
17 Best Virtual Tours of CITIES Around the World
First Day in London AFTER a Red-Eye. Road Trip from London to Edinburgh. Best Virtual Tours of Cities of the World: North America. 13. City Virtual Tour of Quebec City (Canada) Photo credit: breaktime from Pixabay. You definitely feel the charm of Old Quebec Cityin this 360 video virtual tour from Quebec region.
Best virtual tours you can take online now
Gaming. Gaming Headsets. Best virtual tours you can take online now — enjoy a free digital vacation. Features. By Kimberly Gedeon. published 25 May 2020. Visit the Faroe Islands or a Paris art ...
The 19 Best Virtual Tours and Experiences in Europe
5 immersive virtual experiences for culture seekers. 1. Admire Andy Warhol's art at the Tate Modern, England. Admire Andy Warhol's work on a virtual tour through the Tate Modern (Shutterstock) Featuring iconic images of Marilyn Monroe and Campbell's soup cans, Andy Warhol's colourful pop art is among some of the most recognisable in the world.
Online Virtual Tours: The 69 BEST to Explore in 2024
21. The National Gallery (London) The National Gallery of London offers immersive virtual tours accessible via smartphone, computer, or virtual reality headset. Through three different remote tours, virtual visitors can explore multiple wings of the museum, 18+ rooms, and 300+ paintings.
Top VR Simulation Software for Immersive Virtual Tours
Customization is a significant feature in VR simulation software, allowing you to create personalized virtual tours and experiences. The best platforms offer a wide range of tools that let you ...
How Mark Zuckerberg is reimagining the classroom
Imagine hopping on a school bus and being transported to an immersive, educational tour of the inside of the human body — and no, not on a fictional episode of "The Magic School Bus." This ...
Top VR Games for PC in 2024
Discover the best VR games available on PC, featuring updates that enhance existing titles and new experiences crafted specifically for virtual reality. The world of VR gaming is flourishing ...

Top 10 virtual tours: see museums and the world without leaving home

1. Machu Picchu, Andes Mountains, Peru

2. The Louvre Museum, Paris

3. The National Museum of Computing, Milton Keynes, UK

4. Georgia Aquarium, Georgia, USA

5. A 3-Minute Tour, Tokyo

6. The British Museum, London

7. The Vatican, Rome

8. Musée d’Orsay, Paris

9. Athens Acropolis, Athens

10. The Royal Academy of Arts, London

Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox

Most Popular

Best virtual tours that you can take without leaving home

Best virtual tour app for Android

Editors' Recommendations

7 Great Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

The Grand Canyon VR Experience

Titans of Space PLUS

The VR Museum of Fine Art

Google Earth VR

10 of the Best Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

Latest Articles

The best virtual tours to explore the world from home

See the seven wonders of the world

Best virtual museum tours

Explore national parks

Digital safaris

Virtual hiking

Famous landmarks

Travel to outer space

Explore related stories

The 50+ Best Virtual Walking Tours Around the World [City & Scenic Tours]

50+ Best Virtual Walking Tours Around the World

Nature and Hiking Walking Tours

City Walking Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you plan a virtual walk?

Are virtual tours free?

Are online walking tours interactive?

What’s the best walking tour?

About Christy Rodriguez

Best VR experiences 2023: Explore, learn, and be entertained in virtual reality

Space Explorers: The ISS Experience

Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now

Most Popular

The Ultimate Guide to the Best VR Travel Apps on Meta Quest

Introduction: The World at Your Fingertips

Wander: Roam the Globe with Street View

Google Earth VR: Soar Through the Skies and Dive into Oceans

National Geographic Explore VR: Embark on Exciting Expeditions

Guided Meditation VR: Find Peace and Serenity

TheBlu: Dive into the Depths of the Ocean

Conclusion: The World Awaits in VR

About the author

You may also like

How to Clean Your VR Headset and Maintain Its Longevity

Best Meta Quest 2 Zombie Games

Augmented Reality vs Virtual Reality: A Comprehensive Comparison

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Virtual Reality: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover The Best VR Add-Ons on Amazon: Transform Your Experience

Virtual Reality Headset Showdown: Which Is Best for You?

Meta Quest 2 vs. PSVR 2: A Comprehensive Comparison

Virtual Reality Near Me: Exploring the Best VR Centers in Your Area

Best VR Headsets for Watching Movies

Virtual Reality Safety: Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Experience

Exploring Types of Virtual Reality

Soaring High with the Best VR Flight Simulator: A Comprehensive Guide

Before you go...

HP TECH TAKES /...

Top 10 Virtual Travel Experiences with the HP Reverb G2 VR

1. Virtually visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites

2. Take in online exhibits

3. Partake in cross-cultural virtual experiences steeped in literary and art history

4. Join in virtual castle tours in the UK

5. Take virtual tours of national parks

6. Visit theme parks

7. Take a virtual cooking class

10. Visit out-of-this-world places with NASA

Popular articles