Rising with the sun is often the last thing you want to do during a holiday, but if there’s one thing that is worth acknowledging your alarm for, it’s seeing the sky streaked with heavenly hues. Combine the morning golden hour with a backdrop of some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, and you’ll have no trouble dragging yourself out of bed. As the saying goes, ‘the early bird catches the worm’ (or in this case, ‘captures an Insta-worthy snap’), so read on for our best places to watch the sunrise around the world.
- Mount Bromo, Indonesia
- Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
- Angkor Wat, Cambodia
- Grand Canyon, Arizona
- Mount Sinai, Egypt
- Machu Picchu, Peru
- Svalbard, Norway
Mount Bromo, Indonesia
Indonesia’s most iconic mountain (and one of the world’s most active volcanoes), Mount Bromo towers over East Java at 7,641ft tall. The awe-inspiring sunrise is best seen from nearby Mount Penanjakan, with the premier vantage point reached via a two-hour uphill hike. Widely acknowledged as one of the best places to watch the sunrise in the world, we think that this vista is worth every sleepy step.
Image by Joakimbkk / Getty Images.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a frequent nominee for the most touted bucket-list travel experience. While completing this climb is no mean feat (the summit sits 19,341ft above sea level) and requires considerable training and preparation, conquering the mighty peak comes with the chance to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises in the world. Reflect on your immense achievement while gazing out across the neighbouring mountains, as the sun enacts its morning ritual and the sky slips between shades of yellow, orange, purple and blue.
Image by VisualStories / Getty Images.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The fabled temple complex of Angkor Wat is one of the world’s most recognised religious monuments, as well as a national symbol and the heart of Khmer civilisation in Cambodia. Many travellers flock here in time for sunset, as its symmetry and intricate carvings come alive beneath the sun’s sinking yolk, but we’d recommend opting for a sunrise visit instead. The complex is equally enchanting bathed in the glow of the sunrise, and you’ll have less tourist crowds to contend with before daybreak.
Image by fototrav / Getty Images.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The grandeur of Arizona’s Grand Canyon demands an equally splendid background. The sunrise transforms the already magnificent natural formation into a masterpiece of bronze, purple, orange and red, reminiscent of the colours found within the layered bands of rock. Watch from the southern rim – Mather Point is a prime spot – as the sunlight spills into every crevice and drenches the valley in its golden glow.
Image by JeffGoulden / Getty Images.
Mount Sinai, Egypt
Renowned as the location where Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments, Egypt’s Mount Sinai holds great religious significance and many visitors still scale it for this reason. This magnificent Egyptian mountain also excels when it comes to breathtaking sunrises, and watching the golden sun emerge from behind its rugged mountain tops is an unforgettable experience.
Image by bennymarty / Getty Images.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Peru’s Machu Picchu is impressive for myriad reasons. The ancient Incan citadel is an outstanding example of ancient architecture and the most famous archaeological site in South America, so it’s no surprise that it was crowned one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Machu Picchu also boasts impeccable sunrises – the mist-shrouded ruins really come into their own during the early hours of the morning, making it one of the best places to watch the sunrise around the world. We’d recommend that you begin your day at the Intipunku sun gate to make sure you catch the first rays of sunlight as they illuminate the iconic peaks.
Image by imageBROKER/Unai Huizi / Getty Images.
Svalbard, Norway
Norway is known for its dazzling light shows, most notably the elusive Northern Lights. Although it’s not strictly a sunrise, the Nordic nation’s Winter Sun phenomenon is an enthralling event that occurs between May and August and sees the sun perpetually floating upon the horizon. The sky is adorned with vibrant brushstrokes of red and yellow, while the ethereal light casts dramatic shadows across the other-worldly glacial landscapes.
Image by Reuben Krabbe/Ascent Xmedia / Getty Images.
Written by Luisa Watts. Header Images by Adrien C / Getty Images.
