This week’s column topic is World heritage sites that you would like to visit someday, so for anyone studying English, here is some vocabulary that you can use to describe these kinds of places!

Words like old and ancient (very old) describe the age of a place, but historic and heritage also comment on its cultural importance. Most societies try to preserve their historic buildings and heritage sites because they provide an important connection with the past.

A scenic place has beautiful views, especially of natural attractions. A picturesque place is visually pleasing, sometimes considered charming or quaint, and may feel a little old-fashioned.

A touristic place is a popular destination for tourists. “Touristic” is less common in North American English, however, and some people prefer to say “touristy”, though this often has a negative connotation (it may imply that a place is not authentic and is designed only to cater to tourists).

Famous places can be described as being “well-known”, but less famous places may be described as “less well-known” or even “little-known”. Such places may be “off the beaten path/track” (in an isolated or remote place or a place that few people know about or visit).

Well-known places are “known for” the things that make them famous. For example, Dinosaur National Park in Canada is known for its abundance of dinosaur fossils.  

“Known as” may be used to give an alternate name or designation for a place. For example, Banff National Park is known as the oldest national park in Canada (it was established in 1885). 

I hope this will help you to describe some of the amazing places in your country!

Zach