We all have at least one travel list, with destinations that are popular on Instagram or those that offer great adventure or amazing food. But there’s always more to make. For example, you can’t go wrong with paying a visit to famous historical and cultural sites that will boost your knowledge of the world.
So, get ready to learn about the stories that streets, monuments, buildings, and landscapes can tell us about the people who walked them before us, and about the civilizations that rose and fell, shaping the world as we know it today.
Table of Contents
Kyoto, Japan
Imagine a location where old and new coexist harmoniously, with each garden and alleyway revealing a little of history. This is Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital of Japan. With more than a thousand temples, such as the serene Zen gardens of Ryoan-ji and the gilded Kinkaku-ji, the city pays homage to its historical heritage.
Kyoto offers a different spectacle every season, from the flaming red maples in the autumn to the cherry blossoms in the spring. As you stroll around the city’s old areas, you may run into maiko, or apprentice geisha, who represent the city’s surviving traditions and are en route to their performances.
Kyoto is a must-visit for everyone interested in learning more about Japanese culture and history because it allows you to see the country’s ongoing cultural traditions.
Photo by Martin Péchy:
Rome, Italy
What better place to learn about history and culture (while also basking in luxury and decadence) than Rome? Here, a fragment of history can be found around every corner. Imagine sensing the echoes of the past, when gladiators fought for glory, as you stand in the Colosseum.
Explore the Roman Forum, where the ruins mutter about daily life and power conflicts in the past. Next, enter Vatican City, a self-contained nation inside a city that is home to the Pietà and other works of precious art and historical treasures by Michelangelo.
Rome’s food, which ranges from mouth watering gelato to classic pasta meals, also reflects the city’s culture. This city offers countless discoveries for those who are ready to explore; it’s more than just a travel destination; it’s a vivid, living tribute to human history and inventiveness.
Al Ula, Saudi Arabia
Al Ula, located in Saudi Arabia, is an outdoor museum showcasing magnificent natural scenery and historical civilizations. This exotic open air museum is home to Madain Saleh, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for its breathtaking Nabatean tombs, which resemble Petra but are tucked away within the Arabian Peninsula’s harsh desert scenery.
Al Ula offers a mosaic of human history beyond the ancient tombs, ranging from prehistoric rock art sites to the ruins of the former Hejaz Railway. The area is changing in order to gradually expose itself to visitors from around the world and give them a look at its immense, unspoiled beauty and ancient traditions. Discovering Al Ula is similar to flipping through old books, with each rock and sand dune revealing a unique tale.
Photo by Dimitry B on Unsplash
Granada, Spain
If you always wanted to experience Spain, don’t hesitate to do it as soon as possible, and start with Grenada. This city is nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains and is a historical mix of Christian Renaissance relics, Moorish palaces, and vibrant flamenco culture.
The spectacular palace-fortress complex known as the Alhambra is Granada’s crown treasure, offering a fascinating glimpse into Islamic art and architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site honors the elegant Nasrid dynasty with its exquisite mosaics, tranquil courtyards, and verdant gardens.
The Albayzín, a historic Moorish area, boasts meandering pathways and beautiful views of the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada. Granada’s rich history of conquest and intercultural coexistence is alive and well in its architecture, traditional crafts, and the haunting flamenco notes that can be heard throughout the night.
Cusco, Peru
Welcome to Cusco, a meeting place of ancient and modern civilizations. This city, with its winding cobblestone streets and Inca stone walls, serves as the starting point for unearthing some of the most important pre-Columbian American antiquities.
The Sacsayhuamán ruins tower over the city, offering a glimpse into the Incas’ magnificent architectural architecture, while the Sacred Valley underneath it exemplifies the agricultural ingenuity that kept this mighty nation going. Cusco is home to multiple colonial churches placed atop Incan temples, demonstrating a synthesis of civilizations and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cusco provides an unparalleled, immersive experience for all outdoor enthusiasts–one that bridges the gap between the ancient and modern for those eager to appreciate the complexity of Andean customs.
Most of the time, we come from vacations rested and refreshed, but this time, you’ll come home with a whole new understanding of the world.
These destinations will teach you about people, cultures, differences, and most importantly, similarities between humans. You’ll have so many new stories to share that you’ll truly be the most interesting person at every party and the smartest one on every trivia night.
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