Introduction
Travelers have an array of cultural and historical sites to explore around the country and across the world. From ancient ruins to modern museums and monuments, the learning experiences are endless. No matter what type of trip you’re taking, there are dozens upon dozens of fascinating destinations that provide a wealth of knowledge and insight into our world’s past, both near and far.
In this guide, we’ll be exploring some of the best places around the world famous for their cultural and historical offerings. With each destination we’ll discuss the type of cultural and historical experiences they offer, and then provide a recommendation list of key attractions to check out while you’re in the area. We’ll also provide travelers tips to make sure you have a great experience on your next cultural and historical journey.
Rome
Rome is one of the most popular destinations for travelers looking to immerse themselves in culture and history. This city offers a wealth of experiences from world-famous attractions to small, lesser-known gems. Rome offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore more than 2,500 years of history from the days of the Colosseum to the Renaissance art and Baroque architecture of the Renaissance period.
Exploring Rome's Architecture: Rome is home to awe-inspiring architecture from the Roman Empire, Medieval period, and Renaissance. The Colosseum, dating back to 80 AD, is one of the most iconic structures in the world. For modern art lovers, check out the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Pantheon.
Exploring Rome's Art: Rome is home to a vibrant and diverse art scene, from local street art to the world-renowned works of Renaissance masters. The Palazzo Barberini houses some of the most exquisite pieces of art from the Baroque period. For those who desire a more modern experience, Rome also has many contemporary art galleries, street art, and privately-owned collections. Check out the MACRO Museum of Contemporary Art Rome or the modern art galleries at MACRO Testaccio.
Exploring Rome's Culture: With so much to explore and experience, Rome is the perfect destination for culture vultures. Get a taste of the city’s culture with its many festivals, like the Festa di Santa Suola in June or the Carnevale de Roma in February. Explore the vibrant neighborhoods like Campo de’ Fiori, or take a stroll through the Astalli gardens and ancient monuments.
Our Recommended Attractions in Rome:
- The Colosseum
- The Trevi Fountain
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- The Pantheon
- The Grandeur of Palazzo Barberini
- The MACRO Museum of Contemporary Art Rome
- Astalli Gardens
- Campo de’ Fiori
Istanbul
One of the most amazing cities in the world, Istanbul has a long and diverse history that can be seen in its architecture and art, culture, and music. For centuries, Istanbul has been an important center for the culture and religions of both Europe and the Middle East, making it one of the most interesting cities to explore when it comes to culture and history.
Exploring Istanbul's Architecture: Istanbul is home to some of the most impressive architecture in the world, including some of the most famous landmarks in Turkey. The Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of the most iconic structures in the city, along with the nearby Hagia Sophia, a former basilica and now a museum. Stroll through the cobbled streets in the historic neighborhoods of Istanbul and explore the Grand Bazaar or the palace of Topkapi.
Exploring Istanbul's Art: Istanbul is an art lover’s paradise and home to some of the finest works of art from both Europe and the Middle East. The Istanbul Modern Art Museum, the Pera Museum, and The Istanbul Contemporary Art Museum showcase a wealth of pieces from the last few centuries. Shop around for handcrafted items in the Grand Bazaar, like leather goods, jewelry, and textiles.
Exploring Istanbul's Culture: Istanbul is a vibrant and lively city and a great destination for travelers who want to experience a unique blend of cultures. Enjoy the Turkish hospitality and food, explore the historic sites of the city, or take a Turkish bath in one of the many traditional hamams. Learn about the music and culture at the Istanbul Jazz Festival or the Istanbul International Music Festival.
Our Recommended Attractions in Istanbul:
- The Blue Mosque
- Hagia Sophia
- Grand Bazaar
- Topkapi Palace
- Istanbul Modern Art Museum
- Pera Museum
- Istanbul Contemporary Art Museum
- Istanbul Jazz Festival
- Istanbul International Music Festival
Kyoto
Kyoto is a world-renowned city in Japan that is filled with cultural and historical attractions. Its stunning Temples and Shrines transport visitors back to the days of the Sengoku Period, during which Kyoto was the capital city. Here, you can explore the exquisite gardens and temples of the city and gain a deeper understanding of the traditional culture of Japan.
Exploring Kyoto's Architecture: Kyoto has some of the best preserved architecture in Japan and a visit to the city is incomplete without seeing the beautiful temples and shrines. A must-see temple complex is the Kiyomizu-dera. Its grand entrance from the Kiyomizu Park and the breathtaking view of the city from its terraces make it a popular attraction. Other beautiful attractions include the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha and the golden Kinkakuji Temple.
Exploring Kyoto’s Art: Kyoto’s art scene ranges from traditional Japanese art to modern contemporary works. Visit the Museum of Kyoto to see some of Japan’s most famous artworks, or take a stroll through Gion and see the handcrafted items of artisans and craftsmen. For those who are interested in modern art, the Kyoto National Museum and the Kyoto City Art Museum are great places to explore.
Exploring Kyoto’s Culture: Kyoto offers a unique blend of traditional and modern culture, from the geiko and maiko entertainers to the unique festivals experienced throughout the city. Spend an evening in one of the city’s traditional restaurants, like Gion Bistro or Kōbō, or take a miya-mairi pilgrimage to one of the nearby temples. Visit the Nishijin district to see professional weavers at work or participate in the lively Gion Matsuri Festival each year.
Our Recommended Attractions in Kyoto:
- Kiyomizu-dera
- Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Kinkakuji Temple
- Museum of Kyoto
- Gion
- Kyoto National Museum
- Kyoto City Art Museum
- Gion Bistro
- Kōbō
- Miya-mairi
- Nishijin District
- Gion Matsuri Festival
Angkor Wat
For many travelers, Angkor Wat, Cambodia is one of the most memorable destinations on their cultural and historical journey. The temples and monuments of this ancient city offer a spectacular look into the Khmer Empire and are some of the most important monuments in Southeast Asia. Here, visitors will get to explore the ruins of the ancient city and its amazing cultural and religious history.
Exploring Angkor Wat's Temples and Monuments: Angkor Wat is one of the most iconic sites in southeast Asia and the temple complex is a must-see for all travelers. You’ll find awe-inspiring monuments such as Bayon, the Angkor Thom, the Baphuon, and the Elephant Terrace. For a unique experience, take a sunset tour of the Angkor Wat and watch the light flicker through the temple’s spires in the evening.
Exploring Angkor Wat’s Archaeology: For archaeologists and historians, Angkor Wat is a magical place. From the ancient city walls to oddly-built walls and monuments, there’s so much to explore here. After exploring the ruins, visit the Angkor Conservation Center to learn more about the history of the site and its significance to the region.
Exploring Angkor Wat’s Culture: When in Angkor Wat, take the time to get to know the culture of Cambodia. Learn traditional Buddhist and Hindu meditations, explore the local markets and craft stores, or visit the many monasteries and temples in the nearby villages. Angkor Wat is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with locals and tourists alike dancing and singing into the night at the Temple Street night markets.
Our Recommended Attractions in Angkor Wat:
- Angkor Wat
- Bayon
- Angkor Thom
- Baphuon
- Elephant Terrace
- Angkor Conservation Center
- Local Markets and Craft Stores
- Monasteries and Temples
- Temple Street Night Markets
Traveler’s Tips
Traveling to cultural and historical destinations can be a truly enriching experience, but it’s important to remember that these places require respect and reverence from visitors. To