Thinking of where it is possible to find prehistoric consecrated artefacts or where you can participate in ageless traditions and something cultural? For many years, some destinations have stood apart for their amazing cultural-historic heritage, which has always been a great attraction for numerous travellers. These destinations have great attractions that epitomize culture – from UNESCO World Heritage sites to cultural festivals.
We present to you, in no particular order, 10 culturally rich destinations you need to visit if you are looking for where to feel the pull of ancient culture and history.
1. Paris
Paris is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the world. The city offers visitors and locals a splendid miscellany of arts, culture, breathtaking sights and unique cuisine. It has always been a world leader in terms of ancient architectural buildings, medieval monuments, cultural entertainment such as festivals, music concerts and more. It simply blends magnificence with culture! Visit: Paris Tourism
Must-see Sights: The Sacre Coeur basilica, the cafes of Montparnasse, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and Orsay museums and Pere-Lachaise Cemetery.
Events: Banlieues Bleues Paris Jazz Festival, Saint Denis Festival, the Paris International Cinema Film Festival, Festival D’Automne A Paris, White Night etc.
2. New York
When it comes to culture, New York City is the melting pot. The city is the cultural capital of the world, steeped in history and culture. New York is a pulsating mix of everything cultural, from lifestyle, entertainment to cultural festivals. According to Citylore, “New York is a festival”. It’s always alive! Visit: New York Tourism
Must-see Sights: MoMA The Statue of Liberty, Natural History Museum, Empire State Building, Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park.
Events: Three Kings’ Day Parade, Chinese New Year Celebration, National Heritage Folkloric Festival, National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Tribute to the Ancestors of the Middle Passage, Caribbean Cultural Heritage Festival, Ecuadorian Parade and Festival and many more.
3. Rome
Renowned for its historical importance in arts and culture, Rome is a one of the most culturally rich destinations in the world. The city is recognized for numerous architecture designs, cultural icons, beautiful attractions, spectacular visual art pieces, ancient ruins and cultural entertainment. The city has old traditions and sacred culture that has made it stand out. Quite amazing, isn’t it? No wonder travellers love this city! Visit: Rome Tourism
Must-see Sights: Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, Roman Forum Spanish Step.
Events: Romaeuropa Festival, Festival Internazionale del Film di Roma, Villa Celimontana Jazz, Notte Bianca, Noantri Festival
4. Athens
Athens is a culturally rich city that offers an extensive collection of ancient monuments, some of which are in ruins today but they tell a lot about the city’s history and culture. With its history dated back to about 3400 years ago, the city has become the most famous centre of archaeological research. Visiting Athens will give you an idea of cultural richness. Visit: Athens Tourism
Must-see Sights: The Acropolis Museum, Agora, the National Gardens, the National Gallery, the National Archeological Museum, the Parthenon Gallery and the Theatre of Dionysos.
Events: Athens Festival, the Hellenic Festival, the Greek Festival, Traditional Dancing Performances, the Athens International Dancing Festival.
5. Berlin
Most travellers are attracted to Berlin because of its amazing array of cultural experiences. One can wallow in the richness of culture the city holds. The city is the utmost cultural galas, festivals and performances you could probably imagine. It offers an opportunity to enjoy a glimpse into rich cultural arts and entertainment. It has over 150 theatres and 170 museums, plus a wide array of cultural events every year. Visit: Berlin Tourism
Must-see Sights: The Brandeburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall, the Potsdamer Platz and the Reichstag.
Events: Berlin Carnival of Cultures, Festival of Contemporary Music, Classic Open Air Festival, Berlin Art Week, Festival of Lights, etc.
6. Istanbul
Istanbul is a multicultural city that has historical and ancient monument and buildings. It is one of the Europe’s largest cities and it’s recognized for its extended and legendary history. Being a city that links both Asia and Europe, it combines the cultures of these two continents. Visit: Istanbul Tourism
Must-see Sights: Hagia Sophia, Suleymaniye mosque, Istanbul Archeology Museum, Chora Church, Galata Tower, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace
Events: International Ankara Film Festival, International Istanbul Theater Festival, Istanbul International Music Festival. İzmir Alacati International Child and Youth Theaters Festival, Yunus Emre Culture and Art Week (Eskişehir), Turkish Choral Festival, Alanya International Culture and Art Festival, Kadirga Festival
7. Bangkok
Bangkok features a fascinating blend of unique cultures. It is home to fascinating architecture, magnificent castles and temples, old-age ruins, stunning monuments and colorful attractions. A visit to Bangkok will give you an opportunity to learn about the culture, food, religion and witness in its wide arrays of cultural festivals. It’s a never ending merriment and entertainment! Visit: Bangkok Tourism
Must-see Sights: Grand Palace & Wat Prakeaw, Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), The Human Body Museum, Forensic Museum, David Beckham Temple (Wat Pariwat), Giant Dragon Tower at Wat Samphran, Bangkok Correction Museum, Sathorn Unique Ghost Skyscraper.
Events: Bangkok Fringe Festival, Chakri Day, Songkram, Naris Day, Asanha Bucha & Khao Phansa, Navaratree Hindu Festival, Bangkok Pride Festival, Golden Mount Temple Fair.
8. London
London is one of the greatest culturally rich destinations in the world. The city has a unique quintessence of old traditions and endless history. For many years, the history of London has become a tremendous attraction for tourist and history lovers. The rich cultural heritage, architectural wonders, a prodigious treasure of historical setting and exciting cultural festivals make the city a perfect destination for unforgettable cultural experiences. Visit: London Tourism
Must-see Sights: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, British Museum, Imperial War Museum, Buckingham and Kensington Palaces, Cabinet War Rooms, the Tower of London, National Galleries.
Events: Vikings: Life and Legends Exhibition – British Museum, Lovebox Festival – Victoria Park, Frieze Art Fair, Merge Festival, Heathrow Beer Festival, Horniman Halloween Fair, Nour Festival of Arts, The Queen’s Official Birthday, Notting Hill Carnival.
9. Tokyo
Even though, Tokyo embraces the modern living, it still has a stunning blend of amazing culture, rich history and traditional experiences. The city is bursting with ancient shrines, castles and temples, historic monuments and architecture, plus cultural carnivals of all kinds. Tokyo offers a unique opportunity for indigenous adventure draped round a far-fetched cultural experience. Visit: Tokyo Tourism
Must-see Sights: The Imperial Palace, the Edo-Tokyo Museum, Sensoji Temple, Tokyo National Museum, Meiji Shrone, Shinjuku Golden Gai, Kabuji-za, Gokoku Temple
Events: Sanno Festival, Sanja Festival, The Dream Yosacoy Festival, Lion dance festival, Lion dance festival, Fuji Matsuri
10. Mumbai
Mumbai is defined by its multi ethnic groups, religion and culture. The city has a vibrant history and culture combined with modernity, which make it one of the best culturally rich cities in the world. It offers historical monuments, stunning attractions – some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, architectural buildings and a wide array of cultural activities. Visit Mumbai and catch the fascinating glimpse of Indian culture! Visit: Mumbai Tourism
Must-see Sights: Heritage Buildings, Gateway of India, Kala Ghoda Art Precinct, Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat, The Flora Fountain, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Market, Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Radha Ras Bihari Temple
Events: Diwali, Moharram, Durga Puja, Mumbai International Film Festival, Maha Shivratri, Banganga Festival, Elephanta Festival, Kala Ghoda Festival, Ganesh Chaturthi.
Is your favourite culturally-rich destination on the list? Share your cultural experiences with us in the comment below: