The Best Cities in the World for History and Culture

One of the most impactful parts of travel is getting to know the history and culture of each destination you visit. Some cities across the globe are especially intriguing in this sense, boasting thousands of years of heritage, legendary landmarks, archaeological sites and other historical places to visit, along with opportunities for authentic cultural immersion.

The world’s best cities for history and culture range from the iconic ruins of Rome, Athens and Luxor to bustling modern metropolises like Paris, Sydney and Mexico City. Each one offers endless insights into the past – along with contemporary comforts and unparalleled luxury. Here are our favourite historical cities and cultural hubs around the world to help inspire your next trip.

Historical cities in Europe

Rome, Italy

Rome is among the best places to visit for ancient history – not just in Europe, but in the whole world. There aren’t many major capitals where two-thousand-year-old ruins stand right beside modern cafés and chic hotels. In addition to icons like the Colosseum and the Pantheon, you can also delve into more recent history (relatively speaking) in Trastevere and Vatican City.

Athens, Greece

Greece may be world-famous for its islands, but Athens has its own kind of allure. Here you can ascend the Acropolis to see the ancient ruins of the Parthenon, wander through the first modern Olympic stadium and visit the remains of the Roman Agora. Its many monuments, museums and archaeological sites make this one of the best places to visit in Europe for history, hands down.

Paris, France

Paris is rich in 19th-century culture. It’s also among the most historic cities in Europe, with origins dating back to the third century BCE. From the masterpieces within the walls of the Louvre to the extensive artistic legacy of Montmartre – and of course the Eiffel Tower – the French capital promises a perfect mix of ancient heritage, Art Nouveau style and contemporary elegance.

Historical cities in Latin America

Cusco, Peru

Most commonly known as the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco is also a fascinating destination in its own right. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, it’s full of ancient architecture, colonial buildings and Quechua culture. It’s also the oldest continuously inhabited city on the entire continent, with three thousand years of history stretching back far beyond even the Incas.

Quito, Ecuador

One of the first places on earth to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito is imbued with nearly five hundred years of history. Its storied past shines through in its wonderfully well-preserved historic centre, where you’ll find the expansive Plaza de la Independencia and the gilded Church of La Compañía, along with plenty of cafés, markets and museums.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is a massive metropolis home to more than 20 million people and an equally impressive number of cultural sites. Notable landmarks include the Aztec Templo Mayor and the Palacio Nacional, where you can see several murals by Diego Rivera. The city is also renowned for its art, music and culinary scenes, all of which blend Indigenous and international influences.

Historical cities in Africa

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is high on the list of historical cities in Africa. Named Cape Town by the Dutch in 1652, it sits on land that has been inhabited for well over ten thousand years. Today, it’s a vibrant cultural hub with incredible food, wine and natural scenery – but it also offers an important chance to learn about the history of Apartheid at sites like Robben Island and District Six.

Fes, Morocco

Fes is undoubtedly among Morocco’s best cities to visit for history, and is also known as the country’s cultural capital. Hidden within the winding alleyways of its 9th-century medina you’ll find the historic University of Al Quaraouiyine, Bou Inania Madrasa and artisanal workshops producing everything from hand-dyed leather and pottery to intricate mosaics and rugs.

Historical cities in Asia

Siem Reap, Cambodia

For insight into the ancient Khmer culture, there’s no better destination than Siem Reap: the gateway to the enormous 12th-century temple complex of Angkor Wat. You could spend several days exploring this iconic site alone, but there are also many other incredible Cambodian temples nearby. Meanwhile, Siem Reap itself offers bustling markets, lovely galleries and authentic local cuisine.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital and second-largest city, is absolutely bursting with historical sites. There’s the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the stately French Quarter and the massive Đồng Xuân Market, just for a start. Here you can visit ancient pagodas, see traditional water puppetry shows, sample the city’s best street food and discover various other aspects of Vietnamese culture first-hand.

Varanasi, India

One of the world’s oldest and most sacred cities, Varanasi is a spiritual centre set right beside the holy Ganges River. It’s the site of the Ganga Aarti ceremony, in which Hindu priests honour the river each evening from the iconic ghats (stone steps) leading down to the water. The city is also home to thousands of temples, important cultural institutions and many skilled artisans.

Historical cities in Australasia

Sydney, Australia

Sydney is the oldest city in Australia, founded in 1788 as a British penal colony – although its Aboriginal history is much longer, spanning several millennia. These days it’s a hub of contemporary culture, visible in modern icons like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. It’s also got plenty of historical charm, especially in the waterside district of The Rocks.

Dunedin, New Zealand

Upon arrival in Dunedin you might feel as if you’ve teleported across the globe to Scotland, and that’s no coincidence. This small city on the southern end of New Zealand’s South Island was once a Scottish settlement, leaving behind a plethora of Edwardian and Victorian buildings. You can also learn about Māori heritage at local museums and cultural sites scattered throughout the Otago Peninsula.

Hobart, Australia

Although it’s one of the newer cities on this list (founded as a British colony in 1804), the capital of Tasmania is rich in local culture and relatively recent history. Hobart is an alluring blend of 19th-century monuments and sleek modern architecture. The latter is exemplified by the Museum of Old and New Art; for the full experience, you can stay at the avant-garde MONA Pavilions adjacent to the museum.

Historical cities in the Middle East

Luxor, Egypt

Home to one of the most interesting ancient cultures in history, Luxor was once the heart of the Egyptian Empire. Set on the site of Thebes, the empire’s former capital, it contains the temples of Karnak and Luxor and is located right across the Nile from the famed Valley of the Kings. This is an essential destination for history buffs and anyone who’s ever been drawn to the mystique of Ancient Egypt.

Nizwa, Oman

Northern Oman boasts the stunning city of Nizwa, known primarily for the 17th-century Nizwa Fort and its imposing circular tower. The nearby Bahla Fort is a few centuries older and well worth a visit too. While in Nizwa you can explore its lively souq, where the city’s history as an important trading centre lives on among stalls filled with fresh produce and traditional crafts.