There are many best cultural destinations in the world where cultural tourism plays a significant role. Many countries have phenomenal cultural holiday destinations that engage visitors in a promising manner. People learn about history and culture when discovering world-famous destinations.
Tourists get captivated by the scenic beauty of centuries-old historical landmarks. These monuments are still enacted by ultimate beauty and depict past stories. The well-preserved heritage, culture, art, crafts, and tradition make the historical and cultural destinations more interesting.
Other than that, the best cultural destinations in the world promote cultural tourism and support the economy. When visiting these places, you support local economies and create job opportunities.
Simultaneously, a sense of respect is also enhanced towards any particular nation that owns the cultural places to visit. By following the cultures and traditions, you are bidding respect and promoting humanity.
Top 12 Cultural Holiday Destinations
Moving on, if you wish to read more about the cultural places, read further. The blog mentions the best cultural destinations in the world where you can go for holidays. Let’s find out.
1. France
France is one of the best cultural destinations in Europe, known for ostrich history, art, culture, festivals, and culinary delights. This country is one of the oldest nations in the world and has a vivid history. France attracts millions of tourists annually with its numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. People visit there and admire the art and architecture of the phenomenal castles, forts, religious sites, medieval towns, and whatnot.
Exploring the best cultural destinations in the world feels more charming when you get inspired by cultures. France has lots of inspiring places to discover. You can get a lot of inspiration from France whether it is the culture, tradition, or culinary secret. The world-renowned French cuisine and wine are centuries old and quite popular among the locals as well as tourists. Furthermore, the globally recognised Cannes Film Festival is a much-awaited annual event.
Best Cultural Destinations to Visit in France
- Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Paris
- Palace of Versailles, Versailles
- Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, Lyon
- Palais des Papes, Avignon
- Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, Mont Saint-Michel
- Château de Chambord, Loire Valley
- Strasbourg Cathedral, Strasbourg
- MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations), Marseille
- Cité de Carcassonne, Carcassonne
- Arles Amphitheatre, Arles
2. Turkey
Turkey is one of the best cultural destinations in the world that welcomes visitors from all over the world. People visit this beautiful country to experience its cultural heritage and discover many of the breathtaking landmarks. Undoubtedly, the beauty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ancient ruins are the highlights of the tourism industry. The Mediterranean coast plays a significant role in making Turkey one of the most-visited countries in the world.
Furthermore, Turkey is known for its diverse culture and the architecture of Turkey has a blend of both Eastern and Western influences. This Middle Eastern country beautifully depicts the fusion of European and Asian cultures. The country has incredible cultural cities and archaeological sites which are the top places on one’s bucket list.
Best Cultural Destinations to Visit in Turkey
- Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
- Blue Mosque, Istanbul
- Ephesus, Selçuk
- Sumela Monastery, Trabzon
- Cappadocia, Nevşehir
- Pamukkale, Denizli
- Mount Nemrut, Adıyaman
- Topkapi Palace, Istanbul
- Troy, Çanakkale
- Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul
- Clock Tower, Izmir
3. Greece
Greece is one of the best cultural destinations in the world where you can experience rich heritage. The beautiful landscapes surrounded by the Mediterranean coastline create a phenomenal atmosphere that everyone adores. The ancient ruins, culture, and UNESCO-acclaimed landmark sites make Greece one of the most visited countries. The country’s stunning formation is the surreal evidence of timeless beauty.
Moreover, Greece has lots of ancient legends and learning about the iconic mythological sagas of Greece is highly recommended. The country has the Acropolis in Athens, the Temple of Apollo, Meteora, the Old Town of Corfu, and whatnot. There are lots of cultural places to visit in Greece. From historical monuments to bustling street markets, wherever you go, the references to cultural heritage will always accompany you.
Best Cultural Destinations to Visit in Greece
- Acropolis, Athens
- Parthenon, Athens
- Temple of Hephaestus, Athens
- Delphi, Central Greece
- Meteora Monasteries, Thessaly
- Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, Rhodes
- Ancient Olympia, Olympia
- Mystras, Sparta
- Knossos, Crete
- Epidaurus Theatre, Peloponnese
4. Spain
When talking about the best cultural destinations in the world, one should always consider Spain. The country is among the best cultural destinations in Europe, popular for its vibrant culture. You can discover lots of historical and cultural destinations like palaces, museums, monuments, and UNESCO heritage sites.
To know about the magnificent architecture and captivating history of Spain you can explore many cultural holiday destinations. Spain has world-famous art galleries showcasing the art of many renowned artists like Francisco Goya, Pablo Picasso, and Diego Velázquez. Other than that, Spain is the land of culinary delights and authentic wine. You can try them for a burst of ages-old authentic flavours in your mouth.
Best Cultural Destinations to Visit in Spain
- Serra de Tramuntana, Mallorca
- Bellver Castle, Mallorca
- Sagrada Familia, Barcelona
- Alhambra, Granada
- Royal Palace, Madrid
- Mosque-Cathedral, Córdoba
- Park Güell, Barcelona
- Seville Cathedral, Seville
- Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
- City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia
- Aqueduct of Segovia, Segovia
- Alcázar of Segovia, Segovia
5. Egypt
If you want to explore historical and cultural destinations, you must consider visiting Egypt. It is one of the best cultural destinations in the world which is known for its ancient history. Egyptian pyramids, Gods, the Red Sea, the River Nile, and many phenomenal things have been a part of Egypt’s legends.
There are many museums suggesting unique discoveries of Egypt’s history. Egypt is one of the initial cultures that invented written scripts. The world’s longest river, the Nile is one of the best examples of Egypt’s rich heritage. Other than that, the influences from the Roman and Greek cultures left several landmarks and added more stories to the pages of Egypt’s history.
Best Cultural Destinations to Visit in Egypt
- The Great Pyramid of Giza
- Great Sphinx of Giza, Giza
- Karnak Temple, Luxor
- Valley of the Kings, Luxor
- Abu Simbel Temples, Aswan
- Temple of Philae, Aswan
- Saqqara, Cairo
- Egyptian Museum, Cairo
- Temple of Hatshepsut, Luxor
- Citadel of Saladin, Cairo
6. Italy
Italy is one of the best cultural destinations in Europe and has influenced the world in the best ways possible. The unique blend of art and architecture is inspired by various cultures, majorly Greek and Roman. There are lots of phenomenal tourist attractions in Italy where you can witness the beauty of the country’s history.
In addition, the iconic landmark sites with landscape views make Italy one of the top places to visit in the world. Furthermore, the music, food, wine, and culture are perfect for a unique and romantic holiday experience. This might be one of the reasons why Italian cuisine and culture are embraced worldwide.
Best Cultural Destinations to Visit in Italy
- Colosseum, Rome
- Florence Duomo, Florence
- Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa
- Vatican Museums, Vatican City
- Uffizi Gallery, Florence
- Grand Canal, Venice
- Pompeii, Naples
- St. Mark's Basilica, Venice
- Pantheon, Rome
- Trevi Fountain, Rome
7. India
India is one of the best cultural destinations in the world where you can witness cultural diversities. The diverse heritage and blend of different religions make India an incredible place to explore. It is the birthplace of several religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, and more, each with different customs and traditions. Simultaneously, the traditional practices of Yoga asanas and Ayurveda originated in India.
From historical landmarks to iconic natural wonders, you can find everything in India. The country has several historical and cultural destinations where you can go on a spiritual journey. India is the land of many holy cities, worshipping various Gods, deities, and divinities. The local festivals and fairs are quite vibrant and renowned worldwide. Tourism in India offers unique experiences while encountering phenomenal historical monuments, landmark sites, ancient ruins, ginormous temples, and whatnot.
Best Cultural Destinations to Visit in India
- Taj Mahal, Agra
- Qutub Minar, Delhi
- Red Fort, Delhi
- Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
- Gateway of India, Mumbai
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Charminar, Hyderabad
- Mysore Palace, Mysore
- Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad
- Sun Temple, Konark
- Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
8. Thailand
Thailand is surely among the best cultural destinations in the world to experience an excellently rich cultural heritage. There are lots of cultural places to visit in Thailand and learn about the history, culture, and local traditions. Thailand is the right place to discover ancient temples, palaces, ancient ruins, and many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
You can learn about the local cultures and traditions that are majorly inspired by Buddhist, Hindu, Chinese, and Cambodian cultures. There are many unique festivals celebrated in Thailand that depict different cultures. You will see colourful decorations, fireworks, customs, music and dance forms, and whatnot as the major elements of these celebrations.
Best Cultural Destinations to Visit in Thailand
- Grand Palace, Bangkok
- Wat Pho, Bangkok
- Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya
- Wat Arun, Bangkok
- Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai
- Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai
- Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok
- Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buriram
- Ancient Siam, Samut Prakan
- Bridge over the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi
9. Vietnam
Vietnam is among the most adorable cultural holiday destinations where you can visit with your family and learn great things. It was named one of the best cultural destinations in the world. From stunning rice terrace landscapes to the best scenes in the countryside, you will find everything quite peaceful.
Moving on, Vietnam is popular for its festivals and unique traditions. Additionally, the celebrations and art representations reflect its deep-rooted history. The UNESCO Heritage Sites are highly recommended to visit along with the phenomenal shrines, temples, palaces, and more. To know more about Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage you can visit the local neighborhoods and explore the markets. They are perfect for having fun and learning about history.
Best Cultural Destinations to Visit in Vietnam
- Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi
- Temple of Literature, Hanoi
- Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City
- My Son Sanctuary, Quang Nam
- Imperial City, Hue
- Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam
- Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh
- Golden Bridge, Da Nang
10. Japan
A holiday in Japan is a satisfying journey where you can explore the best cultural destinations in the world. There are lots of picturesque landscapes and landmark sites where you can learn about Japan’s history and culture. Explore the monuments, temples, national parks, natural landscapes, fascinating architecture, and whatnot during your stay in Japan.
Furthermore, the phenomenal cherry blossoms are the highlights of the spring season in Japan. People from all over the world visit Japan’s popular places to see the picturesque views. Apart from tradition and sightseeing, the country is known for its traditional Japanese fight forms. Kendo, Kenjutsu, Karate, Judo, Sumo, Jujutsu, and other martial arts forms originated in Japan. Learning about the legacy of authentic Japanese martial arts schools will be quite interesting.
Best Cultural Destinations to Visit in Japan
- Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto
- Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Kyoto
- Senso-ji, Tokyo
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Hiroshima
- Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima
- Himeji Castle, Himeji
- Meiji Shrine, Tokyo
- Nara Park, Nara
- Mount Fuji, Shizuoka/Yamanashi
- Osaka Castle, Osaka
11. Austria
Austria is home to many of the best cultural destinations in the world. The culture of this country is very diverse and you can witness the cultural richness almost everywhere. The glacier-covered mountains, vineyards, art museums, alpine fields, and more are some of the best cultural destinations in Europe. You should definitely explore them when planning to visit Austria for holidays.
Moving on, Austria is home to the world’s largest ice caves that are accessible. The local culture is inspired by various influences like Roman, German, Hungarian, Croatian, and more. These influences can be witnessed in the baroque architecture, coffee culture, folk music, traditional dance, and whatnot. Other than that, Austria’s winter sports have played an integral part in its cultural heritage. You can try some winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing, ice hockey, etcetera.
Best Cultural Destinations to Visit in Austria
- Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna
- Hofburg Imperial Palace, Vienna
- St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna
- Hohensalzburg Fortress, Salzburg
- Melk Abbey, Melk
- Belvedere Palace, Vienna
- Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna
- Mirabell Palace, Salzburg
- Hallstatt, Upper Austria
- Vienna State Opera, Vienna
12. Brazil
The diversity of culture, music, food, natural beauty, and traditions makes Brazil one of the best cultural destinations in the world. The indigenous culture has a blend of adaptations from different continents. You can witness Asian, European, and African influences on Brazil’s cultures. It is evidently visible in various elements of the country as it has impacted the languages, traditions, music, food, music, and dance.
There are many historical landmarks and tourist attractions that showcase the cultural influence. In addition, tourists from around the world visit here to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Locals feel privileged to showcase their culture in their annual celebrations. You can see various local dance forms, parades, costumes, and colourful festivities in their carnivals.
Best Cultural Destinations to Visit in Brazil
- Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro
- Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro
- Iguazu Falls, Foz do Iguaçu
- Amazon Theatre, Manaus
- Pelourinho Historic District, Salvador
- Brasília Cathedral, Brasília
- Oscar Niemeyer Museum, Curitiba
- Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro
- Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão
- Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco
The Bottom Line:
In the end, exploring the best cultural destinations in the world is a soul-satisfying journey that you enjoy a lot. The above-mentioned places are popular for providing a pleasing experience to the tourists. You can have lots of fun and learn about the traditional values and customs of the local cultures.
However, you must keep in mind that some places are very particular about their cultural values. Be respectful towards the local customs and traditions so that you do not hurt the sentiments of others. Also, the blog contains the names of some of the best cultural destinations of each of the 12 countries. To try to explore the most out of them so that you can enjoy the proper cultural experience.
