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Best Historical Places in the World
Exploring the most historical places in the world is like time traveling with a passport.
From ancient palaces and forgotten civilizations to famous world monuments, each destination and attraction listed below offers a unique chapter in the story of civilization.
World Historical Places to Put on Your Travel Bucket List
As a travel writer and former travel columnist with the Toronto Star, not to mention a lifelong history buff, I’ve visited several of these top historical places of the world. The rest are on my travel bucket list. It’s a globetrotting goal that never gets dull.
If you like monumental landmarks and famous historical destinations, you might want to add some of these incredible sights to your bucket list, too.
So here it is. From A to Z (or at least from A to V!), a list of the world’s most historic places with pictures, and information on what makes them so important.
Top 30 Famous Historical Places to Visit
1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Temples of Time
Angkor Wat is a blockbuster when it comes to historic places to visit.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a monumental temple complex that served as the spiritual heart of the Khmer Empire.
Built in the 12th century, it’s a lasting example of Khmer architectural prowess and spiritual devotion, and when my husband and I went, we found it so fascinating we extended our stay.
Highlights like Bayon Temple, with its monumental faces carved into rock, and Ta Prohm Temple, where roots and stone are locked in a centuries-old stranglehold make a trip to Angkor Wat an unforgettable journey.
The real showstopper is the ethereal (but crowded) experience of watching the sun rise behind Angkor Wat Temple, where the past rises from the stone like humid air from the jungle.
⭐️ According to Guinness World Records Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure in the world.
2. The Acropolis, Greece – Ancient Elevation
Perched atop Athens, the Acropolis is home to the Parthenon, a marvel of classical architecture and the most visited archeological site in Greece.
The Parthenon, once a flourishing temple, was dedicated to Athena, daughter of Zeus and the Goddess of Wisdom and War.
Built in the 5th century BCE, the Acropolis symbolizes the height of Athenian democracy and culture.
Its Doric columns and sculpted friezes echo stories of gods and heroes, and when I was here, overlooking Athens, I felt as if I truly was in the celestial home of the gods.
3. The Alhambra, Spain – Moorish Majesty
Ah, the lovely Alhambra. A palace and fortress complex in Granada, Spain, the Alhambra is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
Like the Acropolis, the Alhambra was built on a high point, but there the similarities end.
It’s the delicacy and elegance of the design that enchanted me when I toured it early one morning, the Arabesque patterns of interlacing motifs and the play of light and shadow on the walls.
Its carved stucco, decorative mosaics, and lush gardens capture the sophistication of the Nasrid dynasty, the last Muslim dynasty in Spain.
There is a lot to see in the sprawling complex, but don’t miss the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife gardens and the Alcazaba Fortress.
⭐️ The Alhambra is the most visited historic attraction in Spain.
4. Ayutthaya, Thailand – Ancient Capital
Ayutthaya, founded in 1350, was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom.
The Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts impressive temple ruins that offer glimpses into the kingdom’s past glory.
Located 80 km (50 miles) from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is a popular day trip that offers a refreshing escape from traffic-congested Bangkok. (Not that I don’t love Bangkok, especially if you get a hotel on the Chao Phraya river.)
Don’t miss the iconic Wat Mahathat. One of the most famous temples in Ayutthaya, it’s known for its iconic Buddha head enveloped in the roots of a banyan tree.
I wanted to cruise right down the Chao Phraya River to Ayutthaya from Bangkok, but those types of tours are few and far between.
Most people who want to explore Ayutthaya do a walking tour, cycle or do a shorter boat tour once they’re there.
5. Borobudur, Indonesia – Stairway to Enlightenment
Surrounded by the lush jungles of Indonesia’s Java Island, Borobudur is a monumental Buddhist temple and one of the world’s most awe-inspiring architectural wonders.
Constructed during the 8th and 9th centuries, this colossal structure is an embodiment of Buddhist cosmology and a spiritual pilgrimage site.
A magnificent tiered pyramid adorned with more than 2,600 relief panels that narrate the life and teachings of Buddha, it’s a journey as much as a destination.
As you ascend its numerous terraces, your passage unfolds, mirroring the path to enlightenment.
At the summit, a central dome is crowned with a large, bell-shaped stupa, which symbolizes Nirvana – the ultimate state of spiritual awakening.
A mesmerizing sight during sunrise or sunset, Borobudur combines ancient wisdom and sheer grandeur to create one of the most beautiful historical places in the world.
6. Chichen Itza, Mexico – Maya Marvel
Chichen Itza, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, is a fascinating archaeological site located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
Once a major center of the ancient Mayan civilization, it holds incredible insights into their culture, architecture, and astronomical knowledge.
At the heart of Chichen Itza stands the impressive El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan. What makes it truly extraordinary is its alignment with celestial events.
During the equinoxes, the setting sun casts a remarkable shadow on the side of the pyramid, creating the illusion of a descending serpent.
This phenomenon represents the Mayan deity Kukulkan, and is a spectacle that draws crowds from around the globe, putting it high on the list of the best historic places in the world.
7. The Colosseum, Italy – Grand Spectacle
I’ve visited the famous Colosseum in Rome a few times, and while you’re there it’s easy to imagine the roar of a bloodthirsty crowd while gladiators clash and battle for their lives – sometimes against one another, sometimes against wild animals.
But more went on than brutal fight scenes. Built in CE 70-80, the Roman Colosseum was the epicenter of ancient Roman entertainment.
Hosting chariot races, elaborate spectacles, even mock sea battles, this monumental amphitheatre showcased the power and cultural legacy of the Roman Empire.
Hosting up to 80,000 spectators, the mighty Colosseum is a testament to the skill of Roman engineering and the pageantry that unfolded within its curved walls.
Today, a visit here is one of the best things to do in Rome.
8. Easter Island, Chile – Mysteries of Moai
Easter Island’s immense Moai statues were carved by the Rapa Nui people between the 13th and 16th centuries.
They’re said to represent ancestral chiefs descended from the gods, but much remains a mystery.
How were these massive monoliths transported across the island? What beliefs inspired their creation?
The mysteries are still being unraveled today, and these colossal stone figures, weighing more than 10 tons, bear silent witness to the island’s past and the innovative techniques used by its inhabitants.
9. Ephesus, Turkey – Greco-Roman Gem
Once a thriving Greco-Roman city, Ephesus, located in present day Turkey, is now an archaeological treasure.
Like Carrie in Sex and the City, I’m a huge fan of libraries, so when I visited Ephesus on a a Mediterranean cruise, it was the famed Library of Celsus I was excited to see.
With its ornate carvings and imposing columns, the library’s marble facade is an ode to the wealth and intellectual pursuits of the ancient Greeks.
The shelves, now empty, once held some 12,000 scrolls and manuscripts, containing much of the knowledge of the ancient world.
It was a place where scholars and thinkers gathered to exchange ideas, debate philosophy, and expand their intellectual horizons.
In my books (see what I did there?) it clearly ranks as one of best famous world landmarks to see.
10. The Forbidden City, China – Imperial Majesty
For some 500 years, the Forbidden City housed China’s emperors and was the heart of the empire.
Completed in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, its three great halls, elaborate gates, red wooden columns and dragon and phoenix motifs stand as remarkable examples of Chinese mastery of harmonious design.
Spanning over 180 acres and comprising some 9,000 rooms, this ancient palace complex offers a glimpse into China’s dynastic opulence.
Walking through its hallowed halls and serene gardens is a step into a world where emperors walked and dynasties transitioned, putting it at the top of places of historical importance in China.
⭐️ The Forbidden City is the largest imperial palace in the world.
11. The Great Wall of China – Ancient Guardian
Stretching over 13,000 miles (22,000 km), the Great Wall of China is one of the most impressive architectural marvels in human history.
Dating back to the 7th century BCE, the Great Wall was built as a defence against invasion, particularly from northern tribes, and remains a symbol of China’s engineering mastery across diverse terrains.
While construction began during the Warring States period, it was during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) that the wall reached its greatest extent.
There aren’t many historical places of the world that you can walk on, and the ability to get up and close to a famous world landmark like this is something to check off your bucket list.
The magnitude of human effort involved in its construction make it a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
⭐️ The Great Wall of China is the longest manmade structure in the world.
12. Hagia Sophia, Turkey – Cultural Fusion
Istanbul has a lot of incredible places to visit, but if I were to pick one, it would be the Hagia Sophia.
Originally a cathedral, then a mosque, then a museum and now a mosque again, it’s a magnificent emblem of the city’s evolution.
The soaring domes and mosaics of glass, stone and gold leaf showcase the craftsmanship of the Christian Byzantine era, while the minarets and Islamic elements later added enhance its imposing appeal.
For me the jaw dropping sight is the central dome.
It seems to float over its sturdy square base – an impressive feat considering it’s 105 feet (32 metres) in diameter and made of bricks and mortar.
It’s not just the artistry and the architectural complexity of the Hagia Sophia that makes it one of the most fascinating world monuments, it’s the stories it tells of the rise and fall of empires.
⭐️ Located on Sultan Ahmed Square, it’s conveniently near the Blue Mosque, another famous world landmark you won’t want to miss.
13. Machu Picchu, Peru – Cloud-Kissed Citadel
I may be one of the only tourists ever to travel to Peru and not visit Machu Picchu, but I went as a working journalist and couldn’t fit it in. That was painful.
(Although I did get to visit a shaman in the Amazon rainforest and I wouldn’t have given that up for the world.)
But back to Machu Picchu. Perched high on a ridge in the Andes mountains, it was built by the Inca emperor Pachacuti in the 15th century.
Constructed in this improbable soaring site by using a series of stabilizing terraces, Machu Picchu is a mark of human ingenuity and determination.
A balanced blend of nature and architecture, it transformed a rugged landscape into a citadel that defies both time and logic.
Likely built as a royal retreat, this “Lost City” remains an enigma, with its precise construction and purpose still sparking debate among historians.
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu also remains an enigma to me, and sits high on my list of amazing historical places to travel to.
14. Mont Saint-Michel, France – Abbey in the Waves
When legends and architectural feats meet, and tides rise and fall dramatically, you know you’re in for something special.
Located off the coast of Normandy, Mont Saint-Michel is a tidal island village crowned by a stunning medieval abbey.
Built between the 11th and 16th centuries, the abbey’s construction appears to challenge the laws of nature as it balances between earth and sky, hundreds of feet above sea level.
Its origins go back to 708 CE. That’s when the archangel Michael is said to have appeared to Saint Aubert, bishop of Avranches, to ask him to build a sanctuary here.
After being ignored twice, the angel burned a hole in the bishop’s forehead with his fingertip. That did the trick and a church was built.
Mont Saint-Michel makes this list of the best historical places to visit because it’s a reminder of humanity’s ability to forge extraordinary wonders even in the most challenging landscapes (and because it’s a really cool legend).
14. Montserrat, Spain – Spiritual Mountain Retreat
Montserrat, Spain, is a unique mountain range near Barcelona, famous for the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey.
This Benedictine monastery was founded around the 10th century, and houses the revered Black Madonna statue.
Said to be responsible for many a miracle, the Black Madonna is believed to have healing powers if you touch her hand.
Along with the sacred energy of the site, it’s also the natural beauty of Montserrat Mountain that draws people.
Known as the Serrated Mountain, because it looks like a jagged saw, it truly seems like a mystical place as you walk to St Michael’s Cross or take the Sant Joan Funicular up to the mountain peak.
⭐️ While most people visit Montserrat on a day trip from Barcelona, I recommend staying overnight as that’s when its subtle energy isn’t drowned out by the crowds.
15. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany – Fairytale Fortress
A historical landmark doesn’t have to be eons old. Sometimes it just has to look that way. Perched atop a hill in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle is the epitome of romantic architecture.
Constructed in the 1800s, it served as an inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle, which is one reason it’s become set in our collective imaginations as the classic fairytale castle.
It was the creative vision of the eccentric King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who wanted to create a fantasy version of a medieval castle.
Its breathtaking turrets, spires, and stunning surroundings make it a story come to life – and its impact on popular culture solidifies its status as a cultural icon and makes it one of the most unique historical places of the world.
⭐️ Fittingly, Neuschwanstein Castle stands at the south end of Germany’s Romantische Straße, the picturesque Romantic Road.
16. Persepolis, Iran – Ancient Palaces and Achaemenid Legacy
Founded by Darius the Great in 518 BCE, Persepolis is evidence of the might of the Achaemenid Empire. It was an era of extraordinary architectural achievement and political dominance.
Situated in the southwestern region of modern-day Iran, this centuries-old city served as the ceremonial capital and the heartbeat of the empire.
The royal palaces and great audience hall of Apadana, with its monumental staircases and stone reliefs showing 23 nations paying tribute, embody the pinnacle of ancient Persian civilization.
Tragically, the city met its untimely demise in 330 BCE when it was sacked by Alexander the Great.
Yet, even in its ruins, Persepolis remains a window into the glories of ancient Persia and preserves the legacy of the Achaemenid dynasty.
17. Petra, Jordan – A Historical Location Carved in Rose
Hidden within the rugged cliffs of Jordan, Petra’s rose-red stone facades hold secrets of an ancient civilization.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the abandoned city of Petra draws travelers from far and wide.
It’s accessed by way of the Siq, a narrow winding canyon that serves as the main entrance and opens onto breathtaking sights like Al-Khazneh, also known as The Treasury.
A magnificent temple-like structure, the Treasury was carved from the rock face as a mausoleum for a Nabatean king in the 1st century BCE.
Beyond it the layout of Petra unfolds, revealing elaborate tombs, temples, and an amphitheater.
⭐️ Petra is literally a rock star. It’s been featured in blockbuster movies like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Aladdin.
18. Pompeii, Italy – A World Historical Location Frozen in Time
Talk about a time capsule. Smothered by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, Pompeii offers a unique glimpse into Roman life – and death.
Preserved under layers of ash, the city’s allure lies in its remarkably preserved streets and buildings that offer an intimate peek into a long-vanished world of bustling marketplaces, elegant villas and vivid frescoes.
More haunting are the plaster casts that capture the positions in which people met their sudden end, encapsulating the terror and vulnerability they experienced.
Caught in time, Pompeii is eerie evidence of a civilization’s abrupt halt – not to mention a reminder of our own mortality.
19. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt – Ancient Places to Marvel At
Don’t make the same mistake I made when visiting the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, which was to not give yourself enough time. But I was on a tour and my schedule was not my own.
Nonetheless, it’s a bucket list destination that was a wonder to see.
Dating back to around 2,600 BCE, the Pyramids of Giza were constructed as tombs for pharaohs.
The Great Pyramid, built for Khufu, was originally the tallest man-made structure in the world and continues to wow visitors with its size and precision.
Guarding the pyramids from a distance is the Great Sphinx, a colossal Egyptian statue that boasts the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh.
Some travelers say going inside a pyramid isn’t worth it, but for me, the feeling of weight and stillness inside the Great Pyramid was one of the most powerful memories I have of my trip to Egypt.
20. St. Mark’s Square, Venice – The Piazza of Power
Originally I was going to add the Doge’s Palace in Venice to this list of world historical places, then expanded it to include all of St. Mark’s Square.
Why? Because the arcaded square is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and a trip here is a trip into the core of Venice.
Locally known as Piazza San Marco, St. Mark’s has served as the city’s civic, religious, and social center for centuries.
At its eastern end St. Mark’s Basilica looms over the skyline with its Byzantine dome and marble columns. (Ahem, which were looted from Constantinople.)
Beside it is the Doge’s Palace, the former residence of the Doge who was the supreme authority of the Venetian Republic.
Inside the palace is a lavish display of frescoes, gilded detailing and priceless artwork by Italian masters.
When I toured the palace (one of the best things to do when it rains in Venice) I was told that Tintoretto’s massive painting Paradiso that hangs behind the Doge’s throne was the largest painting in the world – a point I found interesting enough to look up.
I learned it’s since been eclipsed by Sacha Jafri’s The Journey of Humanity painted in 2020.
But the wonderful thing about St. Mark’s Square is that it isn’t just a historical place to look at, it’s a place to linger.
Often called ‘the drawing room of Europe‘, its historic cafes like the Cafe Florian can keep you there for hours, just as they tempted Casanova (who was, ironically, imprisoned in Piombi Prison, which is attached to the Doge’s Palace by the famous Bridge of Sighs).
21. The Statue of Liberty – Historical Symbol of the USA
It may not be the oldest world monument on our list, but it’s one of the most recognizable.
The Statue of Liberty stands as an iconic symbol of freedom and hope.
Located in the New York Harbor, this colossal neoclassical sculpture was a gift from the people of France to the United States in 1886.
It’s ranking as one of the most historical places in the world comes from its link to the ideals and principles that emerged from the American Revolution: freedom, democracy, and the abolition of slavery.
Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the green-tinged copper Lady Liberty and her resplendent torch have welcomed countless immigrants as they arrived in America seeking a new beginning.
It also welcomes countless tourists, and is one of the top sights to see in New York.
22. Stonehenge, England – Ancient Places and Mystical Marvel
I’m a sucker for sacred sites, and Stonehenge is one of the most spiritual places in the world.
Perched on Salisbury Plain, this impressive prehistoric monument has baffled researchers for centuries. It’s also catnip for modern-day pagans who are drawn by its mysteries and earthy energy.
It was built over 4,500 years ago, and the purpose of the massive stone circle and its alignment with celestial events continues to be a subject of fascination.
At one time you could wander freely among the stones like you can at Avebury, another important sacred site, but a visit to Stonehenge is more regulated now.
While not being able to step into the circle at Stonehenge diluted my enjoyment of it, it’s still an amazing place to be – and if keeping our distance helps preserve this incredible ancient place for future generations I’m all for it.
As one of the most famous historical places in the world, it’s a must-see if you’re interested in the neolithic world.
⭐️ If you go at summer or winter solstice, you can still get up close to commune with the stones.
23. Temple Mount, Jerusalem – A Timeless Journey
Perched high above Jerusalem, the Temple Mount complex is a sacred site steeped in centuries of history, conflict, and reverence. It’s a must-visit spot to put on any Israel itinerary.
The Dome of the Rock shrine, with its huge gold dome, is a stunner, and is built over the rock believed to be the spot where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. It’s also said to be where the Ark of the Covenant was located.
The Temple Mount complex is home to two other famous religious structures, the Western Wall (which is a supporting wall of Temple Mount) and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
A lightning rod of faith for three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Temple Mount is a symbol of faith and devotion and an important crossroads where spiritual legacies intersect.
24. Teotihuacan, Mexico – City of Gods
Constructed around 100 BCE, Teotihuacan was one of the largest cities in the ancient world.
It was a flourishing trade center and at the height of its power had an estimated 125,000 residents.
Located not far from Mexico City, its signature pyramids, the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, highlight the advanced engineering and urban planning of the Mesoamerican civilization.
Yet mysteries remain. Who exactly were the people who built it? What caused its demise?
Later, when the Aztecs moved into the abandoned city in the 1400s, they gave it the name Teotihuacan, meaning the ‘Place Where the Gods Were Created.’
My most memorable moment here was climbing the steep stone steps of the Pyramid of the Sun, tracing the footsteps of a people we know so little about, but whose small empire continues to captivate us.
25. The Terracotta Army, China – Guardian Warriors
The Terracotta Army, a formidable display of ancient China’s military might and artistic sophistication, stands guard in the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, located near Xi’an.
Crafted to safeguard the emperor in the afterlife, this awe-inspiring collection is made up of more than 8,000 life-sized clay statues, each meticulously designed with unique facial expressions and armor.
Only discovered in 1974, this silent gathering of archers, soldiers, chariots and horses has stood guard over the emperor since about 246 BCE.
While I’ve seen some of the warriors at museum exhibitions, I can’t imagine the incredible feeling of seeing them in their underground home.
27. Taj Mahal, India – Endless Love Through the Ages
A marvel of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal was one of the first world famous historical landmarks I ever visited and I remember being surprised it was a mausoleum and not some grand villa made for the living. What an expression of eternal love.
Mumtaz Mahal wasn’t the emperor’s first wife, or his only wife, but she was a much-beloved favorite and became his confident, advisor and constant companion until she died at age 38.
Located in Agra, this ode to love and loss looks as if it’s been created from lace.
Its white marble facade, delicate inlay work, and symmetrical gardens embody artistic brilliance and add up to one of the most beautiful historical places in the world.
28. The Tower of London, England – Fortress of History
The Tower of London and its moody past never fails to hit my soul.
This is possibly because I’m riveted by Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII who not only prepared for her coronation at the Tower in 1533, but was executed on the Tower Green three scant years later.
Situated on the banks of the River Thames, the Tower of London has a history dating back nearly a thousand years.
It was founded by William the Conqueror in 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England and has served as a fortress, a residence of kings, a place of imprisonment for aristocrats and a stronghold that today houses the Crown Jewels.
It’s the intrigue that seeps through the very walls that is so gripping.
One of the Tower’s most enduring mysteries involves the disappearance of the young Princes Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, who were held at the Tower in 1483 and were never seen again.
Their fate remains a subject of historical debate (but it did pave the way for Richard III to take the throne. Just saying.)
Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a symbol of England’s enduring heritage.
Its iconic White Tower, red-uniformed Yeoman Warders, and imposing battlements make it one of the most recognizable monuments in London.
29. Vatican City – Spiritual Epicenter of Catholicism
In the heart of Rome lies the Vatican City, an independent city-state rich in religious and artistic significance, and when it comes to historical places of importance, this one has might.
The spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, it’s the residence of the Pope, and its rooms are brimming with priceless treasures.
Top sights include the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, with its resplendant ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo of the Creation of Adam.
Another blockbuster Vatican attraction is St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture with breathtaking artwork like Michelangelo’s famed Pietà and Bernini’s towering baldachin, one of the most impressive Bernini sculptures in Rome.
As this is one of the most historic places to visit in Rome, however, the crowds can be a tremendous distraction.
By booking an early access Vatican breakfast my husband and I were able to explore at our leisure and had several art-filled rooms to ourselves – what a way to tour one of the most spiritual places in the world.
30. Versailles, France – Regal Extravaganza
The Palace of Versailles, a symbol of royal opulence, was built in the 17th century and is one of the most historical palaces in Europe.
A Versailles day trip is one of my must-do activities when I’m in Paris, and I never get tired of its over-the-top grandeur.
From the Hall of Mirrors to the lavish gardens, Versailles reflects the excesses of the French monarchy and the cultural legacy of Louis XIV.
Being here is like stepping into a period movie complete with magnificent sets, courtiers jostling for position, and life-or-death intrigue.
The difference is that this was real life, not a movie set, and the plot didn’t end well for Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette.
Today, this exquisite palace that once saw cutthroat power battles and countless glittering parties offers a glimpse into the extravagant lives of the French monarchy and the willful blindness that brought them down.
Why Visit Historical Places in the World?
Why visit a historical place at all? What is our fascination with famous world monuments and locales?
For one thing they connect us to the past, helping us find our place in a larger whole.
Seeing what generations before us accomplished inspires us to stretch our imaginations and abilities to go even further. We can learn, enjoy and reflect.
Visiting important places of the world like the ones above is also exciting.
Standing where faded civilizations once stood, picturing the power plays, love, ambition, determination and sometimes fear that drove societies to reach new creative, spiritual and engineering heights is something that becomes real when you’re onsite.
This list of the 30 best historical places to visit isn’t a comprehensive list (or a non-objective one, it’s simply my own and I could have added so many others).
It is, however, a snapshot of some of the most influential, unique and beautiful places in the world that highlight our past and continue to shape our present.
FAQs About Famous Historical Places
It’s almost impossible to narrow it down but here are 10 top contenders: The Taj Mahal, Angkor Wat, the Forbidden City, Machu Picchu, the Pyramids of Giza, the Acropolis, Vatican City, Chichen Itza, Petra and Easter Island.
Italy has the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites with 58 altogether. With such amazing historic attractions such as the Colosseum, Pompeii and the Doge’s Palace in Venice, it shouldn’t be a surprise.
In Europe, Versailles is an amazing historic place to visit because there is so much to do and see including the palace, the gardens, the canal and the Trianon Estates. There are also musical fountains shows and period balls.
In Asia, Angkor Wat is not to be missed, especially at sunrise, while the Middle East has the pink ancient city of Petra in Jordan.
How to Visit Montserrat Mountain and Monastery From Barcelona
Really enjoyed the article and photographs.