Some people travel to get away from the daily stress; others to find adventures. Then there are those who travel to relive the past and see what history has left for humanity. When we think about it, traveling is a way to explore humanity’s heritage. There’s just something fascinating about discovering lost cities and century-old temples.
Below are seven top destinations every history buff must visit.
1. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The Vietnam War affected local history and its actors. Ho Chi Minh City is set in time, with people who still wear a conical hat and the Ao Dai: the country’s national costume. There are many museums in the city which commemorate Vietnam’s gruesome but rich past. Just two hours from the city, you can visit the Cu Chi Tunnels which played an important role during the war.
Must-see places: War Remnants Museum, Museum of Vietnamese History, Reunification Palace.
2. Beijing, China
Beijing’s history is at least 3 millenniums old. Visitors will find a large selection of natural and man-made attractions. Even the streets of Beijing are of the highest historic interest. Besides, here you will find the Great Wall of China, with its miles of history for you to stride along.
Must-see spots: Great Wall of Jiankou, Great Wall at Mutianyu, The Palace Museum, Summer Palace.
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Named after the people who built a bridge over the river Amstel, Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands. It started as a fishing village and grew into one of the most important ports during the Dutch Golden Age. Today it is the country’s most populous city and an important history-rich destination. Points of interest include the canals which contributes to the booming of the city since the 17th century.
Must-see spots: Anne Frank House, The Resistance Museum, Herengracht.
4. Machu Picchu District, Peru
The Inca Empire was the largest pre-Colombian civilization. It’s a great example of how some ancestors managed to build a thriving societies thousands of years ago. Though the Machu Picchu is popular for its ruins of the Inca Empire, the Inca Trail also showcases important Inca remains.
Must-see spots: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Paucarcancha Ruins, Ruins of Intipata.
5. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is the fifth largest Turkish city and its economic, cultural and historic center. The city also cradles the Bosphorus, one of the world’s busiest waterways and a boundary between Europe and Asia. Like the Bosphorus, Istanbul is a cultural melting pot for both continents. Its architecture, and art reflect its culture and long history. Neolithic artifacts also show that the city has been thriving since the seventh millennium BC.
Must-see spots: Hagia Sophia, Rahmi M. Koc Museum, Sultanahmet District
6. Savannah, Georgia, USA
Perfect backdrop for Southern Gothic novellas, Savannah was the home of the British colony in Georgia. The British influence are still present in the architecture of houses and buildings in Savannah. The city is the oldest one in Georgia, and it houses some of the most interesting museums and cemeteries in the country. A quick trip to any of the museums will send chills down your spine and a bountiful knowledge into your brain.
Must-see spots: Fort McAllister, Bonaventure Cemetery, Massie Heritage Center.
7. Athens, Greece
Those who have interest in Greek and Roman mythology must have Athens in their travel bucket list. The largest Greek metropolis developed into an innovation center while retaining its historic appeals. If you are looking for a history-rich destination, Athens is it.
Must-see spots: Parthenon, Benaki Museum, Temple of Hephaestus, The Acropolis Museum.
The most rewarding trips are those that contribute to your knowledge of the world. The idea of visiting the world for history sake might bring back dreaded school field trips. But such adventures can tether you to the present and widen your perspective more than you’ll ever expect.
Author bio
Nicolette Morrison is a blogger and digital marketing assistant for Bestessays.com. She spends majority of her free time backpacking and writing shorts.