For your next travel experience, slow down. Take time to immerse yourself in the culture of a community and experience a different way of doing things.
Traveling is not just about seeing sights and taking selfies, it can also be a cultural experience, in which we take in the history, religion, language, art, music, food and customs of a place.
Lifestyles and traditions are different everywhere, they vary not only within countries but also between regions, cities and even neighbourhoods. Immersing ourselves in and experiencing different rituals, dress, cooking, and social behaviors create enriching experiences and lasting memories that can change us for the better.
Travel spending totaled $97 billion in December 2022, 3% above 2019 levels and 7% above 2021 levels, according to the US Travel Association. International travel is still picking up. Recovering: Overseas arrivals remained 29% below 2019 levels as of December 2022.
But travelers seem to travel more and stay longer, and are looking for opportunities to immerse themselves in communities and experience local culture, experts told the World Economic Forum last year.
And as more people become aware of sustainability in travel, they are more sensitive to the impact tourism has not only on the environment, but also on the culture and heritage of the communities they visit.
Community-based tourism puts authentic, community-based cultural activities at the center of the travel experience, Liz Ortiguera, executive director of the Asia Pacific Travel Association in Thailand, told world economic forum.
Experiences that are properly designed in partnership with communities allow those communities to reap the benefit of financial inclusion and can reinforce their cultural heritage, Ortiguera said.
So for your next travel experience, slow down. Take time to immerse yourself in the culture of a community and experience a different way of looking at things.
This list of 10 cultural destinations is based on from tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, which honor travelers’ favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants and activities based on reviews and opinions collected from travelers around the world on the site over a 12-month period. Choices are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor. Here are the top 10 cultural destinations for 2023.
1. Fes, Morocco
Home to the world’s oldest university, the University of Al-Karaouine, this northeastern Moroccan city is known as the country’s cultural capital. The walled medieval city, or medina, shown here, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fes, Morocco
The walled city is a colorful maze of narrow streets, vibrant souks, and an old-world atmosphere.
Fes, Morocco
See the impressive architecture from the 13th to 15th centuries, the intricate cedar carvings and beautiful tiles around the city and the royal palace.
2. Jerusalem
One of the oldest cities in the world, the first humans settled here after leaving Africa, and the city has been continuously inhabited since before recorded history. A holy city to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Jerusalem has attracted religious pilgrims for centuries. The 7th century Dome of the Rock is among its 220 historical monuments and is decorated with beautiful geometric and floral patterns.
Jerusalem
The Old City of Jerusalem, or City of David, shown here, is an archaeological site with a museum.
Jerusalem
There is much to see in both Old and New Jerusalem, but Tripadvisor recommends leaving plenty of time to walk the streets and simply immerse yourself in the daily life of this ancient and revered place.
3. Athens, Greece
Culturally, Greece is known as the cradle of democracy, the arts, science, and the philosophy of Western civilization. This great city is full of life; its centerpiece is the Acropolis, dedicated to the goddess Athena that rises on a rocky crag.
Athens, Greece
Take a walking tour of the city center that will take you back thousands of years to see the Temple of Olympian Zeus (6th century BC), the Arch of Hadrian, the temple of Athene Nike, and the Odeion of Herodes Atticus , which was built in 161 AD and is now the site of the Athens Festival.
Athens, Greece
The Parthenon is an open-air museum and one of many museums to visit. Much of the historic city center has been turned into a pedestrian zone, one of the largest in Europe. Get a taste of Greek cuisine on a walking food tour, shop for leather sandals, or take a break from the bustle to relax on the beach.
4. Dublin, Ireland
With its many pedestrianized areas, Dublin offers a very walkable experience and offers some of the most iconic cultural heritage in Ireland. At the heart of the city center is Trinity College, and inside the old library building is The Book of Kells Exhibition, featuring a precious 9th-century manuscript.
Dublin, Ireland
See St. Patrick’s Cathedral, shown here, which dates back to the year 1191, and the 13th-century Dublin Castle.
Dublin, Ireland
There are many food and drink tours in Dublin, from tea trips and food tours to a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, where you can experience the history, heart and soul of Ireland’s famous beer. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Gravity Bar on the seventh floor.
Dublin also offers good shopping – check out Jervis Mall, Castle Market, Temple Bar and Henry Street. Browse for wool items, choose Irish whiskey, Irish chocolate, linen and cheeses.
5. Jaipur, India
The capital of the state of Rajasthan, Jaipur, was home to the royal family that once ruled the region. Jaipur is called the “Pink City” because of the color of its buildings. Explore the City Palace, a complex with gardens, courtyards, and museums; part of it is still a royal residence.
Jaipur, India
Nearby, visit Amer City and Amer Fort, shown here, one of the most famous forts in the region, a beautiful 16th-century structure.
Jaipur, India
Wander through the bazaars, art galleries, and museums. Jaipur has a number of festivals including an elephant festival, Teej festival, kite festival, and camel festival.
6. Cuba
Americans need a visa to travel to Cuba, and there are a few other rules, but once there, Havana is a step back in time with its Spanish colonial architecture and vintage cars. Tripadvisor recommends a visit to the city of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a good base for a visit to the Valle de los Ingenios, which once served as the center of Cuba’s sugar industry.
Cuba
Havana is one of Unesco’s cities of creative music, saying its rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage is a fusion of European, African and indigenous contributions. Havana resonates to the rhythm of the music.
Cuba
Santa María beach on the small island of Cayo Santa María in Cuba is a favorite beach. Visitors praise the fine, flour-white sand, clear, calm water, and light breeze.
7.Budapest, Hungary
The capital of Hungary sits on the Danube River and is rich in culture and history. Visit the Budapest History Museum, which traces city life from Roman times onwards, and Holy Trinity Square, home to the 13th-century Matthias Church and the towers of Fisherman’s Bastion, from where you get panoramic views of the city.
budapest
The beautiful Parliament building stands on the east bank of the Danube. The building is open for visits almost every day of the year. It has 28 stairs, one of them golden, statues, stained glass windows and rich decorative frescoes.
budapest
The main shopping areas are in the center of the city. Vaci Street, pictured here, is perhaps the most famous, with its trendy designer shops, restaurants and cafes. There is a monthly designer market featuring local fashion, and Budapest Fashion Week is in April.
8. Berlin, Germany
Take advantage of the many bike lanes Berlin has to offer and bike to the Berlin Wall, see Adolf Hitler’s bunker, and Checkpoint Charlie, the best-known crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War . The 18th century Brandenburg Gate has become a symbol of reunification.
There are dozens of museums in Berlin, the Museum Island, shown here, has five and is a Unesco world heritage site.
Berlin Germany
Check out the Reichstag Dome, a glass dome on top of the reconstructed Reichstag building designed by architect Norman Foster to symbolize the reunification of Germany. See also the Holocaust memorial and the graffiti-painted remains of the Berlin Wall.
Berlin Germany
Berlin is known for its art scene and cutting-edge fashion and architecture. There is an international film festival in February and an annual classical music festival at Easter. Visit the markets of Berlin and try street food from around the world. Shop the luxury shops along Kurfürstendamm and also check out the many flea markets in the city.
9. Seville, Spain
Founded by the Romans, Seville, in southwestern Spain, has a history of 3,000 years and is both ancient and avant-garde. The Alcázar palace complex is a stunning collage of architectural styles, and the beautiful cathedral is also the burial place of Christopher Columbus.
Sevilla Spain
Every two years, Seville celebrates the largest flamenco festival in the world: La Bienal de Flamenco, a delicious Andalusian expression of music, song, dance and poetry. The next one will be in 2024.
Sevilla Spain
A UNESCO City of Creative Music, Seville reflects centuries of musical tradition and influence on a global scale. Music involves everyone and is everywhere. There are symphonies, operas, and performances in open public spaces dedicated to music, and youth organizations, schools, and conservatories dedicated to music education.
10. Colombo, Sri Lanka
The island country of Sri Lanka is popular with travelers for its outdoor adventures, lush, beautiful landscapes, and unique wildlife (it’s one of the world’s top five biodiversity hotspots, despite its small size, with Asian elephants , sloth bears, leopards, sambar and wild buffalo.) But the bustling city of Colombo is worth a visit for its cultural experiences.
Shown here is the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, an important place of worship, seat of learning and cultural center with an eclectic mix of architecture from Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and China. The temple features beautiful statues, a pristine white stupa, and a giant bodhi tree.
Visit Pettah, the city’s colorful and multicultural bazaar in the Old District. Shown here is the ornate red and white facade of the Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque, built in 1908, in the heart of Pettah.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The prewritten history consists of planned cities, magnificent palaces, vast man-made reservoirs, impressive temples, monasteries, verdant gardens, and extraordinary monuments and works of art.
From Colombo, take a train along the coast to Mount Lavinia, see tea plantations, visit a beach, or go on a safari.
