Travel isn’t 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 just within countries but regions, cities, and even neighborhoods. Immersing ourselves and experiencing different rituals, dress, cuisine, and social behaviors creates 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 U.S. Travel Association. International travel is still recovering: overseas arrivals remained 29% below 2019 levels as of December 2022.
But travelers seem to be traveling longer and staying longer, and are seeking out the opportunity 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’re more sensitive to the impact tourism has on not just the environment but the culture and heritage of the communities they visit, too.
Community-based tourism puts community and authentic cultural activities at the heart of the travel experience, Liz Ortiguera, CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association in Thailand, told the World Economic Forum.
Experiences that are designed properly in partnership with communities allows those communities to get the benefit of financial inclusion, and can reinforce their cultural heritage, Ortiguera said.
So, for your next travel experience, slow down. Take some 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 Tripadvisor’s Travelers' Choice awards, which honor travelers' favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants and things to do based on the 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 oldest university in the world, the University of Al-Karaouine, this northeastern Moroccan city is known as the country’s cultural capital. The medieval walled 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 old-world atmosphere.
Fes, Morocco
Take in the stunning 13th-15th century architecture, elaborate cedar carvings and beautiful tile work around the city and the royal palace.
2. Jerusalem
One of the oldest cities in the world, early humans settled here after leaving Africa, and the city has been continuously inhabited since before written history. A holy city for Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Jerusalem has drawn religious pilgrims for centuries. The seventh-century Dome of the Rock is among its 220 historic monuments, and is decorated with beautiful geometric and floral motifs.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem's Old City, or City of David, shown here, is an archaeological site with a museum.
Jerusalem
There's much to see in both old and new Jerusalem, but Tripadvisor recommends leaving plenty of time to walk through 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 birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of Western civilization. This big city teems with life; its centerpiece is the Acropolis, dedicated to the goddess Athena rising above on a rocky crag.
Athens, Greece
Go on a walking tour in the city center that takes you back thousands of years to see the Temple of Olympian Zeus (6th century B.C.), Hadrian’s Arch, the temple of the Athene Nike and the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, which was built in 161 A.D. and is now the venue of the Athens Festival.
Athens, Greece
The Parthenon is an open-air museum, and one of many museums to visit. Much of the town’s historic center has been converted into a pedestrian zone, one of the largest in Europe. Get to know Greek cuisine on a gourmet food walking tour, shop for leather sandals, or take a break from the bustle to relax on the beach.
4. Dublin, Ireland
With its many pedestrian zones, Dublin offers a very walkable experience and offers some of Ireland’s most iconic cultural heritage. In the heart of the city center is Trinity College, and housed within its old library building is The Book of Kells Exhibition, featuring a precious 9th-century manuscript.
Dublin, Ireland
See St. Patrick 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 trails a tour of the Guinness Storehouse where you can experience the history, heart and soul of Ireland’s famous beer. Take in the sweeping views of the city from Gravity Bar on the seventh floor.
Dublin offers good shopping, too: check out the Jervis Shopping Center, Castle Market, Temple Bar and Henry Street. Look for woolen items, pick up some 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” due to 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 of 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 old cars. Tripadvisor recommends a visit to the town of Trinidad, a Unesco World Heritage Site and a good base for a visit to the Valley of the Sugar Mills, which formerly served as the center of Cuba’s sugar industry.
Cuba
Havana is one of Unesco's creative music cities, and says its rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage is a fusion of European, African and indigenous contributions. Havana resonates with the rhythm of music.
Cuba
Santa Maria Beach on the small island of Cuba's Cayo Santa Maria is a favorite beach. Visitors praise the fine, flour-like white sand, clear tranquil water, and light breeze.
7. Budapest, Hungary
The capital of Hungary sits on the Danube river and is rich with culture and history. Visit the Budapest History Museum, which traces city life from Roman times onward, and Holy Trinity Square, home to 13th-century Matthias Church and the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion, where you get sweeping views of the city.
Budapest
The beautiful Parliament building sits on the east bank of the Danube. The building is open for tours nearly every day of the year. It has 28 staircases, one of them gold-plated, statues, stained glass windows and rich, decorative frescoes.
Budapest
The main shopping areas are in the city center. Vaci Street, shown here, is perhaps the most famous, with its fashionable designer shops, restaurants and cafes. There's a monthly design market featuring homegrown fashion, and Budapest Fashion Week is in April.
8. Berlin, Germany
Take advantage of the many bike paths Berlin has to offer, and bike your way 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, 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 rebuilt Reichstag building and designed by architect Norman Foster to symbolize the reunification of Germany. Also see the Holocaust memorial and the Berlin Wall's graffitied remains.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is known for its art scene, and edgy fashion and architecture. There's an international film festival in February, and an annual classical music festival at Easter. Visit Berlin's market halls and try out street foods from all over the world. Shop at luxury shops along Kurfürstendamm, and check out the numerous flea markets around the city, too.
9. Seville, Spain
Founded by Romans, Seville, in the Southwest part of Spain, has a 3,000-year-old history and is both ancient and avant-garde. The Alcazar palace complex is a stunning collage of architectural styles, and the beautiful cathedral is also the burial site of Christopher Columbus.
Seville, Spain
Every two years Seville holds the biggest Flamenco festival in the world: La Bienal de Flamenco, a delightful Andalusian expression of music, singing, dancing, and poetry. The next one will be in 2024.
Seville, Spain
A Unesco creative music city, Seville reflects centuries of musical tradition and influence on a global scale. Music engages everyone and it’s everywhere. There are symphonies, operas and performances in public open spaces dedicated to music, and youth organizations, schools and conservatories devoted to musical education.
10. Colombo, Sri Lanka
The island country of Sri Lanka is popular among travelers for its outdoor adventures, beautiful, lush landscapes and unique wildlife (it’s one of the top five biodiversity hotspots in the world, despite its small size, with Asian elephants, sloth bear, leopards, sambar and wild buffaloes.) But the bustling city of Colombo is worth a look for its cultural experiences.
Pictured here is the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, an important place of worship, a seat of learning and a cultural center with an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. The temple features beautiful statues, an immaculate white stupa and a giant bodhi tree.
Visit Pettah, the city's colorful and multicultural bazaar, in the old district. Pictured here is the decorative red-and-white facade of 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. Pre-written history consists of planned cities, magnificent palaces, expansive man-made reservoirs, stunning temples, monasteries, green gardens, and extraordinary monuments and works of art.
From Colombo take a train ride along the coast to Mount Lavinia, see tea plantations, visit a beach or take a safari tour.
