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Culture-based travel is becoming increasingly popular in 2024, and that’s especially true among American travelers, the vast majority of whom travel abroad specifically to get out of their comfort and expose themselves to completely different environments.
From a colorful Latin America, to a deeply historical Europe, to a mystical Asia, there is a whole mapa mundi of the options to choose from, and if you want to get inspired, Tripadvisor‘S latest compilation by bucket list cultural destinations maybe a good place to start.
For our fellow culture vultures among us, these are the five best places to visit in 2024:
Athens, Greece
Fifth on the list, Athens is the capital of Greece and a sprawling metropolis with a history of more than 3,400 years. cradle of western civilizationthe birthplace of democracy and proud home of the ancient Parthenon, it is easily one of the world’s most culturally charged cities.
The most striking feature and main attraction in Athens is undoubtedly the Acropolis Hill, which is home to the Parthenon itself and a number of other temples that have stood the test of time and provide a glimpse into civil and religious life in ancient Greece.
As well as admiring the hilltop monuments and views of the modern city of Athens from above, tourists can also get lost in the cobbled streets of Plaka, with its whitewashed churches and gyro restaurants, or shop for quirky trinkets in traditional and Greek. flea market at Monastiraki Square.
Fes, Morocco
Morocco as a whole is a hugely underrated destination that you should definitely visit in 2024, but instead of pink Marrakech or cosmopolitan Casablanca, Tripadvisor has chosen the lesser-known Fes as the North African country’s most important cultural hotspot.
Since it lays claim to it the largest car-free zone and medina in the world – it’s a literal maze of winding alleys with 156,000 inhabitants – the oldest traditional university known to man, and the centuries-old Chouara tannery, we can’t say we’re surprised.
Outside the medina, Fes is a rapidly developing city of more than a million inhabitants, divided between historic Muslim neighborhoods and French-built sectors, with wide, green boulevards, luxurious restaurants and a distinctly European atmosphere.
Agra, India
Agra, the only Asian destination to make the list, is – by Indian standards – a medium-sized Indian hub that lies along the banks of the Yamuna River and boasts a high concentration of attractions, from iconic Taj Mahal to the ornate Akbar Tomb and the sandstone Agra Fort.
Although the majority of tourists will only spend a day in Agra, mainly for the perfect Taj Mahal photo op, it is not a place you want to rush through as this is an exciting city with plenty to offer culturally and a of India’s major attractions. most famous food meccas.
Mughlai cuisine is known for its colorful spices and creamy curries, and as you simply wander the complex warren of interconnected streets lined with food stalls and bustling markets, you’ll encounter unique scents and flavors that are beyond the reach of Western understanding .
Cusco, Peru
Nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, Cusco is one of the oldest settlements in the Americas, best known for its Inca-Spanish heritage and UNESCO-protected Old Town, dotted with Baroque monuments and Mesoamerican archaeological sites.
The central one Plaza de Armas was founded by the Spanish after their conquest of the city, and it has remained a vibrant square and trading center well into modern times, dominated by a towering cathedral that replaced a much older Inca palace dates from the 13th century.
In addition to exploring the cobbled streets lined with terracotta-roofed houses that form Cusco’s cityscape, visitors will often combine a visit to this imperial city with a trip to Machu Picchu, an Inca citadel that rests on a high Andean plateau and one of the seven New Wonders of the World.
Cuba
Number one on the list: Cuba has a complex baggage of socialism and unfriendly relations with the White House, and while the country is not yet in the government’s good graces, it remains an extremely popular destination for Americans.
Controversy aside, Cuba is a UNESCO World Heritage island country celebrated for its historic cities, especially Havana. It is without a doubt the most beautiful Caribbean capital with eclectic architecture and an abundance of natural wonders, from white sandy beaches to tropical parks.
The coast is pristine and untouched, compared to the overdeveloped Riviera Maya or Punta Cana, and it won’t be long before you fall in love with Cuba’s vibrant music scene, and the unique cityscapesalmost frozen in time and still dominated by colonial structures and colorful vintage cars.
Are you dreaming of a cultural outing this spring?
Find more beautiful places and get inspired here.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
