10 Best Cultural Tourism Destinations in the World

dailyblitz.de 18 hours ago

Culture Travellers know that the real wealth comes from immersing oneself in places where your credit card is useless but your curiosity is king.

So grab your passport, leave your preconceptions at home (along with those hideous tourist sandals), and prepare for a journey through 10 destinations. Here, culture isn’t just a museum exhibit—it’s alive, kicking, and occasionally serving you questionable street food that will change your life.

What is Cultural Tourism?

Cultural tourism prioritises activities and experiences designed to immerse travellers in a way of life that differs from their own.

It might involve consuming tangible cultural products (museums, archaeological sites, food) or encountering intangible cultural elements (rituals, performances, processes). Beyond art, literature, and religious monuments, it encompasses ways of living, values, and beliefs, both historical and contemporary.

Just as adventure travellers might seek out particular hiking routes, cultural travellers often plan their trips around festivals, workshops, or heritage sites.

Cultural vacations might involve:

Learning a new skill through cooking classes or craft workshops
Attending local festivals or events
Participating in rituals or ceremonies
Eating local food
Staying with a family at a homestay
Immersing oneself in the local community
Visiting World Heritage Sites and immersive museums
Taking locally guided tours

Top 10 Countries & Regions for Cultural Trips

There’s not a town, city, county, or region in the world that doesn’t have something amazing to offer in terms of local culture. This makes it challenging to pick the “best” places for cultural tourism.

However, each of these 10 hand-picked destinations stands out for its extravagant festivals and celebrations, rich cuisine, and heritage handicrafts.

1. Cuba – for Mambo, Classic Cars & Casas Particulares

The native Taino Indians called their beautiful island Cubanacán. When the Spaniards arrived in 1511, they shortened it to ‘Cuba‘ and claimed it for Spain, labelling it “the most beautiful land human eyes have ever beheld.”

Ethnically, the country is a vibrant mix of Europeans, Africans and a large group of Chinese imported as indentured servants. Sadly, the original inhabitants have largely disappeared.

The cars that roam the streets are the same classic American models from the 1950s, and the frequently crumbling buildings have enjoyed little renovation.

Top cultural experiences in Cuba

Dance the night away at a musical venue: Cuba is the birthplace of dozens of musical genres, including Mambo, Cha-Cha-Cha, and Afro-Cuban Jazz. Cultural travellers should experience one of Cuba’s world-famous carnivals and Jazz Festivals.

Overdose on art and architecture: Cuba has 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites and an amazing collection of museums.

Stay at a Cuban homestay: These Airbnb-type experiences are called ‘casas particulares.’ This is the perfect opportunity to live with a Cuban family and delve into the culture.

Go hiking: Cuba’s national parks, biosphere reserves, and 1,500 miles (2,400km) of coastline provide opportunities to experience the outdoor culture.

2. Ecuador – for Jungle Homestays, Festivals & Colada Morada

Ecuador has a diverse mix of Andean Indigenous groups and traditions that dominate the mountainous centre of the country. It retains a strong influence from Spanish colonisation, with widely-celebrated Catholic festivals and traditions.

The coast of Ecuador, meanwhile, is marked by African influence from the cultures of enslaved peoples brought during colonisation.

Top cultural experiences in Ecuador

Visit a remote community in the Amazon rainforest: Groups deeper in the Amazon that welcome visitors often offer more in-depth cultural experiences. This includes homestays, ritual cleansings, or even ayahuasca retreats.

Celebrate Easter in Ecuador: Easter celebrations during Holy Week include Quito’s parade, known as the Procesión Jesús del Gran Poder. It features thousands of purple-hooded devotees carrying crosses and statues. A traditional bowl of Fanesca, a rich and creamy soup, is a must-try during this time!

Dress up for Día de los Difuntos: Another cultural celebration with Indigenous roots is the Día de los Difuntos or ‘Day of the Deceased’. Ecuador celebrates by honouring the dead and visiting cemeteries.

3. The Big Island of Hawaii – for Palm Weaving, Stargazing & Petroglyphs

The natural abundance of the Big Island of Hawaii, the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, is nothing short of spectacular.

With 8 different climate zones, 3 active volcanoes, and the most mesmerising waterfalls and beaches in different shades, there’s a wealth of diversity to explore.

This is the Hawaiian island where the first Polynesian settlers arrived. Here, the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii, King Kamehameha the Great, was born, and the European explorers first arrived.

Top cultural experiences on the Big Island of Hawaii

Take a self-guided tour of the Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park: Just south of Kailua-Kona, there’s a site where the royal family and their warriors once lived. It’s very well preserved, and visitors can still see the thatched huts, an ancient temple, wooden carvings, and fishponds.

Learn the traditional Hawaiian art of weaving palm fronds: In the Hawaiian craft known as lau niu, the leaves of the coconut palm were used to thatch roofs, create baskets, and even hats.

Go stargazing at Maunakea: In Hawaiian culture, the dormant Maunakea volcano, with its unique alpine Lake Waiau, is considered sacred. This volcano is home to the world’s largest astronomical observatory, the Onizuka Centre for International Astronomy.

Check out the Hawaiian petroglyphs: Hawaiian petroglyphs tell the stories of ancient times and give unique insight into different cultural beliefs on the islands.

4. French Basque Country – for Frontons, Fętes & Espadrilles

The Basque country at the southwestern-most tip of France is one of those regions visitors might not guess is French – at least not at first. The Basques are among the oldest ethnic groups of Europe.

Basque culture is unique and is spread among 7 provinces, of which 3 are in France. The Basques have their own festivals, music and dances, their own foods, games and folklore, as well as an acute sense of history and heritage.

Top cultural experiences in the French Basque Country

Gastronomy: The Espelette pimento is spicier than seasonings found elsewhere in France. Food itself is taken to new heights here – the region has the highest number of Michelin stars per capita in the world.

Frontons: In every Basque village, there’s one of these walls – it’s what Basques use to play their national sport, Basque pelota. It’s played with a racquet-like bat which scoops up the ball. Then, a bit like squash, the players fling it back and forth against the wall, or fronton.

Bayonne Festival: With its one million annual participants, the Fętes de Bayonne is France’s largest festival.

5. Mauritius – for Street Food, Sega & Sugarcane

The island nation of Mauritius is normally associated with splendid white-sand beaches and luxury resorts.

It also happens to be one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse countries in the region, with African, Indian, Chinese, and South Asian cultures, along with layers of Dutch, French, and British influence, all accounted for.

Top cultural experiences in Mauritius

Take a street food tour of Port Louis: Mauritian food, much like Mauritian society itself, combines Chinese, Indian, Creole, East African, and European flavours.

Watch a Sega performance: Mauritian Sega is a performance art characterised by music, song, dance, and costume.

Visit an old sugarcane farm: Visiting preserved plantation homes and crumbling sugar mills is a step back in time to the colonial period, while regenerated cane fields such as those on Frederica Reserve now serve as a sanctuary for the island’s wildlife.

6. Greece – for Markets, Mythology & Orthodox Easter

Greece is a country rich in culture, from the legacy of ancient history and mythology to traditional cuisine and celebratory festivals that still bring people together to this day.

Believed to be the ‘birthplace of Western civilisation,’ Greece is known for its scholars, medics, architects, philosophers, and politicians who shaped the way the world works today.

Top cultural experiences in Greece

Take a Mythology Tour of Ancient Athens: Athens has a whole host of archaeological sites to explore, from the Ancient Agora and Hadrian’s Library to the world-famous Acropolis and Parthenon perched on a hillside overlooking the city.

Visit the Athens Central Market: For those whose idea of cultural tourism involves food, a trip to the Athens Central Market and a local cookery class might be of interest.

Celebrate Orthodox Easter in Greece: Easter is one of the biggest traditional festivals on the Orthodox calendar, so no matter where travellers are in Greece during this time, they’re sure to come across some pretty exciting celebrations!

7. Russia – for Ballet, Banyas & Borscht

While many may think of Russia as cold and grey, this could not be further from the truth. From the famous colourful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral to the gilded fountains of the Peterhof Palace, Russia’s beauty is undeniable.

Russia is also a country rich in culture and filled with literature, ballet, painting, and classical music.

Top cultural experiences in Russia

Experience a Russian banya: One of the best cultural experiences in Russia is visiting a banya. A banya is similar to a sauna, with the biggest difference being that a banya has high levels of humidity, while a sauna usually has dry air. They’ve been a part of Russian life for over a thousand years!

Experience NYE: New Year’s Eve is the biggest holiday in Russia. This is because Christmas was forbidden during the Soviet years. Many traditions were moved from Christmas to the New Year, including keeping presents under the Christmas tree and visits from the Russian equivalent of Santa.

Sample Russian cuisine: The best Russian food and drinks to sample include: Pelmeni (a Russian dumpling filled with meat and usually topped with sour cream); borscht (a traditional Russian soup whose main ingredient is beetroot); and caviar and vodka (one can’t come to Russia and not try caviar and vodka!).

8. The Tibetan Plateau – for Horse Trekking & Nomadic Culture

Sprawled across the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, in the remote northern tip of China’s Sichuan province, Ruoergai town and county do not appear on Google Maps. To Google, this locality is known by its Tibetan name, Zoige.

After 12 hours of following a car GPS from Chengdu to Zoige, climbing onto the Tibetan Plateau, Chinese road signs welcome travellers to Ruoergai, 3,500 meters above sea level.

Top cultural experiences on the Tibetan Plateau

Witness nomadic culture: Remote and isolated, Zoige/Ruoergai is the best place in the world to witness the disappearing Tibetan nomadic culture.

Go horse trekking: Yet there is a way to experience the nomadic culture first-hand here, by taking a horse-trekking adventure with the local Tibetan Horse Trekking Agency in the nearby town of Langmusi.

Visit the monasteries and mosques in Langmusi: Encircled by forest-covered mountains, the small sleepy town of Langmusi is inhabited by 3 ethnic groups: Amdo Tibetans, Han Chinese, and Hui Muslims. So, even just a visit to the town is a unique cultural experience.

9. Japan – for Ryokans, Geisha Culture & Tea Ceremonies

For those seeking an immersive cultural travel experience, Japan offers visitors a unique look at some of the oldest and most beautiful traditions in the world.

From the historic temples and shrines found throughout the country to the many spiritual and cultural celebrations, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to Japan to learn about the various philosophies and spiritual traditions that underpin Japanese culture.

Top cultural experiences in Japan

Observe a temple ritual: Consider participating in some of the various rituals at Japan’s temples and shrines. This is especially beneficial when visiting Japan with kids. It helps to gain a better understanding and appreciation for Japanese customs.

Spend the night in a ryokan: These traditional Japanese inns typically feature rooms with tatami-matted floors and communal onsens or bathhouses.

Drink matcha: Although popular throughout Japan, tea ceremonies are especially prominent in Kyoto, the home of geisha culture.

10. Kerala, India – for Houseboats, Tea Estates & Contemporary Art

Dubbed ‘God’s Own Country,’ Kerala is a noodle-shaped state in the Southwest of India on the Malabar Coast. It’s known for its beautiful nature, especially a series of canals known as the backwaters and the hilly terrain of the Western Ghats Mountains.

Kerala people are officially the most literate in India and have the longest life expectancy.

The region is a beautiful mix of influences and religions. The spice trade has flourished in the area, which brought about European colonisation. Portuguese influence can be felt to this day, especially in the town of Kochi.

Top cultural experiences in Kerala

Cruise Kerala’s backwaters on a houseboat: With the decline of goods being transported on water, Kerala’s trade boats were repurposed into houseboats. They now provide a unique immersive experience on the famous backwaters.

Soak up the tea heritage in Munnar: Munnar in the Western Ghats is famous for its tea production. Visitors can visit several tea estates in the area and enjoy a tasting.

Attend the Muziris Biennale in Kochi: A biennial international exhibition of contemporary art takes place in Kochi. This is the largest festival of its kind in Asia.

Watch the artists at work at Kerala Kalamandalam: This is one of India’s most traditional universities of art and culture. Students learn Indian performing arts, especially those typical of Kerala.

Bottom Line

As cultural tourists return from their adventures, they carry more than just souvenirs and photographs. They return with expanded worldviews, new skills, and stories that would make even the most seasoned anthropologist lean in closer.

Cultural travel doesn’t just change your Instagram feed—it changes you. In a world where everyone’s fighting to stand out by fitting in, being genuinely changed by authentic experiences might just be the ultimate flex. So pack light, but come home heavy—with memories, that is, not airport shopping bags!

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