The World's Best Destinations For History Buffs

Saanya Malhotra

Last updated: Apr 3, 2017

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See

Agra:Taj Mahal, a majestic marble mausoleum listed among the Seven Wonders of the World Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Athens: Panathenaic Stadium built originally in 4th Century B.C. was host to the first ever modern Olympic Games in 1896
Budapest: Memento Park, Hercules Villa and Buda Hills

Do

Rome: Follow the dress code at the Vatican - No shorts, no miniskirts, no sleeveless Take a walk along Trastevere, the fashionable young shopping district, and feel the vibe of a young Rome juxtaposed with ancient structure. Charming place to be!
Agra: Take a tour of Agra on a zero-emission electric rickshaw!

Eat

Agra: Must sample Agra's famous Petha, also a good gift for friends back home Dal Moth, a popular snack in North India
Budapest:Hortobágyi palacsinta ( a savoury crepe filled with meat), gulasch (soup) and stuffed cabbage rolls Cairo:Try Fesikh, Fatteh and Halva

Shop

Rome: At the fashionable neighborhood of Trastevere Buy souvenirs near Piazza Campidoglio
Agra: Shoes at Hing Ki Mandi Marble sculptures at Subhash Emporium on Gwalior Road

Events

Agra: The annual Taj Mahotsav is a not-to-miss event
Budapest: Budapest festival of folk art (held in August annually) and the Budapest Christmas Market (December every year)

Want To Go ? 
   

For those perpetually on a quest for important landmarks, ancient ruins and pretty much anything that comes with its own historical ‘fun-fact’, here's a list of the world's best destinations for history buffs.

Start by exploring the eminent Parthenon, followed by Acropolis of Athens and the Old Olympic Stadium. For those fascinated by the many Greek mythological immortals, Athens is the site to visit. Trace the history of the magnificent immortals that resided at Olympus and learn more about them.

When you’re at the birthplace of the world’s most influential and ancient civilization, soaking in a bit of history is as easy as breathing. A few places that must be on your checklist in Rome include - The Colosseum, The Roman Forum, the early Christian Catacombs of San Callisto, Palatine Hill, the Baths of Caracalla, Villa deiQuintili, and the remains of Port of Ostia Antica.

The lost Incan civilization in Peru was considered among the world’s most advanced before it was conquered by the mighty Spanish. The remains are an eerie yet spell binding reminder of the ephemeral nature of things. Having gone through extensive restoration, the Lost City of the Inca can be seen in a state not far from its original by those able to make the treacherous trek up to Machu Pichu.

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Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, the immaculately preserved historical sites of Beijing are a reminder of the grandeur and opulence of past emperors of China. Important sites include the Forbidden City, the Ming Tombs, and the Great Wall of China, all of which throw significant light on Asian culture and history.

The city of the majestic Pyramid of Giza and the Great Sphinx carries thousands of years of rich history on its shoulders. Egyptian monuments are considered among the most baffling and intriguing by history buffs worldwide

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While the Taj Mahal is definitely a one of it's kind monument that you have to see to believe, Agra has more to offer from a historical and cultural angle. Symbols of the glorious Mughal dynasty are galore here. A prominent one is Fatehpur Sikri, one of the many Indian Capitals in the past.

Surrounded by a 465 year old wall, this ancient city is one of the holiest and most historic in the world. Church of the Holy Sepuchure, Temple Mount/Dome of the Rock, Mount Zion and the Western Wall are must-visits when in Jerusalem.

Even if you are slightly historically inclined, you must visit the Roman-inspired Aquincum, Matthias Church, and the medieval Buda Castle and museums, when in Budapest. Though most of the Roman and Medieval sites are now in ruins, there’s still much to explore and learn in the pictorial city of Budapest.

State capital under King Suryavarman II, the templetown is the ultimate showcase of intricate Khmer architecture, with its detailed descriptions of Hindu deities and myths. A must visit for history buffs and tomb raider fans alike.

Discovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, Petra (or Rose City) is the newest addition to the Seven Wonders of the World and for good reason. Carved and engraved in a rose coloured stone canyon in Arabah, Jordan, it sits resplendent. The rock cut architecture and water conduit systems are some of the major highlights here.

 

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