The Best Cities for History Buffs
Countless destinations await discovery by history lovers, offering enriching experiences at every turn. Whether you're eager to tick off iconic landmarks from your list or immerse yourself in a city’s rich past through ancient walks, there is a city that offers what you’re looking for.
Curious to explore a country’s fascinating history? At Riviera Travel, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten most historic cities. Our index reveals the best destinations to visit if you love to experience history and culture.
So, let's reveal the 10 most historical cities…
Historic Cities Index
To create our Historic Cities Index and identify the best destinations for history enthusiasts, we gathered data from each city and evaluated key factors: the number of museums, historic sites, landmarks, historic walking areas, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each city was then assigned an overall score out of ten, revealing the top ten most historic cities worldwide.
| City | Number of museums | Number of historic sites | Number of Landmarks | Number of historic walking areas | UNESCO World Heritage Sites | Over all score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo, Japan | 966 | 643 | 853 | 39 | 2 | 10 |
| Rome, Italy | 405 | 321 | 482 | 60 | 16 | 9.2 |
| Paris, France | 794 | 95 | 1186 | 73 | 1 | 9 |
| Kyoto, Japan | 240 | 287 | 252 | 51 | 17 | 7.8 |
| London, UK | 831 | 168 | 491 | 32 | 4 | 6.5 |
| Beijing, China | 315 | 203 | 197 | 48 | 7 | 5.6 |
| New York City, USA | 981 | 66 | 211 | 19 | 1 | 4.7 |
| Prague, Czechia | 410 | 76 | 215 | 57 | 1 | 4.7 |
| Berlin, Germany | 597 | 68 | 280 | 32 | 3 | 4.7 |
| Hong Kong, China | 146 | 165 | 246 | 39 | 5 | 4.3 |
1) Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan’s capital, ranks number 1 in our history index. While you might think of bustling streets and skyscrapers when you hear Tokyo, this fascinating city blends traditional architecture with the ultra-modern.
With an impressive 966 museums and 853 landmarks, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in art exhibitions and take pictures near iconic landmarks.
Holidays to Tokyo
2) Rome, Italy
Rome is an open-air museum, ideal for exploring history on foot. Home to the famous Colosseum, the largest in the world, this city is great for those with a particular interest in the Roman Empire. After all, it’s where it all started.
This ancient city isn’t shy about showing off its former glory with 60 historic walking areas and 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Whether you choose to meander around with a map or follow a guided tour, you’ll find plenty to discover.
Holidays to Rome
3) Paris, France
Next on the list is Paris, which is home to the most historical landmarks, with 1186 in total. With its twinkling Eiffel Tower, the beautifully sculpted Arc de Triomphe, and the gothic Notre Dame, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to spending time here.
It has 95 historic sites, which is relatively low compared to other cities. However, with 794 museums to explore, including the world-famous Louvre, Paris remains a top destination for culture and heritage lovers.
Holidays to Paris
4) Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto offers a serene step back into Japan's imperial past, with 240 museums and 287 historic sites. Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the iconic Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion, Kyoto is a city where history comes alive.
This former capital of Japan is ideal for those wanting to explore traditional Japanese culture, its gardens, temples, and tea houses. Its 51 historic walking areas offer an immersive experience of its past.
Holidays to Kyoto
5) London, England
London blends the modern and the historical in a captivating way. With 831 museums and 491 landmarks, it’s a city filled with history around every corner. Explore iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace, or visit one of its many world-renowned museums.
Although it has fewer historic sites than other cities on this list, London’s diversity and cultural offerings make it an exciting destination for history buffs.
6) Beijing, China
Beijing is a city rich in Chinese history and culture, featuring 315 museums and 203 historic sites. Among its landmarks is the magnificent Forbidden City, a symbol of China’s imperial past.
With 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Great Wall of China, Beijing offers an abundance of ancient architecture to explore. Whether walking through the city’s historic alleys or visiting the Summer Palace, there’s always more history to uncover in Beijing.
Holidays to Beijing
7) New York, USA
Although best known for its skyline, New York City in the US is also home to 981 museums and 66 historic sites. Landmark attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Times Square are famous, but NYC’s cultural history can be explored in its museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Despite having fewer historic sites, the city's 19 walking areas offer a journey through both modern and historical New York.
8) Prague, Czechia
Prague, a city of charming medieval architecture, is filled with 410 museums and 76 historic sites. With its stunning Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, this city offers a glimpse into a fascinating history.
Though Prague has fewer landmarks than other cities, its 57 historic walking areas offer a unique way to explore the city's past. With one UNESCO World Heritage Site, Prague is a key destination for history lovers.
9) Berlin, Germany
Berlin has witnessed both triumphs and tragedies, boasting 597 museums and 280 landmarks. Home to the iconic Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie, the city offers a profound historical journey through its turbulent past.
With 32 historic walking areas and 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Berlin serves as a reminder of Germany’s complex and fascinating history.
Holidays to Berlin
10) Hong Kong, China
Finishing up the list is Hong Kong, offering a dynamic blend of modernity and history, with 146 museums and 246 landmarks to explore. With 39 historic walking areas, the city invites visitors to discover its rich cultural heritage, from ancient temples to colonial architecture.
Notably, Hong Kong is home to 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the historic Ping Shan Heritage Trail. Despite having fewer museums and historic sites than other cities on this list, its fascinating fusion of old and new makes it an intriguing destination for history enthusiasts.
Methodology
The Historic Cities Index evaluates the world’s top destinations for history enthusiasts. We analysed five key factors: the number of museums, historic sites, landmarks, historic walking areas, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Each city was then assigned a score out of 10 based on the collective data from these categories. The cities were ranked according to their overall score, which reflects their rich historical offerings and cultural significance.
