Top 5 destinations for history lovers

If you’re a history enthusiast, chances are you’ve already explored some of the best historic places to visit around the world. From India, celebrating over 70 years of independence, to Canada, marking 150 years of its breathtaking National Parks system, and Morocco, where the newly opened Yves Saint Laurent Museum honors the iconic designer in the city he adored, these destinations offer rich stories and cultural landmarks that continue to captivate travelers.

Must-visit destinations for history lovers

1. Jordan

2018 marked 130 years since the birth of the legendary T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia. This unconventional British officer was deeply passionate about Arab culture and played a pivotal role in the Arab Revolt. Today, some of the best historic places to visit in Jordan, like Aqaba, the castle at Azraq, and the dramatic desert landscape of Wadi Rum, remain closely tied to his legacy.

Don’t miss the chance to explore Jerash, home to remarkably well-preserved Roman ruins, and of course, Petra, an awe-inspiring ancient city carved into rose-colored cliffs in the 3rd century BC. Abandoned for nearly a thousand years, Petra was rediscovered in the 1800s and has since become one of the world’s most iconic archaeological wonders.

Though often associated with desert terrain, Jordan also boasts beautiful green spaces. The Dana Biosphere Reserve is a haven for rare wildlife, natural springs, and millennia of human history. To the north, Aljoun Forest Reserve offers lush woodlands teeming with roe deer and hyenas, an unexpected and refreshing contrast to the country’s arid image. Adding these stops to your journey reveals just how diverse and historic Jordan truly is.

Read more: Our top tips for visiting Petra

2. Chile

Chile signed its Act of Independence in 1818, and every year since, Independence Day has remained a major celebration across the country. Why not join the festivities during Chile’s 200th anniversary and experience the vibrant local culture firsthand? If you’re a skier looking for a unique destination, Chile’s ski season runs from June to October, offering world-class slopes in the Andes. Not a fan of après-ski? Try learning cueca, Chile’s national dance, and immerse yourself in a different side of the party.

For literature lovers, Nobel Prize-winning poet Pablo Neruda’s house (La Sebastiana in Valparaíso) is one of the best historic places to visit in Chile. Beyond its stunning ocean views, the house is now a museum celebrating Neruda’s life and legacy, featuring his eclectic collection of books, art, and furniture. To understand a darker chapter in Chilean history, visit the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos (Museum of Memory and Human Rights), which documents the country’s experience under the Pinochet dictatorship from 1973 to 1990.

Patagonia offers breathtaking, historically rich landscapes that span both Chile and Argentina. On the Chilean side, highlights include Los Glaciares National Park, Tierra del Fuego, and Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. Or take a journey offshore to the iconic Easter Island, a remote Polynesian outpost and UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its mysterious moai statues. For travelers seeking the best historic places to visit in South America, Chile offers a powerful mix of cultural depth, natural beauty, and historical intrigue.

3. Namibia

Namibia got its official name 50 years ago, derived from the word namib, meaning “vast place”, a fitting tribute to its expansive landscapes like the iconic Namib Desert and the awe-inspiring Fish River Canyon. The capital city, Windhoek, is rapidly expanding and boasts a growing fashion and design scene that’s definitely worth a look. Though Namibia is known for its arid beauty, home to both the Namib and Kalahari Deserts, it also features a dramatic coastline. The Skeleton Coast, made famous by countless Instagram photos, is one of the best historic places to visit for its eerie, otherworldly scenery and shipwreck-strewn shores. This area has long been known as the graveyard of ships, making it as historically intriguing as it is photogenic.

For a deep dive into ancient human history, venture out to see 6,000-year-old rock engravings at Twyfelfontein or the Brandberg Massif. Created by Bushmen, these carvings vividly depict animals like elephants, giraffes, and antelope, and offer a glimpse into prehistoric life and hunting traditions. If you’re more interested in Namibia’s living wildlife, head to Etosha National Park or the Cheetah Conservation Fund to see incredible animals in their natural habitats.

Read more: A beginner’s guide to Namibia

4. Kyrgyzstan

Still flying under the radar for many travelers, Kyrgyzstan is a hidden gem packed with history. After gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the country adopted its own constitution and currency by 1993. You can still spot relics from its Soviet past, like classic Lada cars, scattered throughout the country. But Kyrgyzstan’s history goes back much further. It was a key stop along the ancient Silk Road, the legendary trade route that connected Europe and China. Towns like Osh, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, are rich in cultural heritage and sit near these historic trading paths, making Kyrgyzstan home to some of the best historic places to visit in the region.

Though landlocked, the country makes up for its lack of beaches with jaw-dropping natural landscapes. With one of the lowest population densities in the world, Kyrgyzstan is a haven for outdoor lovers. Explore the vast countryside on horseback, just like the locals, after all, there’s a popular saying that “all Kyrgyz are born on a horse.” And if you’re craving a dip, head to the enormous Issyk-Kul Lake, one of the largest alpine lakes in the world.

5. Panama

While the Republic of Panama officially came into existence in 1903, its rich and colorful history stretches much further back. Positioned on a narrow strip of land linking Central and South America, Panama has played a pivotal role in regional and global history, making it one of the best historic places to visit in the Americas. One vivid example? In 1671, Panama City was attacked and overtaken by pirates. Today, you can explore the ruins of Panama Viejo, the city’s original site, and imagine what life was like during those tumultuous times.

To go even deeper into Panama’s ancient past, head to the Biomuseo, an eye-catching museum designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. The museum traces Panama’s geological formation three million years ago and explains how this created a land bridge teeming with unique plant and animal life. It’s also a great place to learn about wildlife conservation and may inspire a visit to a local sea turtle sanctuary.

Panama’s culture has modern historical roots, too. Baseball, the country’s national sport, dates back to 1883 and continues to thrive today. Locals are especially proud of Mariano Rivera, a Hall of Fame pitcher for the New York Yankees. Catching a game during your visit could offer a glimpse at the next baseball legend in the making.

Read more: Our guide to exploring the Panama Canal

Make it happen

So, you’ve mapped out your must-see history-filled destinations for the year, now the only question is, which of the best historic places to visit will you explore first? Whether you’re drawn to the ancient ruins of Jordan, the Silk Road trails of Kyrgyzstan, the cultural treasures of Panama, the desert carvings of Namibia, or Chile’s powerful past, our expert local partners are here to help. With firsthand knowledge and a passion for their country’s heritage, they’ll craft a tailor-made journey that brings the past to life in unforgettable ways.

1. Jordan
2. Chile
3. Namibia
4. Kyrgyzstan
5. Panama