5 Bucket List Destinations for History Lovers

For many globetrotters, history and travel go hand in hand. Whether traveling to a new city or a new country, many people place their destination’s historical landmarks at the top of their must-visit sites. More than simply walking through a museum is required for these history buffs; instead, they want to see ancient ruins and stand in awe of magnificent castles.

If that sounds like you, you may have already started your bucket list or even checked off a few destinations. However, no matter how much you’ve traveled, there’s probably still a lot left for you to see. With that in mind, we’ve compiled this list of some of the top destinations for history lovers.

York: England’s Viking Capital

While London comes to most people’s minds when planning a trip to England, if you’re a history buff, you won’t want to miss out on an opportunity to visit York. The city has a fascinating Viking past worth exploring during a day trip or weekend getaway to this charming location.

The Jorvik Viking Centre is the first place every tourist interested in Viking history should stop when they arrive in York. It offers visitors a glimpse of well-preserved artifacts gathered during a 1972 archaeological dig, as well as reconstructions of daily life back then.

At Jorvik, you’ll get to see how the people lived who inhabited York from 866-954 AD as well as learn precisely where the artifacts were found.

Rome, Italy

Rome tops the list for most travelers, whether they’re history lovers or not. However, there’s so much to explore for those who want to dig deep into the past. Whether you’re interested in the Renaissance era or ancient times, the city has a lot to offer.

As the center of the expansive Roman Empire, Rome offers an insight into what the world was like 2,000 years ago. Sites like the Colosseum, the Forum, and Palatine Hill give visitors a chance to travel back in time, and are unlike anywhere else in the world.

Other historical sites of interest include the Forum, the Pantheon, and the Arch of Constantine. While you could see Rome in 24 hours, it’s better to spend several days exploring this magnificent place if you have the time.

Machu Picchu, Peru

As one of the most sought-after destinations in the world, you’ve likely seen pictures or watched a documentary on Machu Picchu. Visiting this location requires traveling high up into the Andes Mountains to the Incan citadel above the Urubamba River valley.

It’s an impressive sight, and the clouds that hover around it add to its ever-changing atmosphere. People who have visited multiple times say no two trips feel the same. Historians have yet to uncover how the ancient civilization used Machu Picchu, so the site remains mysterious.

There are many ways to visit the ruins, including as a day guest or taking a four-day, three-night hike to the site following the Inca Trail.

The Grand Canyon

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the western United States. The breathtaking views are worth the journey alone. However, there’s a lot for history buffs to explore at the South Rim’s Vistors Center as well.

At the center, you can watch a 20-minute video detailing the historical artifacts from the region and sign up for a guided tour of the canyon if you want to learn even more. You can also learn about the Puebloan Native Americans and their life at the Tesayan Ruins and Museum, as well as at the Yavapai Museum located nearby.

Athens, Greece

As the birthplace of democracy, it’s unsurprising that Athens is one of the top destinations for history lovers. The ruins of the Acropolis are visible throughout the city, and a tour of the site gives visitors unparalleled insight into Hellenic civilization.

Almost anywhere you go in Athens, you’ll be surrounded by history and ruins worthy of exploration. You’ll also want to check out the National Archaeological Museum and the Acropolis Museum to learn even more about the city’s past.