15 of the World's Most Cultural Destinations
For hundreds, in some cases, thousands of years, others have stood at the same spots and been touched by the same emotions. The connection to a ｃountry’s cultural heritage holds a powerful attraction for many tourists and travelers.
Don’t just go on adrenaline-pumping adventures explore places that will show you the people and the architecture, the history, culture, and also the wild side of your destination.
Open your mind to learning about a city’s overlooked social and ethnic gems. Explore ancient ruins in places you may have never heard of before.
TotallyMoney.com has recently carried out research to determine the World’s Most Cultured Cities, investigating into the number of theaters, museums and art galleries. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Michelin Star restaurants, the world has a lot to offer – but which cities have the most?
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Many of the art galleries and dining opportunities Amsterdam, which also made the list of top 10 cities for gluten-free eating, have to offer can be found in the Jordaan, the narrow alleyways which were once a working class area. Meanwhile, museums can be found in Museumplein in Oud-Zeid, which also houses open-air exhibitions, markets, and a large pool. In the winter, it becomes an outdoor ice-skating rink.
Dublin, Ireland
In March, one of Dublin’s more popular attractions is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, but for the rest of the year, options include Dublin Castle, the Science Gallery, and the Dubh Linn Gardens – the city draws its name from “Dubh Linn”, meaning “dark pool”, which used to occupy the spot now filled by this attractive green space.
Prague, The Czech Republic
Prague is a city rich in history and cultural heritage, and it can be seen everywhere you go. From the statue of the Infant Jesus in its shrine, to the Old Town Square, which has had few changes since its construction in the 10th Century, and the fully-functional 15th Century Astronomical Clock, there’s sights to see from throughout Prague’s past.
Miami, Florida
South Beach is Miami’s larger-than-life scene, filled with rollerbladers and those enjoying the sun in swimwear. Art fans might seek out the Art Deco District or the Design District, with works by Warhol and Picasso among others, while an international experience can be had in Little Havana, the Cuban cultural location that arose at the start of Fidel Castro’s rise to power.
Paris, France
Traditionally the city of romance, Paris’ most famous attractions are the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. But visitors should also be sure to visit the Arc de Triomphe at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, the Notre Dame Cathedral which inspired the Victor Hugo story and the Disney film, as well as exploring the tantalizing dining options across the city.
Barcelona, Spain
Those with an interest in architecture will find Barcelona an appealing prospect. The prevalence of Gaudí’s work in the Sagrada Família, the Park Güell, and La Perdrera make it hard to miss the unique designs even for a casual tourist. Artists, too, might take an interest in Picasso’s city, particularly the museum dedicated to his work.
Milan, Italy
Milan’s most iconic image is Leonardo Da Vinci’s Last Supper, but Milan boasts a wealthy cultural experience. As well as the Duomo cathedral with its unique design, there’s the Teatro Alla Scala opera house, the Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery with many of Napoleon’s Italian treasures, and the Castello Sforzesco, which, as well as being a beautiful Renaissance castle in its own right, contains Michelangelo’s incomplete sculpture, the Pietà Rondanini.
Rome, Italy
Rome is the cultural heart of Western Europe, and offers a journey through history from the days of Ancient Rome through to the Holy Roman Empire. The Colosseum, the ancient gladiatorial battleground, occupies the heart of Rome, while the remains of the Roman Forum and the Pantheon are views into the day-to-day lives of citizens of the Roman Republic. Other sights include the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Spanish Steps.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna celebrates its most famous film with an entire gallery – the “Third Man Private Collection” – but there’s much more available in the Austrian capital. There’s the city’s largest open-air food market, the Naschmarkt, the Museumsquartier, home to several museums, and the seven kilometers of scenic vineyards.
London, England
Historians might take a look at the Victoria and Albert or the Imperial War Museum, while those in search of theatrical treasures have the entire West End to choose from. England’s capital has more to offer than just the London Eye and Big Ben. From Buckingham Palace and its extensive grounds, to the Royal Albert Hall and the Tate Modern, there are too many experiences available for just one visit.
Berlin, Germany
Among Berlin’s many attractions is “Museum Island”, a World Heritage Site which plays host to five museums containing a wealth of historical artifacts from across the world’s past. To see more of the city, visitors may ascend the Reichstag, the home of the German Parliament, which in itself is a fascinating work of architecture.
New York City, New York
The most physically-imposing of New York’s cultural sites is the Empire State Building, but as a busy and dense American city, there are a number of other places at the heart of the Big Apple’s culture, like Broadway, the world’s premier musical theatre location, and the Yankee Stadium, home to the eponymous New York’s baseball team.
Madrid, Spain
Madrid’s Gran Vía contains many shops, attractions, and casinos, and reaches for over a kilometer, and with myriad museums and art galleries (including the Círculo de Bellas Artes venue, with a terrace that overlooks some of the best views in the city), as well as the Casa de Campo park five times larger than New York’s Central Park, visitors have a number of options for a cultural experience.
Toronto, Canada
While Niagara Falls is near enough to drive, Toronto has plenty of cultural locations in the city itself. The CN Tower stands out over the landscape, available to the public in order to get an aerial view of the city, and on the ground, sports fans might choose to see an ice hockey game, or try ice skating in Nathan Philips Square, where the fountain becomes an ice rink in colder temperatures.
Los Angeles, California
Much of Los Angeles’ cultural feel can be seen expressed in its famous Venice Beach, with skateboarders and outdoor bodybuilders. Of course, Los Angeles also incorporates Hollywood, the world’s premier film destination, with its Walk of Fame and hillside Hollywood sign. Other LA highlights include the Getty Centre and the Los Angeles Museum Row.
Article Source: https://www.theactivetimes.com/travel/world/15-worlds-most-cultural-destinations
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VOCABULARY WORDS:
1. Heritage (n.) ~ eatures belonging to the culture of a particular society, such as traditions, languages or buildings, that were created in the past and still have historical importance
2. Tantalizing (adj.) ~ having or exhibiting something that provokes or arouses expectation, interest, or desire, especially that which remains unobtainable or beyond one's reach
3. Prevalence (n.) ~ the fact or condition of being widespread commonness
4. Iconic (adj.) ~ relating to or characteristic of a famous person or thing that represents something of importance
5. Eponymous (adj.) ~ (of a thing) named after a particular person
6. Aerial (adj.) ~ existing, happening, or operating in the air
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. What are the factors that make you decide to visit a city or a ｃountry?
2. Which kind of trip would you enjoy more, an advaenture one or a cultural one? Discuss your choice.
3. What are the cultural sites in your Korea that you think are worth visiting?
4. What city/ｃountry have you visited that you think is the most culturally interesting? Describe the place and explain why?
