Best Places to Travel for Culture

If you’re someone who loves deep and meaningful travel experiences that allow you to delve into a city’s centuries-old past, as well as see how it has played into the different customs and ways of life today — we have some epic destinations for you to explore.

Here at flynas, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite international destinations to discover if you’re a culture lover.

Where are the best places for cultural tourism?

From historical landmarks to architectural marvels and magnificent cuisine, look no further for enriching city escapes that leave you feeling more enlightened about the world we live in.

Cairo, Egypt

Fly from: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, Dubai

Nestled on the banks of the Nile River, Cairo offers a world of wonders for culture lovers to explore. Find no shortage of fascinating stories and signs of ancient civilizations that have been frozen in time, from the Pyramids of Giza and that famous Sphinx statue, to the Egyptian Museum which is hailed for being one of the most extensive there is. As well as this, Cairo will treat you to plenty of authentic cuisine, bustling souks, and a booming arts scene.

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Delhi, India

Fly from: Riyadh

Delhi is the go-to destination in India to immerse yourself in rich cultural heritage, thanks to a melting pot of influences including the Mauryas, Lodhi dynasty, Mughals and the British. Millions of visitors come every year to visit the likes of the Red Fort, India Gate and the Qutub Minar, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as this, soak up the culture at Asia’s largest wholesale spice market Khari Baoli, and sample delectable street food at Chawri Bazaar.

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Istanbul, Turkey

Fly from: Jeddah, Riyadh, Medina, Dammam

At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul offers a culture that can not be compared to anywhere else in the world — with a blend of Byzantine, Ottoman and Greek influences that go back centuries. Enjoy the historical splendour of this stunning city, where every turn leads to enchanting mosques, madrasas and palaces that make up a magical skyline. Some of our top recommendations for culture and history buffs include the Hagia Sophia Museum, as well as the Dolmabache Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.

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Casablanca, Morocco

Fly from: Jeddah

Casablanca makes a captivating city for cultural exploration due to its fusion of Arab, Berber, African, and European influences that have shaped its architecture, traditions, and cuisines. As well as this Casablanca has played home to several historical events, particularly around World War II, and its lasting marks can be found all over this Moroccan city. You can find this by walking the winding roads of Ancienne Medina (Old Medina), visiting Casablanca Cathedral, or visiting the Musée de la Fondation Abderrahman Slaoui.

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Petra, Jordan

Fly from: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina

If you catch a flight to Jordan’s capital, Amman, be sure to also take the three-hour journey to Petra. This ancient city is the country’s top treasure, marking the achievements of the Nabataean Arabs over 2,000 years ago — who succeeded in carving a city into its mountains. Today, this is not only on the UNESCO World Heritage List, but one of the Seven Wonders of the World. If you need even more of an excuse to go and see it for yourself - Petra is partly endangered due to the natural decay of its sandstone architecture.

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Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Fly from: Jeddah

Sarajevo is most famous for the gunshot that led to WWI, and over time, its Ottoman, Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences that followed have created a hugely interesting city. Since then, Sarajevo has continued to go through many hardships and has come back stronger every time, and this is shown in the symbols of resilience which can be seen in displays all over the city. Often labelled the “Jerusalem of Europe”, its culturally diverse climate means you will find mosques, churches, synagogues, and museums, all within short walking distance of each other, and this diversity is further reflected in its architecture, music, literature, and film festivals.

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Algiers, Algeria

Fly from: Jeddah

Meeting you on the Mediterranean coastline of North Africa is Algiers. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 4th Century BC, this city is influenced by the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans, and the French — making for a medley of architecture, traditions, and cuisine. Start your day off right with a traditional Chakchouka, before heading to one of Algier’s main attractions, the Kasbah of Algiers. Here you’ll discover a UNESCO World Heritage medieval quarter, offering a panoramic view of the city and a narrow maze of streets home to several Ottoman palaces and a converted museum.

Book your flights to Algiers now!