12 Most Charming Old Towns in the World | Historic Travel Destinations
Ever feel a magnetic pull towards places that whisper stories of the past? I certainly do. Perhaps it’s the charm of a pedestrian-friendly layout. Or maybe it’s my Australian upbringing, where a city’s old status begins at a mere two centuries. But when you compare that to the likes of Jerusalem, where history stretches back an astounding 5,000 years, you begin to understand the allure of these timeless locations. Walking through Jerusalem’s old city, you can’t help but feel a connection to the past. Imagining the world as it was during biblical times. That’s the magic of historic town centers. They’re steeped in history. You can see it, feel it in their Gothic architecture, cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and bustling marketplaces. While leisure travel to Jerusalem might be uncertain for the time being, the following cities and towns are ready to welcome you with open arms. Ka, Usbekistan. This old town is an open air museum filled with centuries old minets, morseliums, and formidable fortress walls along with over 200 hotels and restaurants. Must do? Ascend the Kunuark fortress’s watchtower for panoramic views of Ichin Kala’s minrets and domes. Later, explore Tashala Palace, the former residence of royal concubines. How to get there? Retrace the Silk Road with Bundik Tours 30-day five-stands tour, including flights from Australia. Ktor, Ecuador. As one of the original UNESCO World Heritage sites, KTO boasts the best preserved historic center in Latin America. Must do. Church lovers rejoice. Ko’s city center houses 24 churches along with numerous monasteries and chapels. The Church of La Compania, also known as the Golden Church, is a mustsee for its dazzling gold leaf interiors. How to get there? Conte Travel’s classic Ecuador Tour takes you down the avenue of volcanoes over 10 days. Starting in Korea, France. Known as the capital of the Alsatian wine region and home to some of central Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets, Kmar feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Must do? Glide along a canal in Little Venice while sipping Reeseling. Then visit the museum dedicated to Frederick Baldi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty. How to get there? Enjoy a guided tour of Kulmar during Emerald Cruis’s 11-day Rin Castles and Miselle Vineyards Cruise from Amsterdam to Zurich. Luang Prabang, Laos. Nestled between jungled mountains at the confluence of the Meong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Pbang streets blend French colonial design with traditional Lao architecture. Must do? Witness the daily armsgiving ceremony where saffron robed monks parade through town at dawn. Later, take a sunset cruise on the Meong River. How to get there? Explore the Kuangai waterfalls outside Luang Pbang with Wendy Wu’s 14-day Laos top to tour Burn Switzerland. The Swiss capital’s allstar old town is uniquely encircled by the Ara River featuring covered walkways. Electric trams and buses navigate streets that once hosted open air markets. Must do? Stand beneath the thousand-year-old Ziplog clock tower on the hour to witness its astronomical clock chime and then visit Albert Einstein’s former apartment. How to get there? Embark on an 8-day journey through the Swiss countryside with intrepid travels best of Switzerland tour. Dubai, UAE. Discover pedestrian alleyways that lead to hidden courtyards, galleries, museums, and cafes, all cooled by sea breezes funneled through wind towers. Must do? Visit the Dubai Museum, fresh from renovations. Appreciate contemporary Arab art at the XVA Gallery, or take an Arbor Water taxi across the creek to the Gold and Spy Souks. How to get there? The Alif Heritage Hotel set across 10 Adobe houses in the Alif district offers an affordable and authentic Dubai experience. Talon, Estonia, founded in medieval times. Talon showcases architecture from its days as a major Hansiatic League trading port. Merchant houses line winding streets leading to city gates and towers. Must do. Don’t miss Toni Castle and the Gothic town hall. Climb the city walls or St. Olaf’s bell tower for stunning views. How to get there? Step ashore in Talon during a 7-day Baltic Sea cruise with Norwegian cruise lines. Cusco, Peru. This Inca gateway to the Sacred Valley and Maru Pachu blends traditional architecture with a colonial influence. Must do? Explore the Plaza Dramas. Then find the painting of the Last Supper featuring Jesus and the twel apostles feasting on a guinea pig inside the cathedral. How to get there? Journey through Peru with Trafalga on an 11-day tour from Lima to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Stone Town, Tanzania. Once a thriving spice and slave trade center on Zanzibar, Stone Town reflects its diverse heritage in its coral architecture. Influenced by Arab, Indian, Persian, Portuguese, and British cultures. Must do. Start with the 17th century fort built to fend off European attacks. Explore the hidden alleyways to find hotels, cafes, cathedrals, and a museum dedicated to Freddy Mercury in his childhood home. How to get there? Stay at the Nila Boutique Hotel in the heart of Stone Town. Book through Flight Center. Gala, Sri Lanka. Built by the Portuguese, reinforced by the Dutch and occupied by the British. Gala Fort is home to churches, mosques, restaurants, cafes, boutique hotels, and the residences of numerous writers, photographers, and craftsmen. Must do? Stroll along the ramparts to the lighthouse. Visit the old Dutch hospital, now a dining and shopping precinct, or explore the maritime museum in the old governor’s residence. How to get there? Inspiring vacations 15-day private Sri Lanka adventure includes a night stay in the heritage gala for hotel within the ramparts. Bokearp, South Africa. Once home to slaves from Asia and Africa, Bokearp showcases its heritage through its music, dance, and food. The brightly painted homes are some of the most photographed in the country. Must do. Take a cultural or walking tour to learn about Bokeart’s history and find the best photo spots. Don’t miss the Owl Mosque, one of the oldest in Africa. How to get there? Cap off a 14-day Indian Ocean cruise with Silver Sea by spending time in Cape Town. Quebec City, Canada, North America’s most European city, located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in French-speaking Quebec province, features the towering Chatau Franinac Hotel and the Citadel of Quebec within its fortified core. Must do? Walk a top the city walls. Stroll down Duffren Terrace for river views. Go antique shopping in the old port. And grab a bite in a beastro along Ruda petition plane. How to get there? Sail up the St. Lawrence River as far as Toronto on a 13-day Canadian discovery cruise with Viking starting in New York. So, what do you think? Do you have a favorite old town? Are there any hidden gems you’d add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’m eager to hear
Embark on a journey through time as we explore the 12 most enchanting Old Towns around the globe. From the bustling markets of Jerusalem to the serene canals of Colmar, these historic destinations offer a glimpse into the past with their unique architecture, vibrant cultures, and rich histories.
Khiva, Uzbekistan: Explore ancient minarets and mausoleums, and discover the secrets of the Kunya-Ark Fortress.
Quito, Ecuador: Wander through the best-preserved historic center in Latin America and marvel at the Church of La Compañia’s golden splendor.
Colmar, France: Step into a fairy tale in the Alsatian wine region, and enjoy a canal ride in Little Venice.
Luang Prabang, Laos: Witness the daily alms ceremony of saffron-robed monks and cruise along the Mekong River at sunset.
Bern, Switzerland: Walk through covered walkways and visit the ancient Zytglogge clock tower and Einstein’s former residence.
Dubai, UAE: Get lost in the pedestrian alleyways, visit the renovated Dubai Museum, and experience the vibrant souks.
Tallinn, Estonia: Immerse yourself in medieval architecture, climb the city walls, and admire iconic landmarks like Toompea Castle.
Cusco, Peru: Explore the gateway to Machu Picchu, mill around the Plaza de Armas, and discover unique artwork in the cathedral.
Stone Town, Tanzania: Discover the diverse coral architecture, visit the 17th-century fort, and explore the vibrant streets filled with cafes and museums.
Galle, Sri Lanka: Wander through the Portuguese-built fort, visit the Old Dutch Hospital, and enjoy the charming blend of cultures.
Bo-Kaap, South Africa: Learn about the area’s history, admire the colorful houses, and explore the vibrant music and dance scene.
Québec City, Canada: Walk the fortified city walls, enjoy river views from Dufferin Terrace, and explore the historic Old Port.
Which of these Old Towns would you like to visit first? Let us know in the comments!