10 Ancient Cities Around the World to Visit

Ancient cities are windows into the past, showing us how people lived, worked, and built communities thousands of years ago. These cities, some over 3,000 years old, have shaped the cultures and traditions we see today. Around the world, they reveal the foundations of art, religion, and science, and offer lessons in resilience and ingenuity. In the US, ancient sites highlight the legacies of Native American civilizations, while globally, cities like Athens and Rome showcase the rise of empires. If you’re fascinated by history, here are ten ancient cities worth visiting to experience the stories and architecture of the distant past.

Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities, has a history that spans over 3,000 years. It became a powerful city-state in the 5th century BCE, leading the ancient world in philosophy, arts, and democracy. The birthplace of luminaries like Socrates and Plato, Athens was pivotal in shaping Western civilization. Its influence endured through the Roman and Byzantine empires and later under Ottoman rule before becoming the capital of modern Greece in 1834.

When visiting, the first site you’ll want to see is the Acropolis rising above the city, crowned by the Parthenon. The temple is dedicated to Athena, the city’s patron goddess. At its base lies the Ancient Agora, where citizens once debated politics and philosophy. The Temple of Olympian Zeus, though partially standing, reflects the city’s grandeur, while the Panathenaic Stadium recalls ancient athletic traditions. Museums like the National Archaeological Museum and the Acropolis Museum house treasures that illuminate Athens’ illustrious history.

2. Varanasi, India

Life in Varanasi revolves around the Ganges River, where pilgrims gather to bathe in its waters, believed to purify the soul. The ghats, stepped embankments leading to the river, are a spectacle of devotion. Dashashwamedh Ghat, in particular, is famous for its Ganga Aarti, an evening ritual of light and sound that captivates visitors.

Winding through its labyrinthine alleys, you’ll find centuries-old temples like Kashi Vishwanath and Durga Temple, alongside bustling markets selling silk sarees and handicrafts. The city also nurtured luminaries like Tulsidas and Ravi Shankar.

Founded in 753 BCE, legend credits Rome’s origins to Romulus and Remus, twin brothers raised by a she-wolf. From its humble beginnings, the Italian city grew into the heart of one of the most powerful empires in history, shaping art, law, and governance for centuries.

Walking through Rome feels like stepping into an open-air museum. The Colosseum, a marvel of ancient engineering, echoes with the cheers of gladiators and spectators from centuries past. Nearby, the Roman Forum reveals the epicenter of political and social life during the empire’s peak.

Yet, Rome is more than ruins. The Vatican City, nestled within, houses masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and St. Peter’s Basilica. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return, or wander the cobblestone streets of Trastevere for a glimpse of the city’s vibrant modern culture.

4. Luoyang, China

Nestled in China’s Henan Province, Luoyang is often hailed as the cradle of Chinese civilization. Its history stretches back over 4,000 years, with the city serving as the capital for 13 dynasties. A pivotal center of culture, politics, and innovation, Luoyang witnessed the birth of Confucian classics, Buddhist teachings, and some of China’s greatest artistic achievements.

The Longmen Grottoes carved into limestone cliffs, stand as a testament to the city’s spiritual and artistic legacy. Thousands of Buddha statues, etched over centuries, reflect the devotion and craftsmanship of ancient China. Nearby, the White Horse Temple, established in 68 CE, is revered as China’s first Buddhist monastery and a symbol of cultural exchange along the Silk Road. Every spring, the city bursts into color with its iconic Peony Festival, celebrating the “King of Flowers.”

This city was once the beating heart of the Inca Empire. Nestled high in the Andes at 11,000 feet above sea level, it’s a place where ancient stonework whispers the stories of a civilization that revered the mountains and the sun. Believed to have been founded around 1100 CE, Cusco was meticulously designed in the shape of a puma, symbolizing strength and protection.

What sets Cusco apart is its blend of Inca and Spanish influences. The grand Plaza de Armas is flanked by colonial architecture built atop ancient foundations. The Qurikancha, once the richest Inca temple adorned with gold, now serves as the base for the Spanish-built Church of Santo Domingo, a striking testament to the city’s layered identity. While in Cusco, make sure to wander through the vibrant markets, savoring coca tea and discovering Andean crafts.

6. Cholula, Mexico

Cholula, located in Puebla, Mexico, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas, dating back to at least 500 BCE. Renowned for its cultural and historical significance, the city served as an important religious and trade hub for pre-Columbian civilizations, including the Olmecs, Toltecs, and Aztecs.

The centerpiece of Cholula is the Great Pyramid, or Tlachihualtepetl, the largest pyramid by volume in the world. Though it appears as a natural hill, visitors can explore its network of tunnels and the impressive archaeological site surrounding it. Atop the pyramid stands the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, a Spanish colonial church symbolizing the city’s fusion of indigenous and colonial heritage.

Cholula is also known for its vibrant markets, offering traditional pottery, textiles, and mole poblano, a famous local dish.

Founded in 789 CE by Idris I, Fez became a cultural and spiritual center in North Africa, renowned for its educational and religious institutions. As you walk through its streets, you’ll find yourself immersed in one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities.

The Medina of Fez, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of narrow alleys filled with shops, mosques, and fountains. You might visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest operating university in the world, or marvel at the intricate tilework of the Bou Inania Madrasa. The Chouara Tannery offers a glimpse into centuries-old leather-making traditions, its vibrant dye pits creating a striking visual scene.

You’ll also hear the call to prayer echo through the city, taste authentic Moroccan dishes in bustling markets, and see artisans crafting goods by hand.

8. Cádiz, Spain

Cádiz, situated in southwestern Spain, is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, with origins tracing back to its founding by Phoenician merchants from Tyre around 1100 BCE.

The city’s strategic location on a narrow peninsula extending into the Gulf of Cádiz made it a vital port throughout history. During the Age of Exploration, Cádiz became a principal port for trade with the Americas, significantly contributing to Spain’s economic development.

Make sure to visit the Cádiz Cathedral, completed in 1838, which showcases both baroque and neoclassical architecture. The Roman Theatre, dating back to the 1st century BCE, will help you learn about the ancient past of the city. Additionally, the Castle of San Sebastián, an 18th-century fortress situated at the end of a scenic causeway, provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Cádiz is the perfect destination if you’re interested in exploring Spain’s past and present.

Jerash, in northern Jordan, offers a glimpse into one of the most well-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world. Known in antiquity as Gerasa, it was founded around 1,000 BCE, but its golden age came under Roman rule when it became part of the Decapolis, a league of ten cities integral to trade and culture in the region.

Walking through Jerash today feels like stepping into a living Roman city. The monumental Hadrian’s Arch, built to honor Emperor Hadrian’s visit in 129 CE, marks the grand entrance. The colonnaded streets, with grooves still visible from ancient chariot wheels, guide you to the Oval Plaza, a remarkable open space surrounded by Ionic columns.

The South Theatre, with its impeccable acoustics, continues to host performances, linking past and present. Nearby, the Temple of Artemis showcases intricate carvings dedicated to the city’s patron goddess.

10. Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, was founded in the 5th century CE by King Vakhtang Gorgasali, who, legend says, discovered its natural hot springs while hunting. The city’s name actually comes from the Georgian word “Tbili,” meaning warm.

As you wander through Tbilisi, you’ll notice its charm lies in its contrasts. The Old Town is a maze of narrow streets with wooden balconies and colorful houses, perfect for aimless exploration. Don’t miss the Narikala Fortress, perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the city. Getting there on the cable car is half the fun. At the sulfur baths in Abanotubani, you can soak in the same warm waters that gave Tbilisi its name. Feeling hungry? Head to a local eatery for khinkali (dumplings) or khachapuri (cheese bread).