Top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Cities to Visit This Year – Two Are in India!

UNESCO World Heritage Cities preserve history, culture, and architecture, offering a glimpse into the past. Cities like Rome, Kyoto, and Jaipur showcase ancient landmarks, traditions, and heritage, making them must-visit destinations for travelers seeking cultural and historical experiences.

Vidhee Tripathi
Mar 21, 2025, 15:52 IST
Top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Cities to visit this year.
Top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Cities to visit this year.

Top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Cities: Some cities are more than just tourist destinations; they are living museums that preserve centuries of history, culture, and architectural splendor. UNESCO World Heritage Cities are notable for their distinct legacy, which ranges from historic capitals and colonial treasures to commerce hubs and spiritual centers. These cities provide a deep dive into human culture, with each street, monument, and marketplace telling a narrative.

Visiting these cities is like traveling back in time, where ancient traditions blend with modern life. Their well-preserved buildings, historic landmarks, and cultural festivals offer a glimpse into the past while still thriving in the present. Whether it's the grand palaces, ancient ruins, or charming old streets, every corner reflects the rich heritage and unique identity of these remarkable places.

Top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Cities

Here is a list of some of the most historically and culturally rich cities in the world that made their place in the UNESCO World Heritage Cities, along with their main attractions.

City

Country

Main Centre of Attraction

Rome

Italy

Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum

Kyoto

Japan

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine

Cusco

Peru

Machu Picchu, Incan and Spanish architecture

Istanbul

Turkey

Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace

Prague

Czech Republic

Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square

Dubrovnik

Croatia

Medieval walls, Adriatic coastline, red-roofed buildings

Cartagena

Colombia

Colonial architecture, fortress walls, lively plazas

Jerusalem

Israel

Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock

Jaipur

India

Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar

Ahmedabad

India

Jama Masjid, Stepwells, Indo-Islamic architecture

Cities With World Heritage Sites

Many cities around the world are home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, preserving their rich history and culture. Rome, with landmarks like the Colosseum and Pantheon, reflects its ancient glory. Kyoto showcases Japan’s heritage with its stunning temples and shrines.

1. Rome, Italy

 The Colloseum, Rome, Italy - Mike Torrington Photography - Photography,  Buildings & Architecture, Landmarks, National Monuments - ArtPal

Rome, one of the world's most historically significant cities, is home to numerous ancient landmarks, such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum. As the heart of the Roman Empire and a significant hub for Renaissance art and Baroque architecture, it seamlessly integrates millennia of history with modern living.

2. Kyoto, Japan

 Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) - GaijinPot Travel

Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital, has over 2,000 temples and shrines, including the renowned Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Its preserved ancient wooden buildings, Zen gardens, and geisha districts make it a must-see destination for history enthusiasts.

3. Cusco, Peru

Machu Picchu older than expected, study reveals | Yale News

Cusco, the Inca Empire's former capital, is a city whose colonial Spanish architecture is built directly on Incan foundations. The city's tiny cobblestone alleys, colorful markets, and closeness to Machu Picchu make it an important stop for travelers experiencing South America's indigenous history.

4. Istanbul, Turkey The History and Architecture of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul - Through Eternity  Tours

For ages, Istanbul has served as a vital cultural and commerce hub, straddling Europe and Asia. Formerly known as Byzantium and subsequently Constantinople, it is home to breathtaking structures like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace, which showcases a blend of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Islamic influences.

5. Prague, Czech Republic Prague Castle, the Crown Jewel of the Czech Republic

Prague's historic center is a Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architectural marvel. Prague's well-preserved medieval core includes Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and Old Town Square, making it one of Europe's most gorgeous towns.

6. Dubrovnik, Croatia

 279,100+ Adriatic Sea Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock  | Adriatic sea croatia, Adriatic sea map

Dubrovnik, known for its well-preserved medieval fortifications, red-roofed homes, and breathtaking Adriatic shoreline, is a city locked in time. It has been a major marine hub since the Middle Ages and is currently regarded as one of the most attractive cities in the Mediterranean.

7. Cartagena, Colombia 

Cartagena architecture | Sophie's World Travel Inspiration

Cartagena's vibrant colonial architecture, bustling plazas, and enormous fortress walls highlight its importance as a Spanish port city in the Caribbean. Its old town, encircled by thick stone walls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that remains vibrant.

8. Jerusalem, IsraelWestern Wall in Jerusalem | Tourist Israel

Jerusalem, one of the world's most important religious centers, holds special significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock are among the most venerated sites in Jerusalem's UNESCO-listed Old City.

9. Jaipur, India

 File:Hawa Mahal interior IMG 1113.JPG - Wikimedia Commons

Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital, is well-known for its beautiful palaces, forts, and bustling markets. The city's well-planned layout, outstanding architecture, and iconic attractions including as the Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, and Jantar Mantar have won it UNESCO World Heritage designation.

10. Ahmedabad, India

 Jama (Jumma) Masjid

Ahmedabad, a city rich in history and culture, was the first in India to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old city features beautifully carved stepwells, Indo-Islamic architecture, and famous mosques such as the Jama Masjid. Old Ahmedabad, or the walled city of Ahmedabad, is a must-see.

What is UNESCO World Heritage Site?

A World Heritage site is a special place or landmark protected by an international agreement under UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization). These sites are recognized for their cultural, historical, or scientific importance. UNESCO selects them because they are considered valuable and important for all of humanity.

Vidhee Tripathi
Vidhee Tripathi

Content Writer

Vidhee Tripathi completed her PG Diploma degree in Digital Media from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. She is a graduate in Science with chemistry honors from Banaras Hindu University. She has 2 years of experience in various aspects of journalism. She was previously associated with the social media wing of Akashvani. At jagranjosh.com, currently she covers current affairs, national news and international news. She is also associated with the education news section of Jagran Josh.

Certificate: Creative Writing, Problem Solving, Web Content Writing
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