Must-see historical sites according to the TravelLocal team

We all know that taking a journey through history is one of the most enriching travel experiences – the world is full of incredible historical sites that tell the stories of civilisations past and present. From the pyramids of Egypt to India’s Taragarh Fort and everything in-between, these iconic sites are more than just ancient wonders – they’re gateways to the stories and cultures that have shaped our world. Read on to discover the TravelLocal team’s must-visit historical sites, then chat with one of our local experts if you’re feeling inspired to get out there and explore these incredible destinations for yourself.

Natacha: Taragarh Fort, India

Garth Palace and Taragarh Fort in Bundi, India, are two of my top historical sites. I visited Bundi in May during the off-season and it definitely felt less crowded compared to other places in Rajasthan. The calm and quiet atmosphere made my trip very special. When I visited these amazing structures, I was the only visitor, which made it feel like I had the whole place to myself!

Garth Palace is a beautiful example of Rajput architecture with its detailed murals and stunning artwork. Walking through its halls felt like stepping back in time. Taragarh Fort, sitting on a hill, offers amazing views of Bundi and the surrounding area. I highly recommend visiting Bundi for its peaceful environment and rich history. A fun fact about Bundi is that Rudyard Kipling wrote parts of his novel Kim while staying there, inspired by the town’s beauty. To enjoy your visit, go during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset when the light creates a magical ambience.

After exploring, head to Shankar Cafe by the lake. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a drink and watch life go by. Bundi also has several stepwells and temples worth visiting, and a small market with food stalls – adding to its charm and making it a truly unique, off-the-beaten-path destination to dive deep into local culture.

Read: the top 10 places to visit in India

Cliff: Prambanan & Borobudur Temples, Indonesia

Each of Indonesia’s main islands has a distinct culture and environment, which means any trip has a fantastically kaleidoscopic feel to it. Even within this context Java, being one of the world’s most populated islands, stands out as having a huge diversity of experiences to enjoy. My recommendation is to travel lengthways across the island, ending with a ferry ride to neighbouring Bali for some well-deserved relaxation. It’s a long journey but allows for stops at less-touristy areas and nights in working rubber and coffee plantations.

On the way, you can experience some of this diversity by visiting the 9th-century Hindu temple of Prambanan and Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, in a single day. A magical way to start the day is with a bike ride to a nearby hilltop, in time to watch the sunrise unveil the pinnacle of Borobudur Temple, complete with a gently smoking volcano in the background. After working up an appetite exploring the temples, you can enjoy some mie goreng (fried noodles) while overlooking a landscape of rice paddies.

Further west, Mount Bromo offers another stunning landscape to explore, with volcanic craters, plumes of ash, and seas of sand reminding you of the imposing powers of nature. After all this and more, you’ll be ready for some rest and relaxation on the famous beaches of Bali, looking back on a real Javanese experience.

Read: our guide to the main islands of Indonesia

Sinan: Shkodër, Albania

Shkodër, Albania, stands out as an exceptional destination for those seeking rich cultural and historical sites. The city’s ancient sights, including the formidable Rozafa Castle, the picturesque Mesi Bridge, and the Marubi National Museum of Photography, offer a glimpse into its storied past. Visitors can also indulge in traditional cuisine within the charming old city, immersing themselves in the vibrant daily life of the locals.

Additionally, Shkodër’s natural beauty is remarkable, featuring the stunning Komani Lake ferry, the expansive Shkodër Lake bordering Montenegro, and the pristine Velipoja Beach. For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking in the Valbona Valley presents an exhilarating experience. Having visited Shkodër numerous times over the past decade, I have consistently appreciated the warm hospitality of its people and the city’s unique culture. Known as the city of bikes, it also invites exploration on two wheels. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to this captivating city.

Read: the best of the Balkans

Huw: the Red Pyramid, Egypt

What do we mean when we say ‘The Pyramids’? Whenever I hear this phrase it typically means the cluster of gigantic pyramids on the edge of the desert overlooking Giza and Cairo. The Khufu Pyramid there is the only one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World still to exist and was the world’s tallest building for more than 3,800 years! It comes as a surprise, therefore, to discover that there are far more pyramids across the country as a whole – current estimates are of around 118 pyramids in total across the old Egyptian Kingdoms (including those in modern-day Sudan).

One of the most beautiful is the Red Pyramid of Dahshur, around 40 km to the south of Giza. I was working in Egypt for a few months in 2014, largely at the Dahshur site. What amazed me then, and still now, is that even though the Red Pyramid is more than three-quarters of the height of the Khufu Pyramid, and basically identical from the outside, there was nobody there. Just me. I could walk around, take as many photos as I liked, contemplate the incredible achievements of Egyptian civilisation, and there wasn’t a tout or taxi to be seen for miles around. Egypt is a country where space is a luxury. The whole world wants to see the Giza Pyramids – and rightly so – but for a much (much!) quieter experience, head south.

Read: 10 of the best things to do in Egypt

Patricia: Mérida, Spain

Nestled in the heart of Extremadura, Spain, Mérida offers an unparalleled journey through time with its stunning Roman ruins. As the former capital of the Roman province of Lusitania, Mérida’s rich history is evident in its remarkably well-preserved ancient structures. Begin your exploration at the Roman Theatre, an architectural masterpiece still used for performances today, echoing the voices of actors from millennia past. Adjacent to it, the Amphitheatre invites you to imagine the thrill of gladiatorial contests, a stark reminder of Rome’s imperial might.

The Temple of Diana stands as a testament to Mérida’s religious significance, its imposing columns a tribute to Roman architectural prowess. Nearby, the Arch of Trajan marks the grandeur of the city’s former gateway, while the Roman Forum’s remnants whisper tales of ancient public life. No visit would be complete without marvelling at the Aqueduct of Los Milagros. This engineering marvel, with its towering arches, once transported water to the city. Equally impressive is the Puente Romano, a bridge that has spanned the Guadiana River since ancient times, still in use and connecting the past with the present.

Complement your tour with a visit to the National Museum of Roman Art, housing an extensive collection of mosaics, sculptures, and artifacts that bring further depth to your understanding of Roman life in Mérida. Mérida’s Roman ruins are an invitation to walk in the footsteps of emperors, gladiators, and ordinary Romans.

Read: a summer of fiestas: the best cultural celebrations in Spain

Make it happen

Has our team at TravelLocal inspired you to visit incredible historical sites? Speak to our local experts today and take the first step to booking your tailor-made trip so you can explore like a local. If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to explore our historical trips collection!

1. India
2. Indonesia
3. Albania
4. Egypt
5. Spain