Top 10 Classic Heritage Cities of the World
The top 10 classic heritage cities of the world all share a lot of **** in common: ancient ruins, well-preserved city centers, and top-notch art and architecture, but the differences are so many that the only way to experience them is to arrive and experience them for yourself.
Top 10 Classic Heritage Cities of the WorldThe Rainy City of Bergen Norway's Most Beautiful Colorful Fairytale
Bergen is known as the ? Gateway to the Fjords? Along the harbor are wooden huts painted in multicolored colors, where market vendors goad shoppers into purchasing their smoked salmon, caramelized brown cheeses, and jars of orange-red cloudberry sauce. Even on a rainy day, Bergen is alive with color. It's also a city rich in history, not only because it's been named a World Heritage City, but also because its historic marina, Brüggen, is listed as a World Heritage Site. Originally founded in the 14th century by German merchants of the Hanseatic League for the dried cod trade, this mid-world colonial city has survived several fires over the centuries and was rebuilt using traditional methods. Today, 62 buildings remain, including the Hanseatic Museum.
Don't miss: the Unicorn Restaurant, located in one of the reconstructed dock buildings, is famous for its seafood. And the Tracteursted Restaurant is Bergen's oldest restaurant, housed in an old auditorium and serving attractions Bergen cuisine.
Arles, France Follow in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh
Arles is located in the Provence region. You can follow in the footsteps of the famous painter Vincent van Gogh and visit his Café de la Nuit; or stroll along the quays of the Rhone River and fantasize about The Starry Night. Arles is a painter's paradise, where you can lounge on the terraces of the blue shuttered buildings or admire the old monuments as you stroll along the old stone paths. Arles has a rich heritage, such as Roman and Romanesque monuments that take you back to the 1st century BC. You can join outdoor festivals on balmy evenings or watch bullfights in the Roman Colosseum. The pilgrimage route, the Route de Santiago de Compostela, runs through Arles and is also on the World Heritage List.
Don't miss: the Hidden Gallery, an underground gallery with vaulted ceilings, originally used to support an ancient Roman square, is now a summer retreat.
Lunenburg, Canada Red architecture is a timeless classic
Lunenburg's bright red buildings form a timeless backdrop for the tall-masted schooners. Lunenburg was built in 1753, and this British colony was the second after nearby Halifax? analog city? Its economy was dependent on fishing and shipbuilding. Today, Old Town Lunenburg is still a busy maritime center and is listed as a World Heritage Site for its ancient facade as well as its well-preserved architecture. At the Atlantic Fisheries Museum, you can learn about whaling techniques and rum distilling; you can also browse for ship models or view watercolors in a local gallery; and be sure to sample scallops and Nova Scotia lobster in a classic local restaurant.
Don't Miss: The Old Fish Factory Restaurant & Ice House Bar is located in a former fish processing plant on the waterfront and serves seafood and live sailor-style music.
Belgium Bruges Stroll along the Rose Garden Pier
Bruges is picturesque because of its meandering waterways and old, whitewashed soup kitchens. You can admire the swans flying over the calm Lake of Love from an 18th-century bridge. Or stroll along the beautiful Rose Garden Pier and admire the medieval clock tower, which glows at night. This northern city is a living fairy tale, but its historic center, with its Lego-brick Gothic architecture, has been chosen as a World Heritage Site. It was also the birthplace of the original Flemish school of painting, and many wealthy 15th-century merchants patronized talented painters. In the summer Bruges is very crowded with tourists, so come in winter and enjoy the open carriages and cobblestone walks on your own.
Don't miss: the Bruges Clock Tower in the market square. After climbing the 366 steps to the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city while listening to free music played by its silver-toned bells.
Laos Luang Prabang Exudes Elegant Charm
In laid-back Luang Prabang, flower-filled temples grace the hillsides, while the tranquil Nam Khang River gently cuts through the city until it meets the Mekong. Wake up early in the morning to see the monks in their orange-red robes silently accepting alms and rice; then spend the next few days strolling through the city's cluster of old wooden huts, a mix of Laotian and European styles. The triangular-shaped Khang Thong Temple is one of the most beautiful temples here. The Palace Museum, housed in a French colonial-style building, contains a 14th-century-era golden statue of Prabang Buddha. As night falls, the faintly lit market is filled with stores selling colorful silk scarves, hand-woven textiles and posa paper made from mulberry bark.
Don't miss: watching the sunset on the banks of the Mekong River, which is also home to many restaurants and cafes; the sunset from the top of Mount Phousi in the center of Luang Prabang is also great, and you can climb to the top via 328 zigzag steps.
Oaxaca, Mexico A haven for artists and artisans
With its bustling craft markets, renowned dining scene, and world-class museums, Oaxaca is a haven for artists and artisans. It is equally known for its architectural treasures. This World Heritage city is grid-like and is an architectural example of a Spanish colonial city; although it only became a city in 1529, it was inhabited in prehistoric times. After visiting the Santo Domingo Transportation and Oaxaca Cathedral, you can take a roadside coffee break under the Plaza de la Constitución arcade and order an iced cornmeal drink called an ejate or a tangy tequila. Once the center of the ancient Sabatec civilization, the World Heritage-listed Alban's Peak is now an important archaeological site with pyramids, plazas and other ruins.
Don't Miss: Juarez Municipal November 20 Market is filled with handicrafts like pottery and rugs, as well as traditional foods like tlayudas for pizza and chicken pate.
Discover Old World charm in Quebec City, Canada
Whether you're dining al fresco in the warm summer months or strolling under the stars in the cold winter months, you'll find plenty of Old World charm in Quebec City. You can sip Caribou brandy at the Winter Carnival or feast on potato fries with cheese and gravy. Old Quebec City was discovered by French explorers along the St. Lawrence River in the 17th century. The Lower Town near Place Royale is home to the Museum of Civilization and Our Lady of Triumph Church, the oldest stone church in North America.
Don't Miss: Take the cable car to the Lower Town to explore the myriad of boutiques and cafes. Le Petite Cochon Dingue, a French bakery, serves French sandwiches, tarts and frosted cakes.
Quedlinburg, Germany A representation of a classic European town
In the northern part of Germany's Hartz Mountains, a castle sits on top of a hill. Small, half-timbered houses are dotted with flower-filled window sill flower boxes, and narrow alleys run between them. With more than 1,000 years of history, Quedlinburg is representative of a classic European charming town. The old town has been a bustling center of commerce since the Middle Ages and is a World Heritage Site for its preservation. Some 1,200 timber-framed houses are more than six centuries old, and they make it easy for visitors to learn about the region's architectural style as it evolved from the post-Gothic era to the Baroque period and beyond. The Standbaugh Wooden Museum, housed in one of the town's oldest buildings, is a great place to learn something about architecture; you can also listen to a concert in the recently rebuilt Blasii Church. Your trip to Quedlinburg is not complete until you visit St. Servasius United Church, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.
Don't miss: the AmFinkenherd Café, located in three adjoining old half-timbered buildings near the Blasey Church, serves tea and cheesecake.
Quito, Ecuador The capital city at the highest altitude
Quito was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and is surrounded by the active volcano, Pichincha. It is situated on a plain in the Andean canyon and is the highest capital city in the world. Despite occasional earthquakes, it is on the World Heritage List because it is the best preserved and least altered cultural center in Latin America. In fact in 1978, Quito and Krakow in Poland were the first cities to be named World Heritage Cities. The city center, known for its cobblestone Spanish colonial style streets, has recently been rebuilt to meet the goal of keeping visitors safe. Explore Quito's myriad of gray and whitewashed homes, Baroque monasteries, and the intricately carved Church of the Companions of Jesus in Quito. The church's golden altar makes it one of the richest churches in South America.
Don't miss: cultural events? Heritage Nights? is held every Saturday evening. Locals and tourists watch theater and dance, revel in street art and outdoor concerts at the cultural center.
Tallinn, Estonia The capital of European culture
With a plethora of church spires, a castle, and winding streets, Tallinn is the capital of Estonia*** and the country. In 2011, it was hailed as the capital of European culture and is the best-preserved medieval trade center on the Baltic coast. As part of the Hanseatic League, Tallinn was a busy commercial center between the 13th and 16th centuries. Strolling through the Old Town, you can see the old hooks and pulleys used to transport salt, tea and flour in what were once warehouses. The Town Hall Square is home to many cafes surrounded by colorful commercial houses; St. Catherine's Promenade is home to many outdoor craft workshops making blown glassware and pottery using traditional techniques. The town council pharmacy is the oldest still operating pharmacy in Europe and sells red wine made from ancient recipes.
Don't Miss: During the Christmas season, the Old Town has an old-fashioned Christmas market, an outdoor ice rink and a huge Christmas tree. The tradition of the Christmas tree dates back to 1441 when the first public **** Christmas tree in Europe was displayed here.