Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about the best world heritage sites to visit. If you are hoping for a unique kind of holiday, there are many ways to approach this. You could decide to go off the beaten track a little and find something new that way, of course. Or you might choose to go along with what other people know to be amazing. Even this approach is likely to mean that you end up in some pretty fantastic places which you might not have otherwise discovered, and today I want to share with you the best world heritage sites that you might want to visit on your trip.
The Best World Heritage Sites to Visit
One thing in particular it might be worth paying attention to here is finding places which are universally recognized as being great places to visit. A good standard for that, though there are many, is the UNESCO World Heritage marker. There are plenty of these in the world (you can find a list of world heritage sites here), and they are all likely to be great for tourists. But which World Heritage sites are the best? Let’s take a look.
Vienna
Who isn’t at least partially intrigued by the beautiful city of Vienna? This Austrian city is its largest, and its federal capital, and it is absolutely full of fascinating history to boot. If you want to go and hear some great classical music, there is hardly anywhere better in Europe or even the world, and it’s also a great spot for museums and art galleries. It was in Vienna that Sigmund Freud practiced and developed his influential psychotherapy, and today there is a Freud museum outlining his life’s work.
Or, if you’re not much of a psychology buff, you might just want to wander the streets, admiring the incredibly intricate and unique architecture. Either way, this city is a fabulous jaunt worth visiting. (And I know I promised you a blog post all about Vienna and it’s coming soon………. ). The photo below is at the Schönbrunn Palace, one of the most important architectural, cultural and historical monuments in Austria, and itself, one of the World Heritage sites.
Bath
Although there have been other sites of ancient communal baths throughout the former Roman empire, the city of the same name in Southwest England has to be one of the more impressive examples.
So impressive, in fact, that it is indeed a world heritage site – and wandering around its Georgian gorgeous streets, you can see why. At its heart is a winding, wide river and narrow streets, reminiscent of times gone by and with a distinctly European feel which is somewhat unusual for an English city. You can still go and visit the baths too – although, as of a few years ago, you can no longer bathe in them. However, just down the road there is now a modern spa, using the same thermal natural waters that you’ll find in the Roman baths – the perfect opportunity to spoil yourself.
Granada
Granada and the Andalusia region are well worth a visit, and the Alhambra complex is one of the most visited attractions in Spain.
The Alhambra was built during the mid-14th century as a palace for the Moorish princes and stands on two adjacent hills, separated by the river Darro. After the Moors were driven out of Spain in 1492, the Christians continued to use it as a palace, and it later became a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Alhambra is not a singular building, but an entire walled city within Granada, that you wander around over the course of a few hours. The three key areas (that all require you to show your ticket) are the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba, a fortress that offers spectacular views of Granada below and the Generalife, which includes beautiful gardens and a small summer palace.
Visitor numbers are restricted so be sure to book your tickets in advance.
Melaka
No doubt, you have heard of Bath, Granada and Vienna, but this next city is a little less well known. Melaka is a city in Malaysia, just outside of Kuala Lumpur. It’s often less visited than the capital, of course, but those who go and see Kuala Lumpur and don’t stop over here are truly missing something.
Amongst its most fascinating sights is the so-called Huskitory, a husky-loving experience where you get to cuddle them, pet them, feed them and just generally hang out with them. When you’ve had enough of this cute joy (if that’s possible), you can be sure that you’ll be able to unwind at a great restaurant – and afterwards, you can even find some amazing accommodation to spend your evenings in.
In fact, even finding a house for rent in Melaka is pretty easy, and surprisingly inexpensive, so you can be sure it’s an easy enough place to tour.
Bethlehem
Okay, so the city of Bethlehem itself is not entirely a World Heritage Site, but there is one part of it that is recognised as such. That is, obviously enough, the apparent birthplace of Jesus Christ, the Nativity Church. This gains a lot of visitors every year from Christian pilgrims, but it is also just a fascinating thing to see if you are a keen secular tourist who likes to delve into the history of religion.
In fact, it’s such an incredible sight that you will absolutely want to think about staying for a few days at least, so unique and unusual are the sights for many visitors. If nothing else, it’s a holy place you won’t forget in a hurry.
I hope you enjoyed this feature about The Best World Heritage Sites to visit, and have a look here for more of our travel tips and inspiration.
I will be back soon with more style, lifestyle and travel inspiration and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog below to make sure you never miss a post,
With love,
What a good read! I wanted to know about these unpopular but interesting places.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Thank you Mercy! Glad you enjoyed reading the post x
Vienna is my second home. I used to live there before moving to the UK. It is a beautiful city for sure. Bath is a place I want to also visit. Great history there!
It must have been amazing to live in Vienna! It’s such a beautiful city – I’m not sure I would ever want to leave xo
This is so lovely and inspiring. I love when I read a post that makes me smile 🙂
Thank you Heather! Glad you liked it 🙂
These places all look beautiful but I would really want to visit Bethlehem.
Have a wonderful week! Xo
Thank you Nicole! I hope you get to go there xo
Just stopping by to wish you a happy Tuesday!
Thank you Lorna! Happy Tuesday to you xo
Thanks for sharing these amazing places!
Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Glad you liked the post, Gemma x
These places look so beautiful. Love the unique architecture. For sure, must-see!
http://www.fashionradi.com
Definitely Radi! xo
Theres so many gorgeous places I wanna visit including Bath! Seriously so gorgeous!
-Didier
Thank you Didier! You should definitely visit Bath – it’s beautiful x
So many amazing places! Love all the photos.
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
Thank you Samantha x
Wow it’s so beautiful!
xx- Nina
Thank you Nina xx
These are such beautiful places . I would love to visit them all !!
Thank you Lesley! Hope you get to visit them x
Ahhh, amazing! I want to see these sites in person someday!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Thank you Ashley! I hope you get to see these and more amazing sites too! xo
These are all stunning! XO, Ellese
Thank you Ellese xo
I love that you included my city of Bath on here! I was going to suggest it if you didn’t! Ha ha!
Of course, Lorna! I’m sure you know Bath so much better than I do! It must be a lovely place to live! xo
I would love to visit all these places! They sound amazing!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
They really all are, Vanessa! xoxo
Totally agree with you!
xoxo
Silvia
https://www.elblogdesilvia.com/
Thank you Silvia xoxo
These are all on my list of places to visit! I hope I can cross them all off on my list!
Hope you can cross them all off too xo
I’d love to visit Bethlehem and just any go these! Thanks for sharing this… my travel wanderlust list just gets longer and longer!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thank you Carrie! My list keeps growing too! The more places I visit, the more I want to visit! xo
Amazing heritage sites. I hope to visit Taj Mahal some day.
https://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/
Thank you Ivana! I’m glad you liked the post 🙂
Gosh these places are incredible. I love traveling to places that offer so much history. Thanks for sharing these sites!
-Robin
Thank you Robin! I’m so glad you found it interesting x
I’ve been to the Taj Mahal and it really is an incredible site to see xx
GemmaEtc.com
Definitely! Did you visit any of the other sites yet? xx
I see you are an experienced traveller and I assume you are right that these are the best world heritages sites to vist. Thanks a lot for sharing!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
Thank you Rena! I love to travel as much as I can and I try to plan at least one trip a month, even if it’s just a short weekend trip! xo
All of these place are gorgeous, would love to visit the Taj Mahal one day! Thanks for the tips hun and have a wonderful day.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thanks Lovely! I’m glad you liked the post xoxo
I’d love to visit them all! I was saddened to hear that there are no longer baths actually in Bath. Do you have any idea why? Maybe they’re worried about the preservation of history, but I think the best way to preserve history is to keep people interested in it and funding it for maintenance and repairs. They all sound like places I’d love to visit, but I think especially Melaka intrigues me….and a Huskatory – who could resist?
Ruth
Hi Ruth, I’m not entirely sure why you can’t bathe in the baths but I think it’s about preserving them! You can still visit them though (https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/) and I definitely recommend afternoon tea in the Pump Room (although I recommend afternoon tea anywhere!) xx
I’ve been wanting to visit Granada after seeing some gorgeous photos shared by tourists a few years ago, it looks stunning there. Thanks for sharing these other sites as well, all are so gorgeous in their own rite!
XO,
Jalisa
THE STYLE CONTOUR
Granada is really well worth the visit, Jalisa, and as an added bonus the weather is often good too! I definitely recommend booking the Alhambra in advance though as it gets very booked ! xo
All of these places would be amazing to visit! I would love to travel more someday!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thank you Jill! I love travelling – my New Year Resolution was to take one trip a month, even if it’s just a weekend break! Last weekend was Madrid and this month I’m off to Corsica x
So many good ideas! I’ve really been wanting to go to Vienna lately…hoping a trip works out!!
Laura
Black Coffee Beautiful
Thank you Laura! I hope the trip works out for you too – Vienna is fabulous x
Oh my so many great choices. I would love to visit them all. Each one is so unique with so much history and the architecture is just stunning. Its sad that some of these incredible places will not be there forever. Do you have a favorite tyou’re been to more than once?
Xx
Nikki
Hi Nikki, I must admit that Vienna and Granada are my favourites and I’ve been to them more than once! It’s probably partly because geographically
they’re closer, but also I just love everything about them (the culture, the food, as well as the architecture!) xx
We have been wanting to take a trip to Spain sometime. Thanks for all of this information.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you Jodie! I definitely recommend a trip to Spain – have just got back from Madrid so you can see I’m a big fan of this country! xoxo
Wow, these places are beautiful! For sure adding it to my list. I love checking World Heritage sites!
Thank you Rach x
Ah, I’ve been to Bath and it is so lovely!
Mariya | http://www.brunetteondemand.com/faux-fur-longline-coat/
Isn’t it? Thank you for reading, Mariya x
Been to Vienna twice and it’s truly stunning. Can’t wait to visit the other places too :). xx
Andreea,
https://couturezilla.com
Yes, Vienna is truly beautiful and so are all the other places ! xx
Such a great post!
xx- Nina
Thank you Nina! Glad you liked it xx
fun post! these all really would be cool to visit!
kelseybang.com
4allthingsdisney.com
Yes, I think every one of them is worth it!
Such beautiful places listed here, for me I would be drawn towards bath. Really gorgeous place indeed.
Laura xo
http://www.shehearts.net
Thank you Laura! Bath is very beautiful (I went to a wedding there a while ago and it’s a beautiful setting for a special occasion!), but I really recommend Granada too (well, actually all the places, but I think Granada is my favourite – or maybe Vienna?? ) xo
I would love to visit all of these places! I like that they are off the beaten path. Seeing La Alhambra in person would be amazing!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
The Alhambra was really spectacular, Kathrine! I have so many photos and I keep meaning to do a separate blog post about it but never seem to get round to it!
Taj Mahal is beautiful place
I totally agree ! It’s breathtaking x