​From India to Italy: Exploring countries with the most cultural attractions

Sep 25, 2024

By: Kapil Yadav

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Highest number of cultural attractions

The following countries are ranked for their high numbers of cultural attractions, according to responses from a global survey. This aspect contributes to the overall U.S. News Best Countries rankings as well as the Heritage sub-ranking.

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​Egypt

Home to vast stretches of deserts, Egypt is the site of one of the earliest civilizations of the world. Here, you can explore the pyramids, the Sphinx, the Nile River, Luxor's temples, the Valley of the Kings and vibrant markets.

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​Greece

Credited for being the birthplace of the Olympic games, Greece has always been one of the oldest and most influential communities in the world. So, naturally, it has a plethora of cultural attractions. Some of the major ones include the Acropolis, ancient oracles and Minoan ruins.

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​Italy

Renowned for its cuisines and natural beauty, Italy is one of the most popular destinations among tourists seeking to experience diverse cultures and traditions. Italy’s major cultural attractions include Rome’s Colosseum, Florence’s art galleries, Venice’s canals and Pompeii’s ruins.

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​Spain

Also the second most visited country in the world, Spain is a tapestry of unique cultures and traditions. The best cultural attractions of Spain include Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Bilbao.

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​France

France is a captivating cultural destination, renowned for its art, cuisines and rich history. You can explore Paris's iconic museums, the châteaux of the Loire Valley, Mont Saint-Michel, and the charming villages of Provence.

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Japan

Japan is a rich cultural destination that is known for its blend of tradition and modernity. Here, you can explore Kyoto's temples, Tokyo's vibrant neighbourhoods, Nara's historic sites, and Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park for a profound cultural experience.

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Turkey

Turkey is a captivating cultural destination that portrays its rich culture in the form of Istanbul's historic mosques, Cappadocia's unique landscapes, Ephesus's ancient ruins and Pamukkale's stunning thermal springs.

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India

India is a vibrant cultural destination renowned for offering diverse traditions and cultural landscapes. You can experience its diverse traditions in the form of the Taj Mahal in Agra, Jaipur’s palaces, Varanasi’s spiritual ghats and Kerala’s serene backwaters.

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Mexico

Mexico is a colourful cultural destination, rich in history and traditions. You can explore the ancient ruins of Teotihuacan, the vibrant streets of Oaxaca, Frida Kahlo's home in Mexico City, and the stunning beaches of Tulum.

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Thailand

Also known as "The Land of Smiles," Thailand is a country with rich culture and traditions. It has recently gained popularity for its cultural tourism due to cultural gems like the ancient temples of Chiang Mai and the historic sites and ruins of Ayutthaya.

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