7 Underrated Destinations for History Buffs
For history buffs, nothing beats coming face-to-face with the timeworn marvels you’ve only read about in books. But many of the globe’s most significant historical landmarks—like the temples of ancient Greece and Rome, the pyramids of Egypt, and the monuments of Washington DC—are also the busiest and most hectic to visit.
To discover another chapter in the history books, skip the most popular attractions and turn to the underrated highlights. From hidden gems such as Malta’s neolithic landmarks to Madurai’s temples and palaces, as well as the living history that is Georgia’s ancient wine culture, here’s a compilation of the unexpected, the underrated, and the lesser-visited places any history buff will love.
1. Canterbury, England
Because there's more to English history than booked and busy Stonehenge.
England is full of ancient wonders and history-packed destinations. From London to Stonehenge to Bath to Windsor Castle, it’s all too easy to overlook Canterbury. But this charming city, located just over an hour from London by train, is also one of the most rewarding destinations for visiting history buffs to explore.
From the UNESCO-listed Canterbury Cathedral (one of England’s oldest churches) to the Roman-built defensive walls that still encircle parts of the city today (not to mention its association with Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales), thousands of years of Canterbury history are worth exploring first-hand.
2. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, US
An excellent alternative to the nation's capital and beyond.
Those interested in the early chapters of American history typically head to major cities like Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Boston—but Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, is the ideal US destination for anyone that wants to learn more about the country’s past.
Just a quick trip from Washington DC and Baltimore, the town (part of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park) is home to a Civil War Museum and John Brown’s Fort, the site of a pivotal anti-slavery raid. If you prefer to explore on foot, Harpers Ferry is also a key stop on the Appalachian Trail.
3. Malta
Malta won't remain underrated for long, so make it there before everyone else does.
Like other Mediterranean islands, Malta has been successively ruled and conquered by various cultures and peoples for thousands of years.
Discover some of the island’s earliest history by exploring the UNESCO–listed Megalithic temples like Ħaġar Qim and Ta' Ħaġrat and the Neolithic Hypogeum of Ħal Saflieni, which are some of the world’s oldest freestanding structures. More recently, see the Roman Villa in Rabat, admire the Fort St. Angelo in Birgu (built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century), and really soak up the island’s bygone history at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.
Related: How to Spend 3 Days in Malta
4. Georgia
Take to a different kind of European wine country in this overlooked nation.
Sure, Georgia is famous for historical highlights like Tbilisi’s UNESCO–listed Old Town, the 4th-century Narikala Fortress, and countless churches and monasteries. But perhaps the most exciting way to experience the country’s past is via its wine country.
Georgia has been producing wine since the Neolithic era, well before vineyards were cultivated in places like France and Italy. Miraculously, many of its ancient wine techniques (including the use of qvevri, large clay vessels that are buried underground where wines age) are still in use today. Venture into the Kakheti region to come face-to-face (or glass-to-mouth) with one of the oldest unbroken winemaking traditions in the world.
5. Madurai, India
Who needs the Taj Mahal when you've got Tamil Nadu?
Those seeking historical wonders in India are most likely to venture to Delhi, Agra, or the regal areas of Rajasthan. But discover a different side of the country (and admire soaring temples, ornate palaces, and immersive museums) by visiting Tamil Nadu in southern India.
Madurai is the perfect place to experience centuries-old attractions, like the vibrant Meenakshi Amman Temple complex, the 17th-century Thirumalai Nayak Palace, St. Mary’s Cathedral (a remnant of 19th-century Portuguese colonization), and the National Gandhi Museum.
Related: Around India in 15 Dishes
6. Palenque, Mexico
Get off the beaten path at one of the best archaeological sites in Mexico.
Discover Mexico’s ancient Maya past beyond the ever-popular (and ever-busy) Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula and Teotihuacan near Mexico City, and venture to Palenque in the state of Chiapas instead.
A thriving city from 226 BC to around 800 AD, the complex was lost to the jungle until it was rediscovered in the 18th century. Today, Palenque wows visitors with its ruins of temple-topped pyramids, palaces, and elaborate sculptures and carvings (while the nearby Misol-Ha and Agua Azul Waterfalls offer cooling relief after a sweaty day of sightseeing).
7. Darwin, Australia
The ideal place to learn more about Indigenous cultures Down Under.
Darwin is host to the oldest continuous living culture on Earth; its Aboriginal heritage stretches back a staggering 60,000 years. You can discover more about Darwin’s Aboriginal art and culture at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, while the nearby Kakadu National Park boasts one of the largest concentrations of ancient rock art, including works dating back 20,000 years.
From Darwin, you can also hop on a ferry to Bathurst Island to meet members of the local Tiwi community.
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