Okay, but has a place ever hit you in the soul so hard you forgot your email password for a second? Yeah—Thease are historical sites around the world .
I didn’t think “historical sites around the world” would ever make me cry in public, but here we are. I’ve always been meh about history in school (my 10th grade teacher once said I looked at her “like she was reading out of a toaster manual”). But when you’re in it—in the dust, the grandeur, the weirdly worn-down steps where emperors or warlords or random dudes with swords once walked—it hits different.
Also, pro tip: if a place has been standing longer than your family name has existed, you should probably go see it.
Here are some of the most ridiculous, awe-slapping, made-me-stop-breathing-for-a-second historical spots I’ve stumbled into (some literally—blame cobblestones).
1. Petra, Jordan — The One That Looks Like a Movie Set (Because It Basically Is)
You know that Indiana Jones moment? When he rolls up on the crazy-carved building in the cliff? That’s Petra.
I saw it and immediately whispered, “Shut up,” like the rocks were gonna talk back.
You walk through this narrow slot canyon (called the Siq) that honestly looks like Earth cracked open just to let you in on a secret. Then bam—the Treasury appears like it’s been photoshopped onto the desert.
Also: camels. So many camels. I tried to pet one. It was unimpressed.
2. Machu Picchu, Peru — The One That Made Me Feel Like a Sweaty Time Traveler
I climbed that mountain like I was on a personal vendetta. Altitude? Betrayed me. Legs? Gone. But the moment I saw Machu Picchu laid out below, I forgot my knees were quitting.
It’s not just the ruins—it’s the vibe. There’s mist and mystery and this buzz like the place is still alive, just waiting for the right time to wake up.
If you’re afraid of heights, maybe don’t lean too far over the edge. If you’re afraid of alpacas? …This might not be your trip.
3. Angkor Wat, Cambodia — Where the Sunrise Made Me Cry (Again. Shut up.)
Okay so listen—I do not wake up at 4:30 AM unless a dog is vomiting or my house is on fire. But for Angkor Wat, I set four alarms and bribed myself with mango sticky rice.
Worth. It.
Watching the sunrise behind those lotus-bud towers? Ugh. Like watching history stretch and yawn into the morning. And those carvings? Literal novels on stone.
Also: Bring bug spray. Trust me.
4. The Colosseum, Rome — Where You Kinda Hear the Ghosts (And Tourists. Mostly Tourists.)
I had a gelato in one hand and 2000 years of history in front of me, and I still somehow managed to trip over my own foot walking into The Colosseum.
This thing is massive. Like, it eats football stadiums for breakfast. You stand there thinking about gladiators, emperors, lions (??), and then you get elbowed by someone’s selfie stick and remember, oh right—this is real.
Best part? The underground tunnels. Creepy and awesome.
5. Chichén Itzá, Mexico — The Pyramid That Claps Back (Literally)
You ever clap at a building just to see what happens?
At Chichén Itzá, you do. When you clap at the base of the big pyramid (El Castillo), the sound echoes back sounding like a bird call. Some ancient acoustic engineering voodoo. Totally wild.
Also, it’s hot. Like, sweating-through-your-sunglasses hot. Hydrate or regret.
Bonus: The nearby cenotes (natural sinkholes) are dreamy and freezing. I cannonballed into one like a very confused bird myself.
6. The Great Wall of China — Long. Like… Really Long.
You know how people say something “goes on forever”? The Great Wall is like that—except it actually does. It snakes over mountains like some ancient dragon spine, and every time you think it ends, it just. Keeps. Going.
My thighs were crying by the second tower. I also saw someone carrying a dog in a backpack. 12/10 good boy.
Oh, and fun fact: The bricks were literally stuck together using rice paste. Like, ancient carbs. Iconic.
7. The Acropolis, Athens — Where I Got Sunburned and Inspired
The Parthenon is like the Beyoncé of ruins—iconic, commanding, slightly weathered but still fabulous.
I climbed the hill in flip-flops (mistake) and halfway up, I considered faking an injury for a break. But standing up there? Among ancient columns, looking out at Athens like some very sweaty philosopher? Dang. History slapped me across the face.
Also, the nearby museum has air conditioning. So.
8. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt — Sand in My Shoes and Goosebumps
Alright, let’s just say it: The pyramids are bonkers. Like, alien-level impressive.
You see pictures, sure. But nothing preps you for standing next to something taller than your dreams, built with zero modern tech. I touched one of the stones and felt like I was gonna get zapped into a Stargate or something.
Also camels again. And again—they were not into me.
9. Alhambra, Spain — The Place That Made My Jaw Fall Off
Okay not literally, but Alhambra is a fever dream. It’s a fortress-palace-garden hybrid thing perched above Granada, and it’s the most delicately fierce thing I’ve ever seen.
Tiles so detailed you want to cry. Courtyards that whisper secrets. Fountains that seem to burble poetry.
I spent six hours inside and didn’t even notice I missed lunch. That never happens.
10. Stonehenge, England — Weird, Wild, Windy
I still don’t totally understand Stonehenge. But like… maybe no one does? That’s kinda the point?
It’s just a bunch of really big rocks arranged by ancient humans who, for some reason, were like, “Let’s haul these heavy things from 100+ miles away and plop ’em right here.”
No one stopped them. Respect.
Also, sheep. Lots of sheep nearby. Very judgmental.
Honorable Mentions (Because I Ramble and Can’t Stop)
- Tikal, Guatemala — Jungle vibes + massive temples = ancient wonder meets “Jumanji.”
- Mont-Saint-Michel, France — A floating island castle that looks like Hogwarts got lost.
- Bagan, Myanmar — Thousands of temples that glow at sunset like a golden mirage.
- Taj Mahal, India — A literal love letter in marble. And yes, it’s actually that pretty.
Real Talk: Why You Should Go to historical sites around the world
Not just for the photos (though, yes, they slap), but for the feeling of smallness. Of awe. Of realizing how big the world is—and how much humans have always tried to build something that lasts.
You ever touch a rock carved 2000 years ago and think, “Wait, someone just like me… made this?” It’s freaky. And humbling. And really beautiful.
Plus, there’s usually a snack cart nearby. History + snacks = yes.
