Below find top worldwide cultural travel destinations for each month of the year.
Let's get some travel inspiration going!
January
Harbin, China
Famous for its International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, Harbin transforms into a winter wonderland in January.
Rome, Italy
Less crowded, ideal for exploring historical sites.
New York City, New York, USA
Post-holiday charm and cultural events.
February
Venice, Italy
Famous for its Carnival in February.
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Mardi Gras celebrations.
Beijing, China
Chinese New Year festivities.
March
Washington, D.C., USA
Cherry Blossom Festival.
Paris, France
Fewer crowds, ideal for museum visits and sightseeing.
Dublin, Ireland
St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
April
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The tulip season reaches its peak in April, and a visit to the Keukenhof Gardens or the tulip fields around Amsterdam offers breathtaking views of the flowers in bloom, symbolizing the arrival of spring.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
The city, with its rich history, numerous temples, and vibrant markets, provides a perfect backdrop for immersing oneself in Thai culture and traditions during this festive season.
Istanbul, Turkey
Fusion of cultures, pleasant spring weather.
May
Fez, Morocco
The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music is held in May, turning the city into a hub for musicians and artists from around the globe.
Florence, Italy
Art festivals and Renaissance culture.
Marrakech, Morocco
Rich in history and vibrant markets.
June
St. Petersburg, Russia
White Nights Festival with endless daylight.
Cusco, Peru
June marks the celebration of Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, in Cusco. This ancient Inca festival, celebrated on June 24th, involves colorful costumes, traditional dances, and rituals in Sacsayhuamán, outside of Cusco.
London, England
Cultural events, museums, and pleasant weather.
July
Oxaca, Mexico
Guelaguetza, also known as Los Lunes del Cerro (Mondays on the Hill), is a cultural festival that takes place in the city of Oaxaca in July. This indigenous cultural event features traditional dance, music, and parades, showcasing the rich diversity of Oaxacan cultures.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Early start of the famous Edinburgh Festival.
Avignon, France
The Avignon Festival, one of the oldest and most famous theater festivals in the world, takes place in July. The city of Avignon transforms into a live theater, with performances held in various venues, including the historic Palais des Papes.
August
Kandy, Sri Lanka
The Esala Perahera, one of Asia's most spectacular festivals, features night-time processions of dancers, drummers, and elephants in ornate costumes, celebrating the Buddha's tooth relic housed in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tango festivals and vibrant culture.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
The Santa Fe Indian Market, the largest and most prestigious Native American arts show, takes place in August. Santa Fe is renowned for its Pueblo-style architecture, thriving arts scene, and rich blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures.
September
Munich, Germany
Oktoberfest, despite its name, begins in late September. This world-famous festival is a celebration of Bavarian culture, with traditional beer, food, music, and parades. Munich's rich history, museums, and architecture offer plenty to explore outside the festival grounds.
Vienna, Austria
Rich in music, art, and history, with a more relaxed atmosphere than in summer.
Melbourne, Australia
The Melbourne Fringe Festival, a celebration of the arts, takes place in September, featuring performances, exhibitions, and workshops across the city.
October
Mexico City, Mexico
October brings the vibrant Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations.
Seville, Spain
Especially appealing in October, with fewer crowds and the larch trees turning a golden yellow.
Jaipur, India
Ideal for exploring the rich cultural heritage and festivals of Rajasthan.
November
Cairo, Egypt
Pleasant weather for exploring the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum.
Barcelona, Spain
Offers a mild climate to explore its unique architecture and cultural heritage.
Kyoto, Japan
Late fall colors make the city's gardens and temples especially beautiful.
December
Bethlehem, West Bank
For a deeply historical and spiritual experience, Bethlehem at Christmas offers pilgrims and visitors alike the chance to celebrate in the city where it all began. Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity is a highlight.
Prague, Czech Republic
Offers a magical Christmas atmosphere with its historical sites and markets.
Zermatt, Switzerland
World-class skiing with picturesque views of the Matterhorn.