Every traveller has a list of preferences when deciding which places to visit. While some people explore the world in search of adventures, others to experience new food, many do it for their love of culture. Cultural tourism means travelling to learn and experience a new culture, whether visiting historical landmarks, exploring museums, or attending festivals. It's a fantastic way to learn about a new place, understand how other people live, and gain experiences you will remember for the rest of your life. 

If you need suggestions on where to go for cultural tourism, refer to the list below.

Italy

One of the best aspects of travelling to Italy is the opportunity to experience a rich culture distinct from one region to another. A closer look into its history will reveal that the country has been around for more than 3,000 years, with some of the oldest structures still standing today. If you want to dive deep into the Italian culture and have a culturally immersive experience, get off the beaten path to discover Italy from a different perspective.

Liguria is a crescent-shaped region along the northwest coast of Italy and home to the famous Cinque Terre. If you want to escape the tourist crowd, head to the charming and more laidback town of Camogli, which still exudes a traditional fishing village atmosphere, a true hidden gem of Italy. In Puglia, you'll find the picturesque small town of Martina Franca, which has very few tourists, unlike the other villages in the region. Get lost in the town's narrow streets and have a break at one of its cosy restaurants and cafes. 

Discovering culture can also mean learning about the local cuisine, and the best place for this is Naples. Known for being the birthplace of pizza, Naples has many hidden food spots where you can fully discover and embrace Italy's unique culinary culture.

Barbados

Lying along the eastern Caribbean coast, Barbados is renowned for having lots of sunshine, beautiful tropical beaches, and delicious food. While most visitors would come here to relax in one of its all-inclusive resorts, those interested in learning more about the authentic Bajan culture will find many cultural activities to enjoy. 

The best way to get started is to wander around Bridgetown, the island's bustling capital city. Check out its historic buildings, including the St. Mary's Church and the Parliament. If you happen to be in town on Fridays or Saturdays, swing by the Cheapside market to witness locals shopping for the freshest produce. Music plays a significant role in the culture of Barbados. Thus, one of the cultural activities you can experience is to enjoy its local music, featuring a distinctive blend of African and British elements. Hit the bars and nightclubs where you can listen to Caribbean Jazz, calypso, and reggae music.

The Bajans are very sporty, and sports are very much part of its local culture. Thus, one of the best ways to immerse in the local culture is to play road tennis, the country's national sport. Or better yet, watch local cricket teams compete.

Tanzania

Tanzania is one of those African countries renowned for its stunning natural beauty. It's home to some of the world's most beautiful parks where you can go on a safari and discover fascinating wildlife. But if you're looking to explore the local culture, Tanzania will have plenty to offer. 

One of the best cultural experiences in Tanzania is to visit the Maasai villages and interact with the Maasai people, an indigenous tribe famous for their fearsome reputations as cattle rustlers and warriors. You will find them in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a conservation area that protects the interests of the Maasai and the local wildlife.

If you want to get a closer look into the local culture of Tanzania, schedule your visit during the Wanyambo Festival, which takes place every January in Dar Es Salaam. It's a four-day festival where you'll witness local dance performances and sample delicious cuisines. Exploring the fascinating island of Zanzibar is another way to discover Tanzania's rich culture and history. Visit Stone Town, a coastal trading town that's the island's cultural hub.

The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are best known for their unique array of plant and animal species. A trip to this archipelago is a dream come true for wildlife lovers. It's one of the few places on Earth where you can walk among giant tortoises, swim with penguins, and chill out with sea lions.

If you're seeking cultural experiences, Galapagos will have plenty to offer. The island of Santa Cruz, home to the port town of Puerto Ayora, is packed with activities and attractions geared towards visitors looking to experience the local culture. It’s home to numerous restaurants and shops and the Charles Darwin Research Station, a research facility aimed at preserving the environment and biodiversity in the Galapagos archipelago.

Hiking is popular in the Galapagos and a fantastic way to discover the local culture. Some hiking trails will take you to local villages where you can catch a glimpse of the local way of living and enjoy constant sightings of the local wildlife.

Thailand

Thailand is a land of sheer beauty with rich culture and heritage. Thus, you'll never run out of things to do here if you're seeking local cultural experiences. From exploring Buddhist temples to discovering the vibrant street food scene, Thailand is the best place to visit for a taste of culture.

Thailand is a Buddhist country home to over 30,000 Buddhist temples. Each temple is unique, with intricate designs and a glittering golden facade. Visiting these temples is a must if you want a closer look at the country's cultural scene. In Bangkok, visit the Grand Palace, a massive complex of temples and palaces, one of the top attractions to see in Thailand.

If you want to explore Thailand's culture through its food, the best way to do this is by checking out the numerous street food stalls lining the country's bustling streets. Treat yourself to a generous serving of pad thai noodles and indulge in mouth-watering mango sticky rice for dessert.