Top 7 Historical Places to Visit in
Each of the 7 Continents
Ever wondered what the most significant historical sites are on each of the seven continents? Well, you’re about to find out! From Australia to Antarctica, I will explore the seven most important historical places you can visit across these continents.
You might be surprised to learn that there is indeed a historical site in Antarctica as well. In my opinion, this is one of the most intriguing stories you’ll ever read. So, let’s embark on this journey into history!
If you are in a hurry, then I gotchu. Here is a quick rundown of the 7 historical places.
- Pyramids of Giza (Egypt), Africa
- Great Wall of China, Asia
- Colosseum, Italy, Europe
- Port Arthur (Tasmania), Australia
- Independence Hall (Philadelphia, USA), North America
- Machu Picchu (Peru), South America
- Scott’s Hut, Cape Evans, Antarctica
AFRICA: Cradle of Civilizations
Africa is home to some of the most fascinating stories of civilization. As the second largest continent on our beloved planet, it certainly has plenty of tales to tell. But don’t worry; I won’t cover everything. The most significant historical site to visit in Africa is located in Egypt.
What comes to mind when you think of Egypt? Pyramids? That’s right! The Pyramids of Giza are among the most incredible structures on this planet. To this day, people still struggle to explain how these pyramids were built. Honestly, we humans still have a lot to learn about them.
The Pyramids of Giza sit on the Giza Plateau, approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) southwest of Cairo, Egypt. There are three magnificent pyramids that touch the sky with their tips. Visiting Cairo is a straightforward process, as it is one of the premier tourist destinations in Egypt.
If you’re traveling from abroad, simply book your flight to Cairo International Airport, and make sure to reserve a hotel to avoid feeling rushed upon your arrival. After that, getting to the pyramids is easy: just use a taxi or ride-sharing service from your hotel to the Giza Plateau, about a 30-minute drive from central Cairo. And congratulations—you’ve arrived at one of the greatest wonders the world has to offer!
ASIA: Dynasties and Traditions
The largest continent on Earth is Asia. Its historical ties don’t spread across the world like Europe’s. For example, China. China has its own history that, to this day, most people do not know. The richness of their history might surprise you. Another country in Asia that holds a fascinating history is Mongolia.
The first thought that comes to everyone’s mind when they think of Mongolia is Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire. His story is quite unique. But today, the historical place we are going to talk about in Asia is the Great Wall of China.
This is likely the most well-known historical site on this list that you can visit. The Great Wall of China is located in Beijing, China. The purpose of building the Great Wall was to keep enemies at bay.
The wall was built over several dynasties, with construction starting as early as the 7th century BC. The most well-known sections were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). The Great Wall’s total length is approximately 21,196 kilometers (13,171 miles), making it the longest structure ever built by humans.
To visit the Great Wall of China from abroad, fly into Beijing via Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). After arriving in Beijing, you can easily reach popular sections like Badaling or Mutianyu by train or bus. You might also consider organized tours, which take about 1.5-2 hours from the city center.
EUROPE: Timeless History
Ah, Europe, the land of tourists. Who doesn’t love to visit Europe? Not me. This continent holds the most history known to mankind as most of its stories were preserved. Europe was always very advanced compared to other continents. Europe was constantly at war throughout the timeline, from the Romans to Napoleon.
This is the best part of the world to know about the fascinating history of the past. It was hard to choose just one historical place in Europe, but to me, this place is one of the most important parts of history. I’m talking about the Colosseum.
Located in the heart of Rome, it is a beautiful structure with a glorious past that will please any history nerd like me. The Colosseum was originally built to be a giant fighting pit.
We all heard about the Gladiators, right? Well, that’s where they used to fight. Gladiators came from various backgrounds, including slaves, prisoners of war, and volunteers seeking fame or fortune. The Colosseum was able to hold over 50,000 spectators. Here’s the best way you can visit there:
To reach the Colosseum, you can fly into either Fiumicino Airport (FCO) or Ciampino Airport (CIA) in Rome. After arriving, take a train or shuttle bus to the city center. After that, you can easily use any public transportation, such as the metro or bus, to get to the Colosseum. Note that it’s advisable to buy tickets online in advance to skip the long lines.
AUSTRALIA: Echoes of the Outback
This continent carries a history as old as time itself yet is often overlooked. Unlike Europe’s grand monuments and written records, Australia’s past is told through its landscapes and the rich oral traditions of its Indigenous peoples, who have been here for over 60,000 years. I chose Port Arthur, one of the most known historical places in Australia, to be on this list.
Founded in the early 1830s, Port Arthur was designed not just as a prison but as a place of reform, though the methods were brutal. The constant watch of guards, the Separate Prison, and the remote location made escape nearly impossible.
The most striking part of its history is the sharp contrast between its beautiful surroundings and the intense human suffering. Port Arthur is a reminder of Australia’s convict history today, where the memories of those tough times can still be felt.
You might want to visit this historical place and see where the prisoners were held. To get to Port Arthur, fly into one of Australia’s major international airports, like Sydney or Melbourne, and then take a domestic flight to Hobart in Tasmania. From Hobart, it’s a 1.5-hour drive or bus ride to Port Arthur along the beautiful Arthur Highway. You can also consider joining a guided tour that includes transportation. Check travel restrictions and plan if visiting during peak seasons.
NORTH AMERICA: Ancient to Modern
North America doesn’t have many countries in it. I choose the Independence Hall in the USA to be on this list. Independence Hall in Philadelphia is one of the most significant historical places in North America, as it was the start of creating the most powerful country in the modern age.
Located in the heart of the city, served as the site for the Second Continental Congress. This was where the historical Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. For me, this is the root of freedom for Americans because the U.S. Constitution was debated and signed in the Independence Hall.
So why does this matter? The events that happend within its walls laid the foundation for the democratic principles that guide the United States today. You can almost feel the weight of history surrounding you when you walk through the hall. If you are interested in understanding the roots of American democracy, mak sure to visit the Independence Hall.
Visiting Independence Hall is easy. It’s located in the Independence National Historical Park, which is accessible by public transportation or a short walk from the city center. Guided tours are always available. They can help you teach and pinpoint historical events that took place in the Independence Hall.
SOUTH AMERICA: Empires of the Past
Many tourists overlook South America’s rich history, which is a shame. They are missing out on one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites. Can you guess it? It’s Machu Picchu. Located high in the Andes Mountains, this ancient city captivates visitors with its impressive ruins and beautiful landscapes.
In peak tourist season, it could be frustrating to visit Machu Pichu as a history enthusiast. You want to know the land that played an important role in the Inca Empire, but you only find it crowded with tourists, leaving you with a sense of disconnect from the true picture it holds.
If you are only visiting to learn or experience the history of Machi Pichu, It’s advisable to visit in season, or you risk experiencing only a fraction of what this awesome place has to offer. That’s why, as a history enthusiast, I recommend you visit this place when there is less of a crowd involved.
One important thing to note is that you probably should learn about Machu Picchu before your visit, so that you can fully appreciate its historical context. There are usually a bunch of guided tours that provide insights into its construction as well. To get to Machu Picchu, fly to Lima, Peru, and then take a domestic flight to Cusco. From Cusco, you can either take a train to Aguas Calientes or a combination of bus and train via Ollantaytambo, followed by a shuttle bus or hike to reach the site. Be sure to book your Machu Picchu entrance tickets in advance to ensure a smooth visit!
ANTARCTICA: Frozen in Time
Exploring a historical site in Antarctica is like penguins being your fellow tourists. There aren’t much of historical sites to choose from, but I found an interesting story with an interesting place that you can visit as well.
It’s called Scott’s Hut, located at Cape Evans on Ross Island. It stands as a reminder of early Antarctic exploration. It was built during the British Antarctic Expedition of 1910-1913, led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott.
Initially, it was intended as a base for his attempt to reach the South Pole. Constructed of prefabricated wood, the hut sheltered Scott and his team from the harsh Antarctic conditions, housing them through the bitter winter of 1911. Unfortunately, this extreme curiosity cost Scott and four of his men’s lives on their return journey from the Pole, and they never made it back to the hut.
The structure remains remarkably well-preserved due to Antarctica’s freezing conditions, offering insight into the daily life of the explorers. It contains over 8,000 artifacts, including clothing, scientific equipment, and provisions like tinned food, left untouched since Scott’s last departure. Tours are available through Antarctic cruise expeditions, departing mainly from New Zealand. Most visitors land on Ross Island and take guided trips to Cape Evans. Given the extreme environment of Antarctica, visiting is restricted to certain months which is typically November to March.
And now, there you have it. A new historical knowledge that will feed your history hunger for a while. I hope that you enjoyed reading this blog post about the seven historical places to visit in each of the seven Continents!