5 Cities and Towns Where History Comes to Life

In a select few captivating places around the world, history feels alive and untouched. Visitors can step back in time to experience the rugged, lawless days of America’s Wild West, glide through the 13th-century canals of a charming Dutch village (not Amsterdam!), or stroll the lantern-lit streets of an ancient trading port in Southeast Asia. A visit to any of these five cities and towns will make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a real-life storybook.

Deadwood, South Dakota

Deadwood, a small Midwest town of about 13,000, is famous for its Wild West history, which inspired the hit HBO show of the same name. Established in 1876, the town was named after early settlers found dead trees in a nearby ravine (as good a name as any, we suppose!). Deadwood boomed during the 1870s Black Hills gold rush, attracting notorious figures like Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock, to name a few. 

Today, Deadwood is a National Historic Landmark. Main Street showcases the town’s early gold rush-era architecture, which still houses a number of historic saloons. Visitors can also explore the underground gold mines that made the town a frontier legend and learn about the town’s history at museums like the Brothel Deadwood and the Adams Museum.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Located in the Bavaria region of Germany, Rothenburg ob der Tauber oozes historic charm. The town is filled with medieval buildings, timber-framed homes, cobblestone streets, and cozy taverns. Though today the population is around 12,000, strolling through Rothenburg ob der Tauber feels like being transported back to the 13th or 14th century. 

Start by walking the well-preserved city walls, followed by a visit to historic churches like St. Jakob’s and the Holy Spirit and wandering through the picturesque Market Square. A stop at Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village will leave you with a festive spirit, even in the summer months. (The store, open year-round, claims to have the world’s largest selection of traditional German Christmas ornaments.) After exploring the town, continue your time travel with a drive along the Romantic Road (Romantische Straße), one of Germany’s most picturesque driving routes.

Giethoorn, The Netherlands

While Amsterdam is famous for its historic waterways, it’s the Dutch village of Giethoorn that truly feels like stepping back into another era. That’s because residents and visitors alike can only sail, walk, or bike around town — there are no roads and no cars. Known as the “Venice of the Netherlands,” Giethoorn attracts around 1 million visitors annually, who are eager to experience the historic charm of this car-free paradise. 

The village is crisscrossed by hand-dug canals, the earliest of which date back to the 13th century. They connect a series of small, picturesque islands, each home to houses primarily from the 18th and 19th centuries and linked by 176 bridges. To visit, you’ll park outside the village and enter on foot; from there, you can rent a “whisper boat” or opt for a guided boat tour to explore the canals. The most popular way to discover Giethoorn, however, is by foot or bike, along the scenic Binnenpad path.

Sintra, Portugal

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being the original hub of European Romantic architecture in the 19th century, Sintra is dotted with beautifully preserved castles overlooking the hilly Portuguese countryside. Though it’s just 30 minutes by train from Lisbon, Sintra feels worlds apart, offering an escape into a more romantic era. 

Wind your way through the hills to colorful landmarks such as the Palace of Pena, the Palace of Monserrate, and the Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla. Each castle is set within acres of meticulously manicured grounds, with paths leading past blooming gardens, lush forests, and serene ponds. No matter where you look, Sintra feels like a living time capsule, with every twist and turn revealing another magnificent architectural landmark.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is a Vietnamese trading port that dates back to the 15th century. The city’s rich international influence is evident in its unique architecture, which, alongside its storied history, has earned Hoi An a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. 

The historic old town feels like a fairy tale, aglow with colorful lanterns that zigzag across Tran Phu Street, which is lined with artisan workshops and tailor shops on one side and the Thu Bon River on the other. One of Hoi An’s most popular sites is the Japanese covered bridge spanning the river; known as Cau Pagoda, it was built in the 17th century. As you wander the charming streets, shop in the night markets, and take in the blend of architectural styles — from Chinese temples to European homes — you might just feel like you’ve traveled back in time.