2023 Global Top 10 Cultural Capitals List Released: Have You Visited These Cities?

Recently, the world's largest online travel company Expedia, through in-depth research and detailed surveys of its tourist database, announced the 2023 global top 10 cultural capitals list.

"Travelers are ready to embrace the vibrant atmosphere of cities and experience their vitality. Bustling bars, lively open-air markets full of local flavor, and dazzling neon lights await vacationers to immerse themselves in culture and activities."

In these cities, magnificent historical buildings and cobblestone streets complement towering modern wonders and orderly urban residences. You can enjoy concerts and theater, visit various museums and temples, or explore winding alleys… Join Little City Travel to embark on a cultural journey~

Dublin, once named "European Capital of Culture" in 1991, is Ireland's capital and cultural center. Its world-renowned literary history has produced many outstanding writers, such as Nobel Prize in Literature winners William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, and Samuel Beckett, as well as numerous influential authors and playwrights like Oscar Wilde and James Joyce. Moreover, the city is home to Ireland's largest library, literary museums, and ancient buildings everywhere, fully demonstrating its profound literary heritage.

Irish Museum of Modern Art

Housed in the magnificent 17th-century Royal Hospital in western Dublin, the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) connects audiences with art, providing an exceptional interactive space for contemporary life and contemporary art. With its collection efforts beginning in 1990, the museum now holds over 3,500 modern and contemporary artworks by Irish and international artists. In addition to regular exhibitions, the museum also holds themed exhibitions, live concerts, and theatrical performances regularly, allowing art lovers to better understand and appreciate the latest and most avant-garde art.

National Museum of Ireland

Focusing on Irish art, culture, and natural history, the National Museum of Ireland has three branches in Dublin—Archaeology, Decorative Arts & History, and Natural History.

The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology records the development of Irish archaeology over two millennia. Stepping into the museum feels like a time-travel journey, where Celtic and medieval art treasures—the Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch, and various exhibits—will take you back to 7000 BCE.

The National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History is located on one of Dublin's most impressive historical sites and is divided into two distinct collections. The decorative arts collection includes silver, ceramics, glassware, furniture, clothing, jewelry, and coins; the history collection tells the military and revolutionary history of Ireland.

Built in 1856, the National Museum of Ireland - Natural History is itself a magnificent Victorian work of art. It houses over 10,000 animal specimens from around the world, including extinct Irish elk, bears, wolves, Arctic wolves, mammoths, as well as numerous specimens of birds, fish, and insects.

Museum of Literature Ireland

A museum dedicated to the world's greatest literary figures! At the Museum of Literature Ireland, located in central Dublin, you can discover Ireland's rich literary heritage. From James Joyce's "Dubliners"—one of the founders of postmodern literature—to the first edition of "Ulysses" donated by the National Library of Ireland, great writers and their stories and works await you here.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Opened in 1929, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York has grown from an initial collection of just eight paintings and one print to now owning over 200,000 artworks. These artworks span architecture, art, drawings, paintings, sculpture, photography, prints, illustrations, film, and multimedia, making it one of the world's most outstanding and largest collections, and establishing MoMA as a cultural icon of New York.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Immigration Museum

Representing centuries of American history, the Statue of Liberty, erected in 1875, is America's most iconic attraction and famous cultural landmark. The statue stands 93 meters tall and was inspired by the Roman goddess Libertas. The seven spikes on her crown represent the seven seas and seven continents; she holds a torch and a tablet inscribed with the date of independence, July 4, 1776, with one foot raised, symbolizing freedom from oppression and slavery.

Ellis Island, where the statue is located, was once the main entry point into the United States. Now it houses three different galleries and museums, with various exhibits and immersive experiences that allow visitors to better understand the historical and cultural significance of the island and the Statue of Liberty.

Guggenheim Museum New York

Known as one of the best modern art galleries in the world, the Guggenheim Museum New York displays some of the finest collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early modern, and contemporary art. Moreover, the museum itself is an outstanding architectural gem. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the four great architects and founder of modern architecture, its interior features gradually sloping ramps at a 3% gradient, creating an open central space lit by a glass dome above. Artworks are displayed along a 430-meter ramp for visitors to enjoy.

Sydney Opera House Tour

Sydney's most iconic building is undoubtedly the sail-shaped Sydney Opera House. Perched on a granite base 19 meters above sea level, the 88,000-square-meter building houses a 2,700-seat concert hall, a 1,550-seat opera house, and around 900 other rooms used as theaters, exhibition spaces, recording studios, bars, and restaurants. No wonder UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage Site! Some even say that exploring the opera house itself is as exciting as watching a performance there.

Australian National Maritime Museum

Named by The Times (UK) as one of the ten coolest museums in the world, the Australian National Maritime Museum is located at Darling Harbour in Sydney and is one of the city's most popular attractions. It preserves and records Australia's maritime history, comprehensively covering the history of the Royal Australian Navy, and houses the world's largest collection of historic vessels, including a replica of Captain Cook's HMS Endeavour and the Australian Royal Navy destroyer HMAS Vampire. Boarding these famous ships and vessels offers a truly cool cultural experience.

The Rocks Walking Tour

As the earliest developed area of the city, The Rocks holds unique and significant importance in Sydney's colonial history. Quaint streets, historic old buildings, and artsy coffee shops make this unusual part of the city center a must-visit for every traveler to Sydney. By joining the Rocks Walking Tour, you can explore Circular Quay, the Royal Botanic Garden, Macquarie Street, Bridge Street, and Macquarie Place with an experienced guide, strolling along the sparkling shoreline of Sydney Harbour and enjoying the city's beautiful scenery.

Sydney WorldPride

From February 17 to March 5, Sydney will host Sydney WorldPride, featuring a wide variety of large-scale carnival activities. Over 300 exciting events include the parade, concerts, large installations, art parties, theatrical performances, sports, and indigenous programs, providing the best channel for global travelers to learn about Australian culture and art.

In Dubai, a city of gold, Islamic and Arab culture have a prominent influence on its architecture, music, clothing, cuisine, and lifestyle. Isn't this unique and popular travel destination worth exploring in person?

Jumeirah Mosque

You've probably seen the image of Jumeirah Mosque in many publications and pictures. As Dubai's landmark and the largest and most beautiful mosque in the city, Jumeirah Mosque is a brilliant example of modern Islamic architecture. Its exterior is magnificent, with gilded pineapple patterns on the dome sparkling in the sun, and the tall minaret proclaiming the sanctity of the Quran. Entering Jumeirah Mosque, you can witness the prayer scenes of local worshippers and gain insights into Islam and local culture.

Dubai Opera Tour

Not only an architectural gem, Dubai Opera is also one of the emirate's most iconic cultural landmarks. Designed as a tribute to Dubai's permanent maritime history, every detail of this building has a story behind it. The 2,000 seats inside the theater can be adjusted to different configurations to suit various performances such as plays, operas, orchestras, ballet, making it known as the world's most versatile art space. Besides watching a performance here, be sure to join a theater tour to learn about its unique cultural history and design, admire beautiful sculptures and paintings, and discover the subtlety of every design detail.

Grand Palace Walking Tour

As the royal palace of the Siamese royal family, the magnificent and glittering Grand Palace holds an important place in any cultural tour of Bangkok. Located in central Bangkok, the entire palace complex comprises 28 ancient buildings covering over 200,000 square meters. It was not only the residence of Thai kings but also a significant venue for official ceremonies such as coronations and court celebrations. The Grand Palace integrates the essence of Thai architecture, painting, carving, and decorative arts, with distinctive Siamese architectural features, making it an ideal place for visitors to understand Thai art and culture.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market

Did you know? Bangkok's floating markets are not only unique and interesting but also the best way to experience Thai culture! Located southwest of Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is commonly known as Bangkok's "floating market" and is the only market that still retains the look of Thailand's traditional floating markets. Vendors sell fragrant fresh fruits and delicious food directly from their boats, with vibrant colors and constant hawking that make you want to buy and eat.

As for the famous railway market that "competes for space" with trains, you've probably heard of it. Built on the tracks of the Maeklong railway, the Maeklong Railway Market is one of Bangkok's most famous traditional markets. Here, besides fresh produce and local delicacies, you can witness the unique sight of vendors quickly packing up and setting out again to make way for trains.

Let's Relax Thai Luxury Spa

Combining yoga postures and Ayurvedic principles, the world-famous Thai massage is also a valuable cultural heritage of Thailand! Reputed for its therapeutic effects, it can soothe the mind and body and relieve fatigue. Why not experience an authentic Thai massage while traveling in Bangkok? Let's Relax Thai Luxury Spa is one of the most professional and renowned spas in Bangkok, with multiple branches located in convenient, bustling commercial areas with shopping and dining. Each branch has a unique design reflecting the city's cultural background. Moreover, its 90-minute authentic Thai massage has received the "Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA)" certification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, making it the top choice for enjoying the most authentic Thai massage.

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