The World’s 12 Oldest Cities Still Worth Visiting In 2025
Not all cities are defined by skyscrapers and trendsetting cafes — some are shaped by millennia. Scattered across the globe are urban centers that have seen empires rise and fall, hosted ancient markets, and endured everything history could throw at them.
These aren’t ruins frozen in time — they’re vibrant, lived-in places where every alley whispers a story. If you want a trip that goes beyond sightseeing into something truly timeless, these ancient cities still belong on your itinerary.
1. Jericho, West Bank
Nestled amid palm groves and desert landscapes lies a place that defies time itself. Jericho boasts archaeological remains dating back 11,000 years, making it possibly Earth’s oldest continuously inhabited settlement.
Visitors can explore Tel es-Sultan, the ancient mound revealing dozens of civilizations layered atop one another. The nearby Mount of Temptation offers breathtaking views and a monastery carved into the mountainside.
2. Byblos, Lebanon
Sunlight dances across stone ruins where Phoenician traders once haggled over precious goods. This Mediterranean gem has welcomed sailors and merchants since 5000 BCE, earning its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Byblos showcases its layered history through a medieval Crusader castle built atop Roman columns and Phoenician foundations. Wander through the old souk to find local crafts before enjoying fresh seafood along the picturesque harbor that once launched cedar-laden ships.
3. Athens, Greece
Golden light bathes marble columns standing proudly against a modern skyline. Few places juxtapose ancient and contemporary worlds so dramatically as this historical powerhouse.
The Acropolis watches over Athens like a crown jewel, while the nearby Agora reveals where democracy was born. After exploring ruins, visitors can lose themselves in the narrow streets of Plaka, where tavernas serve traditional Greek dishes under grapevine-covered pergolas.
4. Varanasi, India
Dawn breaks over sacred waters as pilgrims descend stone steps in ancient ritual. Founded around 1200 BCE, this spiritual epicenter pulses with unbroken traditions along the holy Ganges River.
Varanasi captivates visitors with its ghats—broad staircases where life and death ceremonies unfold in public view. Morning boat rides offer the best perspective of this living heritage, while evening aarti ceremonies illuminate the riverbank with hundreds of flickering lamps.
5. Damascus, Syria
Aromas of spice and jasmine waft through labyrinthine alleys that have witnessed seven millennia of human drama. Once a crucial Silk Road hub, Damascus has earned its title as the world’s oldest continuously inhabited capital.
This extraordinary place preserves its soul in the Old City, where the magnificent Umayyad Mosque stands near the Street Called Straight from biblical accounts. Though current circumstances limit tourism, the city’s architectural treasures and ancient souks remain testament to its enduring significance.
6. Jerusalem, Israel
Stone walls glow golden at sunset, embracing a city where faith and history intertwine inseparably. Sacred to three major religions, this 5,000-year-old marvel continues to shape world events from its hilltop perch.
Jerusalem’s Old City contains treasures like the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Dome of the Rock within walking distance. Beyond religious sites, visitors discover vibrant markets, innovative museums, and a culinary scene blending Middle Eastern traditions with contemporary flair.
7. Luoyang, China
Mist clings to temple eaves where dynasties rose and fell through 4,000 years of turbulent history. As one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals, Luoyang once housed imperial courts and Buddhist scholars alike.
It invites exploration of the magnificent Longmen Grottoes, where thousands of Buddha statues were carved into limestone cliffs. The ancient White Horse Temple—China’s first Buddhist monastery—offers peaceful gardens where visitors can contemplate the philosophies that shaped Eastern civilization.
8. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Cobblestone streets wind between colorful revival houses where Roman ruins peek unexpectedly from beneath modern squares. Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city charms visitors with its layered heritage and artistic soul.
Plovdiv’s ancient theater still hosts performances against a backdrop of distant mountains. The Old Town’s atmospheric streets house galleries and cafés in buildings whose facades tell stories of Ottoman merchants and Bulgarian revolutionaries through intricate woodwork and vibrant paintings.
9. Sidon, Lebanon
Fishermen mend nets beside a medieval sea castle where Phoenician ships once launched trading expeditions across the Mediterranean. Founded around 4000 BCE, Sidon offers archaeological treasures without the crowds of better-known destinations.
The town captivates with its atmospheric old souk, where centuries-old vaulted ceilings shelter shops selling everything from spices to handmade soap. The Sea Castle, built by Crusaders on a small island, provides sweeping views of the harbor that made this city prosperous.
10. Faiyum, Egypt
Water wheels creak softly in a lush oasis where pharaohs once hunted waterfowl amid papyrus thickets. Dating back to 4000 BCE, this fertile depression has sustained life in the desert for millennia.
Faiyum delights visitors with its working waterwheels—some still irrigating fields as they have for centuries. Nearby, the pyramid of Amenemhat III and the Greco-Roman ruins of Karanis offer glimpses into ancient lives lived far from the tourist crowds of Giza.
11. Arbil (Erbil), Iraq
Morning light reveals a massive tell—a hill formed by 6,000 years of continuous habitation—rising dramatically above the modern city. The imposing citadel stands as testimony to dozens of empires that claimed this strategic crossroads.
The unique town of Arbil surprises visitors with its blend of ancient heritage and forward-looking energy. The UNESCO-listed citadel contains narrow alleyways leading to restored Ottoman houses, while the base of the tell hosts a vibrant bazaar where Kurdish traditions thrive alongside contemporary commerce.
12. Cadiz, Spain
Salt-tinged breezes ruffle palm trees along ancient ramparts where Phoenician sailors established Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city. Founded in 1104 BCE, this Andalusian peninsula outpost has witnessed over three millennia of maritime history.
Cadiz enchants with its compact old quarter, where narrow streets suddenly open to sun-drenched plazas. Climb Torre Tavira for panoramic views before sampling fresh seafood at the bustling market. The city’s golden beaches offer perfect sunset views after days spent exploring Roman ruins and Baroque cathedrals.