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Best architecture destinations in Asia

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Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
9.5
Marina Bay Sands in Singapore opened in 2010 and was designed by the architect Moshe Safdie. Three towers stand about 200 metres tall. A long boat shaped SkyPark rests on top of the towers. It has a rooftop pool with a view of the city.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Wander through Chinatown’s temples and traditional shophouses
  • 🌳 Visit Gardens by the Bay and its iconic Supertree Grove
  • 🌆 Admire the futuristic skyline from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Saint Petersburg
Where history and elegance meet
8.4
The Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg was built in 1762 in Baroque style by the architect Rastrelli. Its green and white facade stretches along the Neva River. Golden ornaments and columns decorate the exterior. Today it is part of the Hermitage Museum and open to visitors.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
  • ⛴️ Cruise the canals and admire St. Petersburg’s pastel architecture
  • 🖼️ Marvel at the grand art collections inside the Hermitage Museum
Hampi
Ancient ruins in boulder landscapes
7.5
Hampi in India was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th to 16th centuries. Temples and halls lie among huge granite boulders. A stone chariot stands at the Vitthala Temple. Carved pillars in its hall are said to ring like musical notes when struck.
Highlights:
  • 🪨 Marvel at the stone chariot of Vittala Temple
  • 🌄 Watch the sunrise from Matanga Hill over the ruins
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire
Ephesus
Ancient Wonders and Roman Grandeur
8.0
The Library of Celsus in Ephesus was built around 117 CE. Its two story facade has columns and statues in niches. The building once held thousands of scrolls and served as a tomb. Visitors walk along marble streets to reach it past theatres and fountains in the ancient city.
Highlights:
  • 🛤️ Walk the marble-paved Curetes Street with ancient ruins
  • 🎭 Explore the vast Great Theatre seating 25,000 spectators
  • 📚 Stand before the iconic Library of Celsus façade
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
9.7
The Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo was designed by Kenzo Tange for the 1964 Olympics. A suspended roof hangs from two huge steel cables. The curved shape looks like a wave or a shrine. Its main hall holds thousands of people without any interior columns.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit the teamLab digital art museum
  • 🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from observation decks
  • 🍣 Savour sushi at a local eatery
Istanbul
Where East meets West in stunning contrast
8.7
The Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul was designed by the architect Sinan and finished in 1557. A central dome is supported by half domes and thick pillars. Four minarets stand at the corners. Light pours through many windows and shows blue tiles and painted patterns inside.
Highlights:
  • 👑 Explore the opulent Topkapi Palace and its imperial treasures
  • 🚤 Cruise along the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia
  • 🕌 Admire the grand Hagia Sophia’s domes and mosaics
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
Kinkaku ji in Kyoto is a three story pavilion covered in gold leaf. It was built in 1397 as a villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The pavilion stands beside a pond that reflects it. Each floor has a different style of architecture and roof.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • 🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
  • 🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning
Shanghai
A dazzling mix of modernity and tradition
9.0
The Bund in Shanghai is a waterfront row of neoclassical and Art Deco buildings from the early 20th century. Old banks and trading houses face the Huangpu River. Stone facades have columns and domes. Across the river the towers of Pudong rise as a bold contrast.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Wander through Yu Garden and explore its traditional pavilions
  • 🏙️ Take the world’s fastest elevator to Shanghai Tower’s observation deck
  • 🌃 Admire Shanghai’s skyline from The Bund promenade at night
Beijing
Ancient history meets modern dynamism
8.9
The Temple of Heaven in Beijing was built in 1420 for ceremonies of the Ming emperors. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a round building with three layers of blue tiled roofs. Wooden beams fit together with no metal nails. The temple sits in a large park.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Explore the Summer Palace’s gardens and lakeside pavilions
  • 🧱 Climb the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu
  • 🏯 Walk across Tiananmen Square and visit the Forbidden City
Dubai
Glamour, Adventure and Desert Charm
9.2
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai reaches 828 metres and opened in 2010. The design uses a tapering Y shaped plan inspired by a desert flower. Stainless steel and glass panels cover the tower. Observation decks on high floors give views over the city and the Gulf.
Highlights:
  • 🏜️ Take a desert safari and ride camels over golden dunes
  • ⛷️ Shop and ski inside the Dubai Mall and Ski Dubai
  • 🏙️ Ascend the Burj Khalifa and watch the city from above
Kathmandu
Temples, chaos and Himalayan magic
6.9
Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu is one of the largest stupas in Nepal. Its white dome sits on a three level base with painted eyes of the Buddha on each side. Prayer flags stretch from the spire. Pilgrims walk clockwise around the stupa and spin prayer wheels.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Explore ancient palaces in Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • 🕉️ Visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of Asia’s largest stupas
  • 🐒 Climb 365 steps to the iconic Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Samarkand
The Silk Road’s Shimmering Gem
7.2
The Registan in Samarkand is a square framed by three madrasas with blue tiled domes. The oldest was built by Ulugh Beg in 1420. Facades are covered in detailed mosaics and flowing gold calligraphy. Tiles in turquoise and cobalt glow brightly in the evening light.
Highlights:
  • 🏺 Wander through Shah-i-Zinda necropolis adorned with colorful tiles
  • 🏯 Visit Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Tamerlane’s majestic tomb
  • 🕌 Explore the breathtaking Registan Square with its three madrasahs
Agra
Home of the Majestic Taj Mahal
6.9
The Taj Mahal in Agra was built between 1632 and 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife. White marble walls are inlaid with coloured stones. A central dome rises above four tall minarets. Long reflecting pools frame the tomb and mirror it at sunrise.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Stroll through Mehtab Bagh for picturesque Taj views
  • 🏰 Explore Agra Fort and its impressive Mughal architecture
  • 🌅 Visit the iconic Taj Mahal at sunrise for stunning views
Isfahan
Persia's Architectural Masterpiece
7.4
Naqsh e Jahan Square in Isfahan was laid out by Shah Abbas in the early 17th century. It is one of the largest city squares in the world. The Shah Mosque and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque face the square with tiled domes. Arcaded shops line the sides.
Highlights:
  • 🌟 Visit Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and its stunning interior
  • 🕌 Admire intricate tilework of Shah Mosque’s grand dome
  • 🏛️ Explore Naqsh-e Jahan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Damascus
Ancient Alleys, Bazaars and Minarets
5.8
The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus was built in the early 8th century on the site of a Roman temple. A large courtyard is framed by arcades and gold mosaics. Three minarets rise above the prayer hall. The tomb of Saint John the Baptist is said to lie inside.
Highlights:
  • 🌆 Stroll the narrow alleys of the Old City at dusk
  • 🛍️ Wander through Al-Hamidiyah Souq and shop local crafts
  • 🕌 Explore the ancient Umayyad Mosque, one of the world’s oldest
Bagan
Ancient Temples and Timeless Sunsets
7.6
Bagan in Myanmar has more than 2,000 temples and pagodas standing on a dry plain. Kings built thousands of them between the 11th and 13th centuries. Ananda Temple was finished around 1105 and holds four large standing Buddhas. Visitors can climb some terraces for sunrise views.
Highlights:
  • 🎈 Take a hot air balloon ride for aerial views
  • 🕌 Explore the stunning Ananda Temple’s architecture
  • 🌅 Watch sunrise over thousands of ancient pagodas
Hong Kong
Where East Meets West
9.3
The Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong was designed by I. M. Pei and rises 367 metres. Its structure is made of triangular prisms that step up into different heights. Steel trusses on the facade carry the load. The tower opened in 1990 and dominates the Central skyline.
Highlights:
  • 🥢 Shop and eat street food in Mong Kok’s bustling markets
  • ⛴️ Sail across Victoria Harbour on the iconic Star Ferry
  • 🌇 Ride the Peak Tram and admire skyline views from Victoria Peak
Moscow
A grand city of history and power
8.2
Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow was built between 1555 and 1561 by order of Ivan the Terrible. Nine chapels stand around a central church. The onion domes are painted in bright patterns. Red brick and white stone trim give the building a fairy tale look.
Highlights:
  • 🪆 See Lenin’s Mausoleum and explore Soviet history
  • 🕍 Tour the Kremlin and its impressive cathedrals
  • 🏰 Admire St. Basil’s Cathedral on Red Square
Tel Aviv
Vibrant Beaches and Nonstop Energy
8.4
Tel Aviv has about 4,000 buildings in the Bauhaus and International styles built in the 1930s. The area is known as the White City. Curved balconies and long horizontal windows give the buildings a clean look. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003.
Highlights:
  • 🏢 Admire Bauhaus architecture on tree-lined Rothschild Boulevard
  • 🏖️ Relax and people-watch along Gordon and Frishman Beaches
  • 🏘️ Stroll the historic alleys and flea market in Old Jaffa
Jaipur
The Pink City of Royal Splendor
7.5
The Hawa Mahal in Jaipur was built in 1799 and has 953 small windows. Women of the royal court could watch the street from behind the carved screens. The five story facade is made of pink sandstone. It looks like a honeycomb and catches the sunrise light.
Highlights:
  • 💍 Watch city life unfold at the bustling Johari Bazaar
  • 🐘 Explore the majestic Amber Fort and ride an elephant uphill
  • 🌅 Marvel at the Hawa Mahal’s pink lattice windows at sunrise
Delhi
A Kaleidoscope of History and Culture
7.3
The Qutb Minar in Delhi rises about 73 metres and dates from the late 12th century. Red sandstone bands are carved with verses from the Quran. Five stories taper towards the top. An iron pillar in the courtyard is about 1,600 years old and has hardly rusted.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Walk through India Gate and relax in surrounding gardens
  • 🍢 Visit the bustling Chandni Chowk market for street food
  • 🏰 Explore the Red Fort’s majestic Mughal architecture
Bukhara
Ancient Silk Road Splendor
7.3
The Kalyan Minaret in Bukhara was built in 1127 and is about 47 metres tall. Its brick pattern changes in bands from base to top. Legend says the Mongol leader Genghis Khan spared it in the 13th century. Nearby mosques and madrasas surround the old square.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Explore the unique architecture of Chor Minor Madrasah
  • ☕ Relax by the historic Lyab-i-Hauz poolside cafes
  • 🗼 Climb the Great Minaret of the Kalon for views
Himeji
Famed white castle and samurai gardens
8.4
Himeji Castle is called the White Heron for its white plastered walls and graceful roofs. The main keep was completed in the early 17th century. About 80 buildings stand within its maze of walls and gates. It survived war and earthquakes and remains largely original.
Highlights:
  • ⛰️ Hike Mount Shosha and visit Engyoji Temple
  • 🌸 Stroll through the tranquil Koko-en Japanese Garden
  • 🏯 Explore the majestic and historic Himeji Castle
Aleppo
Ancient Markets and Resilient Spirit
5.7
The Citadel of Aleppo stands on a huge mound in the middle of the old city. Massive stone walls and a moat surround towers and halls built over many centuries. A fortified bridge leads to the entrance. The citadel was damaged in the Syrian war and is being repaired.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Discover the ancient Umayyad Mosque, a symbol of Aleppo’s history
  • 🛍️ Explore the lively Aleppo Souks and taste traditional Syrian delights
  • 🏰 Visit the historic Aleppo Citadel and enjoy panoramic city views
Cappadocia
A surreal land of fairy chimneys
8.0
Derinkuyu is a huge underground city in Cappadocia that reaches about 60 metres deep. Its 18 levels once sheltered thousands of people in times of danger. Narrow tunnels link kitchens, chapels, stables and wine cellars. Round rolling stone doors could seal the passages from inside during attacks.
Highlights:
  • 🏰 Climb Uçhisar Castle for panoramic Cappadocia views
  • ⛪ Explore the rock-cut churches at Göreme Open-Air Museum
  • 🎈 Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride over fairy chimneys
Ahmedabad
Where heritage meets modern India
7.3
The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad was designed by the American architect Louis Kahn in the 1960s. Massive red brick arches and circular openings shape the campus. Deep corridors give shade in the strong Gujarat heat. Courtyards and reflecting pools link the dormitories and classrooms.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Wander through the old city’s UNESCO-listed heritage streets
  • 💧 Admire intricate carvings at the Adalaj Stepwell
  • 🕊️ Visit the Sabarmati Ashram, Gandhi’s historic residence and museum
Chandigarh
India's planned city of contrasts
6.5
Chandigarh was planned by the French Swiss architect Le Corbusier in the 1950s. Straight grid roads divide the city into sectors. The Capitol Complex holds the Assembly and the High Court in raw concrete. The Open Hand monument stands as a symbol of the new city.
Highlights:
  • 🌹 Wander through Asia’s largest Zakir Hussain Rose Garden
  • 🚣 Boar a boat and relax at picturesque Sukhna Lake
  • 🪨 Explore the unique sculptures at the Rock Garden
Seoul
Where Tradition Meets High-Tech Marvels
8.6
Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul was built in 1395 as the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Wooden halls with curved tiled roofs stand behind the Gwanghwamun Gate. The Geunjeongjeon throne hall sits on a stone terrace. Guards in traditional dress perform a changing ceremony.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Admire Seoul’s skyline from N Seoul Tower at sunset
  • 🛍️ Shop and eat street food in bustling Myeongdong
  • 🏯 Explore Gyeongbokgung Palace and watch the royal guard ceremony
Abu Dhabi
Modern luxury meets rich traditions
8.8
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi opened in 2007 and is covered in white marble. Eighty two domes crown the halls and courtyards. Over a thousand columns inlaid with flowers line the arcades. One of the world's largest hand knotted carpets covers the main prayer hall.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Admire world-class art at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
  • 🏜️ Take a thrilling desert safari at sunset
  • 🕌 Marvel at the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Yogyakarta
Java’s soul: temples, art, street eats
7.1
Prambanan near Yogyakarta is a 9th century Hindu temple complex with tall stone spires. The central Shiva temple rises about 47 metres. Carved reliefs on the walls tell the story of the Ramayana. Many smaller shrines surround the main towers on a raised stone terrace.
Highlights:
  • 👑 Walk through the Sultan’s Palace and its royal courtyards
  • 🏯 Explore the ancient Hindu Prambanan Temple complex at twilight
  • 🌄 Watch sunrise over Borobudur Temple and feel its calm energy
Sana'a
Timeless Towers and Ancient Alleys
4.6
Old Sanaa in Yemen has tall tower houses made of stone and mud brick. Many rise to six or eight floors. White gypsum patterns outline the windows. Coloured glass panes in half circle windows called qamariya glow in the sun and light the rooms inside.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Wander through bustling Bab al-Yemen market gateway
  • 🕌 Visit the stunning Al Saleh Mosque, Yemen’s architectural gem
  • 🏘️ Explore the UNESCO-listed Old City with its unique tower houses
Amritsar
Golden spirituality in Punjab's heart
7.3
The Golden Temple in Amritsar was completed in 1604 and sits in the centre of a sacred pool. Its upper floors are covered in gold leaf. A marble causeway leads visitors to the shrine. Four doors open in each direction to welcome people of all faiths.
Highlights:
  • 🇮🇳 Experience the energetic flag-lowering ceremony at Wagah Border
  • 🕯️ Reflect at Jallianwala Bagh, site of historic massacre
  • 💛 Visit the stunning Golden Temple, spiritual Sikh heart
Iraq
Ancient cradle of civilization
5.6
The Malwiya Minaret in Samarra in Iraq is a spiral tower built in the 9th century. It rises about 52 metres and is made of baked brick. A ramp winds around the outside to the top. The tower stands beside the ruins of a huge mosque.
Highlights:
  • 📚 Walk through Baghdad’s historic Al-Mutanabbi Street
  • 🕌 Admire the golden shrines of Najaf and Karbala
  • 🏛️ Explore the ancient ruins of Babylon near Hillah
Mumbai
India's bustling coastal metropolis
7.7
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai is a railway station finished in 1887 and designed by the British architect F. W. Stevens. Victorian Gothic towers mix with Indian domes and arches. Carved stone gargoyles decorate the facade. Thousands of commuters pass through the halls each day.
Highlights:
  • ⛴️ Explore the ancient Elephanta Caves by ferry
  • 🌅 Stroll along Marine Drive at sunset
  • 🗽 Visit the historic Gateway of India monument
Kamakura
Great Buddha, Zen temples and surf beaches
8.5
The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a bronze statue cast in 1252 and stands about 13 metres tall. It sits in the open air after a tsunami destroyed the hall around it in the 15th century. Visitors can enter the hollow interior. Forested hills rise behind the statue.
Highlights:
  • 🎋 Walk the bamboo groves of Hokokuji Zen Temple
  • 🌸 Explore Hasedera Temple’s gardens and sea views
  • 🗿 Visit the Great Buddha statue at Kotoku-in Temple
Palmyra
Ancient Silk Road's Desert Bride
6.3
The Great Colonnade of Palmyra runs about 1.1 kilometres through the ancient Syrian city. Rows of Roman columns line the street. A monumental arch marks its entrance. The Temple of Bel was partly destroyed in 2015 but the site remains a famous ruin in the desert.
Highlights:
  • 🎭 Visit the partially restored Roman Theatre of Palmyra
  • ⛩️ Explore the majestic Temple of Bel ruins
  • 🏛️ Walk the ancient colonnaded street of Palmyra
North Korea
Mysterious land of contrasts
5.0
The Juche Tower in Pyongyang stands 170 metres tall and is faced with granite. It has 25,550 blocks that match the number of days in 70 years. A glowing red torch tops the spire. A lift takes visitors to the viewing platform above the Taedong River.
Highlights:
  • 🚇 Ride the Pyongyang Metro and marvel at its ornate stations
  • 🚧 Take a guided tour of the Demilitarized Zone at Panmunjom
  • 🗿 Visit the Grand Monument on Mansu Hill in Pyongyang
Petra
Ancient city carved into rose-red stone
The Treasury at Petra is carved from rose coloured sandstone and is about 40 metres tall. The Nabataeans built it in the 1st century as a tomb. Its facade has columns and statues in a Greek style. Visitors reach it through a narrow gorge called the Siq.
Highlights:
  • 🏺 Explore the ancient Royal Tombs carved into cliffs
  • 🏛️ Climb 800 steps to the impressive Monastery (Al-Deir)
  • 🛤️ Walk through the narrow Siq gorge to the Treasury
Baalbek
Ancient terraces echoing timeless desert grandeur
Six surviving columns of the Temple of Jupiter at Baalbek in Lebanon stand about 20 metres tall. Nearby Roman builders placed three huge stones that weigh about 800 tons each. The site holds several temples in one complex. Carved gods and floral patterns cover the stone.
Highlights:
  • 🍲 Taste local tabbouleh and baklava in town market
  • 🏛️ Stroll through Roman Amphitheatre ruins, photograph stone arches
  • 🌞 Explore the towering Temple of Bacchus at sunrise
Taj Mahal
Radiant marble echoing timeless love
Four minarets at the Taj Mahal lean slightly outward so they would fall away from the tomb. Craftsmen cut flowers from semiprecious stones and set them into marble. Quran verses above the arch grow larger towards the top so they look even from below. The dome stands about 35 metres high.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Shop local marble souvenirs near the monument
  • 🌆 Explore Mehtab Bagh for twilight Taj views
  • 🕌 Admire Taj Mahal's sunrise reflection from Agra Fort
Dome of the Rock
Ancient Shrine with Golden Dome
The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem was completed in 691 and is one of the oldest Islamic monuments. Its golden dome rises above an octagonal base covered in blue tiles. Inside, mosaics and carved wood surround a rock at the centre. The building stands on the Temple Mount.
Highlights:
  • 🌇 Walk the expansive plaza for stunning city views
  • 🎧 Join a guided tour exploring the Temple Mount history
  • ✨ Admire the iconic golden dome and intricate mosaics
Hagia Sophia
Architectural Wonder of Istanbul
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was built in 537 under Emperor Justinian. Its dome is about 31 metres wide and seems to float above rows of windows. Marble columns and gold mosaics fill the interior. Later builders added four minarets when the church became a mosque.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Admire the intricate Ottoman tilework and calligraphy
  • ⚰️ Visit the historic Sultan’s tombs nearby
  • 🏛️ Marvel at the towering central dome and mosaics
Persepolis
Majestic ruins of ancient Persia
Persepolis was begun by King Darius I around 518 BC. Huge stone terraces hold columned halls and staircases. The Gate of All Nations is guarded by carved bulls with human heads. Reliefs show delegates from many lands bringing gifts to the Persian king in long queues.
Highlights:
  • 🏛️ Visit the monumental Apadana Palace with towering columns
  • 🗿 Admire intricate reliefs depicting delegations from ancient lands
  • 🛕 Explore the grand Gate of All Nations with colossal statues
Forbidden City
Ancient Imperial Majesty Center
The Forbidden City in Beijing was completed in 1420 and has about 980 buildings. Yellow tiled roofs and red walls surround courtyards laid out along a central axis. Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties lived here. A wide moat and high walls enclose the palace.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Climb the Gate of Divine Might for sweeping palace views
  • 🐉 Explore the ornate halls and admire the intricate dragon motifs
  • 🚪 Walk through the grand Meridian Gate into imperial history
Shanghai Tower
China's Towering Urban Marvel
Shanghai Tower rises 632 metres and twists 120 degrees as it climbs. The curved glass skin reduces wind pressure on the building. Sky gardens fill the space between the inner and outer layers. An observation deck near the top offers views across the Huangpu River and the whole city.
Highlights:
  • 🍽️ Dine with a view at high-altitude restaurants
  • ⚙️ Marvel at the engineering marvel of the massive damper
  • 🌆 Visit the 118th-floor observation deck for panoramic views
Great Wall of China
Ancient Marvel Spanning Centuries
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall was built in the Ming dynasty and has closely spaced watchtowers. Stone and brick walls follow the ridges of green mountains north of Beijing. A cable car takes visitors up. Walkers can follow the ramparts from tower to tower.
Highlights:
  • 🌄 Enjoy panoramic mountain views from elevated Wall paths
  • 🏯 Explore ancient watchtowers and fortresses along the Wall
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic, less crowded Mutianyu section
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