The Global Cultural Travel Market size is expected to be worth around USD 921.4 Million by 2034, from USD 472.8 Million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.
Cultural travel is a growing segment within the tourism industry, where travelers prioritize exploring destinations rich in history, art, and local traditions. This type of travel offers an opportunity to engage with local cultures and gain immersive experiences, from visiting ancient landmarks to participating in traditional festivals.
As travelers become more conscious of the value of cultural connections, the demand for cultural tourism is rising. Increasing interest in authentic, meaningful experiences has led to a significant shift from mass tourism to more intimate, cultural-focused trips. This trend opens the door for businesses to create tailored experiences that reflect unique local customs.
Government investments play a crucial role in fostering the growth of cultural travel. Many countries and regions are recognizing the economic potential of promoting their cultural heritage. Initiatives such as funding cultural festivals, restoring historical sites, and developing tourism infrastructure are increasingly common. These actions not only preserve culture but also boost local economies.
Additionally, regulations surrounding cultural tourism are evolving. Governments are enacting policies that prioritize sustainable tourism, ensuring that cultural sites remain protected while offering immersive travel experiences. Moreover, local authorities are working on developing certifications and standards for cultural travel operators to maintain quality and authenticity, benefitting travelers and locals alike.
According to CNTraveler, in 2024, 39% of travelers cited discovering new cultures as the primary reason for booking a trip, signaling a clear demand for cultural experiences. This growing interest highlights a substantial opportunity for businesses to align their offerings with the desire for deeper cultural connections.
In line with this, 47% of travelers in 2024 chose destinations based on cultural attractions, supporting the idea of partnerships with local artisans and creators. This shift presents a promising avenue for travel companies to collaborate with local communities and offer travelers more authentic experiences, contributing to regional economic growth.
Furthermore, Southeast Asia has become a key region for cultural travel. According to CNTraveler, 93% of respondents in 2024 expressed an intent to travel internationally. Younger, digital-savvy consumers are increasingly seeking culturally rich, personally meaningful luxury experiences. This indicates a shift toward high-quality, immersive cultural experiences in emerging markets.
Key Takeaways
The Global Cultural Travel Market size is projected to reach USD 921.4 Million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2025 to 2034.
In 2024, Group travelers led the By Traveller Type Analysis segment, capturing 67.3% of the market share.
Domestic Cultural Travels dominated the By Type Analysis segment in 2024, accounting for 61.8% of the share.
Festivals held a significant position in the By Activity Type Analysis segment, with a market share of 73.1% in 2024.
Roadways led the By Mode of Travel Analysis segment in 2024, with a market share of 56.2%.
Europe leads the cultural travel market with a dominant share of 43.2%, valued at USD 204.2 Million.
Traveller Type Analysis
Group dominates with a 67.3% share in 2024 due to increasing interest in group-based cultural experiences.
In 2024, the By Traveller Type Analysis segment of the Cultural Travel Market was led by Group travellers, who captured a significant market share of 67.3%. This dominance is driven by the growing preference for cultural trips involving shared experiences, which enhance the sense of community and connection among participants. Group cultural travel typically includes guided tours and planned activities that appeal to both seasoned travellers and newcomers, ensuring an immersive cultural experience.
On the other hand, Solo travellers make up a smaller portion of the market, reflecting a growing trend in individual exploration. While the share of Solo travellers is not as high, their contribution to the market remains noteworthy. This segment is driven by the desire for personalized, independent travel experiences that allow individuals to deeply engage with the local culture at their own pace. However, the Group segment’s wider appeal keeps it ahead in terms of market share in 2024.
Type Analysis
Domestic Cultural Travels dominate with a 61.8% share in 2024 due to the convenience and affordability of local cultural experiences.
In 2024, Domestic Cultural Travels dominated the By Type Analysis segment of the Cultural Travel Market, accounting for 61.8% of the share. The preference for domestic travel has been spurred by a rising interest in exploring local heritage and culture, with ease of access and cost-effective options driving growth. Domestic travel offers an attractive alternative to international trips, as it provides a deep connection to one’s own cultural roots.
International Cultural Travels, although significant, captured a smaller share in comparison. However, this segment remains an important driver of the cultural travel market, as travellers seek to explore cultural landmarks and experiences across borders. The international segment continues to grow, albeit at a slower pace compared to domestic travel, as economic conditions and geopolitical factors influence travel preferences.
Activity Type Analysis
Festivals dominate with a 73.1% share in 2024 due to their cultural significance and the high engagement they offer to travellers.
In 2024, Festivals held a dominant position in the By Activity Type Analysis segment of the Cultural Travel Market, with a market share of 73.1%. Festivals, known for their vibrant displays of tradition and culture, offer an engaging and immersive experience that attracts a large number of cultural travellers.
Whether it’s attending traditional music performances, food festivals, or religious ceremonies, festivals play a central role in shaping cultural travel experiences.
Rituals, while important, accounted for a smaller portion of the market. These activities, often tied to spiritual or traditional practices, continue to be a significant draw for a niche segment of cultural travellers.
However, they lack the mass appeal and widespread accessibility of festivals, which explains their relatively smaller share of the market. Despite this, rituals remain an integral part of the cultural travel landscape, attracting those seeking a more profound connection to the cultural and spiritual heritage of a destination.
Mode of Travel Analysis
Roadways dominate with a 56.2% share in 2024 due to their flexibility and accessibility for cultural travellers.
In 2024, Roadways held the dominant position in the By Mode of Travel Analysis segment of the Cultural Travel Market, with a significant market share of 56.2%. Roadways offer unmatched flexibility and convenience, especially for cultural travellers seeking to explore a variety of destinations within a single trip. The extensive network of buses, coaches, and cars allows for easy access to cultural sites that might be less reachable by other modes of transport.
Airways and Waterways, though still essential modes of travel, accounted for smaller portions of the market. Airways, while critical for long-distance travel, are often considered less flexible compared to roadways, as they primarily connect major hubs.
Waterways, while offering a unique travel experience, are less commonly used for cultural travel compared to roadways and airways. Both segments continue to cater to specific needs but do not possess the same widespread appeal as roadways in 2024.
Key Market Segments
By Traveller Type
By Type
Domestic Cultural Travels
International Cultural Travels
By Activity Type
By Mode of Travel
Roadways
Airways
Waterways
Drivers
Growing Emphasis on Experiential and Transformational Travel Drives Market Growth
Modern travelers increasingly seek meaningful experiences that transform their perspectives rather than traditional sightseeing. This shift drives demand for authentic cultural immersion programs that offer personal growth and deeper understanding of local traditions and customs.
Additionally, multigenerational families are exploring heritage-focused tourism to connect with their roots. These trips strengthen family bonds while preserving cultural knowledge across generations, creating substantial market opportunities for specialized tour operators and cultural institutions.
Furthermore, rising interest in indigenous community engagement reflects travelers’ desire for authentic interactions. Visitors want to learn directly from native communities, supporting local economies while gaining genuine insights into traditional lifestyles and ancient wisdom.
Moreover, cultural festivals are becoming integral parts of tourism itineraries. Travelers specifically plan trips around local celebrations, harvest festivals, and traditional ceremonies, creating seasonal peaks in cultural tourism demand and encouraging destinations to promote their cultural calendar year-round.
Restraints
Overcrowding and Cultural Erosion in Popular Destinations Restrains Market Growth
Popular cultural destinations face significant overcrowding issues that damage the authentic experiences travelers seek. Mass tourism leads to commercialization of traditions, disrupting local communities and diminishing the cultural authenticity that originally attracted visitors to these locations.
Consequently, limited infrastructure in emerging cultural tourism regions creates additional barriers. Remote cultural sites often lack proper transportation, accommodation, and communication facilities, making them inaccessible to mainstream tourists despite their rich cultural offerings and potential market value.
These infrastructure gaps particularly affect developing countries with significant cultural assets but insufficient investment in tourism facilities. This limitation prevents many authentic cultural experiences from reaching broader markets, restricting overall industry growth and cultural exchange opportunities.
Furthermore, over tourism in established destinations forces authorities to implement visitor restrictions, limiting market expansion. Popular sites like Machu Picchu and Angkor Wat now cap daily visitors, creating supply constraints that affect tour operators and destination marketing organizations.
Growth Factors
Development of Virtual Reality Cultural Travel Experiences Creates Market Growth Opportunities
Virtual reality technology opens new frontiers for cultural tourism by offering immersive experiences without physical travel constraints. These digital platforms enable global audiences to explore ancient sites, participate in traditional ceremonies, and interact with cultural artifacts, expanding market reach significantly.
Subsequently, investment in sustainable cultural tourism initiatives presents substantial growth potential. Environmentally conscious travelers prefer destinations that protect local cultures while minimizing environmental impact, driving demand for eco-friendly cultural programs and responsible tourism practices.
Moreover, partnerships with local artisans and cultural practitioners create authentic revenue streams. These collaborations offer visitors hands-on learning experiences in traditional crafts, music, and cooking while providing sustainable income for local communities and preserving cultural knowledge.
Additionally, culinary tourism serves as a powerful cultural immersion tool, experiencing rapid growth. Food-focused travel experiences allow visitors to understand cultures through their cuisines, creating opportunities for cooking classes, food tours, and gastronomic festivals that celebrate local traditions.
Emerging Trends
Rise of Digital Nomads Exploring Cultural Depths of Locales Shapes Market Trends
Digital nomads represent a growing market segment seeking long-term cultural immersion rather than brief tourist experiences. These remote workers choose destinations based on cultural richness, creating demand for extended-stay programs that offer deep cultural engagement and community integration.
Meanwhile, artificial intelligence increasingly personalizes cultural itineraries based on individual preferences and interests. AI-powered platforms analyze traveler behavior to recommend unique cultural experiences, optimize visit timing, and match tourists with compatible local guides and cultural activities.
Furthermore, language-based immersion travel programs gain popularity as travelers seek practical cultural skills. These programs combine language learning with cultural exploration, offering intensive courses paired with homestays, cultural workshops, and local community involvement for comprehensive cultural understanding.
Finally, cultural tourism influencer marketing campaigns surge across social media platforms. Travel influencers showcase authentic cultural experiences, inspiring followers to visit specific destinations and participate in traditional activities, significantly impacting destination choice and cultural tourism trends.
Regional Analysis
Europe Dominates the Cultural Travel Market with a Market Share of 43.2%, Valued at USD 204.2 Million
Europe leads the cultural travel market, holding a dominant share of 43.2%, valued at USD 204.2 Million. The region benefits from its rich history, diverse cultural offerings, and well-established tourism infrastructure, which continue to attract travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences.
Key drivers include the growing interest in heritage tourism and the integration of cultural festivals into tourism itineraries. The region is projected to maintain strong growth due to its ongoing investments in tourism innovation and sustainable cultural travel practices.
North America Cultural Travel Market Trends
North America is another key player in the global cultural travel market, with the United States being a major contributor to this segment. The market in this region is supported by an increasing demand for experiential and transformational travel, alongside the popularity of indigenous community engagement. North America continues to see a steady rise in both domestic and international cultural tourists, contributing to a robust market growth outlook.
Asia Pacific Cultural Travel Market Trends
Asia Pacific’s cultural travel market is expanding, fueled by the rising interest in multigenerational tourism and cultural experiences tied to local traditions. The region’s rapid urbanization and growing middle class are expected to further boost cultural tourism demand. Emerging destinations within the region, such as Southeast Asia, are becoming significant cultural hubs, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary experiences.
Middle East and Africa Cultural Travel Market Trends
The Middle East and Africa region is experiencing growth in cultural travel, with an emphasis on luxury tourism and cultural heritage preservation. Countries like the UAE and Egypt are key players, offering a combination of historical sites, festivals, and modern attractions that appeal to a wide range of tourists. The market is poised for further growth as regional infrastructure improves, facilitating easier access to diverse cultural experiences.
Latin America Cultural Travel Market Trends
Latin America has a growing cultural travel market, driven by its rich cultural heritage and unique natural landscapes. Countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina are attracting cultural tourists seeking both historical landmarks and immersive indigenous experiences. The market is expected to expand as more international travelers seek destinations that offer a blend of vibrant culture, nature, and history.
Key Regions and Countries
North America
Europe
Germany
France
The UK
Spain
Italy
Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
South Korea
India
Australia
Rest of APAC
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa
GCC
South Africa
Rest of MEA
Key Cultural Travel Company Insights
The global Cultural Travel Market in 2024 is shaped by a diverse group of companies that offer unique cultural experiences.
ACE Cultural Tours has established itself as a key player, providing immersive cultural journeys that cater to travelers seeking authentic, local experiences. The company’s focus on tailored tours to lesser-known regions differentiates it in a competitive market.
Classic Journeys brings deep cultural exploration to the forefront with its diverse portfolio of walking and cultural tours, focusing on personal connections and in-depth local engagement. Their ability to curate high-quality experiences for small groups positions them as a leading brand in the cultural travel sector.
Envoy Tours is known for its specialized cultural travel packages that highlight art, history, and traditions in regions such as Asia and the Mediterranean. Their ability to combine guided cultural immersion with leisure travel has made them a popular choice among culturally inclined tourists.
Exodus Travels Ltd. stands out with its broad range of cultural and adventure tours, offering experiences that blend heritage exploration with nature adventures. Their strong reputation for responsible travel and commitment to sustainability resonates well with travelers seeking meaningful and eco-conscious journeys.
These key players continue to influence the cultural travel landscape by offering unique, high-quality experiences that cater to the growing demand for authentic and transformative travel.
In October 2024, Intrax announced its acquisition of Gap 360, aiming to enhance its global cultural exchange programs and travel opportunities, with a strong focus on youth and educational travel initiatives.
In June 2025, MMGY Global expanded its market presence by acquiring Think Strawberries, a leading travel representation company operating in India and the GCC, strengthening its footprint in the key emerging markets.
Lonely Planet’s Women Travel Solo features a compelling and motivating collection of 30 exceptionally individual stories from women who have ventured across the globe on their own terms. Photo: Supplied.
A growing trend is noticeable in the increasing popularity of solo women travellers, with a significant number of them planning or already undertaking solo trips. Women travel solo for various reasons, including seeking independence, personal growth and unique experiences. Some are motivated by life events.
Lonely Planet’s Women Travel Solo is a timely release, with a recent study finding that search volume for the term ”female solo travel” across all search engines has increased by 62 per cent in the past three years (Brittany Ferries). Remarkably, 84 per cent of solo travellers today are women, a statistic that reflects an empowering trend towards autonomy and introspection.
Be inspired by women who highlighted the transformative power of a solo journey of self-exploration. The title Women Travel Solo: 30 Inspiring Stories of Adventure, Curiosity and the Power of Self-Discovery speaks volumes. The 30 inspiring stories of adventure, curiosity and the power of self-fulfillment are awe-inspiring!
Included among the women sharing their motivating stories of exploration and self-realisation is Jessica Nabongo, the first black woman on record to visit all 195 countries in the world.
In the foreword, Nabongo discusses her extensive solo travels and the confidence it has built for her.
“I have visited every country in the world: all 193 United Nations members and the two non-member observer states,” she says.
“I’ve also been to Antarctica and all 50 US states. The best part? I have done most of it solo! I have travelled to 100-plus countries and explored more than half of the US on my own.”
Many people try to convince her not to travel alone. Her response? “While I do not often purposely travel solo, my bucket list is too long to wait for anyone.”
These powerful and heartening stories from women who have ventured across the globe at their own discretion are set to redefine solo travel and highlight resilience, courage and the game-changing potential of going it alone.
This hardback brings together the voices of women from diverse backgrounds with multiple interests, each sharing their single experiences: from seeing France with a baby in a bike trailer to adventuring while pregnant in Morocco, hopping aboard a container ship in Athens or staying sober in Ireland.
The collection of stories delves into moments of vulnerability and triumph that women have felt while travelling solo, from Stephanie Yeboah learning self-love in Aruba after suffering from an eating disorder to Barbara Woolsey finding a passion and career in DJing on the streets of Bangkok, Thailand.
The narratives cover varied experiences such as:
Rebecca Hall’s 27-day solo journey on a container ship from Athens to Hong Kong.
Piera Chen’s six weeks exploring Sichuan and Chongqing, China, as a solo mum.
Lorna Parkes’s book-research trip to Morocco while pregnant.
Karla Zimmerman’s reflections on learning to travel solo again after her husband’s death, focusing on a “Tour of Sorrow” in her home town, Chicago.
Jessica Lockhart’s experiences travelling as a queer woman in Siberia and Jordan, and how her identity impacted her connections.
Kerry Walker’s challenging hike on the Huemul Circuit in Patagonia.
Lauren Keith’s transatlantic move to Düsseldorf, Germany, as an au pair, and her initial struggles with culture shock and loneliness.
Sarah Reid’s exploration of Bahrain’s pearling past as a professional travel writer.
Each story examines the distinctive challenges and life-changing moments of solo travel, with authors sharing candid insights into how these journeys changed them.
Revealed are five reasons for women to travel solo, shared by top travellers:
It’s empowering: Travelling alone is a confidence boost.
You’re the boss: No guilt, no judgment. Solo travel means you set the agenda – for an action-packed adventure or a relaxing retreat.
You’re never really alone: Meeting people on tours, in hostels or on public transport is easier than you think.
Freedom from social expectations: Solo travel is the ultimate ”me time”. It’s not just for singles – mothers, grandmothers and partners also benefit from taking time for themselves.
A sense of sisterhood: Travelling as a solo woman offers a unique chance to connect with other women and celebrate shared experiences while navigating challenges.
In addition to these inspiring stories, Women Travel Solo provides practical resources for women planning their own solo journeys. From safety tips to advice on eating alone, and 20 things to know before you go, the book equips travellers with the tools they need to take their first step into the unknown confidently.
Tracee Ellis Ross has probably turned down plenty of free drinks. When she does it on her latest show, “Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross,” it’s not because somebody recognized her from watching “Girlfriends” or “Black-ish.” At a restaurant in Marbella, Spain, she was just another elegant woman vacationing and dining alone. Ross finds that to be the preferred state of doing things. A group of women seated near her table has mixed feelings about it.
They offer to buy her a drink, which she graciously declines; the incredible glass of red wine she sips with her ribeye steak is quite enough. Still, Ross swings by after she’s finished her meal to thank her neighbors for their generous offer. In response, one woman remarks that seeing Ross eating by herself made her think, “You’re sitting there on your own. It’s not good for you!”
Ross gently contradicts her by explaining it’s very good for her. Moreover, a little solo sojourning is good for all of us.
Modernity has yet to erase the stigma associated with women choosing to move through the world by themselves.
At various times throughout “Solo Traveling,” Ross speaks to this, but with curiosity instead of frustration. She took her first trip by herself in her 20s. At age 52 and many luxurious vacations later, the actor is merrily determined to show others how glorious that can be.
“So often I look around and I’m like, why are there not more examples of owning your singleness and owning your childlessness with joy and with abandon, or also with choice?” she says during one of her many epiphanies. “Like, it can’t just be Joan of Arc or cat ladies. There’s gotta be something in between!”
“Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross” doesn’t give Rick Steves anything to fret over. Her show isn’t a repository of safety tips and travel hacks. Those are readily available elsewhere and should be part of any travel preparedness plan.
What isn’t as broadly explored is the common trepidation about venturing out alone, whether to your favorite, familiar eatery or Morocco, Mexico and Spain. Ross says she chose these destinations because they are safe for solo travel, especially for Black women traveling alone.
For two of those places – Mexico and Morocco — the realization that they’re safe may be eye-opening to Americans inundated with headlines about unrest in countries populated by brown and Black people. I know this firsthand, having once regaled an elderly relative about my best friend’s extraordinary solo trip to Peru only to watch her recoil at the thought of any woman by herself in a country with “all that political unrest.”
Mind you, this was many years ago, when my relative’s fears were based on nothing. My friend, however, felt very welcome at each destination and even made several new friends. The only concerns towering over her trip were cloud-ringed mountains and the glory of Machu Picchu, which is visited by around 1.5 million people each year. Presently, that country rates a Level 2 travel advisory (i.e., Exercise Increased Caution) from the State Department. For that matter, so do Spain, Mexico and Morocco. To any experienced tourist, that designation isn’t unusual. But it may be enough to scare off a neophyte.
(Roku) “Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross”
So we get why Ross opts to normalize voyaging alone instead of speaking to common fears about it. Maybe normalize isn’t the right word; celebrate is better. To her, solo travel is a glorious demonstration of personal freedom. “I get to build my life for myself,” she says.
In many respects, Ross is in a better position to play big than most people. She is single and rich, a prominent fashionista, the daughter of Diana Ross, and the founder and CEO of a haircare company. (Its products are prominently displayed throughout each episode, along with links to the company site. She’s shopping, why shouldn’t you?) To her credit, she doesn’t pretend that she isn’t any of those things.
However, her relative wealth doesn’t preclude anyone from doing their version of what she does. A dip in the pool is a reason to yell, “Thank you for my life!” to the sky. Heavy rain can be taken as a sign to eat tacos and enjoy beautiful cocktails. A rogue drink also appears on her dinner table in the episode where that happens. Ross doesn’t get into the why of it.
From what she takes on vacation to her in-flight ritual to her mindful hotel closet organization, Ross makes every undertaking worth savoring. With this emphasis, “Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross” becomes something more satisfying than lifestyle programming or a celebrity vanity project. It’s a rebuttal of the empty rhetoric that has somehow politicized a woman’s right to individual liberty.
The world of tourism entertainment is vast, extending from our TVs to our social media streams. Ross plays in both spaces. Living up to her designation as “the Internet’s favorite rich auntie,” Ross keeps her Instagram followers well fed with endless glamour and lots of clowning around.
“Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross” becomes something more satisfying than lifestyle programming or a celebrity vanity project. It’s a rebuttal of the empty rhetoric that has somehow politicized a woman’s right to individual liberty.
“Solo Traveling” follows that map, styled as part excursion porn, one part travel diary, and a full showcase of Ross’ easy, goofball charisma. But it’s also genuine and unforced.
“This is me, just sharing,” she muses. “Sharing what it means to learn yourself, and then have the courage to be that person. Not just at home, and not just in your life, but elsewhere, out in the world.”
Ross’ vacation prep is the opposite of Marie Kondo’s pre-pandemic minimalism. She begins two weeks before the airport car shows up at her door and fills multiple suitcases with many more clothes than she’ll wear, snacks, even a tuning fork. Her three-pronged philosophy: Be prepared. Be “meticulously thoughtful” about one’s needs and comforts, hence the tuning fork. Believe me, I had my questions too until she employed it to make herself feel better.
Her favorite rule is bound to be yours too: Pack beautiful clothes, many more than seems sensible. “I pack for the beauty. I pack for the joy. I pack for the clothes,” she explains, finishing with, “And I pack for the disaster.”
She experiences a little of each. Looking elegant no matter what she does is a must, but so is peace and ease.
That includes during episodes of food poisoning or torrential downpours. Even then, because she’s well equipped, Ross finds delight in the fact that she isn’t experiencing these bummers at home.
Solo travel is big business, especially among younger adults. Experts link its rise in popularity to the pandemic transforming our attitudes about being alone. Having been forced to make peace with our own company, more people are finding their own companionship preferable to that of others, especially on vacation.
(Roku ) “Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross”
American Express’ annual Global Travel Trends Report from 2024 indicated that 76% of Millennial and Gen Z respondents planned a solo trip for that year. The same data indicated that 66% of all respondents would center those vacations around self-love and treating themselves.
Grand excursions like Ross’ are still rare for everyone, whether you’re rolling with a group or as a party of one. Quick getaways are the solo trips of choice for 57% of American Express survey respondents. But those count, too.
Still, as Ross admits, good fortune doesn’t make anyone immune to sensations of isolation and grief. In a tender moment during the Morocco episode, she confesses her loneliness even after she’s had a wonderful time eating tagine and meeting exuberant strangers. But she voices this with an inquisitiveness instead of sorrow.
Maybe, she says, she’s missing some fantasy of what she had with someone. Then she wonders whether loneliness and sadness are the same thing. Happiness and joy, she realizes, are distinct feelings. “Happiness is slicker, bouncier. Joy is wider, deeper.”
Ross rests with those thoughts on her pillowy bed, then smiles broadly. “I get to go shopping tomorrow. We know I love that.” And we can’t help loving that for her, too. Her example shows that one day we might step into our part of that wide, deep ocean of a foreign experience with more confidence, having seen how enticing it can be.
“Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross” is streaming on the Roku Channel.
Watching this season of The Gilded Age and want to live for a moment within that show’s world? It’s not difficult to understand your desire. During the late-19th-century period depicted, New York City and Newport alike were grand, blank canvases upon which the wealthy were able to erect massive and splendiferous testaments to their liquidity. It wasn’t all roses, by any means—the wives approached the Newport summer season with more rigor than their husbands had for business dealings, and divorcées like poor Aurora Fane were socially destitute despite no wrongdoing on their part. (Which is why it’s more fun to visit today.)
Below, we’ve rounded up the best hotels in both New York City and Newport to get your Bertha Russell on and steep in the period’s left-behind grandeur, plus some of the places you’d do well to visit during your sojourn to go even deeper.
New York City
Where to stay
The Lotte New York Palace made its mark on impressionable viewers when it served as a frequent hangout for the entitled characters of Gossip Girl on TV, but its history catering to New York’s elite stretches back to 1882, when six neoclassical style townhouses were first erected with a courtyard that faced out to Madison Avenue. These historic buildings were annexed to a 55-story hotel tower in 1974 by hotelier Harry Helmsley, and the property has been pampering guests ever since. Today’s incarnation of the hotel features gorgeous, luxury guest rooms with up close and personal views of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, along with a separate hotel-within-a-hotel called The Towers, which offers more space, better views, and personal butlers. The hotel also has two restaurants and four bars, including one named Trouble’s Trust (after Leona Helmsley, AKA the Queen of Mean’s dog). —Juliana Shallcross
Modern master Martin Brudnizki’s Fifth Avenue riot of colors, patterns, and curiosities is perhaps his most impeccably orchestrated yet. The vaulted lobby is dressed up in ornate wall panels; corridors are bedecked in vivid wallpapers; rooms are filled with painted screens and pagoda-style lamps that are an ode to the travels of hotel owner Alex Ohebshalom. A go-for-broke assemblage of art, from old-world oils to modern photography, greets you around every corner. It’s the bold palette Brudnizki is known for, a dreamlike pastiche that would have been chaos in the hands of a less practiced hand. Just as adept is the hospitality, which extends from the ready-to-please butler service on every floor to extra touches like the candle that’s slipped into your room after you’ve complimented the scent in the lobby, a martini cart that appears at your door when you need a nightcap, and the warm welcome you’ll get when you return. And you will return, even if just for a perfect Negroni at the hotel’s Portrait Bar or an extravagant dish from Café Carmellini—but most of all, for the chance to wake up in a giant cabinet of curiosities in the heart of New York’s NoMad district. —Arati Menon
The best things to do
Quite a few Gilded Age mansions remain on Fifth Avenue, which once bore the mantle of Millionaire’s Row (Billionaire’s Row along 57th Street is an equivalent for our times, and not nearly as attractive). Quite a few of these are open to the public in one way or another. Fifth Avenue is long, and walking up and down its Central Park stretch isn’t easy. But the greatest concentration of its Gilded Age pleasures is uptown, in a walkable stretch of the 80s and 90s. There’s the Metropolitan Museum of Art, of course, on the east side of Central Park between 79th and 84th Street, which was founded in 1870 by the Union League Club. It’s a major landmark of the period, but lacks the intimacy of a mansion setting—the massive building in which it’s set was built to be a museum, and has been expanded many times.
And so, while you’re up there, be sure to also swing around the corner to Neue Galerie on East 86th, where 19th-century German and Austrian art hang in the 1914-constructed mansion of industrialist William Starr Miller, designed by Carrère & Hastings (of New York Public Library fame). There’s also the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum within the former residence of industrialist-philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and the recently-renovated-and-restored-and-reopened Frick Collection in the former mansion of financier Henry Clay Frick. Downtown (relatively), in Murray Hill, you’ll also find the Morgan Library & Museum housed in the library of J.P. Morgan (who features in The Gilded Age) himself. A few of these spots, and many more, are featured on walking tours like this one for those who prefer a more organized itinerary.
Imagine this: you’ve sat in traffic all the way from Boston or New York City, and as you turn into the Chanler’s impressive gates, you’re immediately transported to the Gilded Age. You can finally exhale. An unbeatable location abutting Newport’s famed Cliff Walk, an award-winning fine-dining restaurant, and plenty of moments for quiet privacy in the thick of the action—the Chanler offers an alchemy that’s tough to beat, even by Newport standards. This isn’t a hotel for the one-and-done tourist looking to tick Newport off their list—it’s a luxurious, one-of-a-kind opportunity for even the most seasoned Newport connoisseurs to engage with this storied destination. It’s one of the most strategically located hotels in Newport, striking that perfect balance between not too close yet not too far from anything and everything. Here, you’re a few steps from the Cliff Walk’s northern terminus, a few further steps down to Easton’s Beach, and about one mile from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The walk to central Newport’s bars, restaurants, and attractions is pleasant enough, but the Chanler also offers a chauffeured Cadillac to bring you to and fro if you so choose. And why wouldn’t you? —Todd Plummer
The Vanderbilt is an elegant yet unpretentious snapshot of the Newport of yesterday and the Newport of today. Stepping into the lobby is like stepping into the foyer of this Gilded Age mansion during its heyday a hundred years ago. This meticulous resort recalls a time when Newport was the essential summer destination to see and be seen. Food and drink take center stage. For fine dining, The Gwynne serves contemporary twists on New England classics and utilizes Newport’s freshest catch—the Spanish-style grilled octopus is not to be missed. The place is like a music video for Taylor Swift’s Rhode Island ballad, “The Last Great American Dynasty.” —T.P.
The best things to do
Touring the mansions is the best thing to do in Newport, period. Dedicate at least a day to seeing a few of them. If you can only hit one, hit the Breakers, which was the summer cottage of the Vanderbilt family (for whom the Russells stand in on the show). It’s a shockingly large summer home that has to be seen to be believed. But there are quite a few other homes worth seeing around Newport. Operated by Newport Mansions and the Preservation Society of Newport County, and therefore under the same umbrella as the Breakers, are places like Marble House (also a bygone Vanderbilt deed) and Rosecliff, the Versailles-inflected summer home of silver heiress Theresa Fair. You can book your Breakers ticket, or your Breakers-plus-one mansion ticket, via GetYourGuide.
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