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These 7 Cities Are Total Time Warps

But in a good way

If you want to go back in time, you could binge-watch Mad Men. Or read Wolf Hall. Or start talking exclusively in Old English.

Or you could visit one of these seven places that are totally stuck in another century--in a good way.

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Havana, Cuba

Don’t be surprised if your airport taxi is a 1950s Chevy Convertible, or if a bike messenger delivers plantains to your doorstep. This city’s tumultuous history with America delayed modernization and instead kept it colorful and romantic. (And here’s a primer about how to get there legally.)

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Rothenburg, Germany

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was filmed here, and you can practically hear the theme song wafting out of the idyllic alleyways. The medieval Bavarian architecture is as well preserved as it gets, with the first castle dating back to 1070.

Varanasi, India

Varanasi is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world--and quite possibly the holiest. Ancient temples and shrines pop up every few steps, and hectic markets are overflowing with spices and handmade silks. (Good luck finding Wi-Fi.)

Colmar, France

Often called Little Venice, Colmar is a charming Alsatian village influenced by both German and French traditions. Boats float through the tiny canals, local bakers sell traditional sweets in their shops and most architecture was preserved through the French Revolution.

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Bruges, Belgium

Thanks to picturesque canals, cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, Bruges looks like a city straight out of a fairy-tale. Spend your days much as you would in the 14th century, shopping for cheese, eating herring or climbing the belfry's 366 steps.

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Sternberg Lighting

Sisters, Oregon

A trip to Sisters will throw you back to the wild, wild west. With its country western-themed downtown and rodeo (not to mention the annual quilt show and folk festival), you'll swear you're in a John Wayne movie.

Bagan, Myanmar

Visit this sleepy Asian city, built in 1057, and you might think you've traveled back to ancient times. Horse carts still dot the streets, people wash their clothes in the river and there are Buddhist temples and pagodas as far as the eye can see.


jillian quint

Editor-in-Chief, Avid Reader, Wallpaper Enthusiast

Jillian Quint is the Editor-in-Chief of PureWow, where she oversees the editorial staff and all the fabulous content you read every day. Jillian began her career as a book editor...