16 Adventurous Summer Trip Ideas for Architecture Lovers

If you’re an architecture lover, there’s nothing like a summer trip for sight- seeing on long summer days. Depending upon your interests, there is a wide range of architectural styles and historical significance to be explored, giving you many opportunities to indulge in your passion close to home or across the globe.

Whether you want to take a local road trip or find beautiful buildings near the helpful luggage storage Budapest has to offer, we’ve got the inspiration to keep you excited about your travels. We’ve assembled 16 adventurous summer trip ideas for your architecture-loving pleasure!

Barcelona, Spain

Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces, like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, mesmerize visitors with their whimsical designs. The enchanting Casa Batlló and the unique Casa Milà showcase the city's modernist charm, making Barcelona a haven for architecture lovers.

Athens, Greece

The majestic Acropolis stands proudly, adorned with the iconic Parthenon. The ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus mesmerize with their Doric beauty, while modern structures like the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center add contemporary charm to the city.

Istanbul, Turkey

Explore the vibrant blend of East and West in Istanbul's architectural treasures. The Hagia Sophia mesmerizes with its Byzantine grandeur, the Blue Mosque enchants with its intricate tilework, and the Topkapi Palace exudes Ottoman opulence.

Tokyo, Japan

From the towering Tokyo Skytree and the contemporary brilliance of Tokyo International Forum to the unique designs along Omotesando Avenue and the historic temples and shrines of the city, Tokyo's architectural landscape is a delightful blend of modern and traditional influences.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The soaring Burj Khalifa, the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, and the Palm Jumeirah's luxurious resorts exemplify the city's modern architectural achievements, while the traditional charm of the Bastakia Quarter offers a glimpse into Dubai's heritage.

Berlin, Germany

Explore a rich tapestry of architectural styles in Berlin. From the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the grandeur of Berlin Cathedral to the modernist marvels of Potsdamer Platz and the striking glass dome of the Reichstag, Berlin seamlessly blends historic landmarks with contemporary architectural masterpieces.

Sydney, Australia

Among the architectural wonders to be found in Sydney, Australia, the iconic Sydney Opera House astounds with its sail-like design, while the Sydney Harbour Bridge captivates with its grandeur. The historic Rocks area preserves charming colonial architecture, and the modern skyline of Darling Harbour showcases contemporary architectural marvels.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Enjoy the blend of natural beauty and human-man wonderful with the architectural gems in Rio de Janeiro. The Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer stands atop Corcovado Mountain, while the futuristic Niterói Contemporary Art Museum dazzles. The Metropolitan Cathedral impresses with its modern conical design, and Colonial-era buildings in the historic center showcase rich heritage and charm.

Kyoto, Japan

You’ll find a treasure trove of architectural delights in Kyoto, Japan. From the iconic golden Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and the Zen simplicity of Ryoan-ji Temple's rock garden to the traditional wooden machiya townhouses and the serene beauty of Fushimi Inari Shrine's thousands of vermillion torii gates, Kyoto offers a captivating blend of ancient and traditional architectural wonders.

St. Petersburg, Russia

Experience the Hermitage Museum's grandeur, Peterhof Palace's opulence, and the ornate Church of the Savior on Blood. You’ll never tire of the iconic neoclassical facades lining the city’s elegant avenues.

Prague, Czech Republic

Captivating you with architectural attractions, Prague offers many architectural highlights. Wander through the medieval streets of Old Town Square with its stunning Astronomical Clock. Visit the majestic Prague Castle, and marvel at the Gothic beauty of St. Vitus Cathedral or the historic Charles Bridge.

Mumbai, India

Mumbai offers a wide variety of attractions, showcasing a blend of Gothic, Victorian, Art Deco, Indo-Saracenic, and contemporary architectural styles. Highlights include the iconic Gateway of India, Victorian-era buildings in South Mumbai, Art Deco structures along Marine Drive, and the colonial-era Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest boasts stunning architectural attractions, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Fisherman's Bastion, St. Stephen's Basilica, Hungarian State Opera House, Gellért Baths, Dohány Street Synagogue, Hungarian National Museum, Margaret Island, and the Great Market Hall.

New Orleans, Louisiana

From the iconic French Quarter's Creole townhouses and cast-iron balconies to the Garden District's grand mansions, there’s a lot of historic architecture to appreciate in New Orleans. Don’t forget to take in St. Louis Cathedral's Gothic Revival charm!

National Parks

Often overlooked, many national parks have stunning architecture. From the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park to the rustic lodges of Yellowstone National Park and the iconic rock formations of Arches National Park, each park showcases architectural wonders that harmonize with their natural surroundings.

A Road Trip

Don’t underestimate the architecture close to home. When you take your next road trip, consider staying in lobby-less hotels like tented camps or places with standalone rooms like winter cabins.

Where Will You Go for Your Next Adventure?

When exploring the world’s architecture on your next summer adventure, your options are almost limitless. You can choose based on your preferred style, or pick a place you’ve always wanted to visit and then discover what architectural treasures await when you arrive! Just remember to pack your camera and an extra memory card or two.