5 retro travel experiences to cure your nostalgia

Dreaming of travel before the Internet? You're not alone. Many of us are seeking out journeys that transport us not only to far-flung places, but also to bygone eras. The good news: they exist. Our curated itineraries will guide you through where to go and what to do for the ultimate time-travel experience, decade by decade. Simply pick your favourite, and you’ll be drinking cocktails in Rome or scouring vinyl stores in LA in no time.

For 1950s Americana: Austin

Less than half a day’s drive from Dallas Fort Worth, Austin is a city that embraces the present while looking fondly to the past. Echoes of the 1950s can be found in its soda fountains, honky tonks and penchant for classic cars. For a taste of the latter, look to DriveShare ; this car-sharing service specialises in classic vehicles, available to rent in pristine condition by the hour or day – just the thing for embarking on your very own American road trip. 

Of course, you’ll want to fuel up before your adventure. Snooze A.M. Eatery combines a 1950s diner aesthetic with a contemporary, inclusive menu featuring everything from hearty bacon-and-egg plates to nutritious protein bowls. Once you're nourished and ready to go, jump in your gleaming Ford Thunderbird. Your destination: Austin Motel . This establishment has been welcoming discerning travellers since the 1930s – its original neon sign still beckons from the roadside. Inside, nostalgia blends with modern taste and comfort in spacious, kitsch-cool rooms. Be sure to attend one of the motel’s regular pool parties or movie nights for the ultimate throwback stay. 

For 1960s glamour: Rome

Rome in the ‘60s was the place to be. Brimming with postwar vigour, it attracted many of the great artists and auteurs of the age. You can learn more about these luminaries at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome ; among its permanent collections are works from the 1960s Arte Povera movement and the Scuola di Piazza del Popolo art collective. If you’re more drawn to the city’s living history, direct your step towards famed locations like the grand Piazza del Popolo – meeting ground of the aforementioned art collective – or the charming Via Margutta, once the address of renowned filmmaker Federico Fellini. 

In the mood for an aperitivo? Book a table at Harry’s Bar , the legendary venue on Via Veneto immortalised in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. With its gilded interiors and live piano performances, it still exudes the same allure today as when Frank Sinatra and Sophia Loren were among the patrons. Meanwhile, a 10-minute stroll away at Hotel Hassler Roma , the old-school glamour continues. A stay at this illustrious property will put you in the company of ‘60s icons like Audrey Hepburn and The Beatles.

For 1970s bohemia: Los Angeles

If you dream of sun, sea and the California sound, don your bell bottoms and head to Los Angeles – specifically, Laurel Canyon. This now-genteel neighbourhood was once a hippie haven, home to music legends like Joni Mitchell and Jim Morrison. The magic of that era lives on at the Canyon Country Store . A shop, museum and café rolled into one, it’s a delightful place to grab a cup of coffee and a retro souvenir. 

In nearby West Hollywood, you’ll find more homages to the music icons of the ‘70s at Morrison Hotel Gallery . Part of the famed Morrison Hotel, it houses an impressive photography archive. And if you’re inspired to add to your own music collection, Amoeba Music’s Hollywood outpost hits all the right notes; spanning some 24,000 square feet, it’s the world’s largest independent record shop. 

When evening arrives, Frogtown bar and live music venue Zebulon Café Concert is the perfect place to let loose. The sultry atmosphere and eclectic roster of bands will make you want to put away your phone and embrace the moment.

For 1980s energy: Tokyo

The ‘80s are alive and well in Tokyo’s vibrant Akihabara district, aka Electric Town. An electronics hub turned gamer’s paradise, the neighbourhood is crammed with stores selling games and accessories – and we’re not just talking the newest releases. Enter Super Potato , a compact, three-storey retailer tucked inside a commercial building, and you’ll discover a treasure trove of retro consoles and classic games, from Super Mario Bros to Legend of Zelda. There's even a small arcade zone on the top floor, but for a more immersive gaming experience, head to nearby Taito HEY , a neon-lit space well equipped with the arcade machines of yesteryear.

If you want to look the part for your trip down memory lane, it’s worth travelling west across Tokyo to Koenji, a district famed for its vast assortment of vintage fashion and merchandise shops. On the way, stop in Nakano City – another subculture hotspot – to refuel at Coffee Zingaro . This delightfully kitschy café was co-founded by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami; expect funky patterned carpets, neon light fixtures and colourful sweet treats as vibrant as the decor. 

For 90s chill: Seoul

Can’t get enough of 90s nostalgia? Neither can Seoul. Across this sleek, modern city, you’ll find cafés, markets and shops that serve as delightful portals to the past. Begin your journey at Dongmyo Flea Market in Jongno District. Newly trendy, this bazaar holds something for devotees of every decade. For the best 90s and Y2K fashion finds, be sure to arrive bright and early. 

If it’s cosy, low-tech vibes you’re craving, make your way to the beloved indie bookshop Storage Book and Film , just a short stroll from Namsan Mountain Park. As you peruse the thoughtfully curated collection of books, you won’t notice the hours slipping peacefully away. Nearby Café Tajagi is another retro gem; decorated with film posters, typewriters and newspaper clippings, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a mug of frothy coffee and spellbinding views of the Seoul skyline. 

Time for a nightcap: Bar Da is an upper-floor hideaway in buzzing Hongdae, channelling laid-back vibes and old-school tunes. Alternatively, Sound Planet in the industrial-chic Seongsu-dong is comfy and unpretentious, with a great whisky menu to match.

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