Have you ever wondered about places that have seen centuries pass by yet still open their doors every day? In a world where businesses often come and go, some special establishments have stood strong against the tides of time. Especially after recent years, when many beloved spots had to close, we’ve learned to cherish these enduring places even more. Today, let’s take a journey to celebrate 10 of the oldest establishments of their kind that are amazingly still in operation, inviting us to step into a living piece of history.
10. Airport
College Park Airport—Opened in 1909
Did you know the world’s oldest working airport is in Maryland, USA? College Park Airport started way back in 1909. It all began when the famous Wright brothers sold a plane to the U.S. Army. Then, they needed a place to teach two army officers how to fly it. Wilbur Wright himself trained them at College Park because it had plenty of open space, which was perfect for safe flying lessons.
Today, College Park Airport isn’t just for show; civilian pilots still use it. There’s also a museum where you can learn all about its amazing past. Because it’s very close to Washington, D.C., there are special rules about who can fly in and out. Everyone needs a background check first. This airport also holds some cool records: it’s where the first female passenger flew in a plane in the United States, and it’s where the first controlled helicopter flight happened! It’s a true piece of aviation history you can still visit.
9. Movie Theater
State Theater—Opened on May 14, 1897
Get your popcorn ready! Next up is the State Theater in Washington, Iowa. It earned the official title of the world’s oldest movie theater that has been continuously showing films in 2016. Imagine this: when it first opened its doors way back in 1897, many of the movies shown there were imported all the way from France. And ticket prices? They were just between 15 and 35 cents!
Sadly, in 2010, a fire in the projection room meant the theater had to close for a bit to be fixed up. But it came back strong! The theater has kept up with modern times, even showing 3D movies. However, it still has that classic, old-fashioned charm that local folks love. It’s a wonderful place to experience a bit of movie history, even if the ticket prices aren’t quite the same as they used to be.
8. Shopping Mall
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II—Opened in 1877
It makes perfect sense that the world’s oldest shopping mall still in business is in Milan, Italy, one of the fashion capitals of the world! The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is an incredible building that took 12 years to complete. It’s not just a mall; it’s a stunning work of art. Inside, you’ll find famous high-end stores like Gucci and Prada.
As you walk around, you can admire beautiful mosaics inspired by Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. One mosaic that gets a lot of attention is the Turin Coat of Arms, which has a bull. There’s a popular belief that if you spin your heel three times on the bull’s testicles, it will bring you good luck! If you get hungry, you can visit Café Biffi, which has been serving customers since 1867, ten years before the mall even officially opened. And if shopping at Prada leaves your wallet empty, there’s even a McDonald’s decorated in black and gold to fit in with the mall’s fancy style. In fact, all stores must have their names in gold letters on a black background. Even if you don’t buy anything, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is worth a visit just for its beauty.
7. Zoo
Tiergarten Schönbrunn—Opened in 1752
Located in Vienna, Austria, Tiergarten Schönbrunn first welcomed the public in 1779. This was 27 years after Emperor Franz Stephan I decided to move his private collection of animals to his summer home, the Schönbrunn Palace, in 1752. He asked a man named Adrian van Stekhoven to build a special place for all his animals. Back then, it was common for European royals to have private animal collections, often brought back from trips to faraway lands.
After Franz passed away, his son, Joseph II, added new kinds of animals to the collection, like meat-eaters, which his father hadn’t liked because of their smell. In 1779, Joseph II decided to open the park to everyone. He promised the zoo would be “A place of recreation dedicated to all the people by their Esteemer.” You can still see this quote at the zoo today. Now, the zoo focuses on animal conservation and teaching people about wildlife. It has animals from all over the world, plus an aquarium, a polarium (for cold-weather animals), and a simulated Amazon rainforest. Tiergarten Schönbrunn has survived wars and money troubles and is now the world’s oldest operating zoo and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
6. Restaurant
Restaurante Botín—Opened in 1725
If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, Spain, make sure to book a table at Restaurante Botín! It holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest restaurant still in operation. While other older restaurants might exist, Botín gets the title because it has stayed in the same building and kept its original 18th-century look since it opened in 1725. It ran continuously until it had to close for a short time during the pandemic, reopening on July 1, 2020. It even stayed open during the Spanish Civil War! Thankfully, its temporary closure won’t take away its special title.
In 1725, Jean Botín and his wife started a small inn. At that time, inns couldn’t sell food because it might compete with other food businesses, so guests had to bring their own food to be cooked. Since the Botíns had no children, their nephew inherited the restaurant and renamed it Sobrino de Botín, which means “Nephew of Botín.” The Botín family ran it for generations until 1930, when the González family took over. They’ve kept the restaurant’s historic interior and even still use the original fire oven to roast their most famous dish: suckling pig.
5. Theater
Teatro Olimpico—Opened in 1585
In the Italian town of Vicenza, you’ll find Teatro Olimpico. It’s not just the oldest working indoor theater in the world; it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The real star of this theater is its amazing Roman-style design and beautiful sculptures. The famous Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio designed the theater. He built it inside an old, abandoned fortress, aiming to create an entertainment space inspired by ancient Roman theaters.
Sadly, Palladio passed away before the theater opened. His son, Silla, made sure his father’s vision was completed. The very first show performed at Teatro Olimpico was the play Oedipus the King. Another talented architect, Vincenzo Scamozzi, designed the stage to look like the seven streets of the ancient city of Thebes from the play. Amazingly, this original stage design is still part of the theater today! The theater can seat 400 people and hosts a variety of shows each year, including plays and concerts.
4. Amusement Park
Bakken—Opened in 1583
For a fun day out with the family, head to Bakken amusement park in Copenhagen, Denmark. This park’s story began a long time ago when people were drawn to natural healing springs in the area during summer. Over time, entertainers and sellers started gathering there to cater to the visitors. This eventually grew into the amusement park we see today. Along with modern rides, you can also experience a piece of history by riding a wooden roller coaster that’s over 80 years old! The best part? Entrance to the park is free; you just pay for the rides you want to try.
Once inside Bakken, you can choose from 31 different rides or explore some of the other 78 attractions, like a gaming arcade. On a warm day, you can cool down with an ice cream or taste some yummy Danish treats. For the last 200 years, a clown named Pjerrot has been making children laugh at the park. Even though it’s very old, Bakken is bright, colorful, and welcoming to everyone. To keep its historic feel, the park features stalls run by small businesses instead of big companies. This helps preserve Bakken’s unique charm.
3. Museum
Musei Capitolini—Opened in 1471
Located in Rome, Italy, the Musei Capitolini’s story began when Pope Sixtus IV gave a large collection of bronze artifacts to the people of Rome in 1471. These treasures were put on display on Capitoline Hill, which is now a museum made up of three buildings. Over the centuries, many more items were added to the collection, including jewelry, statues, coins, artworks, and various other historical objects.
Several popes played a part in the museum’s growth. Popes Pius V and Paul III donated more pieces. Pope Clement XII was involved in opening the Palazzo Nuovo building for the public to visit. Pope Benedict XIV helped open the art gallery, called Pinacoteca, which is the oldest public display of paintings. The famous artist Michelangelo—you’ve probably heard of him—even helped redesign parts of the museum, but unfortunately, he died before he could finish his plans. Today, the Musei Capitolini is home to many ancient and medieval artifacts, including the well-known statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius on his horse.
2. University
The University of al-Qarawiyyin—Opened in 859
The University of al-Qarawiyyin has an incredible history. It’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest continuously operating university in the world. It was also the very first educational institution to award a degree! Founded in Fez, Morocco, the university has traditionally focused on Islamic studies.
It all started with a woman named Fatima al-Fihri. She used money she inherited to build a mosque for her community. This mosque also included a school called a madrasa, which is an Islamic college focused on religious teachings. The school grew and developed into a university where both men and women have studied many subjects, including medicine, astronomy, and music, alongside Islamic studies. In the mid-1900s, the university adapted to the state education system and began offering courses in chemistry, physics, and foreign languages, broadening its educational scope while honoring its ancient roots.
1. Hotel
Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan—Opened in 705
Imagine staying at the world’s oldest continuously operating hotel! The Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Japan has been run by an amazing 52 generations of the same family. Founded by Fujiwara Mahito, the hotel was built during Japan’s Keiun era, and that’s how it got its name. While it has kept up with modern comforts, the hotel proudly maintains the elegant style of traditional Japanese architecture, offering guests peace and quiet.
The hotel is famous for its wonderful hot springs, which flow freely, pumping out about 1,630 liters (or 430 gallons) of naturally hot water every minute. Besides the stunning views, the hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious meals made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and top-quality Koshu beef. A stay here is truly a unique experience, connecting you to centuries of hospitality.
What an incredible journey through time! These ten establishments are more than just old buildings; they are living stories of resilience, adaptation, and enduring human connection. From an ancient Japanese inn to a pioneering American airport, each one offers a unique window into the past while continuing to serve us in the present. They remind us that with care and passion, some things truly can last forever.
Which of these historic places sparks your curiosity the most? Would you add any other timeless wonders to this list? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
