Experimental studies dealing with the wake of isolated stationary bluff bodies are reviewed. After briefly recalling the pioneering works in this domain, the paper focuses on recent research conducted with the latest experimental methods and techniques. The review encompasses a range of topics, including the effects of bluff body geometry (non-circular cross sections and non-uniformity in spanwise direction), steady and unsteady (periodic and non-periodic) inflow conditions, surface proximity (rigid wall, confinement, and water free surface) and non-Newtonian fluids. Focus is brought to the flow physics of the wakes, especially the complex three-dimensional and oscillatory behaviors induced by the periodic vortex shedding phenomenon. The paper aims to offer a critical and systematic review of new knowledge and findings on the subject area, as well as the most frequently adopted experimental techniques. The review also helps identifying knowledge gaps in the literature that need to be addressed in future investigations.