In this article we are going to list the most 19 beautiful cities of the world.
British artist Francis Bacon said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Writer Emile Zola added that beauty depends on the state of mind and the moment of life in which it is viewed.
The selection criteria is somewhat subjective to determine which cities are beautiful and which are not. To avoid controversy, most travelers take into account other factors besides their experience, such as the size of the city, its architecture, green spaces, heritage, historical and artistic mix, and whether they have their own rich gastronomy. According to these criteria, we have identified the 20 most beautiful cities in the world.
Table of Contents
Bruges, Belgium in the most beautiful cities of the world
Bruges is called an open-air museum. It is located in Flanders (in Belgium), near the North Sea. Its medieval center is very well preserved, which explains why it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, this is one of the most visited cities in Europe, which, to a large extent, is facilitated by its location in the very center of the continent.
This is a small authentic town, by no means a metropolis, but its charm is enormous. Bruges is one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world, filled with gothic and baroque monuments, surrounded by an oval canal and extraordinarily romantic cobbled streets and a romantic atmosphere.
Bruges’ compact size and impeccable beauty can make it a bit unreal, like a classic postcard come to life, or perhaps a toy town, albeit drenched in the flavors of beer, fries and sweet pancakes. The city is distinguished by cobbled streets, canals, medieval spiers and loop bridges. Life is centered around its squares: the Burg, on which the 14th-century Gothic town hall rises, and the Markt, where one of the most famous sights of the city, the medieval bell tower, is located.
See the Markt from the top of the Belfry of Bruges. Explore the cobbled streets to the sound of horses’ hooves. Admire the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Rosenhoed promenade. See Bruges from the water on a canal tour and visit local swans in Minnewater. Bruges is full of great places to stay in the city center, which only add to the attraction.
Sydney, Australia in the most beautiful cities of the world
It’s almost unfair how good Sydney is. Australia’s largest city benefits from its location. Looming over green and blue waters, flanked by the white sails of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbor Bridge, this panorama never gets old.
The streets adjacent to the waterfront are also pretty: cobbled shopping arcades, Victorian galleries and patchwork of parks. Sydney’s charm is further enhanced by green suburbs like the Surry Hills and picturesque coastal paths like the Bondi to Coogee road.
You can climb the Harbor Bridge, take a ferry, swim across the harbor to one of the most scenic zoos in the world, or walk around the Rocks, where the first settlers arrived. We also highly recommend taking the ferry across the harbor to Manly and enjoy the walk to Shelly Beach. Head to Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s famous beaches, for a refreshing dip or dinner at one of the many restaurants.
Kyiv, Ukraine
First there was Kyiv. Long before Ukraine and Russia appeared, city dwellers were already pacing up
and down the green hills, relaxing on hot days on the Dnieper River and strolling along Khreshchatyk, then a stream, now the main street of the Ukrainian capital. T. Shevchenko, M. Shchepkin, P. Tchaikovsky, F. Salapin, V. Mayakovsky, J. Mendelstam walked along it, Beethoven concerts were held here. From here, the East Slavic civilization spread right up to Alaska.
Mikhail Bulgakov, a native of Kyiv, also admired the beauty of the capital of ancient Rus’. He considered this city the most fascinating and beautiful in the world. Kyiv is the core of Ukrainian history, which has majestic monuments, picturesque places. For Orthodox believers, Kyiv is almost as important as Jerusalem. St. Michael’s Cathedral, St. Kiev-Pechersk Lavra and Sophia Cathedral All of this is only a small portion of what the nation’s capital has to offer. These monuments are included in the Seven Wonders of Ukraine, and in the 1990s were included in the list of UNESCO monuments.
Today the story continues to unfold. As revolutions have come and gone and war has smoldered in the east, the capital of Ukraine has risen again, only this time culturally. A wave of creativity swept through the city, embodied in urban art, vintage cafes and round-the-clock parties.
Istanbul, Turkey in the most beautiful cities of the world
Istanbul is one of the most intoxicating cities in the world. It is located on two continents, in Europe and Asia, and was also the former capital of three great empires: Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman. The mixture of east and west, old and new, conservatism and liberalism on which the history of Istanbul is based, colors everything. And it is here that you will find ancient mosques and bazaars, as well as trendy hotels and cocktail bars on the Bosphorus.
Minarets and church spiers dot the bright skyline, while women in black abayas and bodycon Armani dresses walk side by side at street level below. A few steps away from you, the Arabic house of street cafes and bars almost drowns out the call to prayer. To get your bearings, take a stroll down the Istiklal Caddesi Walking Street, in the Beyoğlu district, where modernity meets tradition perfectly.
The history of Istanbul is still in full swing in Sultanahmet, the oldest part of the city. Here, the Blue Mosque, Hagia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar are open for tourists, which can take you to the past.
Its most cosmopolitan area is located on the other side of the Bosphorus, where culture and life have always been much more westernized. Istanbul opened up to the world without losing its Turkish essence.
It is also the only city where, by simply crossing a bridge, you can change continents. Walking through the numerous streets of Istanbul, you should have a large supply of cash with you or arm yourself with a strong will, because nowhere in the world there is such a selection of souvenirs as here.
Dubai, UAE in the most beautiful cities of the world
Dubai is the pearl of the Emirates. It is an exceptionally clean and safe city, with beautiful beaches, parks and recreation centers. It attracts many tourists. For this reason, the cultural offer is also adapted for visiting guests. The Dubai Cultural Village is being built in the city and the best theater in the region, Madinata, is operating. Every year a film festival is held here, which attracts celebrities from all over the world.
Dubai is a charismatic metropolis. In terms of architecture, it can be considered the most futuristic city on earth. The only seven-star hotel in the world is located in Dubai. Here is the tallest building in the world – Burj Khalifa, as well as the largest aquarium and shopping center. Travelers revel in the grandiose fantasy atmosphere of the city.
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is synonymous with luxury living. From the most luxurious hotels and resorts to urban green spaces like the Dubai Miracle Garden, the sights, sounds, colors and other sensory experiences in Dubai are like no other place.
Dubai’s nightlife and world-famous beaches also attract tourists who come to enjoy the natural and man-made beauty of this extravagant city.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is a gorgeous coastal city surrounded by water and mountains. Below the harbor, you’ll see sailboats, ferries, cruise ships and even seaplanes vying for space on the water. There’s also Stanley Park, trendy Gastown, Robson Street full of shops and some of the best sushi this side of Tokyo.
Sea, forest, mountains: few cities have managed to get such diverse and beautiful places. Vancouver’s glittering cityscape weaves along the edges of the bay, creating a scenic backdrop against forested, often snow-capped mountains laced with suspension bridges and cable cars. Gorgeous green spaces and historic districts such as Gastown, with galleries and shops in Victorian buildings, complete this delightful city patchwork.
Vancouver’s 27 km water dam is an exciting bike ride. Ride (or walk) the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront walkway for wide, sparkling views of the Pacific Ocean and the many entrances to vibrant Stanley Park. Enjoy the beaches and other wonderful discoveries along the road by pausing to do so. While in Vancouver, you can also visit a couple of the most beautiful places in Canada: the breathtaking Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and the 1250-meter Grose Mountain.
There are not many places in the world where you can stand on a sunny beach and see a snow-capped mountain in the distance.
Vancouver is known for rainfall in the fall, winter, and spring, so try to visit between June and September for dry weather. With its unique location between water and mountains, there can’t be a more stunning city in Canada.
Munich, Germany in the most beautiful cities of the world
On the banks of the Isar River stands Munich, the state capital of Bavaria. It is often referred to as the second capital of Germany. It wonderfully combines traditional and modern. Here are the headquarters of large industrial enterprises (BMW, Siemens), as well as important centers of commerce, finance and education.
Munich has long been known as the “city of art and beer”, but before heading to the pub, take some time to enjoy the local art. Kunstareal is Munich’s art quarter, where you can see everything from Dutch craftsmen to 1960s design. The city also has several museums dedicated to Oktoberfest, porcelain and BMWs. If that’s not enough, head to the royal palaces, the legacy of 800 years of Wittelsbach family rule.
The most characteristic monument of Munich, of course, is the Frauenkirche. The symbol of the city is also the Peterskirche. Within the former fortified walls, fragments of which can still be seen in the city, there are many other churches. The old town is typical of German medieval towns, full of bourgeois houses and narrow streets. Marienplatz and Koenigsplatz are extremely interesting; buildings in the Gothic and Romanesque styles, Baroque and even Rococo are collected there.
What else in Munich in the most beautiful cities of the world
In addition to architectural monuments, it is interesting to visit the English Garden in the city center – one of the oldest parks in the world. Small architectural forms are placed everywhere here: the Chinese tower, the Japanese tea house, and the Monopter, a rotunda with a classical dome on Greek columns, was erected over an artificial hill. This is a popular observation deck in Munich. No less remarkable are the park near the Nymphenburg Palace with numerous water channels and pavilions hidden in the greenery, and the Hofgarten – the court garden with beautiful arcades.
The locals have the word Gemütlichkeit – an untranslatable combination of comfort, well-being and ease. In Munich, you will feel it best in the light of the fabulous lights of the summer beer garden, people-watching in the English Garden and driving a BMW. It may just be a local character, but much of the Gemütlichkeit comes from the fact that the capital of Bavaria is one of the wealthiest cities on the planet, its economy is larger than that of most small countries, and its infrastructure is well developed.
Florence, Italy
The capital of the Tuscany region impresses with the perfect balance of culture and nature. Florence is synonymous with the Italian Renaissance, renowned for its artistic legacy of palaces and museum collections. But the most impressive panorama of the city as a whole.
Look at it from the terrace of the 19th century – Piazzale Michelangelo. It overlooks the whole city, you will see one of the most beautiful cityscapes, perfect for fairy tales. You will see its skyline, with towers and domes in the center of the city, its bridges, hills in the distance and the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (known as the Duomo) standing in the middle of it all. Few other places in the world will leave you in awe.
Outside of the cathedral and the Ponte Vecchio, be sure to take the time to get off the main tourist street. As soon as you cross one of the many bridges, a completely different world awaits you. As you stroll along the cobbled streets, you’ll find lovely cafes next to centuries-old works of art and maybe even hear the tunes of street musicians.
Surrounded by rolling hills, Florence has a vibrant city life yet retains the charm of the countryside. Tuscany is known for its flower fields and vineyards, which give the city a connection to nature and a relaxed atmosphere.
What else in Florence
The city has many parks and gardens worth visiting.
In addition to the magnificent scenery, Florence is home to almost a third of the world’s works of art. Monuments, museums and art galleries are scattered everywhere. The city keeps the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Giotto and Botticelli. This list could go on and on!
However, you don’t even need to go to a gallery to enjoy amazing art. The historic center of Florence is considered an “open-air museum” and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Piazza della Signoria and the magnificent church of San Miniato al Monte are among the highlights of Florence.
And the Arno River, flowing through the city center, brings a cool breeze that you never want to leave.
Prague, Czech Republic in the most beautiful cities of the world
The Czech capital resembles a fabulous place. The historical center of Prague is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Architecture and natural beauty blend perfectly here, especially where the medieval stone arch of the Charles Bridge crosses the wide Vltava River.
The Czech capital has been dubbed the “City of a Hundred Spires” even though it’s so crammed with Gothic churches and towers that there should surely be more. One of the most beautiful parts of Prague is the Old Town Square with its baroque architecture and intricately animated Astronomical Clock.
Walking across the charming Charles Bridge is one of the best romantic things to do in Prague, and if you are traveling with your significant other, you can leave the castle on the Love Castle Bridge. It is also worth taking a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter, visiting Prague Castle and tasting delicious Czech cuisine.
If you want to see one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, then visiting Prague on New Year’s Eve is a great idea. Although, the best time to visit Prague is still spring and autumn, with clear skies, moderate temperatures and fewer tourists.
Rome, Italy in the most beautiful cities of the world
Set on seven hills overlooking the Tiber River, Rome has become a treasure trove of architecture from the ancient Roman Empire through the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque. Surprisingly, buildings from various eras are positioned next to one another and occasionally actually erected on top of one another as they are strewn throughout charming squares and streets.
People come here to visit the Vatican, look into St. Peter’s Basilica, admire the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci. It is home to the imposing Colosseum, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It adjoins the Roman Forum and Piazza Novona with the nearby Trevi Fountain, into which, according to tradition, you have to throw a coin. The view is mesmerized by the cream columns of the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and Castel Sant’Angelo.
The city, with its unparalleled history, is so crowded with iconic sights that it can easily rival the best museums in the world. In addition, Rome is the capital of bel paese (“beautiful country”), according to the Italians themselves.
The eternal city must be explored in comfortable shoes and on foot, discovering small cobblestone streets, nooks and crannies, visiting cute cafes. It is worth trying the famous Italian cuisine – fried artichokes, homemade pasta, pizza, ice cream. Should I continue?
Rome can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is definitely during the off-season, from April to June and from late September to October, when the weather is mild and sunny and the crowds are not particularly large.
Paris, France in the most beautiful cities of the world
Paris is a city of love, where marriage proposals often happen, and newlyweds love to relax on a romantic cruise on the Seine.
Monumental squares, centuries-old churches, wide boulevards, graceful bridges, beautiful parks, tenements and magnificent palaces make Paris glamorous and elegant. With a fascinating history, beautiful architecture, galleries and museums, and a busy schedule of exhibitions, fairs and festivals, there is never a dull moment in Paris.
For centuries, the City of Light has been considered a haven for artists, sculptors, writers, poets, composers and aristocrats. It has also inspired virtually every major world capital, each claiming its own Champs-Elysées, and the Place des Vosges has become the prototype for residential spaces throughout Europe.
The list of the main attractions of Paris includes the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, the Ile de la Cité, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe, the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the cobbled streets of Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge variety show. There are also some magnificent castles in the vicinity of Paris: Versailles, Fontainebleau and Chantilly, which will take you to another era
Paris is delightful in any weather – shining in summer, golden in autumn, sparkling with snow dust and soft pink in spring. Try croissants, grab a glass of wine and watch the world around you in one of the Michelin-starred restaurants, cozy rooftop bar or from the terrace of a tiny cafe on a quiet street, and you will understand why so many people fall in love with Paris.
Venice, Italy
With its distinctive architecture, the city of 118 islets in the lagoon of the Adriatic Sea in northern Italy has long drawn tourists and artists. 400 elegant bridges, magnificent 16th-century palazzos, squares with churches and hand-blown glass shops (not to mention trattorias and gelaterias!) provide the perfect backdrop for romantic walks.
The Basilica and Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile, the Contarini del Bovolo Rock, the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs – each building is breathtaking, at first sight, evoking the feeling of falling into a fairy tale. And if you look at the canals passing through Venice as a circulation system, then it turns into a living tapestry breathing magical landscapes.
Venice is quite small, you can walk around it, although it is easy to get lost in the canals and narrow labyrinths of streets. A gondola ride is one of the best ways to get to know the city, but be prepared to pay big bucks for it. Due to the millions of tourists, summer almost does not bring joy to the city, so it is better to go to Venice in the off-season.
Barcelona, Spain
Nestled between beautiful mountains and an enviable Mediterranean coastline, the Catalan capital is like a large village. There are many pedestrian streets that are pleasant to walk along, many places where you can relax and enjoy a good cocktail.
Almost all of Barcelona’s sights can be seen in just 24 hours, but it’s best to spend at least 3 days in the city to truly experience its unique atmosphere. Walk along Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, see the creations of Antoni Gaudí, the Catalan architect who left his mark on the city.
A walk through the city will take you through Parc Güell, past Casa Mila, Casa Batlló and other buildings, and end with the unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Família (Sagrada Familia). Architecture lovers from all over the world come to see it. If you have more time, it’s worth climbing Mount Tibidabo for a fun day at the amusement park and amazing panoramic views of the city.
In addition to a rich cultural heritage and a fun, friendly atmosphere, Barcelona is an incredibly livable city with diverse neighborhoods, cute boutiques and delicious food. The capital of Catalonia is very popular among tourists, and it’s not just about the colorful mosaic: from mountains to the beach, from historical to modern, sunny Barcelona has almost everything. It gets very crowded during the summer, so try planning your trip to the Catalan capital during the off-season or during the winter.
San Francisco, USA in the most beautiful cities of the world
Artsy, bohemian, and stunningly beautiful, San Francisco Bay gives a beach resort feel to the 43-hill city. Its large gardens, parks to escape the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, and the beaches that surround the coast make the city one of the travellers’ favorite destinations.
While in San Francisco, you will always be close to stunning views. Whether it’s one of America’s most recognizable symbols – the Golden Gate Bridge shimmering across the bay, the cable car descending a steep hill, or the coastal scenery along the piers, plan on taking plenty of photos!
The rest of the city also dazzles the imagination with pastel-colored houses, including the famous Victorian Painted Ladies in Alamo Square, stacked rows of wedding cakes in the dizzying streets. In addition, San Francisco is the gateway to Napa Valley wineries.
It is also a city with European charm, full of entertainment and world-class museums. The adventurous spirit that made San Francisco what it is today flourishes in new restaurants, cafes, shops and galleries dotted around what is arguably America’s most beautiful city. The best way to get to know this magnificent place is by bike, in autumn or spring.
London, UK in the most beautiful cities of the world
London has it all: a history that goes back thousands of years and a culture that has left its mark on trends all over the world, from China to Canada, from Australia to Argentina.
Traditions can be traced in the thoughtful design of each avenue and boulevard of the capital of England. This is a time machine that can be started by walking. An entire empire sprang from here, and this heritage is revered in every building, which becomes even more beautiful when the eternal fog rolls in.
London is beautiful from the height of the London Eye, when you look at the expanses of the River Thames flowing through the ancient city. It is a magnificent mosaic of multiculturalism that gives the city a diversity of people, food and ideas. At night it is beautiful in the twinkling neon lights of the West End, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. And it’s beautiful when the early morning sunlight reflects in the windows of Westminster.
But the main beauty of London is in its soul. A hospitable, tolerant city that has flourished throughout its history because it opened itself to the world rather than turning its back on it.
New York, USA in the most beautiful cities of the world
The Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, the concrete jungle where dreams are born, New York is a triumph of engineering and human effort. You can be here hundreds of times and discover something new on every trip. “It has everything,” said one travel journalist.
The beauty of New York is multisensory: it’s historic architecture, from the Flatiron Building to the World Trade Center. It’s the feel of grass underfoot (and the smell of roasted nuts) in Central Park. This is the art of the Met, MoMa and Frick. But more importantly, these are the types of diversified, stylish people who confidently stroll along the city’s streets.
The Big Apple is famous for its skyline with iconic buildings like the Empire State and the Chrysler, but what many may not know is that New York City has lesser-known landmarks that are no less beautiful, including the waterfront in Brooklyn Heights and the Brownstones 19 th century in the Greenwich Village Historic District. In addition, some of the best restaurants on the planet are located here.
Cape Town, South Africa
A city with incredible geography: Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, 12 Apostles and the place where two oceans meet. With amazing hiking paths and stunning beaches just minutes from the down town, Cape Town is lush and exotic. In fact, you can begin touring before your plane even lands because Table Mountain is spectacular when you first see it from the sky.
There are white sand beaches and incredibly expensive houses along the Atlantic coast, but in the center of the Upper City there is more variety. Most of the city’s historic buildings are located here, with architecture reflecting various African, Asian and European roots. Cape Town is one of the most multicultural cities in Africa, where European heritage is best combined with African character.
For a taste of the culture, stop off at the V&A Waterfront, where you can experience South African life, from shopping to gourmet dining at five-star restaurants and museums and art galleries.
For a taste of history, take a boat ride to Robin Island, where the cell that held anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela is located.
Nature lovers will not be left out either. They will be interested in Table Mountain National Park and the Cape of Good Hope, large hills with abundant vegetation, as well as beaches with crystal clear waters with colonies of penguins (Simons Town) or seal island (Hout Bay).
Cape Town is one of the top tourist attractions in Africa. Mountains, coastline, penguin-filled beaches: Cape Town has it all. Every day spent in the city will make you fall in love with something new, whether it’s the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden or the brightly colored ornate houses of Bo-Kaap.
Budapest, Hungary
The Hungarian capital is actually two cities – Buda and Pest, connected into one and separated by a full-flowing river. The pearl of the Danube, as Budapest is called, is full of charming and beautiful corners. This is one of the few places that can compete with Paris and Venice for pure romance among the wide avenues.
Thanks to the natural hot springs, Budapest is also known as the “City of Baths”. The therapeutic Széchenyi bath with 15 indoor baths and three outdoor geothermal pools is the largest in Europe. And the Gellert baths are the most elegant.
The capital of Hungary has long been one of the most important cities in Europe. Its streets, squares and waterfront reflect this history and grandeur: from the Chain Bridge, the Fisherman’s Bastion and the imposing Buda Castle to the one-of-a-kind Hungarian parliament building. These places inspire awe with their size.
The city is vast, but it is better to get to know it on foot, since most of the sights are concentrated around the Danube. Visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, visit the synagogue on Dohany Street. Then take a boat trip along the Danube River to see the quaint green Liberty Bridge.
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