There are beautiful cities, travels to which leave indelible impressions. They confuse you in the labyrinth of cobbled streets, delight you with the splendor of ancient cathedrals and make you swoon near flower arrangements in well-maintained parks. Beauty is a subjective criterion: it is different for everyone.
The cities in this selection will definitely be remembered for a long time – they are the coolest in the world and interesting, and therefore popular and made for the best travel.
Paris, France
The capital of France regularly tops lists of the most beautiful and most visited cities in the world. It is home to the Eiffel Tower, one of the most photographed tourist attractions on Earth. And despite the fact that the metal structure disappoints many people, seeing it with your own eyes is a dream for millions.
Another symbol of Paris is the famous Louvre, which is remarkable not only from the outside but also inside. The museum houses an outstanding collection of paintings, including Leonardo da Vinci’s legendary Mona Lisa. The white basilica of Sacré-Coeur, which rises on Montmartre Hill, is also admired.
In total, architecture and design experts have counted more than 1,800 places in Paris that deserve the attention of tourists. To trace the evolution of the city, take a stroll along the Seine embankments – this area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rome, Italy
This city is three thousand years old, and this is already a good reason to visit it at least once. The symbol of the Italian capital is the ancient Colosseum, which amazes with its scale. The main hero of Roman photos is the Trevi Fountain, which is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Walking the streets of the Italian capital, it’s easy to catch yourself thinking that these very stones were stomped on by the sandals of Roman emperors.
Excellent views of the city can be enjoyed from the Castel Sant’Angelo, and fans of ecclesiastical architecture should not miss St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City (the dwarf enclave state is located right on the territory of Rome).
However, the UNESCO World Heritage List includes the entire center of the capital of Italy, so to see the beauty, you don’t necessarily need to mark individual points on a map of Rome – you can just walk around and look around.
Moscow, Russia
Moscow is so multifaceted that it’s hard not to fall in love with it: everyone can find something different here, such as a square, a public garden, a museum, or maybe even a skyscraper.
The heart of the Russian capital is Red Square and the majestic Kremlin with its temples and museums. The main square of the country is also home to the Pokrovsky Cathedral with its colored domes, one of the favorite tourist attractions.
Walk along Tverskaya Street to the Pushkin Monument, and then turn into the alleys that wind around Patriarch’s Ponds. Or appreciate the landscape design of Zaryadye Park, walking along it to Kitay-gorod with its bustling bars and restaurants. You can study modern architecture in the City area – there are several high-rise observation decks, from which you can see Moscow like in the palm of your hand. If you are fond of the city’s Soviet past, find all the Stalinist high-rises on the map and organize a nostalgic excursion under the code name “7 Sisters”.
Barcelona, Spain
A favorite of tourists of all ages. Young people are attracted to Barcelona because of its loud parties and bars, while older people are attracted by good restaurants with fresh paella and diverse architecture.
The city’s most famous site is the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its spindle-like towers pointing upwards. Despite the fact that the cathedral is the most ambitious long-term construction on the planet, it is included in the list of sights that are worth seeing at least once in a lifetime. Another trademark of Barcelona is the work of architect Antoni Gaudi. He, for example, created a residential building – Casa Batlló – in which there are no right angles. The same genius realized the design of the legendary Park Güell with its mosaic benches and bizarre sculptures. Perfect for a summer photo shoot.
Venice, Italy
The city, built on 118 islands, is a unique phenomenon that millions of tourists from all over the world strive to see every year. Public transportation in Venice is not buses and cabs, but boats, ferries and boats. And this alone creates a romantic mood.
A ride along the Grand Canal is a dream for many. During the high season, there can be too many people, so avoid the Easter vacations and the traditional summer vacation period if possible.
Bridges crossing the turquoise canals are lined with flowers and every café smells of pizza and coffee. The Lovers’ Bridge and the Rialto Bridge, the oldest in the city, are particularly popular.
The main tourist point on the map of Venice is the Piazza San Marco with its namesake cathedral, which impresses with the splendor of its interior. The relics of Evangelist Mark are kept here. All around there are dozens of restaurants with a view (and a rather high price tag).
London, UK
London, Paris’s eternal rival, has a truly British character. It is reserved, austere and incredibly elegant.
The main symbol is the legendary Big Ben, the clock on the Elizabeth Tower. It is the clock on the Elizabeth Tower, which appears on textbooks and English tea bags. The clock has recently undergone a five-year restoration, and today Big Ben is once again pleasing to the eyes of tourists. Be sure to appreciate the scale of the Palace of Westminster and walk next to Buckingham Palace in the adjacent park.
One of the oldest buildings in the city is the Tower, next to which is the bridge of the same name with an interesting museum inside. If you decide to admire the British capital from the heights, take a ride on the London Eye Ferris wheel. This structure, along with shining skyscrapers, is also considered to be a decoration of London – only modern.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is one of the most beautiful (and visited) cities in Turkey, where tourists primarily go to see the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Cathedral.
In Istanbul, Europe meets Asia, and the intertwining of Eastern and Western civilizations makes you admire this city again and again.
You can see the city with its bays and cable-stayed bridges from the Galata Tower or the majestic Süleymaniye Mosque, which is especially beautiful at sunset. The Grand Bazaar is also impressive, smelling of spices and incense.
It will not be easy to see all the sights of Istanbul for a trip – according to a rough estimate of experts, there are more than 500 objects worthy of travelers’ attention.
Kyoto, Japan
The ancient capital of Japan attracts tourists with its authentic architecture and the atmosphere of antiquity – on the streets of Kyoto you can still meet geishas in traditional clothes.
If you want to see traditional Japan, be sure to visit Kyoto, the cultural capital of the country.
It’s hard not to appreciate the Fushimi Inari temple complex or the Kinkaku-ji golden pagoda. Experienced travelers recommend coming to Kyoto in spring, in late March and early April. At this time cherry blossoms bloom here, which turns simply beautiful landscapes into absolutely fabulous ones.
St. Petersburg, Russia
The cultural capital of Russia is regularly recognized by tourists from different countries as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And St. Petersburg with its bridges, canals and magnificent palaces really has something to surprise even the most demanding travelers.
St. Petersburg is notable for its harsh temperament: it’s often windy and rainy. But if you are lucky with the weather, it will be hard to resist the charm of the canals, bridges and palaces.
You can easily spend a whole day in the spacious halls of the Hermitage, and the colorful domes of the Savior on the Blood want to be photographed again and again. If you come to St. Petersburg in summer, be sure to find time to visit Peterhof with its fantastic fountains and well-maintained park. In addition, at this time it is white nights, which give the city on the Neva River a special charm.
New York, USA
The beauty of New York is specific, because this city is built of glass and concrete.
Every day, 300,000 pedestrians walk through Times Square and 115,000 cars drive by. This is the heart of the city that never sleeps.
There are no antiquities here, but there is a unique charm: neon signs in Times Square, the bizarre Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, familiar even to those who have never been to the United States. And also, of course, hundreds of places familiar from Hollywood movies: from Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge. New York is a city with fantastic energy. It never sleeps and is always ready to surprise those who get here by crossing the ocean.
Prague, Czech Republic
The capital of the Czech Republic is an ancient and mystical place, with a special atmosphere that seems mysterious to some and even a bit oppressive to others.
Prague is called “the city of towers”, and it is easy to see that. There are about a thousand towers on the city’s list of attractions.
Prague Castle, the largest castle in the country, rises above the city, with St. Vitus Cathedral on its territory. A true work of medieval architecture, Charles Bridge is a must-see for tourists and locals alike. Here you can listen to street musicians and watch swans in the Vltava River. From here you can also enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Old Town.
Its heart is the Old Town Square with the Town Hall, which is adorned with a bizarre astronomical clock. Fairs and folk festivals are always organized on the square, so it is almost always crowded.
Of the relatively new attractions is the unusual Dancing House, unique for its whimsical design.
Singapore
This city-state is one of the most high-tech cities in the world. It is very clean, modern and comfortable to live in. And there is, of course, much to marvel at.
Singapore is among the 20 smallest countries in the world – its area is only 715 square kilometers, but this does not prevent the city-state from surprising tourists.
The futuristic Gardens by the Bay has unusual giant trees and bridges to walk between them. The rooftop of the fashionable Marina Bay Sands Hotel offers fantastic views, while the ancient Chinatown retains an authentic atmosphere. Even Singapore’s Changi Airport can be called a city landmark, with plenty of greenery and creative art objects.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
There are many beautiful cities in the Netherlands – cozy Utrecht, blooming Haarlem, restrained The Hague. But Amsterdam with its canals and bridges is definitely the leader among tourists.
If you are in Amsterdam, you need to look around very carefully to avoid being hit by… a bicycle. The majority of the city’s citizens travel by this environmentally friendly means of transportation.
It is a very eclectic city, where nightlife with loud parties neighbors with a rich cultural heritage, and old buildings with brick facades are generously diluted with unusual works of modern architects.
The most spectacular shots of Amsterdam can be taken from the water, so don’t miss the chance to take a boat trip along the canals. Grab a coffee at Dam Square and visit the Gothic church of the Audekerk. Visit the Eye Film Museum and take time to visit the Rijksmuseum with its collection of paintings, considered one of the best in the world.
Bruges, Belgium
The Belgian city is not just for laying low. You can have a lot of fun and enjoy the beautiful architecture.
A postcard city that should have been invented, but it thankfully exists in reality. Bruges has more than 80 bridges and canals, for which it is sometimes called the Venice of the North. It’s also home to delicious chocolate.
Bruges looks like it stepped off the pages of a book of fairy tales about beautiful princesses and powerful wizards – any photo taken on its streets instantly turns into a postcard. The main attraction is the market square with the Belford Tower, where you should definitely go up to get a close look at the gingerbread houses. As in the case of Amsterdam, you can take a ride along the canals of Bruges, for example by boat or kayak. Beautiful views are guaranteed.
Colmar, France
This old French town is located on the border with Germany. The half-timbered houses look very photogenic on the banks of narrow canals. Many of the buildings are decorated with paintings and sculptures. The old town has remained untouched for several centuries, so it resembles a “theme park” with real historical monuments, without props.
Colmar is considered the driest city in France, so it’s fine to leave your umbrella at home. Especially if you come here in summer. Colmar is especially good before Christmas, when the squares open fairs, and the streets begin to sparkle with hundreds of colorful lights. Money for festive illumination in Colmar is not spared, so this city can well claim the title of the New Year’s capital.
Vienna, Austria
Majestic, musical, prim – the capital of Austria delights tourists with the beauty of its palaces, museums and cathedrals.
Vienna admires the splendor of its palaces and manicured parks, where it is so pleasant to relax on a warm day. Step off the subway at Stefanplatz and stand for a long time with your head up and study the carved spire of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. And then head to the Hofburg, the stunning imperial palace, an impressive structure both inside and out. A real treasure trove is the Museum Quarter, to which you can easily devote an entire day. And, of course, don’t overlook the beautiful Town Hall, which is bustling with life in both summer and winter. Concerts and gastronomic specialties are all here.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The capital of Scotland will not leave indifferent lovers of the Middle Ages.
Edinburgh, with its medieval buildings, is the setting for a magical movie or book. It’s no wonder that this is where J.K. Rowling invented Harry Potter.
Walk along the Royal Mile, the city’s main thoroughfare, to the monumental Edinburgh Castle. Along the way, check out St. Giles Cathedral, the main center of Presbyterianism. You can relax and admire the flowers in the city park, and make colorful photos – on Victoria Street with its colored houses. It is said that this very place became the prototype of Slanting Lane from “Harry Potter”. Here, by the way, there is a store for fans of The Boy Who Survived.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is all about bridges, palaces and thermal baths, many of which are housed in fantastically beautiful buildings (take Gellert or Széchenyi for example). The symbol of the Hungarian capital is the parliament. Its lacy building impresses even superstars – Freddie Mercury once wanted to buy it.
The Parliament building is one of the main symbols of Budapest. It is believed that 40 million bricks and 40 kilograms of gold were used to build it.
Mark the Fisherman’s Bastion on the map, the best view of the Parliament is from here. Next to the bastion is the beautiful St. Matyas Church. Budapest is very pleasant to walk around, there are many parks and green areas. And also in the city is very convenient public transportation, which is easy to get from Buda to Pest and back. In the evening you can dive into one of the hot thermal pools.
Copenhagen, Denmark
The best time to visit Copenhagen is in the summer, otherwise it can seem deceptively unfriendly due to the strong winds from the sea.
Copenhagen in summer is bustling, fun and carefree. But it is also charming in the winter months. For example, there are beautiful Christmas fairs.
Sights include the Amalienborg architectural complex, the former royal residence Rosenborg and the Nyhavn waterfront with its colored houses and ship masts – this is the place that is regularly featured on postcards and magnets. If you’re traveling with kids, check out the famous Tivoli amusement park, and if you’re not afraid of crowds, try to find the Little Mermaid monument.
Munich, Germany
Munich is not only the capital of beer and sausages, this city boasts beautiful architecture.
Munich is world famous for the famous Oktoberfest, but even if you come at a different time, you can taste all the Bavarian specialties in very atmospheric traditional restaurants.
You can start exploring the city at the town hall on Marienplatz, which is covered in flowers in summer and Christmas decorations in winter. If you want beautiful views, go up to the observation deck. Not far away is the Azamkirche, one of the most beautiful churches in all of Germany.
Fans of palaces and parks will definitely enjoy a trip to Nymphenburg, the Baroque residence of the Bavarian rulers. When the weather is nice, you can stroll through the English Garden, one of the largest parks in the world.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is considered one of the most beautiful cities in South America.
Not only architecture is responsible for Rio’s beauty, but also nature: green hills and golden sand beaches make this city special.
Rocky mountains, verdant hills and picturesque lagoons create breathtaking panoramas that you want to memorize and photograph.
The dominant landscape is Sugar Loaf Mountain, which can be reached by cable car, and the most beautiful sunsets can be found on the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana. And yet the main symbol of the city is the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain. The monumental structure is included in the list of new wonders of the world.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
It is this beautiful harbor city that is the birthplace of tango. Immigrants brought their dances here, and tango emerged from them. In the capital of Argentina you will see the influence of many cultures, in particular Spanish, Italian, French. For example, the city has many buildings reminiscent of Parisian beige houses, there are also examples of Spanish architecture. For this combination Buenos Aires is called “South American Europe”.
Some streets of Buenos Aires are uplifting with their colorful architecture. The photo shows one of the buildings on Caminito Street.
Travelers will find a rich nightlife, especially in this respect from all districts of the capital stands out Palermo, there are a lot of fashionable discos. In general, Buenos Aires is a colorful, dynamic and bright city with its own history. Some tourist attractions are the Colón Theater, the famous 37-meter Obelisk on Avenida 9 de Julio, Plaza de Mayo.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney’s calling card is its opera house, which regularly makes it onto lists of the world’s best architecture. You can admire it from afar, or you can explore the city from the observation deck on top of it – both are good in their own way.
The Sydney Opera House is world famous, and it’s no wonder – it’s housed in one of the most original buildings on the planet. It looks particularly spectacular at night when the lights are on.
Another vantage point is at Sydney Tower, the city’s tallest building. Other attractions include the Harbour Bridge, Port Jackson Bay and Hornby Lighthouse. Sydney also has more than a hundred picturesque beaches for surfers and more.
Baku, Azerbaijan
Baku is one of the underrated cities, which rarely appears in compilations of the most beautiful places on the planet, and in vain.
Baku is a very hospitable city where the past harmoniously neighbors with the future.
It is impossible not to fall in love with the labyrinthine streets of the old city of Icheri Shekhera. The shops of the local merchants are like Aladdin’s treasure troves, and the door of each house is a true work of art. Even the air here seems to be imbued with antiquity. Visit the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, from where you can see modern Baku, and feel how the past of this city meets its future. Then go up to the terrace of one of the restaurants, watch the sunset and enjoy aromatic black tea in an elegant glass.
Stockholm, Sweden
The picturesque city is situated on 14 islands and is famous for its many beautiful historic buildings. Among them are the Gothic Storkirkan Cathedral and the stunning Riddarholmen Church.
Old Stockholm, known as Gamla Stan, is one of the best preserved medieval urban centers in Europe.
Take a stroll through the old town with its colorful houses and cobblestone streets, and check out the Royal Palace. The best vantage point in Stockholm is called Skinnarviksberget, on the island of Södermalm, which has recently transformed from a working-class neighborhood into a bohemian district.
Bonus: Chefchaouen, Morocco
This unusual city is often called the “blue pearl of Morocco”. The explanation is simple: its buildings, which have remained unchanged since the Middle Ages, are painted in all shades of blue.
An endless source of inspiration for artists and creative shots for bloggers. The colors in Chefchaouen are so vivid that they don’t need photo editors. The city looks so fantastic that it is simply impossible to stop taking pictures. There is no official explanation for the choice of colors, but there is a version that this is how the inhabitants of the city emphasized their closeness to God and heaven.
In the past, non-believers were not allowed into Chefchaouen on pain of death. Now anyone can wander the colorful streets.
Travel Tips
1. The best time to visit the world’s most beautiful cities is during the low tourist season, such as mid-May or early September. Vacations, on the other hand, are best avoided: there will be more people, and prices for souvenirs and food will be noticeably higher.
2. When traveling in Europe, you can visit several cities that are breathtakingly beautiful. For example, it is easy to travel from Vienna to Munich or Budapest by car, and there are trains from London to Edinburgh.
3. Even if you don’t plan a long and extreme trip, it’s worth taking out travel insurance before you go: medicine in the world’s tourism centers is usually very expensive.
