The 25 Most Beautiful Cities in the World

 

Visiting the most beautiful cities in the world is a great itinerary idea. You can write down the 10, 20, or more cities in your travel list and start visiting them one at a time or combines a few of them, if possible.

But, which are the most beautiful cities in the world?

It’s really hard to tell since every city has its own beauty, depending on what you, as the traveler, are interested in. Plus, there are thousands of wonderful cities, and while each of them is worth visiting, it’s quite impossible because there’s not enough time to visit all of them.

That’s why, after a lot of revisions, analyzing the popular cities in the world, defining criteria, and asking thousands of travelers for their opinion, we have chosen the 25 most beautiful cities in the world.

Classification Criteria

To be able to choose the top 25 most beautiful cities in the world, we asked over 10,000 passionate travelers to help us. They’ve shared their opinion on which is the most impressive city out of the 100 preliminary cities we’ve selected based on the research we’ve done. They had to choose 5 of those 100 cities, based on the following criteria:

• The beauty of the landscapes
• The historical, artistic, and cultural heritage
• The wealth of opportunities
• Leisure and cleanliness/quality of tourist services

After analyzing their answers, we’ve been able to create this list of the world’s most beautiful cities.

25. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

A city with colonial charm located 2,000 meters above sea level, less than 100 km from Mexico City. But, although we are in Mexico, there are no beaches nor resorts as we are not in Cancun.

What makes this country so impressive is its identity, which lies in its colonial history, with architecture that recalls the Catalan one inserted in a 100% Mexican culture.

Don’t miss: Main garden, Parish of San Miguel Archangel, House of Don Ignacio de Allende, El Chorro spring, Botanical Garden.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 6/10
History, art, culture: 6/10
Leisure and entertainment: 4/10
Cleaning and services: 6/10
TOTAL: 22/40

24. Istanbul, Turkey

Mystery and beauty, monuments and churches, markets, or better said, Bazaars, referring to the Grand Bazaar, which is something else. The Turkish metropolis combines dream architecture with a Middle Eastern charm with spice flavors.

Don’t miss: the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, Aya Sofia.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 6/10
History, art, culture: 8/10
Leisure and entertainment: 6/10
Cleaning and services: 3/10
TOTAL: 23/40

22. Cairo, Egypt

The most important city in Egypt and one of the oldest in the world was born on the banks of the Nile. It’s probably the reference point for those passionate about ancient history and, of course, ancient Egypt, along with all the things that surround it, including mysteries, pyramids, sphinxes, and hidden treasures.

Don’t miss: the Giza Necropolis and its 3 Great Pyramids (Cheops, Chefren, and Menkaure), the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, the Alabaster Mosque, and the Coptic Quarter.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 8/10
History, art, culture: 9/10
Leisure and entertainment: 4/10
Cleaning and services: 3/10
TOTAL: 24/40

23. Bergen, Norway

The second Norwegian city, right after the capital Oslo, has more “identity” than the capital itself, is less cosmopolitan, and more linked to the origins of Nordic culture. Called “Gateway to the fjords”, it’s an extraordinary mix of mountains, ports, music, and culture.

Don’t miss: Bryggen hardbor, Bergenhus Fortress, Mount Fløyen, Hardangerfjord, and the “Troll’s Tongue”.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 7/10
History, art, culture: 5/10
Leisure and entertainment: 6/10
Cleaning and services: 7/10
TOTAL: 25/40

21. Charleston, South Carolina (USA)

In this city, you go back in time to the pre-industrial revolution: horse-drawn carriages, cobbled streets, and pastel-colored buildings. In the “Holy City”, you can breathe southern hospitality, embraced by a small gulf in the Atlantic Ocean. From its downtown to the French Quarter, passing through the Copper and Ashley rivers, it’s impossible not to fall in love with it.

Don’t  miss: Arthur Ravenel JR Bridge, French Quarter, Waterfront Park, Catherdral of Saint John the Baptist, and Fort Sumter National Museum.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 6/10
History, art, culture: 6/10
Leisure and entertainment: 6/10
Cleaning and services: 7/10
TOTAL: 25/40

20. Quebec City, Quebec (Canada)

It’s one of the most fascinating cities of the gigantic Canadian state. Perched on a rocky hill and crossed by the San Lorenzo River, Quebec City is divided into the upper city and the lower city. In 1985, it was included among the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Don’t miss: Chateau Frontenac, Montmorency Falls, Citadelle, Notre Dame de Quebec Cathedral, and Dufferin Terrace.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 7/10
History, art, culture: 6/10
Leisure and entertainment: 5/10
Cleaning and services: 7/10
TOTAL: 25/40

19. Athens, Grece

The city where democracy, politics, and many other things were born. In the cradle of the Mediterranean civilization, we find the city with such a great weight of history that can create an echo without limits. Although the economic situation is not prosperous, Athens remains an essential point of reference for fans of ancient history but also for those who are not that much into it, rather love exploring beautiful places.

Don’t miss: the Acropolis, the Agora, Syntagma Square, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, as well as the Plaka and Monastiraki districts.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 7/10
History, art, culture: 9/10
Leisure and entertainment: 7/10
Cleaning and services: 3/10
TOTAL: 26/40

18. New Orleans, Louisiana (USA)

One of the most fascinating destinations of the stars and stripes continent, home of blues and jazz, and with a troubled history related to the first slave routes from Africa. A city with a would so great that even the Hurricane Katrina of 2005 managed to destroy. A soul revealed in the French Quarter, at the Café du Monde (eng. Coffee of the World), and even in its famous cemeteries. And, if we add up the fact that it’s the city of Ghosts and Vodoo… do you need more?

Don’t miss: Jackson square, Bourbon street, Frenchmen street, and St. Lous Cemetery.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 6/10
History, art, culture: 6/10
Leisure and entertainment: 9/10
Cleaning and services: 5/10
TOTAL: 26/40

17. Kyoto, Japan

It is the city of 1,000 temples, the ancient capital of Japan, where you can experience the soul of the oriental country in its quintessence. From Buddhist temples to the neighborhoods of the Geishas, Kyoto, unlike the capital Tokyo, is a city of a slow-paced life, a city to breathe deeply.

Don’t miss: the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-Ji ), the Nishiki Market, the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and the Pure Water Temples (Kiyomizudera).

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 8/10
History, art, culture: 7/10
Leisure and entertainment: 4/10
Cleaning and services: 8/10
TOTAL: 27/40

16. Vienna, Austria

More than a city on a human scale, we would define it as “fit for kings, queens, and princesses”. Vienna can’t (and mustn’t) disregard its imperial past, as it has been the residence of the Habsburgs, but at the same time from being the city of Klimt and the Sacher Cake. Feel like kings, queens, and princesses for a weekend… in Vienna that’s possible!

Don’t miss: Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Castle, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and a Danube Cruise.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 7/10
History, art, culture: 8/10
Leisure and entertainment: 6/10
Cleaning and services: 6/10
TOTAL: 27/40

15. Bangkok, Thailandia

Culture and hectic life find a perfect synthesis in this city, a clear example of postmodernism that wants a cocktail in the sky bar at who knows which floor, a Thai massage, and a visit to Buddha. Yes, you can really find everything there! The culture is sliced, the landscapes are eye-popping, and the food… well, it’s the street food capital of the world, you know!

Don’t miss: Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Damnoen Saduk Floating Market, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), and Royal Palace/Wat Phra Kaew.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 7/10
History, art, culture: 8/10
Leisure and entertainment: 8/10
Cleaning and services: 5/10
TOTAL: 28/40

14. Cape Town, South Africa

A port city on the slopes of Table Mountain, among the 7 natural wonders of the world, Cape Town is a favorite destination for surfers, lovers of adventure, African history, and photo safaris, and more… It is also the city of Nelson Mandela and the prison of Robben Island, the “Big Five” and the Cape of Good Hope – a reserve inhabited by ostriches, baboons, warthogs, and other strange animals

Don’t miss: the beaches of Blouberg and Boulders Beach, Robben Island, Table Mountain, and Kruger National Park.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 8/10
History, art, culture: 7/10
Leisure and entertainment: 6/10
Cleaning and services: 7/10
TOTAL: 28/40

13. Siena, Tuscany (Italy)

Pearl of the Tuscan region, still related to its medieval identity by architecture and soul. It is the land of the Palio, good wine, as well as museums and art galleries. Just a few minutes away from it is even the legendary Sword in the Stone of British memory. Actually, all of its surroundings are, in general, spectacular.

Not to be missed: the Duomo, Piazza del Campo, the Medici Fortress and the Italian Enoteca, Montepulciano, and Montalcino.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 7/10
History, art, culture: 8/10
Leisure and entertainment: 7/10
Cleaning and services: 8/10
TOTAL: 30/40

12. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

It is the city of the most famous carnival in the world, the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, Monte Corcovado, and Christ the Redeemer. Simply known as Rio, it’s one of the most famous cities in the world, and there’s a reason why. Actually, there are many reasons why, starting from the approximately 6 million inhabitants, favelas, football, and the Tijuca National Park. A life is not enough to really get to know this city, but only a moment to fall in love with it!

Don’t miss: Statue of Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches, Corcovado Mountain, Sambodromo, Maracana Stadium, and Sugar Loaf.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 8/10
History, art, culture: 7/10
Leisure and entertainment: 10/10
Cleaning and services: 5/10
TOTALE: 30/40

11. Sydney, Australia

If you are looking for heaven on Earth, you just found it. Australia’s largest city may rank at the 11th position on this list but don’t get fooled… it is the most liveable city in the world. The thing is that the competition was too tight, and, although fascinating and a dream-come-true for many people, Sydney ranks in this position because of its beaches, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge.

If a paradise like Sydney is in 11th place, just imagine what awaits in the top 10!

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 6/10
History, art, culture: 6/10
Leisure and entertainment: 9/10
Cleaning and services: 9/10
TOTALE: 30/40

10. Venice, Italy

Entering the top 10, we find one of the most romantic cities in the world. Venice, with its lagoon, carnival, gondolas and gondoliers, and the San Marco square are a reason enough for being ranked in this position. They are also the reason that made this city a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 10/10
History, art, culture: 8/10
Leisure and entertainment: 7/10
Cleaning and services: 5/10
TOTALE: 30/40

9. Prague, Czech Republic

It’s the classic go-to destination for many people, especially the Europeans who choose it as their weekend getaway. The Czech capital finds its place in the 9th position because of its architecture, rich history that left many sites worth seeing, and the women. Yes, Prague is one of the cities with the most beautiful women in the world. It also has a UNESCO heritage historic center since it was the capital of the Roman Empire. And, the old town at night is a daydream!

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 7/10
History, art, culture: 8/10
Leisure and entertainment: 9/10
Cleaning and services: 7/10
TOTALE: 31/40

8. Amsterdam, Holland

When we first think of Amsterdam, we immediately think of it being one of the most transgressive cities in the world, with its red-light districts and legal cannabis. But, Amsterdam is so much more than that! It’s the capital of modernity, a city of art, and it’s all its canals. It’s also the city of Van Gough and mills and many, many stories and identities.

Don’t miss: Van Gough Museum, Anne Frank House, Rijkmuseum, Red Light district, and a canal boat ride.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 7/10
History, art, culture: 7/10
Leisure and entertainment: 9/10
Cleaning and services: 8/10
TOTALE: 31/40

7. San Francisco, California

It’s the economic, financial, cultural, and artistic center of the San Francisco Bay area. It’s also famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, skyscrapers such as the Transamerica Pyramid and the Millennium Tower, and parks such as Golden Gate Park. Moreover, it’s related to the key characters of the “Beat Generation”, such as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 7/10
History, art, culture: 7/10
Leisure and entertainment: 9/10
Cleaning and services: 8/10
TOTALE: 31/40

6. Florence, Italy

The mother of the Renaissance, the homeland of Dante Alighieri, and the cradle of art and culture couldn’t be missing from this ranking. Whoever mentions Florence, mentions Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, the Uffizi Gallery, and many other things that relate to this lovely city… the list is endless.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 8/10
History, art, culture: 10/10
Leisure and entertainment: 7/10
Cleaning and services: 7/10
TOTALE: 32/40

5. Rome, Italy

Another Italian city on the list and the last one from this country. Rome, the capital of the world, the absolute center of the ancient, a city where every corner shines its own light can’t be left out from this ranking. With its Colesseum, one of the 7 wonders of the modern world, its monuments, history, cuisine, and every part of it, Rome rightfully takes the 5th place.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 10/10
History, art, culture: 10/10
Leisure and entertainment: 8/10
Cleaning and services: 5/10
TOTALE: 33/40

4. Barcelona, Spain

A bit higher on the list, in 4th place, we find Barcelona. It’s ​​the city of Gaudì, the Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Montjuic, and Las Ramblas. And, let’s not forget, it’s the hometown of Camp Nou, the stadium of the Golden Ball award-winning Leo Messi!

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 9/10
History, art, culture: 9/10
Leisure and entertainment: 9/10
Cleaning and services: 8/10
TOTAL: 35/40

3. London, UK

The cosmopolitan city par excellence rises on the lowest step of the podium. London is the city of parks, the European capital that dictates trends and a trend itself. It’s also the city of red double-decker buses, the “changing of the guard”, the largest in Europe, the city of Tower Bridge, the Queen and … the city of Pink Floyd!

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 8/10
History, art, culture: 9/10
Leisure and entertainment: 10/10
Cleaning and services: 8/10
TOTAL: 35/40

2. New York City, USA

What can we say about this metropolis? It needs no introduction, indeed. But, if we have to describe it, we’d say it’s the city of paradoxes, one of the most impressive skylines in the world, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum, and … Friends.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 9/10
History, art, culture: 8/10
Leisure and entertainment: 10/10
Cleaning and services: 8/10
TOTAL: 35/40

1. Paris, France

And, in the first place, we find the city that takes the primate of the most beautiful city in the world – Paris. It’s the city of light, love, fashion and elegance, and an extraordinary mixture of culture, history, tradition, and legends. It’s also the muse of writers, singers, and artists who have eternalized it through their creations. From the Eiffel Tower to Mont Martre, from Notre Dame Cathedral to the Louvre, Paris becomes a museum. There is also the famous cemetery, Père Lachaise, where the grave of Jim Morrison is located.

Landscapes and environmental beauty: 9/10
History, art, culture: 10/10
Leisure and entertainment: 10/10
Cleaning and services: 7/10
TOTAL: 36/40