How do you find the most beautiful cities? Each city has its special charm, but some stand out with their mix of nature and city life. The most attractive towns often feature stunning mountains, sparkling rivers, lush forests, lovely coastlines, and amazing buildings and parks. Some might surprise you, while others are beloved classics. Either way, every city is a treasure trove of breathtaking sights waiting to be explored.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
In a city with 290 days of sunshine, beauty awaits at every turn, from the beach to the hills. Explore scenic viewpoints, or miradouros, like the popular Miradouro da Graça and the quieter Miradouro de Monte Agudo. For stunning architecture, visit the Church and Monastery of São Vicente de Fora or the Arco da Rua Augusta. Experience nature at Cape Roca and Arrábida Nature Park, known for its white sands. For breathtaking views, check out the Amoreiras 360° Panoramic View at the Amoreiras Shopping Center, where you can see the Tagus River and the Castle of São Jorge.
2. Ålesund, Norway
After a fire devastated Ålesund in 1904, the city rebuilt itself with stunning Art Nouveau architecture, showcasing some of the most beautiful designs in Europe. Explore the charming city by kayak along the Brosundet canal that flows through its heart. You can also take a boat ride on the Geirangerfjord or hike to the Mount Aksla viewpoint for breathtaking views of this remarkable place.
3. Sydney, Australia
In Sydney, you’re always near beautiful nature, from Bondi Beach’s turquoise waters and golden sands to the rainforests of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the bush of Royal National Park. A great way to explore is by walking the Glebe Foreshore, where you can enjoy views of Rozelle Bay, Blackwater Bay, and the Sydney Harbour. For a more relaxed outing, take a ferry or harbor cruise. Don’t miss climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with BridgeClimb Sydney for amazing city views.
4. Québec City, Canada
Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only fortified city north of Mexico. Stroll the cobblestone streets to see the Basilica Cathedral and the ramparts. Enjoy views of the St. Lawrence River from Dufferin Terrace. Check out the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and explore the charming Old Port. For nature, visit Jacques-Cartier National Park and Montmorency Falls, which are taller than Niagara Falls.
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam boasts historic buildings from the 17th century, a complex canal system, and charming homes. Biking is the best way to explore, but you can also take a boat tour of the UNESCO-listed canal ring. Stroll through Vondelpark, the city’s largest park. Don’t miss flying with This Is Holland for breathtaking views of the canals, tulip fields, and Veluwezoom, Holland’s oldest natural park.
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6. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, a port city on South Africa’s southwest coast, lies under Table Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. You can hike or take a cable car to the mountain’s flat top for stunning views of the city, harbor, and Nelson Mandela’s former prison. Visit Cape Point Nature Reserve to see its breathtaking hills, rocky coastline, and wildlife like baboons and diverse birds. Don’t miss the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, known for its stunning flora. The Victoria & Albert Waterfront offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll find natural beauty throughout this vibrant city.
7. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is a stunning city known for its beautiful architecture and lush landscapes. Located on Honshu Island, it features many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, like Kiyomizudera and Kinkakuji. Don’t miss sights like Togetsukyo Bridge and Tenryu-ji Temple. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while fall showcases vibrant foliage. The Tango-Santo Peninsula offers white-sand beaches, relaxing onsen (hot springs), and breathtaking views. One of Kyoto’s highlights is Arashiyama, famous for its serene bamboo grove.
8. Prague, Czech Republic
As its nickname suggests, the City of a Hundred Spires has an abundance of appealing architecture. The best way to experience Prague is on foot. Marvel at the many towers of Prague, like the Lesser Town Bridge Towers, the New Mill Water Tower, the Old Town Bridge Tower, and the Old Town Hall Tower–or take steps to the top of one, as each affords a distinctive view of the capital city. See the Old Town Square, the Vltava River waterfront, baroque buildings, and Gothic churches. Stop by the Astronomical Clock for its hourly medieval show.
9. Paris, France
No list of beautiful cities is complete without Paris! The French capital boasts over 500 parks and gardens, along with 2,000 monuments and 200 museums. Stroll through parks like Jardin du Palais-Royal and walk along the Seine or Champs-Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral for its gargoyles and climb Sacré Cœur for stunning views. Don’t miss the famous Père Lachaise cemetery and the panoramic view from the Eiffel Tower.
10. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is a resort town known for its beautiful beaches and the Sierra Madre mountains. Relax on the beach, explore caves, or take a sunset boat tour. Walk the Malecon Boardwalk and visit the stunning Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church. Check out the art on Cuale River Island and explore the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, featuring the Cactus Garden and Conservatory of Orchids.
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11. Lucerne, Switzerland
Surrounded by mountains and Lake Lucerne, this charming Swiss city offers stunning views. Explore the medieval architecture in Old Town, bordered by the 14th-century Museggmauer rampart. Visit the iconic Chapel Bridge, stroll the lakeside promenade, and join a tour to learn about the Lion Monument. For breathtaking vistas, climb Mount Pilatus or enjoy views from Château Gütsch, a Belle Époque hotel overlooking Lucerne.
12. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, stretches along both banks of the River Danube. The river separates Buda’s hills from the flatter, busier Pest, connected by the iconic Chain Bridge. Ride the Buda Castle Funicular, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, up to Castle Hill for great views of the Danube. Stroll along Andrássy Avenue to admire its Neo-Renaissance architecture. Key sights include Adam Clark Square, Heroes Square, Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Matthias Church, and Fishermen’s Bastion. After exploring, indulge in a soak at one of the many thermal baths—Budapest has more than any other capital city!
13. Venice, Italy
Explore the maze of calli (streets) in this unique city by the Adriatic Sea, where canals replace traffic and tall buildings. Visit the Rialto Bridge for a lovely view of the Grand Canal and the captivating Bridge of Sighs. Experience the lively Piazza San Marco and admire the Basilica of San Marco’s Byzantine mosaics. Climb the Campanile bell tower for stunning city views. Despite being touristy and pricey, a gondola ride through the canals is a must-do.
14. Charleston, SC
Explore the hidden gardens of Charleston, which are full of vibrant flowers and lovely views. Walk the cobblestone streets to see historic sites like Rainbow Row or enjoy the Battery promenade’s harbor views. Relax at Waterfront Park, and visit Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation for America’s oldest gardens. Discover nearby beaches on Isle of Palms and Folly Beach. Don’t miss paddling through Cypress Gardens or taking a boat for dolphin watching or a sunset cruise.
15. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is renowned for its stunning ornate architecture. Explore incredible temples like Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Ratchanadda, and Wat Pho. In the city center, the Grand Palace showcases Bangkok’s opulent style. Visit Namtok Phlio National Park in Amphoe Laem Sing to see a beautiful waterfall and take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River’s bustling canals. Climb the only hill in Bangkok to Wat Saket and the Golden Mount, a sacred temple with 320 stairs leading to panoramic views of Rattanakosin Island. Don’t miss Thung Prong Thong, or Golden Meadow, where the natural mangrove forest glimmers in the sunlight.
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16. Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg, a charming southwestern city along the Neckar River, is famous for its 14th-century university and stunning scenery. Explore the Marktplatz in the Old Town, along with the many public squares and gardens throughout this walkable city.
Don’t miss the most beautiful city Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle and its gardens on Königstuhl hill, offering fantastic views of the city, river, and rolling hills. From here, you can admire the Gothic churches and monasteries with their impressive spires reaching towards the sky.
17. Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, a port city on the Caribbean Sea, is one of the best-preserved cities in the Americas. Surrounded by archipelagos and islands, it offers over 20 beaches to explore, including Rosario, Barú, and San Bernard, with great diving opportunities to discover its underwater beauty.
With lush landscapes, stunning architecture, and a tropical climate, Cartagena has something for everyone. Stroll through the walled Old Town to experience cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and lively squares. Don’t miss the historic Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the India Catalina monument, and nearby churches.
18. Cork, Ireland
Cork City, Ireland’s second-largest city, is cherished by locals as “the real capital” and admired by visitors for its beauty. Originally a settlement for Celtic monks, it now hosts University College Cork. Built on islands, it’s Europe’s last port on the Atlantic, with the River Lee flowing through, offering calming waterside views.
Don’t miss the Neo-Gothic St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral for its stunning architecture and stained-glass windows. Nearby, Cork City Gaol resembles a small castle but once housed prisoners. The city center, where the river diverges, is perfect for exploration. Just outside Cork, you can discover the scenic coastline that makes the Emerald Isle famous, including the start of the Wild Atlantic Way.
19. Madrid, Spain
Visit the Paseo del Prado and El Retiro Park, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy green spaces at Casa de Campo, Madrid Río, and Capricho Park, or explore parks in every neighborhood. In Hapsburg Madrid, see the historic Plaza Mayor and the baroque Royal Palace, the largest in Western Europe. Don’t miss the famous Cibeles Fountain before strolling along the Art Walk.
20. Oia (Santorini), Greece
Oia, a stunning city on the northwestern tip of Santorini, offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. The unique beaches feature white, red, and black sands alongside craggy cliffs shaped by the Santorini Volcano. Enjoy the beach at Ammoudi in Oia’s harbor, then wander the streets to admire the beautiful homes and classic windmills. Hike to Oia’s highest point to explore the Byzantine ruins of the Castle of St. Nicholas and witness an unforgettable sunset.
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