Top 10 Most Beautiful Cities in the World

Natasha Weiss

04/04/2022

Share

There is no denying in Plato’s saying which quotes;

“Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.”

There is no one definition of beauty. One thing that might be charming to one person can be very general to others. The same applies to the debate about the most beautiful cities in the world. However, The Guardian put forwarded 6 fundamental metrics to describe the beauty of a town. The metrics include the order in the city plan, visible life, compactness, orientation & mystery, scale, and local value of the place.

Our list of the most beautiful cities in the world is by no means exhaustive. Above mentioned metrics and public reviews are an integral part of the concoction of the list.

So, set your alarms, roll your bags, and get ready to explore the world.

1. Kyoto, Japan

A perfect blend of historical wonders and picturesque landscapes; Kyoto is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Japan. More than 1600 Buddhist Temples and 400 shrines (some being UNESCO heritage sites) offer a detailed insight into the cultural bloodline of Kyoto. Stop by Hanami-Koji Street in Gion district to enjoy the relishing display of Geisha and Maiko Culture. The old town also offers a glimpse into the local life through Ryokan and Machiya (traditional townhouses).

Kyoto cuisine featuring Kaiseki ryori (a multi-course meal) and Sake (traditional wine) reflect the culinary specialties of the town. Cherry blossoms in April do not fail to bewitch tourists. Do not miss out on the Jidai Masturi Festival if you plan a Japan itinerary during October. Enjoy a cultural insight in the festival with more than 2500 people marching between Imperial Palace and Heianjingu Shrine in traditional costumes.

2. Cape Town, South Africa

Toppled between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain (one of seven world wonders); Cape Town is devoured for its scenic beauty and glistening landscapes. Located at driving distance from the city, Cape of Good Hope with Cape Floral Kingdom (one of six floral kingdoms of the world) is the best retreat for tourists.

Even the most beautiful cities in the world are etched with the marks of their freedom struggle in their history, and Cape Town is no different. Robben Island-a UNESCO heritage site celebrates the efforts of Nelson Mandela, who spent nearly 18 years in prison on the island for the freedom of his people.

Do not miss out on the traditional curry and chutney; the culinary specialties of Malay people (Malaysian migrants). Cooking classes are offered to master the local flavors of the region. While planning the Cape Town itinerary, mark a stop by Cape Winelands to sip in the peculiar flavors of Pinotage-a red grape signature wine.

3. Venice, Italy

The extensive canal system, teal tinted calm waters, and charming Gondolas make it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The canal snakes through the labyrinths of this floating city spread on over 100 islands. The picturesque landscape has been a shooting site for several serials and movies. Carnival of Venice, celebrated in January-February each year, attracts global attention due to the artistic masks and cultural display.

Forget about road trips as Gondolas are there to offer you a city trip visiting hidden art galleries and enjoying the rich café culture. Bridges of Sighs and The Rialto Bridge ought not to be missed when planning the Venice itinerary. The 11th century St. Mark’s Basilica, lined with gold mosaic, offers an enriched insight into Venetian Gothic architecture. Teatro La Fenice-opera house operating since 1792 is a cultural mark of the city. Stop by Burano Island-Instagram worthy town to taste local flavors and capture its beauty behind the lens.

4. Athens, Greece

Athens- one of the most beautiful cities in Greece is celebrated for its historical ruins and mouth-watering cuisine. It is the birthplace of many renowned philosophers, i.e., Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, offering a unique charm to the city. Planning Athens’ itinerary ends up as a pleasant experience as the town is a cocktail of historical treats, cultural wonders, and glittering landscapes.

Visit the Acropolis of Athens, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Panathenaic Stadium to enjoy a closer look at the city’s architecture and historical wonders. Epidaurus Arts Festival (June-August), featuring open-air theater, opera, and classical dance and music performances, attracts millions of eyeballs.

The culinary palette of Greece is filled with succulent souvlaki, Greek salads, moussaka, and Taramasalata. In Athens, you will find the most expansive display of olives and olive oil products, one of the Greek specialties. Stop by Athens flea markets- a labyrinth of buying and selling second-hand books, paintings, and musical instruments.

5. Paris, France

Famously known as the most romantic city in the world, French cherishes a bundle of exciting reasons to be on the list of most beautiful cities. Spectacular landmarks of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Basilica of Sacred Heart of Paris, and The Palais Garnier showcase the impressive architecture. The food pantries of Paris ooze out the best taste of the French cuisine featuring Steak Frites, Bouillabaisse, Beef Bourguignon, and several more classics.

Paris is also known as the city of art collections as you can see many famous artworks displayed in the galleries of The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée National Picasso. Next, head towards Avenue des Champs Élysées to shop from all your favorite brands. The street is dotted with cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, and theaters, offering you a fun-packed nightlife. In Paris, you will get to experience a strong café culture offering you plenty of opportunities to mingle with locals over a sip of coffee.

6. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges offers time travel to Middle Ages with the most authentic displays of Medieval architecture. The cobbled streets and canal unwinding besides traditional buildings is a sight to behold. The buildings are dipped in Flemish artwork. You can find the oldest preserved hospital, medieval almshouses, beguinage (religious residences) scattered around the city. The Belfry Civic Bell Tower with 366 steps is the most iconic building in the town.

The nightlife with Belgian beer in the canal-side cafés is matchless, qualifying Bruges as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Bruges truly bewitches tourists at night when stones, bridges, canals, and terraces cast a magical shadow in the canal. Get ready to be drowned in the sea of chocolate as Bruges features the most exhaustive display of chocolate products. Chocolate fused with fruits, beer, jellies, marshmallows, and macarons is irresistible.

7. Cartagena, Colombia

The spell-binding city of Cartagena is adored for its rich history, oozing flavors, & sunny beaches; making it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Cartagena- the largest slave port of history surrounded by a mighty fortress reminds us of the dark past of the city. The adjoining village of San Basilico de Palenque-first site of independent slave dwellers is stamped with historic treats such as cultural display in street art & attires etc.

Monuments of India Catalina, Los Zapatos Viejos, and Los Pegasos are some of the most famous in the city. Cartagena is also an artistic city with hundreds of galleries dotted around the town lined with both traditional and contemporary artworks. Colombians love to dance, so do not hesitate to join the salsa classes to truly enjoy the vibrance of nightlife. The 5 islands with more than 20 beaches in the city are famous spots for destination weddings and honeymoon trips.

8. Chefchaouen, Morocco

Dipped in various hues of blue, the city of Chefchaouen cast a magical spell upon its visitors. Wander the cobbled streets to shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts in one of the most beautiful cities out there. It is a multicultural city as it remained under the influence of many nations so you will find people speaking Arabic, French, and Spanish in the city.

The place is packed with historical wonders such as Grand Mosque, Bab-el-Ain, Kasbah, and Dar Biabou (traditional Moroccan homes), all within walking distance and surrounded by photogenic landscapes. Ras-el-Maa waterfall, located on the city’s outskirts, adds unique value to Chefchaouen.

9. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is one of our most beautiful cities due to its calm and laidback vibe. It must not be missed out on your Thailand itinerary as it is packed with the relics of the Lanna Kingdom, offering it cultural importance. Temples etched in Burmese Style are the hallmark of the place.

The hilly backdrop with side-by-waterbodies offers plenty of opportunities to hike, trek, camp, and rock climb. Enjoy zip-lining across the glistening landscape dotted with ancient ruins and canals.

Night Safari offers a safe and exciting encounter with wildlife, such as in Elephant Natural Park. The city is heaven for vegetarians as the delicious soy and tofu delights are available at a convenient cost.

10. Hanoi, Vietnam

The cultural capital of Vietnam is packed with museums, art galleries, and temples ranking it as one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam. Its enriched history is stamped with Japanese, Chinese, and French culture marks. Ho Chi Hinh Museum, Ngoc Son Temple, and Vietnam Museum of Ethnology are worth visiting. The ancient Water puppet theater located by Hoan Kiem Lake offers a detailed insight into Vietnamese folklore.

The town is heaven for photographers as it offers hundreds of photogenic spots, i.e., Hanoi’s Train Street. The diverse temperature range makes it one of the ideal locations to visit around the year. You can make quite flexible Vietnam itineraries due to the budget-friendly nature of the city.

In a nutshell, nearly all the most beautiful cities in the world have a different vibe. Some may be calm and laidback, while others might be noisy and bustling. Set your goals and find out what suits you the best. Check out our itinerary guide to customize an itinerary of your choice with the least hassle.

We wish you a fun-filled and memorable trip!