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Top 10 Most BEAUTIFUL CITIES in the World

1 | VENICE

Among those who've seen it in person, the conclusion is unanimous: Venice is the most beautiful city in the world, and the only one that can truly be described as unique. Each building is a work of art, with their beauty enhanced when reflected on the canals that cross the city. Its magical scenery is fascinating and breathtaking at first sight, evoking the feeling of entering the setting of a real-life fairy tale. It's perhaps even unfair to all other cities to call Venice a city, as it is a place unlike any other, that no other can compare to, or ever be like.

You'll find cities claiming to be "the Venice of the North," "the Venice of Africa," "the Venice of the East"... Any city crossed by canals or with colorful buildings sitting on the water's edge wants to be associated with the image of the world's most beautiful city. But the beauty of Italy's Venice is unrivalled and the entire city is one work of art. It's also one of only a few cities in the world that can be described as truly unique, where main "streets" are canals, there are no cars or traffic jams, and the mixture of Renaissance, Byzantine, Gothic, and Baroque architecture leaves anyone wondering if this magical cityscape is real at all.

The fairytale or theatrical atmosphere is then enhanced by the carnival mask shops, romantic gondola rides, and colorful palazzos. Everywhere you turn is a postcard image of this unequalled urban masterpiece.

Nothing quite prepares you for Venice, even after seeing it a million times in tourist brochures, guidebooks, or films. You'll fall in love at first sight and will stand in awe of its architecture, piazzas, and canal views until the very last minute before you leave. You'll have the designer shops, sophisticated bars, classy restaurants, galleries, and other tempting attractions to go indoors, but nothing can prevent you from going back to standing by a canal admiring the most spectacular city ever created, over and over again.

2 | PARIS

The Seine and the bridges that cross it, the grand boulevards, the monumental squares, the magnificent monuments, the charming streets of Montmartre -- these images of Paris confirm that it is indeed the most elegant and sophisticated of all cities. It has inspired practically every major world capital, with every city claiming its own Champs-Elysèes, and Place des Vosges becoming the prototype of residential squares throughout Europe. Sit at an outdoor café table or go on a boat tour of the Seine and see it all romantically flash before your eyes.

The French mastered the art of living, and their capital showcases it with the utmost sophistication. While the Louvre may be the world's unparalleled museum and the Eiffel Tower one of the most recognized landmarks, what has made Paris the world's most visited city is precisely that French art de vivre. The real draw is the city itself, its elegant boulevards, charming cafes and markets, glamorous boutiques, fine dining, the Seine, romantic visions, and of course, the art.
Paris is pure hedonism, which is why becoming a flâneur is as important during a visit to the city as seeing any particular sight. Sit at a café or bistro for a café crème and croissant, window-shop, grab a baguette at a market, have an aperitif before dinner, and indulge in haute cuisine.
Paris is in many ways the perfect city, so who can blame it for seeming self-absorbed, self-important, perhaps even narcissistic? While many outside visitors often diagnose its confidence as a superiority complex, Paris in reality is a very open and welcoming city. Its multicultural population has given it a revived creative energy, with traditional French chefs experimenting with global cuisines, young designers following international trends but incorporating a certain French touch, and a new generation of musicians placing the French language into cosmopolitan sounds.
So a stroll through Paris is following the footsteps of artists, intellectuals, philosophers, and lovers... It is finding architectural gems, an enticing café or shop, and exquisite corners down Montmartre, Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Bastille... In short, Paris is the beacon of sophistication and the joys of city life.
 

3 | PRAGUE

It is known as the city of the thousand spires because of its profusion of grand, beautifully-preserved historical monuments dating from practically every period in history. Those spires are best admired from the bridges that cross the Vltava River, especially from the magnificent Charles Bridge, or standing in the stunningly beautiful Old Town Square. Add the atmospheric alleyways and cobbled streets that lead to it, and you know that few other cities delight the senses as much as Prague.

Prague looks like a fairytale city undergoing a renaissance through tourism, for the better and for the worse. As one of the world's most beautiful and monumental cities, it's seen the emergence of new hotels and of a young generation intent on living as bon vivants. That's good news for visitors, who'll be enchanted by the old center and then join the local beauties down the cobblestone streets for a night of golden beer and cocktails.

But the hip cocktail bars and cool designer restaurants will always come in second to the stunning architecture. The city's soaring Gothic spires and towers are to be admired slowly, by strolling through the medieval lanes and crossing the marvelous Charles Bridge. You'll find that despite the onslaught of tourists, the city remains a well-preserved gem, and away from the stag parties is a classy and sophisticated city break destination.

4 | LISBON

Magnificently sited on a series of hills running down to the grand Tagus River, Lisbon is one of the world's most scenic cities. Beautiful unexpected views are found at every turn down its colorful, picturesque streets, and especially from strategically-placed viewpoints or terraces at the top of each hill. The city has an unpolished, seductive appearance; an effortless beauty with captivating details such as cobbled designs, tiled façades, and pastel-colored buildings blending together to give it a singular atmosphere now lost in so many other cities. In such a stunning place, it's no wonder that many of the world's great explorers questioned what other beauties lied beyond the horizon when they departed from here in the 15th century.


Lisbon is reawakening. The words "new" and "cool" haven't really been associated with this city since the 16th century when it ruled over the world's first global empire, extending from Brazil to India. Vasco da Gama's expedition to the East brought it cultures and a touch of the exotic that Europe had never seen before -- spices (cinnamon, pepper, ginger), foods (potatoes, pineapples, tea) and animals such as the elephant and rhinoceros that paraded by the city's waterfront.
When the glory days of trade and discovery were over, Lisbon fell victim to one of the most destructive earthquakes ever recorded, and remained dormant ever since. The kiss that awoke the "princess by the Tagus" came during Expo 98, the last world fair of the 20th century. The Expo site became a new neighborhood with futuristic architecture, riverfront warehouses were converted into clubs and restaurants, its narrow cobbled lanes were invaded by caipirinha-holding young crowds enjoying a typically-warm night out, new boutique hotels and contemporary-design hostels opened in renovated old buildings, and an energized artistic scene brought it a renewed sense of confidence.
Culture vultures have also welcomed a new world-class collection of modern art (the Berardo Museum), and a reborn Design and Fashion Museum.
But what hasn't changed are the breathtaking views from its hills which arguably make Lisbon Europe's most scenic capital. Add its trademark mosaic pavements, dilapidated pastel-colored or tile-covered buildings, iconic turn-of-the-century trams, melancholic Fado music, and you also have one of the world's most soulful cities. In fact, Lisbon's unpolished appearance actually provides a seductive atmosphere all of its own, and prevents it from ever being just another bland old city.
The nearby Atlantic beaches and fairytale palaces are other attractions, although visitors will find plenty of reasons to simply embark on their own voyage of discovery in this deliciously-decadent city.

5 | RIO DE JANEIRO

There are those who say God created the world in six days and devoted a seventh to Rio. The city is indeed blessed with one of the most stunning settings in the world, making it the most naturally beautiful city in the world. Even if it was deserted of buildings and population, anyone standing at the top of the famous Sugarloaf Mountain or by the Corcovado statue would see one of the world's most beautiful landscapes. Green, tropical luxuriance mixes with the blue of the ocean and the brightness of the sand at the beaches, proving that this is indeed "the marvelous city" as locals call it.


Rio is too busy at the beach to compete with São Paulo or Buenos Aires as Latin America's most stylish and dynamic metropolis. And who can blame it? After all, this is the city of tanned beauties living between lush mountains and golden beaches, so beauty and sensuality wins over urban sophistication.

It is also stunningly beautiful when seen from the top of the famous Corcovado statue or the Sugar Loaf mountain. Its matchless location earned it the name of "the marvellous city" and you'll agree as you lay in Copacabana or Ipanema beaches gazing at the surrounding hills and mountains -- that is, if you're not too distracted by the flawless bodies sunbathing or playing volleyball.

The smart Leblon neighborhood offers fashionable boutiques and restaurants, and in Ipanema you'll find the swankiest bars and shops. Then there's the colonial charm in its oldest districts (from the architecture of downtown to the Lisbon-like pavements), and the more bohemian Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods.

So pack your Havaianas and your sexiest beachwear, and whether you'll be heading to the beach, to a colorful dance venue, or crossing over to Niteroi's contemporary art museum, you'll always be surrounded by an irresistible and constant motion in Rio.

6 | AMSTERDAM

Each of the thousands of buildings that line Amsterdam's main canals can be classified as a monument, beautifully kept as apartments, offices, cafés, restaurants, and even brothels. All together they form an aesthetic uniformity that make the city one of the most charming in the world, a stunning place of bridges and bikes crossing canals, picturesque cobbled streets, and strikingly elegant architecture.

It's easy to see Amsterdam as one big village crossed by canals and footbridges, colorful flower markets, and bike paths, but that's only until you visit its art galleries, see the best of Dutch design, and experience its extravagant nightlife, when you conclude that this is in fact a big world-class city.

While the first images it brings to mind may be the sex and drugs of its famous red light district, this is also the city of elegant canalside architecture, relaxed cafes, and a live-and-let-live attitude to pretty much anything. So take advantage of that and in between visiting its art treasures, dedicate most of your time to simply hanging out and absorbing the city's vibrant, welcoming spirit.

7 | FLORENCE

Florence is synonymous with the Italian Renaissance, known for the artistic heritage in its palaces and museum collections. Yet with all the beauty both inside and outside its palazzi's walls, it is the city as a whole that impresses the most. See it from Piazzale Michelangelo, a 19th century terrace overlooking the entire city, and you'll be looking at one of the most storybook-perfect cityscapes. You'll see its unspoiled skyline, the towers and domes of the heart of the city, its bridges, the hills in the distance, and the magnificent Duomo standing in the middle of it all. Few other places in the world will leave you as awestruck.

Michelangelo and Machiavelli, Donatello and Dante, the Renaissance and romance are felt in every corner of Florence. A showcase of art and architecture, it is one of the world's greatest artistic capitals, with statues, sculptures, historic churches and palaces adorning the streets. But this is not an austere historical city stopped in time. Alongside the art galleries and beautiful piazzas are fine boutiques, designer shops, and lively cafes.

The remarkable heritage and extraordinary art are the mains draws for its visitors, but as one of the most aesthetically pleasing cities in Europe, it is the views from its bridges and street life that are likely to stand out in your memory when you leave.

You'll also want to return, since it is impossible to see all of its artistic treasures in just one visit. Take your time, visit the Duomo and the historical center followed by the Uffizi Gallery, and dedicate your remaining moments to exploring the back streets seeking out your favorite restaurant, bar, or irresistible shop.

8 | ROME

The city standing on seven hills by the Tiber River is a treasure-trove of monuments among some of the most beautiful squares and classical architecture in the world. Because everyone visits Rome for its landmarks, its picturesque streets are often overlooked, such as those of the Trastevere district, filled with charming lanes, faded palazzi, and lovely homes decorated with flower boxes. It is on streets like those that Rome proves itself to really be eternal.


Rome is a vibrant European capital with the unique appeal of being a vast outdoor museum recalling 3000 years of the history of Western Civilization. But although its ancient monuments and art treasures are what attract most visitors, the city also dazzles with the life in its beautiful piazzas filled with charming cafés and fantastic restaurants.
Take some time away from the major cultural sites, and experience Fellini's dolce vita with the beautifully dressed locals sipping espresso, by going on a major shopping spree, or enjoying the latest nightlife hotspot.
Forget Rome's image as a way-too-relaxed or even lazy city. Its bustling local life is now as big an attraction as its wealth of mesmerizing antiquity. Trastevere, Campo dei Fiore, and Testaccio attract young and hip crowds, and there is a thriving forward-thinking artistic community. Trendy new shops, restaurants, and contemporary cultural attractions such as the MACRO museum remind you that this is a city of the present and future, as much as it is of the past.

9 | BUDAPEST

Split in two by the Danube River, Budapest is the result of the merging of three cities. Buda is the hill with the royal palace and an old town filled with baroque and gothic monuments looking over the mostly-19th century Pest, crossed by broad avenues lined with elegant neo-renaissance buildings. Admire its setting and remarkable architecture (including the stunning Parliament Building) from the monumental Chain Bridge, and step into the old town for some of the most romantic lanes you'll ever stroll through.


Two cities separated by the Danube River became one and formed one of Europe's most beautiful capitals. Today, Budapest has also grown in the number of tourist visits, as well as in hotels, restaurants, and boutiques opening their doors. Since joining the European Union not too long ago, it has been cleaning up its beautiful architecture and is now more attractive than ever. It's especially beautiful when seen from the top of the hilly Buda side or from the river, with landmarks standing out in the skyline.

A visit to its famous thermal baths is a must, and the classical music scene is impressive. You may also join the local fashion-conscious youth in the new buzzing nightlife, or simply continue wandering the cobbled streets admiring the city's charm and lovely vistas.

10 | BRUGES

It's a small city, in a small country, hardly a metropolis, but huge on beauty. It's one of the world's best preserved medieval cities, filled with gothic and baroque monuments surrounded by an oval canal and extraordinarily romantic cobbled lanes. It's no wonder that it is one of Europe's most visited cities, helped by its location in the very center of the continent. It's an unmissable destination when in Brussels, and easily accessible from anywhere in central Europe. Its combination of gorgeous architecture and pretty, peaceful spots crisscrossed by canals make it one of the most magical sites to be experienced in the world.

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