Are you looking for the most beautiful cities in the world to visit? We don’t claim to have been to every beautiful city in the world but have done our fair share of traveling across 80 countries and six continents. Of all the cities and towns we have traveled to, only a few beautiful cities stand out. Chances are you’ll fall in love with any of the cities on this list if you haven’t already.
The Most Beautiful City in the World – Europe
Innsbruck, Austria
When we are thinking about beautiful cities to visit in the world, Innsbruck is top of mind. Innsbruck is one of the finest cities in the world. There aren’t many cities in Europe quite like Innsbruck.
It’s coined itself the title “Capital of Alps,” and easy to understand why once you set foot in the city. Flanked by the impressive Nordkette mountain range that towers over the city, nature never feels far away.
It’s the only city where you can ski, explore a grand palace, window shop, and savor a strudel all in one day. There are plenty of things to do in Innsbruck with the Austrian Alps and a city rich in history. In many ways, it’s everything we love about Austria, all packed into a modern city and historic city.
We love the fact that you can be in a beautiful medieval old town and then within minutes places you in the heart of the Alps with cowbells ringing and fresh Alpine air. Innsbruck has a bit of urban sprawl going on, and it can look a little dreary in the winter, but don’t let it distract you from the gorgeous “Altstadt.”
Florence, Italy
Florence (Firenze) is the capital of Tuscany and a highlight of any tour in Italy. It’s certainly what I think of when I think of the most beautiful city in the world. Even if you only have a few weeks in the country, Florence should be top of your list. The city is famous for its world-class cuisine, museums, art, and the surrounding countryside. The architecture in Florence pulls you in and begs you to get lost in its historic heart.
Florence is known for being the birthplace of the Renaissance period and packed full of history. When you walk the narrow cobbled stone streets, it appears as if little has changed with marble basilicas, dark chapels, gas lanterns, and enchanting frescos.
It’s also a great jumping-off point to many other fascinating Italian cities like Sienna and Lucca. If you are looking to venture all around Italy, I recommend going by train or renting a car. However, it’s a country we would not recommend a tour in other than a local hiring a local tour guide for a day.
Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor is a well-preserved former Venetian city in Montenegro inhabited by less than 13,000 people. Once visitors pass through the city walls, a labyrinth of marbled streets, old lamps, stones houses, and quiet piazzas await them.
The ancient city is fortified and encompassed by imposing stone walls, while the town itself sits at the foot of a gorgeous Adriatic bay with the Dalmatian mountains rising high up above turquoise waters.
Some refer to the Bay of Kotor as being the southernmost Fjord in Europe, and with the stunning beauty of the bay, it is easy to see why. It’s a magical destination that feels as if you’ve taken a step back in time.
We’ve been twice, and it still stands out as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Make sure to make your way down to the harboring village of Perast while there, it’s equally as stunning.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Most are familiar with Zermatt whether we’ve heard of the tiny village or not. Switzerland’s iconic Matterhorn mountain peak rises up over the town, and its image has been featured in Ricola commercials and slapped on every Toblerone chocolate bar for years. There is probably no mountain on earth with a more picturesque peak.
To see the mountain in person was on our bucket list, and it had been ever since our first Toblerone as children. With that in mind, it was an easy decision to add Zermatt to the list of destinations in Switzerland on our European ski tour. Our arrival in the Swiss village was late in the evening, so when we opened our hotel room window and looked up to see the sun setting on the mountain peak, it took our breath away.
Despite traveling so much of the world, there are those moments that still make us go “whoa!” What made it all better was spending the next three days snowboarding on the mountain base.
Along with being a picturesque mountain village, Zermatt is known to have one of the best ski resorts in the world. You can easily spend your days there enjoying the mountain and then heading down to town for a night of posh shopping and expensive food.
We recently returned in the summer and loved it even more, especially staying at the Zermatterhof – one of the best hotels in Switzerland.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The city of Amsterdam needs no introduction. It is known as the Venice of the North because of its hundreds of canals. Amsterdam is nothing short of impressive, and a must-see while in Europe. Whether you’re into history, architecture, partying, food, shopping, art, or cafes, there is something here for everyone.
A summer day in Amsterdam is near impossible to top in any other city. Our favorite thing to do in Amsterdam is simply sit canal-side in a quiet neighborhood, like Jordaan and enjoy a cold Amstel. Or you could do even better with a boat cruise.
Check out the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum if you’re looking for traditional sights and on a backpacking trip around Europe.
Edinburgh, Scotland
It’s tough to argue with the appeal of Edinburgh as it’s one of the most stunning cities in all of Europe and packed with a long dark history. It’s an interesting mix with a city center split in two between the jumble of medieval buildings in the old town and the perfectly lined Georgian buildings of New Town.
The city, in many ways, is a mess, but a beautiful one at that! It’s brimming with class, tourist sites, and character, and I assure you there is no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh.
The city contains many contrasts and offers world-class art festivals like Hogmanay to fine dining, rowdy pubs, designer shops, comedy clubs, luxury hotels, and hip coffee shops. It’s almost impossible for any visitor to have the same experience or opinion of Edinburgh. We tried our best to enjoy a bit of it all, but we’ll have to return someday with more time like all visitors.
Venice, Italy
Love or hate Venice, there is no denying its popularity. It is the most beautiful historic city on the planet, but tourists also besiege it. The sinking city is a network of 118 islands connected by bridges.
Buildings here are old, and if you manage to get away from the crowds, it feels as if you’ve stepped back five centuries in time. After several separate visits, we have decided that we still absolutely love Venice.
In our opinion, Venice is best in the shoulder and offseasons. The canals of Venice are notorious for harboring a lot of waste, and in the summer, the smell can get pretty bad; however, in the cooler months, there are fewer tourists, less waste, and the scent is at bay.
If you were to ask us Venice is one of the most beautiful cities globally, except in the summer months. Check out more things to do in Venice.
Stockholm, Sweden
There is no denying the charm of Stockholm on a beautiful summer day. Under the Midnight Sun, the city dubbed “Venice of the north” contains many cafes and bars that brim with patrons indulging in the “Fika” cafe culture.
Venturing around the cities, many islands, and parks break down your typical notions of a city. Stockholm is refreshing and blurs the lines between modern, historical, natural, and city.
The Most Beautiful Cities in Asia
Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey’s most famous city is one of the most amazing in the world and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and Asia, depending on who you ask. Istanbul bridges Europe and Asia, and the town crams in both cultures for everyone to experience.
You can actually take a ferry along the Bosphorus and take a photo between two continents – where else in the world can you do that? It has long served as the crossroads between the two continents and thus has a fantastic amount of history, architecture, and culture.
Istanbul is a massive city, and even with two trips back here, we have yet even to scratch the surface of what Istanbul has to offer. It’s the perfect place to stroll along the Bosphorus and enjoy the old buildings and beautiful mosques nearby.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is undoubtedly one of the beautiful cities to visit in the world. I went to Japan on a backpacking trip five years ago, and ever since I have returned every year – sometimes twice in a year!
Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794-1868, and history is present throughout the city. Although this city has repeatedly been destroyed during times of war, except WWII, it remains one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
There are over 2000 temples and shrines in the city, including the Instafamous Fushimi Inari-Taisha. Besides the temple, 20% of Japan’s National Treasures are in the city, and there are 17 locations that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s widely considered one of the most culturally significant cities in the world, and there are a million things to do in Kyoto.
I spent five days in Kyoto last time, but I think you could spend two years doing something every day and still not uncover half of it. Japanese culture needs a lifetime to take in.
Ubud, Bali
In my opinion, Ubud is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Bali is now the new Thailand, and every digital nomad and backpacker has been flocking there the past couple of years.
The mission is to find healthy food, trendy cafes, good WiFi, and live a comfortable way of life at a fraction of what it would cost in the West. You can find this lifestyle all over Bali, but we mainly fell in love with the mountainous town of Ubud in the middle of the island.
Ubud is nestled in the jungle and surrounded by rice terraces. It has long been referred to as the cultural “chill” space of Bali. A place where all can go to practice yoga and relax under a waterfall. The allure of Ubud has caught on with just about every traveler who has seen or read Eat, Pray, Love. Still, the Balinese are among the kindest people you can cross paths with, and if you are a vegan animal lover addicted to coffee, you may never want to leave.
Singapore
After coming from a far-off island away from the city, we weren’t sure what to expect from a two-day layover in Singapore. It’s known for being one of the most expensive cities globally, and not on par with other cities around Asia. Nevertheless, we arrived with open minds and open wallets.
Singapore is nothing short of unique from the rest of the world. Would you like to smoke in public and throw your cigarette on the ground? Too bad – it’s illegal. Want to feed the pigeons? That’s a $500 fine. Also don’t even think about walking around your house naked with the curtains open. You may end up in jail.
All these things may sound extreme, but to me, they come together to make it the most beautiful city in the world. Besides the crazy laws and fines, the city is known for its bustling hawker centers, 24-hour coffee shops, intense shopping malls, a famous nightlife scene, and vibrant public parks.
Busan, South Korea
Set on the seaside and backed by forested mountains, it’s easy to forget the scale of Korea’s second-largest city.
Busan is a port town at its heart, but a lot more than meets the eye will entice travelers. We booked tickets to find a more relaxed coastal city with a cosmopolitan vibe, and we found a lot more.
Busan, to our surprise, is a city that has something to offer every traveler’s taste. Most importantly, it’s a city almost untouched by international tourism.
The Most Beautiful Cities in South America
Quito, Ecuador
When I traveled to Ecuador three years ago, it was an eye-opening experience. I arrived in Quito at night with no knowledge of the city. As a solo backpacker on a tight budget, I barely scratched the surface; I knew I would have to return one day with Cameron and explore deeper.
In 2018 we found ourselves in the South American city again before traveling to the Galapagos and falling in love. It was an incredible Andean adventure, and we got to sink our teeth into Ecuadorian culture. I liked my time in Quito for the first time around, but I fell in love with it the second time.
We spent a few days chatting with local artisans, hopping into historic churches, and trying delicious Ecuadorian food. If you’re wondering where to stay in Quito and what to do, read on!
Cusco, Peru
Cusco is one of the most exciting cities in South America, and it’s because of its unique flavor. The Peruvian city is the most extended inhabited city in the Americas, and colonial buildings clash with old Incan architecture. In many cases, those colonial buildings sit on the foundations of the former Incan empire.
Cusco is both touristy and authentic. You’ll find a woman in traditional dress on her way to the market while another three attempt to ply you away to take a photo with them and their adorable pet llama for a few soles.
Mass tourism has yet to ruin the vibe, yet you can easily find good food and a decent cappuccino. All of this takes place in the heart of the Andes and the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Almost every traveler to Peru makes their way to the city, and for good reason, there are so many great things to do in Cusco. After several days of exploring the city in June, we fell in love and hope to make it back someday.
Cartagena, Columbia
This South American city is regarded as being one of the most beautiful in the entire world. Located on the Caribbean Coast is this well-preserved 16th-century vibrant city.
The old town is complete with cobbled streets and ancient colonial architecture. It’s a UNESCO-listed town with so many places to wander and enjoy the day.
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Old San Juan “San Juan Antiguo” is one of the most popular places to visit in all of Puerto Rico. That’s for a good reason – the old town is stunning. Old San Juan is the oldest settlement within Puerto Rico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s here that you can wander for hours, and that’s what we did – ducking into cafes, boutique shops, and delicious restaurants made for a great trip.
The Most Beautiful Cities in Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
If there is one city in the world I am dying to return to, it’s Cape Town. It’s a city too beautiful for its own good. One can get easily lost in the depths of nature and still have dinner at any sushi, tapas, or restaurant they want at night.
There are so many things to do in Cape Town; it’s hard to optimize your time there unless you have a full year. We spent two months there and felt we barely scratched the surface of what the city has to offer.
We like to think we hit many of the tourist hot spots and could still delve a little deeper into the city. With activities like climbing the iconic table mountain to sipping some delicious Pinotage while overlooking the tip of Africa, Cape Town will enchant you. If you find yourself in a South African city, don’t tell me because I will be jealous, have fun!
Chefchaouen, Morocco
In northwest Morocco, situated in the beautiful Rif Mountains, is Chefchaouen. “Chaouen” as locals call it, is a small city renowned for its charming streets of blue. Besides the blue streets, Chefchauoen is a popular tourist destination for its hashish, grown prolifically all over the region.
We went to Morocco’s blue city to get away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities in Morocco. When we were backpacking Morocco, we had seen the photos online detailing all the shades of blue and just knew we had to get to this Moroccan town.
Chefchaouen is as impressive as it looks on the internet! Most people wander around and take photos in the town, but there is also some good hiking through the Rif Mountains. We arrived with plans for two days and spent a week wandering around, hiking in the mountains, and eating delicious Morrocan food. On our last night, we had a wild mushroom tagine foraged from the surrounding countryside that was sublime.
Swakopmund, Namibia
Traveling through Southern Africa, several stops are on every tour operator’s schedule. Places like Swakopmund, Vic Falls, and Cape Town. Swakopmund is the city in Namibia to be seen at ad one of the best places to visit in Namibia. It is a hip German town right along the Skeleton Coast. The city seems to hum with Namibians and tourists alike but still retains its sleepy coastal charm.
“Swakop” makes for a great base to stop and stock up on supplies, grab a cappuccino, and gather your bearings before you leave “comfortable” Africa. You can find old school German colonial architecture that looks out of place, and as much of Namibia, it is chock full of German tourists. There seems to be a serious draw for German’s to head to Namibia to live out their former colonial past, and I can see the big attraction, especially for Swakopmund.
The town has many old-styled German homes, a waterfront, pier, hip coffee shops, a craft brewery, and several hotels, and is worth spending a few days to enjoy Swakopmunds attractions. The main draws for tourists to the town are the various activities on offer. Everything from skydiving to sandboarding and quad biking are available for a very reasonable price.
Stone Town, Zanzibar
Zanzibar City is the capital of Zanzibar, and Stone Town is the beating heart of it. Whether flying in or taking the ferry, almost all visitors will pass through Stone Town while visiting Zanzibar, Africa.
Your first reaction may be to high tail it out of the city and to the nearest beach resort, but I encourage you to explore for at least a couple days. We entered the Kasbah expecting Stone Town to remind us of the medinas in Marrakech, but thankfully this was not the case. Instead, we were immersed in East African history with touches of European, Arabic, Persian, and Indian cultures.
There are so many spices and so much culture and history to be absorbed here. One of our favorite days in Stone Town would have to be the day people watched in a Zanzibar Cafe.
Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira is perched on a rocky outcrop with a medina that appears at any moment to be beaten back by the sea. Yet, after centuries of waves, it stands defiantly. The city was meant to exist, and the web of winding, narrow streets of white and blue have always been.
There is no shortage of things to do in Essaouira. It is distinctly it’s own with a history of contrasting influences from African, Arab, Spanish, French, Roman, and Berber. A laid-back hippy vibe permeates, a buzzing medina remains relevant to locals and tourists, while access to modern comforts is readily available. That wind is a distinguishing characteristic of Essaouira and is nearly constant. The city is known as the “wind city of Africa” and is famous for the numerous kite surfers seen off the coast.
It blows in cooler temperatures, pushing away the Moroccan heat and sand, keeping away the sun-chasers who head for Agadir resorts, and giving Essaouira more atmosphere. Adding Essaouira to any Moroccan trip itinerary almost appears to be a necessity. While traveling, we met Moroccans and travelers who referred to the charms of the wind-swept city.
Most Beautiful Cities in North America
Banff, Canada
Banff National Park is one of the world’s most beautiful places to visit. Have you logged onto Instagram lately? Banff, Alberta, has been the hot place to go for the past few years. Imagine vast mountains, beautiful blue lakes, and a charming Canadian small town. If it sounds like the perfect place to spend Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring; that’s because it is! Banff is also near Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Banff Sunshine to form SkiBig3. Banff, in the winter, turns into a skier or snowboarder’s version of heaven.
Charleston, South Carolina
I first visited Charleston to see my best friend, who moved there after college with her boyfriend. She has since ditched her boyfriend but purchased a house in Charleston and doesn’t think she will ever leave. Why? The historic downtown sites between the rivers Ashley and Cooper. Thankfully, the city escaped significant damage from the civil war, so unlike other towns in the US, the buildings here are true treasures. For a large city, no tall buildings interrupt the skyline. Instead, this port city has plenty of churches, restaurants, trendy coffee shops, and colorful old homes.
New York, New York
On the ground, gritty New York may not be the most beautiful city, and there is no doubt plenty of ugly spots. Take a few rides on the New York subway, and you’ll see plenty of the nasty. However, there is no skyline more iconic than New York with its architectural feats, bridges, and Central Park.
It’s next to impossible not to be amazed by the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Flatiron Building, Grand Central Station, One World Trade Center, New York Public Library, Chrysler Building, and the Statue of Liberty — the list could go on. New York’s restaurants, bars, street food, museums, concert venues, art galleries, and neighborhoods are all world-class.
There is no shortage of things to do in the city that never sleeps. It’s a city that assaults your senses and paints a vibrant tapestry before your eyes.
To list all of New York’s accomplishments would be next to impossible, and it’s likely the most culturally significant city in the world. Spend some time in the town and will test you, and any true New Yorker will have cursed the ground beneath their feet.
New York is like nowhere else on earth.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is one of the most beautiful and safest cities in the entire world. The city is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, rainforests, islands, wildlife, sweeping pine forests, wild waterfalls, and tons of bays. I haven’t even got around to Vancouver, the city itself!
The city is the ultimate playground for people of all ages; there are just so many things you can do and so many beautiful places to see that making a list like this is nearly impossible.
With Vancouver’s efforts in preserving the natural features of the city and its surroundings, it opens up a world of hiking, biking, skiing, and snowboarding to food and micro-brewery goodness no matter where you find yourself in this lush city of British Colombia. There are many activities in Vancouver, and it’s known for an active lifestyle, with sports a regular part of life. It’s also near one of the best ski resorts in Canada – yes I am talking about Whistler!
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a beautiful city well known across the country for its charismatic charm, breweries, grand estate, waterfalls, and the scenic Appalachian Mountains. When you add it all together, it makes for the perfect romantic weekend in the Smoky Mountains. Once we finally made our way to Asheville, we found a city ideal for couples. It’s artsy and full of nature, bug enough to make you feel like you’re in a city, but small enough, so it’s not hectic.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Downtown Wilmington, with its historic buildings and homes, fully deserves to be appreciated. I love our landmark waterfront and find it one of the best cities to visit in North America. Beyond downtown, there are plenty of other things to do in Wilmington. It has a gorgeous coastline, a thriving college, and so many unique restaurants and sights that visitors can keep entertained for days.
Most Beautiful Cities in Oceania
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is one of the most exciting cities to visit in Australia. The buzzing city has nightlife, a great food scene, festivals galore, and outdoor activities. It is tough to hate on the city and brings people in from all over the world. I will never regret booking a spontaneous flight to Melbourne years ago just to go to the prestigious Melbourne Cup.
People often make their way straight to Sydney to see the Opera House on their trip to Australia, but in my opinion, Melbourne is the better option as it has less of that big city feel.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is a fantastic city/town in New Zealand’s South Island. It’s one of the most visited spots in the country and one of the main places everyone seeks to live in. The town sits on Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by the Southern Alps. If you are lucky enough to score yourself a lakeside Airbnb rental, you’ll have uninterrupted views of ” The Remarkables,” the mountain range around the lake.
Queenstown is dubbed the adventure capital of the southern hemisphere and is where you will find a wide range of travelers getting an adrenaline high. Bungee jumping, paragliding, and canyoneering are all everyday things to do in Queenstown. The city also serves as a jumping-off point to the Milford Sound and Lake Wanaka.
There you have it! Our list of the most beautiful cities in the world! Any that we missed?
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
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