24 Most Beautiful Cities in the World To Visit in Your Lifetime
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As a traveler, the world is your oyster, and you have many places to explore. However, some cities offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you can’t miss. Filled with panoramic views, cotton candy clouds, adrenaline-filled activities, and food that tastes like it’s from heaven itself, some of these places should definitely be at the top of your bucket list.
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Amsterdam should be your go-to city if you’re looking for a hub of culture and stunning landmarks. With traditional red brick mansions, the famous central canal, and museums filled with astonishing paintings of Rembrandt and Vermeer, it is a delightful place to visit. But that’s not all. You’ll also find mouth-watering food at every nook and corner, coupled with luxurious hotels like Sir Adam Hotel that add to the experience.
Read more: Must-Visit Cities in the World
2. Barcelona, Spain
Overlooking the vast Mediterranean Sea and filled with gorgeous architecture that will blow you away, Barcelona is like a fairy tale. La Sagrada Família will enchant you with its medieval style while Torre Glòries, a cucumber-shaped building, glistens in the skyline. You’ll find the twists and turns of La Pedrera incredibly captivating because of its wave effect that shows innovation and pure mastery.
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3. Beijing, China
China’s capital city lives up to the hype with its cultural and modern beauty mix. The Chinese architecture is stunning, with places like the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven Park offering a unique insight into their deep cultural values. Once you’ve explored their roots, you can visit places like Bird’s Nest and Water Cube in Olympic Park with a more modern streak. Don’t miss out on food like Jiaozi and Tuckahoe Pie that will satiate your inner food lover.
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4. Bergen, Norway
Also known as the heart of the fjords, Bergen is a delightful town in Norway with much to offer. Lined with vibrant-colored wooden houses and ginormous mountains reaching the sky, its beauty is unparalleled. If you’re a seafood lover, you will demolish their fresh mussels, delightful scallops, and juicy crawfish straight from the water.
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5. Beirut, Lebanon
One of the most culturally diverse cities globally, Beirut is home to the hipster district of Gemmayzeh, the Armenian district of Bourj Hammoud, and many Christian areas. But it also has stunning beaches lined with tall palm trees, several rooftop bars, and perfectly cooked food like syadye, a rice dish with fish and almonds. This timeless city is a must-visit for a truly memorable experience.
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6. Budapest, Hungary
The cosmopolitan city of Budapest is lined with several UNESCO World Heritage sites waiting to be explored. Due to its underground cave system, it is home to several thermal baths. Additionally, you’ll be able to examine the remains of the Roman city of Aquincum and the infamous Buda Castle. Along with pastel buildings, you can enjoy their nightlife with street food pods and hidden clubs in the seventh district.
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7. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is the capital city of South Africa and a popular tourist destination for travelers around the world. Enjoy the jaw-dropping view from Lion’s Head Peak, or visit the colorful houses in Bo-Kaap to witness the sheer beauty of the place. Don’t miss out on the penguin colony found in Boulders Beach, where you can mingle with these adorable waist-high animals.
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8. Cartagena, Colombia
Venture to the cobble streets of Cartagena for a holistic and immersive experience. Located on the Caribbean coast, it’s an excellent location for your shopping spree with upscale boutiques, side-walk vendors, and local shops. Additionally, you can swim at Playa Blanca, with its white sandy terrain, or have a unique snorkeling experience at one of the many islands you’ll explore while island hopping.
Read also: Visa-Free Caribbean Destinations
9. Chefchaouen, Morocco
When you step inside the city of Chefchaouen, you’ll immediately be enthralled by the town’s light blue streets and buildings. Located up the Rif Mountains, this place is unique, with spectacular panoramic views that make it picture-perfect. Whether you enjoy the dreamy sunset or visit the 1920s Spanish Mosque, you’ll have a blast.
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10. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is the place to go for pure relaxation and unplugging from the daily stress of a 9-5 job. You can witness the exquisite Doi Suthep Temple, go to Lake Huay Tung Tao, lined with small wooden huts, or watch the medley of bright colors in the Chiang Mai Flower Market.
Don’t miss out on their piping hot curries and an adrenaline-filled adventure on the zip line.
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11. Cusco, Peru
Every photographer’s dream starts with the breathtaking views of Machu Picchu and ends with the rainbow mountains found three hours away from the city. If you genuinely want to explore Cusco’s depths, visit the San Pedro Market and enjoy the delightful views of the entire Urubamba Valley from the Pisac Ruins.
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12. Doha, Qatar
Expanding from an average fishing town to a cosmopolitan metropolis, Doha’s skyline will leave you stunned. To explore this majestic city, you can walk on the seven-kilometer La Corniche promenade for the best view of buildings like the Torch Tower. You can also splurge at the Souq Waqif Market, filled with traditional fabrics and glamorous jewelry.
Read also: Visa-Free Countries in Asia for US Travelers
13. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Narrow streets lined with cobblestones with a view of the turquoise-blue pristine waters, you can visit the Old Town to learn more about this quaint little place. For a Game of Thrones fan, this place is better than heaven as they can go on the beloved Game of Thrones tour. Don’t forget to taste their very own top-notch wine here.
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14. Edinburgh, Scotland
Green fields stretching for miles make Edinburgh one of the most dazzling places to visit. Whether you venture to the massive rustic Edinburgh Castle, explore the extinct volcano, or even enjoy the expansive view from the highest point of Arthur’s Seat, you’ll have the best time here. With gothic buildings and tons of greenery, it’s one of the top locations for some fresh oxygen.
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15. Florence, Italy
For art geeks, Florence is the best place on earth. It is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and has many artistic masterpieces from Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. If you want a breathtaking view of the entire city, head to the Piazzale Michelangelo. However, you can’t leave without sipping on a Negroni.
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16. Hanoi, Vietnam
A tremendous location for those looking to dive deep into Vietnamese culture, Hanoi has a stunning architecture native to the country. From Ngoc Son Temple to the Temple of Literature, tons of historical places will make your jaw drop. You can also go on a five-star cruise to enjoy the scenic Ha Long Bay with activities like kayaking and bamboo boat exploration.
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17. Istanbul, Turkey
A gorgeous medley of Byzantine and Ottoman styles, Istanbul has massive overarching domes, mosaics, and Islamic calligraphy. You can visit The Blue Mosque for unique insights into the culture here or go on a shopping frenzy in the city’s heart at the Grand Bazaar. However, the most eye-catching place here is the Dolmabahçe Palace, with cobble gray towers overlooking the stunning water.
Read also: Must-See UNESCO World Heritage Sites
18. Kyoto, Japan
Home to the blossoming baby pink cherry blossoms, Kyoto has an enchanting Botanical Garden where you can get lost in the sheer beauty. There are a lot of enthralling temples here, including the Ginkakuji with a moss garden and the Silver Pavilion. With its timeless architecture, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time to experience something different.
Read also: Beautiful Small Towns Around the World
19. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia’s charming capital, Ljubljana, is a dream-like location, perfect for people looking for a fairy tale ending. Despite its small size, you can go on a wine tour, bringing out your inner connoisseur. The natural beauty here is also admirable, with places like the Postojna Cave’s cream-colored interior and about 300 waterfalls with pristine running water.
Read also: Hidden Gems in Europe
20. Paris, France
Everyone has heard about the city of romance, but not many experience it in real life. From the 300-meter-tall Eiffel Tower to Pont des Arts, the infamous love lock bridge, this is the best place for newlyweds to get cozy. However, until you stand in the Louvre with a vast glass pyramid looming in front of you named Musée du Louvre, you can’t say you’ve experienced Paris fully.
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21. Porto, Portugal
One of Europe’s most visited tourist hotspots, Porto has magnificently colored houses and Cais da Ribeira overlooking the magnificent water with cafes, restaurants, and shops splattered across every little corner. If you’re an avid novel and literature lover, visit Livraria Lello and get lost in the endless void of the bookshop.
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22. Québec City, Canada
Quebec City is one of the oldest cities built by European settlers and has a deep historical significance for the country. This vintage hub of cobblestone buildings and streets has much to offer: Place Royale is perfect for your Instagram selfies, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is the epitome of luxury, and Dufferin Terrace offers a view like no other.
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23. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Known for its friendly people who welcome travelers with open arms, Rio de Janeiro has sandy beaches and pristine waters that make it especially attractive. If you decide to visit, you shouldn’t miss out on the 38-meter-high Christ the Redeemer iconic statue. In addition to this, explore Sugarloaf Mountain and tour Tijuca National Park, one of the most extensive urban rainforests in the world.
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24. Sydney, Australia
When it comes to Sydney, tons of breathtaking places should be on your radar. Ferry rides are a must, and you would love their rooftop bars, theater shows, and designer shops. Whether you visit the Opera House, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or hike up the blue mountain formations, you’ll experience beauty and adrenaline both.
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