The World’s 20 Most Beautiful Cities to Visit in Your Lifetime (2024)

After a fire destroyed most of Ålesund in 1904, the city arose with astounding Art Nouveau architecture, with some of the most beautiful examples in all of Europe. Take in the gorgeous city by kayak along the Brosundet canal, which winds through the center of the city. Take a boat along the Geirangerfjord or hike to the Mount Aksla viewpoint for marvelous views of this unique location.

Between the turquoise oceans and golden sands of Bondi Beach to the lush rainforest of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and the bush of Royal National Park, you’re never far from natural beauty in Sydney. One of the best ways to see the sights is to walk–take the Glebe Foreshore walk, for example, to enjoy views of Rozelle Bay and Blackwater Bay, the Sydney Harbour, and Anzac Bridge. For a more leisurely tour, enjoy a ferry or harbor cruise. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the world’s largest steel arch, with BridgeClimb Sydney for pleasing panoramic views of the city and a breathtaking experience.

Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only fortified city north of Mexico. Stroll the cobblestone streets to see the beautiful Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec and take in the ramparts and four gates surrounding the Old City. For views of the St. Lawrence River and Château Frontenac, walk along the Dufferin Terrace. You can also visit the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac on Cape Diamond, a Québec City treasure that’s been operational for more than a century. Visit the picturesque streets of Old Port and pick up a boat tour, or explore the Petit-Champlain pedestrian street. For natural beauty, visit the Jacques-Cartier National Park or the Montmorency Falls–a waterfall that is 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls.

With its historic buildings dating back to the 17th century Golden Age, complex canal system, and charming homes, Amsterdam is a truly stunning city. The ideal way to travel is by bike, but you can also take a boat tour of the historic canal ring, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through Vondelpark, the largest city park in Holland’s capital. Don’t leave Amsterdam without taking a flight with This Is Holland. The experience allows you to see Amsterdam from above, over the canals, polders, tulip fields, the Wadden Sea, and Veluwezoom, the oldest natural park in Holland.

Kyoto’s exquisite architecture and lush scenery make it a grand city. Located on the island of Honshu, Kyoto is home to many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, including the Kiyomizudera Temple and Kinkakuji. Other jaw dropping sites include the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Tenryu-ji temple. Visit in the spring to see the cherry blossoms or in the fall for the foliage. The Tango-hanto Peninsula is a must-visit area, with its white-sand beaches, rejuvenating onsen (hot springs), and superb scenery. One of the most beautiful spots in all of Kyoto is Arashiyama in the northwestern area, as it’s home to a sublime bamboo grove.

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. Cross the Charles Bridge, a pedestrian bridge constructed in 1402 that’s lined with Catholic saint statues.

A list of beautiful cities isn’t complete without Paris! The French capital is home to more than 500 parks and gardens–not to mention more than 2,000 monuments and 200 museums–across its 20 arrondissem*nts. Stroll the resplendent parks, including the Jardin du Palais-Royal, Parc de la Villette, Parc de Bagatelle, and Petite Ceinture. Wander along the banks of the Seine or walk the Champs-Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. See the gargoyles at Notre Dame Cathedral. Climb to the tallest hill in Paris at the Sacré Cœur Basilica. The sacred Père Lachaise cemetery is another special spot in the city. A trip to the City of Light isn’t complete without delighting in the panoramic view from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Situated along Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is a resort town known for its beautiful beaches surrounded by the stunning Sierra Madre mountains. With both mountains and sea in view, there’s enticing sights as far as the eye can see. Relax on the beach, explore the coves and reefs, and take a boat to see the bay at sunset. Walk along the Malecon Boardwalk, visit the city center and its opulent Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church, and venture to the eastern tip of the Cuale River Island to take in the appealing art and culture of the city. Puerto Vallarta’s extensive biodiversity is on display at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens–check out the Cactus Garden, Tropical Fruit Orchard, and the Conservatory of Orchids and Native Plants.

Surrounded by the mountains and Lake Lucerne, you won’t believe your eyes when you take in the views of this small Swiss city. Its medieval architecture and colorful buildings in Old Town, or Altstadt, are bordered to the north by Museggmauer, a rampart from the 14th century. Visit the Chapel Bridge, a covered timber bridge built in 1333 that remains one of Lucerne’s most prominent landmarks. Take a stroll along the lakeside promenade; you will be truly stunned by the awe-inspiring view. Join a guided tour to learn about the history of the city’s monuments, including the Lion Monument. You can also climb nearby Mount Pilatus for an incredible view. If you don’t want to go quite that high, the Château Gütsch, a Belle Époque chateau and still-working hotel, looks down over Lucerne.

Wend your way along the maze of calli (streets) and take in the allure of this small, unusual city built on the Adriatic Sea. You won’t find traffic or tall buildings here–instead you’ll see canals and narrow corridors. Visit the Rialto Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in the city, for a splendid sight of the Grand Canal. The Bridge of Sighs is also a bewitching sight. Experience the hustle and bustle of Piazza San Marco, and admire the Byzantine mosaic tile of the Basilica of San Marco. Climb the Campanile bell tower for a view of the city’s infamous red roofs. It may seem touristy (and expensive), but you won’t regret taking a gondola ride to see the city by canal.

Lose yourself in the hidden gardens of Charleston, taking in the fine flowers and splendid scenery. Walk the cobblestone streets to see the architecture of this historic port city, including Rainbow Row, or take the Battery promenade for views of Charleston Harbor. Waterfront Park is a beautiful place to while away the hours. Visit Middleton Place and Magnolia Plantation & Gardens to see some of the oldest gardens in America. Explore the neighboring islands for their beckoning beaches–Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Visit Cypress Gardens and paddle through the mesmerizing cypress swamp. Hop on a boat for dolphin watching or a sunset cruise.

Visit the Paseo del Prado and El Retiro Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Casa de Campo, Madrid Río, and Capricho Park are other spacious destinations for their gorgeous green space, but you can stroll through nearly every neighborhood and find a park, square, or community garden. You’ll want to linger in Hapsburg Madrid, the oldest part of the city, to see the historic central square, the Plaza Mayor with its pleasing porticos, and the baroque Royal Palace, the largest royal palace in Western Europe. Be sure to incorporate a stop at the famous Cibeles Fountain before journeying down the elegant Art Walk.

Oia, a graceful city on the northwestern point of Santorini Island along the Aegean Sea, is exquisite to behold. The blue water, sands in shades of white, red, and black, craggy cliffs overlooking a caldera–all due to the Santorini Volcano–make the beaches beautifully unique. Take in the beach at Ammoudi on Oia’s harbor. Wander the streets, taking in the spectacular homes and classic windmill. Trek up to Oia’s highest point, where you’ll find the Byzantine ruins of the Castle of St.Nicholas and an unforgettable view of the sunset.