A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
Updated on Oct. 08, 2024
Beauty may very well be in the eye of the beholder, but more than 1,000 travel bloggers, writers, and agents can't be wrong about these magnificent destinations.
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What do travel bloggers, travel writers, and travel agents have in common? It’s their job to see and experience as many sights on this planet as possible. Canada’s largest travel agency, Flight Network, asked more than 1,000 of these experts to nominate cities with populations over 1 million that have really caught their eye—based on natural and man-made beauty, nature, architecture, city culture, and local weather—and they produced this comprehensive list of the World’s 50 Most Beautiful Cities. Get ready for a whirlwind ride around the world, as we explore the beauty found in each corner of the globe.
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Few cities in the world are as easy to identify as Barcelona. The highly celebrated Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi left his mark all over the city, with La Sagrada Familia (an unfinished Roman Catholic basilica and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that combines Gothic and Art Nouveau styles), Casa Batlló (a modernist building with a can’t-miss facade and an even more interesting interior), and Park Güell (considered one of the most impressive public parks in the world). If Gaudi isn’t your thing, there’s no shortage of other museums scattered around the city, including ones featuring Picasso. As Christian Lengua of Publimetro says, there’s “art and architecture in every corner.”
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They say all roads lead to Rome, and they should—this beautiful city has ancient roots unlike any other. “It’s been around for almost 3,000 years, so it might be doing something right,” says Gary of Everything Everywhere. Grab a gelato and meander around this walkable city. You can’t help but run right into the Colosseum, where you can marvel at this structure, which has been a symbol of Rome since 80 AD. Stop by the Trevi Fountain to throw a coin in over your shoulder, which ensures you’ll visit again someday. And don’t miss the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica, as the breathtaking Renaissance-style architecture is known the world over. Everywhere you look, you’re sure to see ornate marble statues and fountains; go ahead and take a sip, as the water is fresh, safe, and free.
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Similar to Venice, Amsterdam is made up of about 90 islands connected by 1,500 bridges. In fact, it’s the “most watery city in the world.” As such, one of the best ways to explore this capital city is via a hop-on, hop-off canal cruise. Purchase a 24- or 48-hour ticket, which stops at such main points of interest as the Ann Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the A’DAM lookout. A visit to the city isn’t complete without a stop at Vondelpark, the city’s largest public park. Here, you’ll find about 30 species of birds, 12 fish species, and more than 4,700 trees. Whether or not you have a regular travel partner, it’s still a great idea to travel by yourself, too.
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Known as the “city of 100 spires,” Prague’s architecture is a beautiful sight to see. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the Prague Castle, which dates back to the 9th century and is the largest ancient castle in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, and then explore the St. Vitus Cathedral right next door. Another beautiful sight to behold is the Prague Astronomical Clock, a medieval tower clock. If you time your visit just right, you’ll be treated to the hourly display of the Twelve Apostles moving through the windows, but be quick because it only lasts for 27 seconds!
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Beauty is on display everywhere you look in Budapest, starting with the Neo-Gothic architecture of the sprawling Hungarian Parliament Building, which you can see from almost anywhere in the city. Budapest is split in half by the Danube River (on one side is Buda, which is more residential, and the other side is Pest, where you’ll find more nightlife), and you’ll actually get the best photographs from across the water at the Fisherman’s Bastion, located inside the Buda Castle. No matter which side of the river you’re on, the panoramic waterside views are hard to beat.
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Another city situated on the Danube River, Vienna is a “hip, vibrant city with a rich history,” explains Janna Graber of Go World Travel Magazine. Classical-music lovers will enjoy seeing the famous Mozart monument in the Burggarten Park and his grave in St. Marx cemetery. There’s another famous composer who made his name in Vienna, as well: Beethoven. Check out the Beethoven Museum, where he wrote his third symphony and his grave in the Zentralfriedhof cemetery. And if touring palaces pleases you, you’ll have many to choose from, including the Schönbrunn, Hofburg, and Belvedere palaces—each one as beautiful as the next.
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When it comes to the most popular travel destinations in South America, Buenos Aires is high on the list. And one of its most beautiful sights is the Jardín Japonés, or Japanese Garden—one of the largest in the world outside of Japan. Each season here is special, so there’s no bad time to visit. You’ll see cherry flowers in winter, violet water lilies in the summer, yellow ginkgo biloba leaves in the fall, and azaleas in the spring. If you find beauty in the macabre, the Recoleta Cemetery is one of the most unusual cemeteries in the world. It contains some notable graves, including Eva Perón’s, and monuments in every architectural style from Greek temples to Baroque cathedrals.
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As the most populated city in Canada, Toronto is a melting pot of cultures from all over the world. Bring your appetite to ethnic neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little India, Greektown, and Little Jamaica, which are sure to please any palate. Make time to visit the CN Tower in downtown Toronto, where you’ll take a 58-second high-speed, glass-fronted elevator ride 1,136 feet up to see breathtaking views through floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. Finally, check out the Royal Ontario Museum, which offers diverse galleries and featured exhibitions. It’s easy to see why Toronto is one of the best solo vacations everyone should take by themselves.
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Whoever says you can’t get a taste of Europe in North America has never been to one of our continent’s oldest cities, Quebec City. The narrow cobblestone streets will transport you to a village in France, while Old Quebec’s walled fortifications have a medieval European feel. To get a lay of the land, begin your tour at the Observatoire de la Capitale for a 360-degree view. And even if you can’t afford a room, stop by the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, a historic hotel from the late 1800s that was visited by Sir Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt in the 1940s. For more spectacular views, hop on the Quebec-Levis ferry across the St. Lawrence River.
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As an autonomous territory that was once a British colony, Hong Kong (officially Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China) may surprise visitors. English is widely spoken and used in signage, it often only takes about a 20-minute drive to get away from the world’s largest collection of skyscrapers and onto beautiful beaches and mountainous hiking trails, and there are literally hundreds of islands to explore. The free Victoria Harbour light show happens every night at 8 p.m., and it is best viewed from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre or from any of the sightseeing ferries in the Victoria Harbour.
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There are few cities that feel like a fairy tale come to life, and Bruges may well top that shortlist. Known as the “Venice of the North,” due to its extensive canal system, Bruges’ entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a walk along the canals, or hop on a tour boat for a ride through the waterways, where you can peer at the Baroque-style and Gothic architecture while gliding under bridges. Climb 366 steps to the top of the Belfry of Bruges, a medieval bell tower in the city center, for spectacular views, and then reward your efforts with Belgian chocolate and waffles at one of the many shops. “Come early before the crowds, when swans in the canals are bathed in pink light, or late afternoon when the setting sun turns the Gothic town hall’s windows into diamonds,” suggests Lea Lane of Forbes.
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As the capital and the most populated city in Spain, Madrid may at first seem overwhelming, but it’s actually quite walkable and friendly. Stop by Plaza Mayor in the heart of the city and feast your eyes on the Statue of Philip III in the middle and Casa de la Panadería on the north side. For an unexpected sight in Spain, visit the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple that dates back to the 2nd century BC; it was dismantled in Egypt and rebuilt in Madrid in the early 1970s as a sign of gratitude for the help Spain provided Egypt. Of course, there’s also the quintessential Spanish experience no tourist should miss: seeing a flamenco show. Beauty lies not only in the way these dancers move, but also in the stamping, clapping, and singing that accompanies it.
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For another step back in time, but not quite as far back as ancient Egypt or the medieval period, travel to Cuba. “Havana is stuck in a 1950s time warp with its American-made cars and Spanish colonial architecture,” says Jack Sheldon of Jack’s Flight Club. “It does not disappoint!” With gorgeous beaches and spectacular snorkeling, it would be easy to spend all your time on the coastline. But don’t miss out on the vibrant city life with cobblestone streets, yummy cafés, street vendors and artists, and convertible classic cars in bright colors. Be sure to spend one evening at the Tropicana Club, a cabaret show highlighting Cuban culture.
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“If you want to steep yourself in old-world history, historical and religious icons, tales that can rarely be found anywhere else on the planet, and culture mixed with the convenience of modern hotels, restaurants, and more, Jerusalem is for you,” says travel writer Michelle Sutter. “To this day, it has been my favorite place in the world to visit. I was immersed in stunning and iconic historical landmarks combined with colorful and intriguing outdoor markets and some of the most amazing food I’ve ever eaten. It’s one of the cities I never knew I would love so much until I went there.” If you still need a little convincing to visit this ancient city steeped in religion, there’s always the Wailing Wall in the Jewish Quarter, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter, and the Dome of the Rock in the Muslim Quarter.
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If you enjoy spending time at high elevation, the capital city of Ecuador is calling your name. It sits more than 9,000 feet high and is the second-highest capital city in the world (first place goes to La Paz, Bolivia). Start by exploring Quito Old Town, the city’s historic district, and then make your way to the Church of the Society of Jesus (known as the Church of la Compañía de Jesus). Prepare to be absolutely wowed by this 16th-century marvel, as it’s completely covered in gold—yes, we’re talking beauty in the form of gold leaf, gilded plaster and wood carvings, and golden domes. For a little fun with geography, stop by La Mitad del Mundo and stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other foot in the southern hemisphere.
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You don’t have to go to Moscow to get a taste of Russia. Instead, start with the country’s second-largest city, St. Petersburg. The most picturesque church in the city is the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, which features mainly Baroque and Neoclassical architecture styles and more than 7,500 square meters of colorful mosaics covering the facade and interior. St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the fourth-largest domed cathedral on the planet, is a large Russian Orthodox museum that only holds services on significant holidays. Climb the 300 steps to the observation walkway to enjoy beautiful city views. And if museums are your thing, check out the State Heritage Museum, the second-largest art museum in the world, where it would literally take days to see everything!
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A lot has changed in Berlin over the last 30 years since the wall came down, so it’s important to spend time exploring some of the cultural sights. The Holocaust Memorial is a moving experience, the East Side Gallery is an open-air section of the Berlin Wall in which murals are painted, and the Brandenburg Gate is a grand classical archway that served as the city divide bu today is a symbol of the country’s reunification. Situated just north of the Brandenburg Gate is the Reichstag Building, which houses the German Parliament. Step inside the glass dome at the very top, as it has a 360-degree view of the Berlin cityscape.
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Do you crave adventure? Do you love feeling the rush of adrenaline? Then pack your bags and head straight for Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of the World. From white-water rafting adventures and jet boating to bungee jumping and paragliding, Queenstown has it all—and often with beautiful backdrops of mountain ranges and lakes. For a calmer experience, take the Skyline Gondola high above the city for unparalleled views, or spend a day at Queenstown Beach and Queenstown Gardens. Winery tours are another wonderful way to pass the time. And don’t forget to look around when landing at Queenstown Airport, one of the most beautiful airport landings in the world, where you can see the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu.
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One of the most beautiful things about San Miguel de Allende, located about 175 miles northwest of Mexico City, is its foodie culture. You can literally eat your way through the city, dining on cochinita pibil (a slow-roasted Mexican pork dish that marinates meat in citrus juice), pozole (a stew made from hominy and pork), gorditas (a pastry made with corn and stuffed with cheese, meat, and other fillings), and, of course, tapas. If you aren’t a foodie, and even if you are, make time to stop by the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, a neo-Gothic Catholic church with a turreted pink facade.
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Speaking of delicious dishes, Seoul is known for its street food. “I dare anyone to have a bad meal in this town,” challenges Fathom’s Pavia Rosati. “Seoul fascinates in ways that continue to change, excite, and delight.” Picture modern neon lights juxtaposed against a backdrop of thousands of years of tradition—talk about sensory overload! A visit to the Namdaemun Market, the oldest and largest in Korea, offers more than 10,000 stores that are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, try the oxtail soup, vegetable-filled griddle cakes, and North Korean–style cold buckwheat noodles.
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Are you a fan of Game of Thrones? Who isn’t? Well, Dubrovnik might look a bit familiar to you, as it was the main location for filming the scenes of King’s Landing. While you won’t run into any Lannisters while visiting (which is probably a good thing—remember Cersei’s Walk of Shame through these streets?), you can still pretend you’re an extra in the cast by walking along the city’s ancient walls. Climb up the stone walls and walk the circumference of Dubrovnik, while overlooking the Adriatic Sea and the city’s terra-cotta rooftops. These stone walls were built in the 13th century to protect the city from foreign attacks and are protected by strong forts, two round towers, five bastions, and two corner towers. The limestone walls against the blue sea make for a beautiful photo.
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Let’s get back to our foodie tour of the world with a stop in San Sebastian. Why this coastal city in northern Spain? “[It’s] the culinary capital of the world!” says Abbey Sharp of Abbey’s Kitchen Inc. “The juxtaposition between high-end Michelin-star restaurants and cheap tapas bars makes this coastal city a must-visit.” The traditional northern Spain version of tapas is called pintxos, so be on the lookout for bars and cafés specializing in those as you walk through the Old Town area, or Parte Vieja. After your belly is full, head to the popular crescent-shaped La Concha Beach and watch the sun set over the water.
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As the 1980s song from the musical Chess goes, “One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster.” There’s so much to see and do in Thailand’s capital city, starting with the floating markets—a system of canals that’s been transformed into a giant marketplace, where you pay a tour boat to paddle you around so you can buy sweets, noodle dishes, and souvenirs from vendors who are floating by on their own boats. When you’re back ashore, check out the Grand Palace, a complex of several buildings including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. If you’re into the club scene, Bangkok’s nightlife offers a little something for everyone, from ladyboy shows and go-go bars to nightclubs blasting EDM and more tame rooftop bars.
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What do you get when a major economic center mixes with mosques, palaces, and gardens? The fourth-largest city in the Kingdom of Morocco. One of the most beautiful sights in Morocco is the Jardin Majorelle, or the Majorelle Garden. Here, you’ll find two-and-a-half acres of botanical gardens unlike any you’ve seen before. In fact, Yves Saint Laurent once said, “For many years, the Jardin Majorelle has provided me with an endless source of inspiration, and I have often dreamt of its unique colors.” Another hot spot is the Koutoubia Mosque, a 12th-century tower that stands 253 feet high with its spire and orbs.
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Is there anything more beautiful on this planet than being surrounded by mountains, fjords, and colorful, hygge cottages? If you aren’t familiar, hygge loosely translates to “cozy” and “content,” and it’s one of 11 words that capture feelings you didn’t even know you had. No need to rent a car, as the light rail system is super easy to navigate, with only one track going from the airport to the city center. This town is so adorable that each of the 27 stops plays a different musical interlude to alert you that your stop is coming. When you reach the city center, head straight to the Bergen Fish Market, which has been around since the 1200s. Here, you can point to any seafood you want, caught by local fishermen, and they’ll cook it up into a delicious dish for you on the spot. Grab a picnic table and enjoy!
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Known as the Pink City for its trademark building color made out of sandstone, Jaipur is the capital of India’s Rajasthan state. In the city center, you’ll find the City Palace; the architecture outside is beautiful, but be sure to go inside for truly spectacular and colorful decor. Even more awe-inspiring is the Palace of the Winds, which boasts 953 windows on the facade that resemble latticework. And if you enjoy having wildlife eat out of the palm of your hand, visit Galta-Hanuman, the oldest temple in Jaipur, and bring some snacks for the curious monkeys.
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What else should you do in Beijing? Don’t miss the Pajniayuan Flea Market for local crafts and antiques, Tiananmen Square if you’re a history buff, and the Forbidden City to visit the Palace Museum.
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Last, but certainly not least, is Athens, the capital of Greece and the birthplace of Western civilization. The Acropolis should top your list, as this limestone hill is one of the most famous ancient archaeological sites in the world. For an especially beautiful picture, visit at night when lights illuminate the Parthenon (a former temple dedicated to the goddess Athena) against the dark sky. Day or night, the Parthenon also happens to be one of the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites everyone needs to visit. And situated on the south slope of the Acropolis is the Herod Atticus Odeon, an open-air stone Roman amphitheater that’s the perfect spot for a selfie.
