17+ Most Beautiful Cities in the World 2023, Revealed (Updated)

What exactly makes a city beautiful? Is it the soaring skylines, the several acres of parkland, and a firm commitment to a single color? Is it the kind of place where you can spend days exploring ancient wonders, world-class museums, and the surrounding mountains? Or just somewhere with an indescribable spark — somewhere with heaps of bright, juicy oranges at the street market, live music in the square, and young lovers lost in their own private world. Surely, everyone’s answer is different. With that said, here is a list of the world’s most beautiful cities, which is by no means exhaustive.

Top Most Beautiful Cities in the World

St. Petersburg, Russia

Before St. Petersburg—Russia’s “Paris of the East”—there was swampland. Peter the Great, tsar until 1728, built a Russian city to rival the Baroque and Renaissance fortresses of Western Europe, drawing heavily on the regality of Paris. It is notable for its numerous discrete islands, the pulsing artery of Nevsky Prospekt, and the gilded imperial towers of the Hermitage, a museum containing so many works of art that you could spend a lifetime walking its halls and never see them all.

Florence, Italy

While Rome is Italy’s most historic city, Florence reigns supreme in terms of pure, unadulterated Italian beauty. A stroll down any cobblestone street will reveal breathtaking piazzas and cathedrals—the skyline dominating the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is a must-see. Another must-see? The museums and galleries were packed to the rafters with some of the world’s most exquisite and enduring works of art, including Michelangelo’s iconic David, which was poised beneath a specially designed portal to the heavens themselves.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, located on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, has a near magnetic allure for its residents as well as the countless visitors who flock to this dazzling, colonial city each year. Despite The Battery’s boulevards (a street lined with grandly charming houses) and the Bermudian limestone and cobbles of Chalmers Street, this city, founded in 1670, is no ossified relic. Rather, it is home to a glamorous and burgeoning creative set, which has fueled the proliferation of buzzy bars, award-winning nouveau southern cuisine, world-class distilleries, and chic hotels.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney practically glistens with its yacht-filled harbor, golden beaches, breathtaking headland views, lush parks and gardens, an abundance of sunshine, and overall cleanliness. From the water, take a ferry or boat tour to see the iconic Sydney Opera House — a symbol of Australia’s oldest and largest city, as well as the continent itself — and Harbour Bridge. Explore the city’s many scenic coastal walks and truly great beaches; Queenscliff Beach, for example, has a long stretch of clean sand, pro-surfer-approved waves, a rock pool, and a lagoon.

Barcelona, Spain

Catalonia’s colorful capital is known for its covered food markets, cozy tapas bars, iconic Modernist architecture, and golden-sand Mediterranean beaches. However, the culture of afternoon naps, 9 p.m. Dinners (if you’re an early bird) and people-watching on busy plazas (stop by Andreu Xarcuteria near Santa Caterina Market beforehand and grab a jamon serrano bocadillo for the bench) capture the beautifully relaxed Spanish way of life.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown, known as the “adventure capital of the world,” is the ultimate playground for all things outdoor. Hiking (heli-hiking for the truly daring), skiing, skydiving, rafting, winery hopping, and cruising the Milford Sound are just a few of the activities available in this city. Queenstown is built around a finger of Lake Wakatipu, a glacial lake with a stunning reflection of the surrounding mountain range, appropriately named the Remarkables.

Istanbul, Turkey

If you’ve already visited Rome, Paris, and Barcelona (possibly several times), consider flying east to Istanbul. The city is an enticing jumble of domed and intricately mosaicked mosques, Ottoman-era palaces, maze-like markets, and hilly cobblestoned streets where a bar party could spill out the door and down the block. The food scene goes far beyond the ubiquitous kebab; the mezze and grilled seafood are out of this world, and the city’s coffeehouse culture extends into the early morning hours.

Paris, France

We can’t talk about the most beautiful cities in the world without mentioning Paris. Around every corner in the City of Light, there’s something to make your heart skip a beat, whether it’s an iconic monument, a cozy sidewalk cafe packed with stylish Parisians, or a proud boulevard lined with creamy stone Haussmann-era mansions. And the window display of a patisserie or boulangerie (baguettes now have UNESCO status, after all) may be as enticing as the city’s magnificent art and architecture. (The latter two are combined at the Muséé d’Orsay, which exhibits 19th-century paintings and sculptures in a magnificent Beaux-Arts train station on the Seine.)

California, San Francisco

San Francisco’s geographic location alone ensures its inclusion on this list. The steep city, located on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, offers stunning hilltop views of skyscrapers, bridges, mountains, and surrounding water. The Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies, and cable cars (first used by locals to get around town in the 1870s) are instantly recognizable symbols of the city, but the less obvious magic can be found everywhere: in the old-school Italian delis of North Beach, dim sum parlors of Chinatown, and newly revitalized green spaces throughout the city.

Palermo, Italy

Sicily’s vibrant, decadent, sun-drenched capital is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts, foodies, and all lovers of life. You might expect Italy’s largest opera house to be in Rome or Milan, but it is located here. The copper dome of Teatro Massimo towers over the historic piazza it stands on (The White Lotus fans will recognize the theater from season 2). Palermo’s striking gold-stone cathedral is one of the city’s many Arab-Norman structures dating from the last millennium. Visit its rooftop to see the terra-cotta skyline of the ancient city tumbling down toward the Tyrrhenian Sea.

But it’s the city’s pulse that truly makes it beautiful: whirring mopeds, swaying palms, and Italian couples strolling arm in arm down centuries-old streets. Don’t miss the Ballar Street market, a souk-like maze where Palermitans buy almonds, olives, spices, and ruby-colored tomatoes by the bagful. As the afternoon turns to early evening, take a seat on the bohemian Piazza Caracciolo for an Aperol spritz or earthy nero d’Avola and watch the night unfold.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town could get by on its looks alone, perched between the iconic flat-topped Table Mountain and the Atlantic. However, its abundance of natural beauty makes it a popular destination for activities ranging from adrenaline-fueled (diving with sharks, hiking Table Mountain, or taking a rotating cable car to its peak) to leisurely (swimming and sipping cocktails on celeb-favorite Camps Bay Beach, biking along Sea Point Promenade) to cultural (museums, wine farms, cellar tours, music festivals, and dynamic dining, from waterfront South African grills to hidden-gem dim sum bars).

Seoul, South Korea,

Seoul has risen to the top of the list of best Asian cities thanks to its vibrant food and nightlife scene, urban green spaces, and cutting-edge everything. With electrifying party districts, ancient palaces, ultra-modern subways, Buddhist temples, skyscrapers, and street markets all sharing the urban footprint, the past and present coexist. In this fast-paced neon metropolis, nature is never far away: beautifully landscaped parks along the Cheonggyecheon Stream and Han River, mountain hiking trails, and free outdoor gyms provide a peaceful respite for locals on the go.

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena attracts visitors with its winning combination of Caribbean beaches and islands, five centuries of history, and a walkable (and photogenic) old town. The UNESCO-listed walled old city is one of the best preserved (and most photogenic) in South America. Bougainvilleas bloomed on the balconies of buildings in coral, cobalt, fuchsia, and bright marigold.

A day well spent is simply people-watching in the squares and sampling street vendors’ grilled arepas, coconut cookies, fresh fruits, and other Colombian delights. Allow the sounds of live salsa music to lead you to a festive watering hole and its house band at night.

Kyoto (Japan)

Beautiful, low-rise Kyoto is the antidote to sprawling, intimidating Tokyo. On the UNESCO World Heritage list, the city has 17 sites, including temples, shrines, and the famous Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji). Cherry, plum, and willow trees spill onto the riverbanks of Kyoto, and lanterns illuminate tiny beguiling alleys lined with wooden teahouses. The Gion district is especially magical at night.

Early in the morning, visit the serene Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) and its magnificent gardens, then continue a short distance up the mountain for a stunning view of the city. Sip matcha at the House of Poet-Hermits (Shisen-d) for more peace and quiet, or step into a Studio Ghibli scene that come to life at Moss Temple (Kokedera or Saih-ji), which requires advance reservations.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro entices visitors with its stunning mountains, legendary beaches, samba street parties, and beautiful people. Brazil’s second-largest city is home to the world’s largest Art Deco statue, the 700-ton Christ the Redeemer, which stands atop Corcovado mountain and is accessible via a steep railway ride.

Beyond its world-famous beaches and jungle-covered peaks, Rio de Janeiro’s beauty is on full display in parks and gardens (the protected rain forest of Parque Nacional da Tijuca contains waterfalls, caves, and jaw-dropping vistas, while the Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro is a tropical oasis bursting with sun-loving flora and fauna, including 134 soaring Imperial palms). Visit Santa Teresa for cafe culture and boutique shopping and Gamboa and Sade for street art and samba beats.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Georgia’s capital is nothing short of a fairy-tale setting, despite its relative obscurity and underappreciation. The Old Town of the city is a delight to explore, with carved wooden balconies overlooking sleepy courtyards and cobbled streets lined with wine bars and traditional Georgian cafes. (Stop in one for meat dumplings, khachapuri (Georgia’s famous “cheese boat”), and homemade wine.) Hike or take the funicular up to Narikala Fortress, which was built in the fourth century, and enjoy views of Tbilisi and the surrounding Caucasus Mountains.

Rome, Italy

Consider Rome to be an open-air museum displaying nearly three millennia of opulent art and architecture. Get lost in the city’s maze of meandering alleys, hidden piazzas, and imperial streets and devise your own golden ratio: For every impossible-to-fathom world wonder — be it the all-powerful Roman Forum or St. Peter’s Basilica — stop for a creamy gelato, a life-giving bowl of carbonara, or an Aperol spritz and potato chip combo. When the sun goes down, find a good vantage point to watch la passeggiata, the parade of dapper Romans out for an evening stroll.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is a little gem of a riverside city and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam. Its incredibly preserved old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) feels almost untouched by modernity. Fortunately, the city was spared the devastation of the Vietnam War, so Hi An is home to hundreds of historic timber-frame houses, as well as sacred temples, pagodas, and a 1700s Japanese bridge. The place is steeped in a rich yellow hue, which is one of the first things you’ll notice. Other features of the scene include streets strung with lanterns and heavily trafficked by cyclists. Go on a bike ride with the locals, or take a cooking class, a riverboat ride, tea time at a local cafe, a beach day, or a trip to the tailors for expert bespoke clothing.

London, United Kingdom

London is a rich, decadent history layer cake. In England’s capital, the Middle Ages, the Victorian era, and the modern world coexist: medieval landmarks such as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London rub shoulders with Trafalgar Square and other Victorian-era icons, with big, busy, 21st-century London bustling all around. Aesthetes adore the Gothic, Baroque, and Elizabethan architecture; the extensive collection of museums and art galleries (many of which are free); the vibrant street markets; and sumptuous gardens and green spaces such as Hyde, St. James’s, and Regent’s parks.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is cosmopolitan and captivating, combining European flair and Latin flavor. At Bosques de Palermo, smell the roses and look for green and yellow parrots, see the balcony from which Eva Perón addressed her fans at the distinctively rosy-hued Casa Rosada, and refuel with a cortado and cake in a notable bar (a historic cafe, of which 1850s Café Tortoni is the poster child). The capital of Argentina is a city of proud Paris-worthy mansions, foodie hangouts, and fun-to-explore street markets and shopping arcades. Buenos Aires is the birthplace of tango, and visiting without seeing a seductive show performed by a live band is unthinkable.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Many movies and TV shows have benefited from Dubrovnik’s cinematic good looks: Game of Thrones is well-known, but there are also small productions like Succession and Star Wars. (The city’s beauty has not only caught the eye of Hollywood but also UNESCO, which named Dubrovnik a World Heritage Site.) It’s easy to cover ground in the so-called “Pearl of the Adriatic” — in the charming, compact, and traffic-free Old Town, you’ll see practically mint-condition medieval architecture, including the Gothic-Renaissance Rector’s Palace and the town’s thick stone walls — one of the best preserved medieval fortifications in the world.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is the place to be if you want to clean up your spiritual house. The Arizona desert town is surrounded by a spectacular red-rock landscape, with buttes and canyons that glow a near-magical rosy hue. Take a guided vortex tour to experience Sedona’s famous healing energy, then cruise Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive for postcard-perfect views. Then, return to town to shop for crystals, visit art galleries, get a tarot reading, and relax with a chakra-balancing, aura-cleansing spa treatment. A dark sky policy also saves Sedona’s best show for last: epic stargazing.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

The “Blue Pearl” of Morocco is a no-brainer here. The city is washed in the most spellbinding shade of blue, tucked beneath the soaring Rif Mountains. The city expects you to wander its cobalt alleyways (bonus points for color coordination; even the most selfie-averse travelers will want to take photos), but you’ll be rewarded for visiting the Spanish Mosque and surrounding nature, Cascades d’Akchour and Talassemtane National Park are also popular destinations.

Taipei, Taiwan

Taiwan is known as “the beautiful island,” and its capital is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Take in the scenery from the top of Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, where an 89th-floor observatory offers stunning views of the city and its surrounding lush green mountains. Then, make your way down to a street level to see serene temples, flower markets, kawaii-obsessed shopping streets, food-stall-lined alleyways and night markets. Hike Elephant Mountain (also known as the Nangang District Hiking Trail) for a taste of Taiwan’s natural beauty, or visit Yangmingshan National Park to take in the green forests, grasslands, hot springs, and views of downtown Taipei.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Yes, Edinburgh is a sight to behold. When your quads need a rest (Edinburgh’s hills may make you think your veins are pumping battery acid), relax in one of the city’s many parks and squares or stop into a pub for a fortifying steak-and-ale pie and a smooth Scottish stout. Summer visitors, take note: the world’s largest arts festival descends on the city every August.

New York City, New York

The island of Manhattan is home to skyscrapers ranging from the 104-story World Trade Center (the tallest building in the Northern Hemisphere) to the mighty Empire State Building, but non-skyline architectural treasures abound, including Greek Revival mansions in the Bronx and Prospect Park’s darling little boathouse. Mummies and Monets at the Met, Warhol’s soup cans and “The Starry Night” at MoMA, or period rooms and “The Dinner Party” at the Brooklyn Museum are your options for museums. New York City values its green spaces, allocating potentially valuable real estate to Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Snug Harbor, and others.

Singapore

Singapore is truly a sensory overload. Its skyline is defined by surreal “supertrees,” undulating cloud forest domes, and a 540-foot Ferris wheel, in addition to futuristic high rises. Its multicultural enclaves, such as Chinatown, the Arab Quarter, and Little India, as well as its head-spinning street food scene, reveal the city-state’s multicultural past. Colorful food streets and hawker centers are bustling with stalls selling everything from roasted pork rice and Malaysian fried noodles to honey lime juice and sweet icy cendol (rice flour jelly with coconut milk). Take a walk along Marina Bay’s illuminated waterfront, or visit the Botanic Gardens and Gardens by the Bay.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

San Miguel de Allende is undisputedly the queen of Mexico’s central highlands (though Guanajuato and Aguascalientes are her ladies in waiting). This city is a lovely maze of cobblestone alleys, cool courtyards, and buildings in Spanish colonial, Baroque, neoclassical, and neo-Gothic styles. The latter is best exemplified by the grand Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a stunning pink 17th-century church that has appeared in countless brochures and travel photos.