World Named Its 15 Most Beautiful Cities — Only One’s in the U.S.
This list ranks twenty cities recognized for their visual appeal, based on architecture, layout, natural surroundings, and overall design. It reflects public surveys and expert input on urban aesthetics. Out of all the options worldwide, only one city in the United States was included.
Jaipur, India
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Nicknamed the Pink City, Jaipur earned its signature color in 1876 ahead of a royal visit. Architectural highlights include the honeycombed Hawa Mahal and Rambagh Palace, as well as the garden-framed Jai Mahal. Many of these former royal residences operate as luxury heritage hotels.
Singapore
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This Southeast Asian city-state has futuristic design and tropical calm. Singapore’s Changi Airport has a seven-story waterfall, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, and Marina Bay Sands has a surreal skyline. The ArtScience Museum opens like a flower near the waterfront. The country’s vertical gardens and treetop walkways help keep its modernity grounded in nature.
Cape Town, South Africa
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In Cape Town, a view from Table Mountain gives you the city’s full range: glinting ocean and jagged peaks edging into wild coastline. Boulders Beach lets you walk beside penguins. On top of the scenic aquatic eye feast, the city center is brimming with art festivals and live music echoing throughout its historic streets.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
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In this Mexican city, pink stone buildings and wrought-iron balconies set a warm tone, but it is the creative energy that gives this place its glow. Artists showcase work in galleries and rooftops brim with conversation. At its heart, San Miguel’s centuries-old churches keep its spirit grounded.
Luxor, Egypt
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Set along the Nile, Luxor holds the ruins of Thebes, Egypt’s ancient capital. In the Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple, pillars and sphinxes stand tall beside hieroglyphic-covered ruins. Other highlights include the tomb of Nefertari and the towering obelisks at Karnak Temple. These archaeological sites preserve hieroglyphs and royal statuary dating back over 3,000 years.
Barcelona, Spain
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Barcelona’s artistic energy can be seen in Antoni Gaudí’s fantastical buildings, from Park Güell to Casa Batlló. One of the most visited landmarks is the unfinished Sagrada Família basilica, which dominates the skyline, while the city’s seaside boardwalks and public parks offer colorful contrast.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Rio de Janeiro is a city set between sea cliffs and dense forest. Copacabana attracts beachgoers, and samba beats can be heard from practically anywhere. The carnival spirit and street murals all live side by side.
Paris, France
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Even first-time visitors find something familiar here: the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night or cafés tucked beside ornate buildings. Paris led Euromonitor’s 2023 rankings for beauty and global draw, so it’s not surprising that it made it to this list.
Kyoto, Japan
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Kyoto’s beauty lies in its serenity: cherry blossoms and meticulously preserved temples. It was formerly the imperial capital of Japan, and the city has an impressive 17 UNESCO-listed landmarks, including Kinkaku-ji, a gold-leaf-covered pavilion, and the moss-covered Saiho-ji temple.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Amsterdam is known for bikes and boat-filled canals. In fact, the city’s canal ring became a UNESCO site in 2010. Cultural powerhouses like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum draw millions each year.
Istanbul, Turkey
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In this scenic Turkish tourist spot, you might sip tea on one street and stand inside a 1,500-year-old cathedral the next. The Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque reflect layers of empire and art.
Tallinn, Estonia
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Tallinn’s Old Town remains one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centers. Visitors may find the Cobblestone alleys and Gothic spires, dating back to the 13th century, charming. Its UNESCO status reflects both historical integrity and modern innovation, with cozy cafés and tech hubs occupying ancient buildings.
Chefchaouen, Morocco
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Chefchaouen is located in the Rif Mountains, with buildings coated in blue, a custom that’s been going on for generations. The paint changes slightly with the light and gives the streets a different look throughout the day. The color choice has more or less become part of the town’s identity.
Portsmouth, Dominica
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Along Portsmouth’s protected coast, visitors can find mangrove forests and black sand beaches. Wooden villas at Secret Bay are located above the sea using low-impact materials. Nature lovers will love the trails that lead into dense rainforest. The town’s success lies in how well it guards what it still has.
New York City, US
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In NYC, Central Park’s greens and granite walkways offer a pause amid the city’s vertical rush. Sure, there are skyscrapers that tower above, but the City That Never Sleeps has carved out space for public gardens and elevated rails turned into parks. Nearly 27% of its land is dedicated to open space.