25 Most Beautiful Places in the World to Watch a Sunset
Around the world, there are destinations that are blessed with some truly memorable sunsets, where the skies are simply set ablaze.
25 Most Beautiful Places in the World to Watch a Sunset
No matter your style, everyone can agree on a stunning sunset. Whether you take your sunsets in pearls with a glass of Champagne or prefer to kick back in a hammock with a cold beer on an empty beach, what brings us all together at the end of the day is just that — the end of the day.
Around the world, there are destinations that are blessed with some truly memorable sunsets, where the skies are simply set ablaze. From the beaches of New Zealand and the lofty rooftops of Santiago, Chile, to the wild plains of Tanzania and the tiki bars of the Florida Keys, you are destined to find a breathtaking sunset.
But where to begin exactly? We rounded up 25 of the best places in the world to watch a sunset. And while you're in town, we also gathered up some top restaurants and bars where you'll find not only a killer view but also a meal and a drink worth remembering, too.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
If you catch one sunset in Mexico, you better make sure it’s this one. Perched in the crux of the Bay of Banderas on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta has the privileged location to be where mountains meet the sea.
With its west-facing real estate, Puerto Vallarta affords epic sunsets that set the entire city sky on fire.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: Anywhere on the water. Pick a sunset cruise, and let nature do the rest.
Best Restaurant: The open-air Iguana Restaurant and Tequila Bar sits on an oversized terrace that is part of the Kimberly Hotel — once Elizabeth Taylor’s private villa turned luxury, boutique property.
Best Bar: Poised on the sand, the barefoot-casual El Solar bar serves up strong drinks, fresh seafood, live DJs and a front-row seat for the sunset.
Azores, Portugal
Believe it or not, Portugal is actually the westernmost country in Europe. This is thanks to the Azores, an archipelago that sits scattered across 347 miles in what seems like the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
While Portugal is part of the mainland, the Azores are surrounded by nothing but lovely, azure water, with a spine of majestic mountains — all of which make for beautiful sunsets.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: As if the twin lake of Lagoa das Sete Cidades, tucked in the crater of a sleeping volcano, wasn’t spectacular enough. But this is one of the best places in the Azores to see the sunset as well.
Best Restaurant: It may be a bit of a challenge to reach, but the hilltop Por-do-Sol restaurant on the island of Flores is simply the best when it comes to sunset views. Luckily for you, the food is just as spectacular.
Best Bar: The low-key Bar Caloura is popular on the island of Lagoa for its chill drinks and sunset views. What's great is that it has an adjacent pool, where patrons can take a dip as the sun goes down.
Udaipur, India
India's city of Udaipur enjoys the privilege of hugging the banks of beautiful Lake Pichola. When sunset hits the city, the buildings are bathed in gold, and the surface of the lake starts to sparkle like a blanket of crystals.
There is really no bad place to see a sunset in Udaipur.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: Karni Mata Temple stands high up in the Machla Magra Hills, overlooking Lake Pichola. This Hindu temple has one of the best vantage points over the stunning nature of Udapur.
Best Restaurant: If you can swing the splurge, it’s entirely worth the decadence of Bhairo restaurant at the five-star Taj Lake Palace. This rooftop restaurant serves European cuisine, with nothing but views of the lake and city for 360 degrees.
Best Bar: Classically Rajasthani, the Jannat Rooftop Bar is a great spot to spend with family and friends while sipping cocktails and enjoying the view.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Sunset gets elevated to a whole new level when you're surrounded by nothing but the wild of the Serengeti. Picture the silhouette of roaming animals behind the gentle arch of the ubiquitous baobab trees.
The Serengeti affords the most stunning colors of nature, and sunset is the time to soak up the oranges, purples and fiery reds.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: You’ll have your pick within the national park.
Best Restaurant: Options are limited when dining within the park, but if you're making the trek, you may as well splurge on the absolutely stunning Boma Grill at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti. This open-air fire pit serves up grilled specialties with an unforgettable al fresco atmosphere.
Best Bar: To enjoy sunset over drinks, simply walk a few steps to the Maji Bar and Terrace, an all-day outdoor terrace and lounge with plush daybeds and 360-degree views over the Serengeti National Park.
Santiago, Chile
Chile's largest capital has a breathtaking slice of real estate, surrounded by the Andes and Chilean Coast ranges. The bustling city is also a hub for trendy restaurants, rooftop bars and sexy hotels.
As such, it offers a stunning backdrop for beautiful sunsets, whether you're simply staring off at the mountains or indulging in a fancy rooftop cocktail.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: Cerro San Cristobal may be one of Santiago’s most popular tourist attractions, but it also happens to be one of the best spots in the city for skyline views and sunset.
Best Restaurant: The Tramonto Bar and Terrace at the Now Hotel is a stunning spot for delicious cuisine and sunset views. It's also spectacular for brunch if you're more of a daytime person.
Best Bar: Red2One Bar is known for its sleek, chic atmosphere and unbeatable views. This is the bar where you can grab a drink and slink into a white-leather couch to enjoy the show.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is already famous for its ethereal energy that vibrates among the towering red rock buttes and across the rose-colored desert.
But no time is felt more than at sunset, when the sun dips behind the mountains and creates an explosive glow across the city.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: Red Rock Crossing, located near the Crescent Moon Ranch, makes for a fantastic hike, and if you time it just right, you'll be able to see a spectacular sunset.
Best Restaurant: The Hudson Sedona is frequently touted as the restaurant with the best view in town. Request a seat on the deck for the ultimate front-row sunset seat.
Best Bar: With a name like View 180, vistas are certainly on the menu. This luxe lounge at the Enchantment Resort is known for its curated wine list, craft beers, specialty cocktails and sunset views.
Matterhorn, Zermatt, Switzerland
Soaring at more than 4,400 feet, Switzerland's The Matterhorn is one of the top places in the world to catch the sunset — quite literally.
Known for its slate-and-snow color palette, sunset certainly changes the game when the sky turns the slopes a dusty red and burnt orange. The Matterhorn is best viewed from the Alpine town of Zermatt.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: The Monte Rosa Hut requires considerable effort to get there, but it will be worth it for the view. The seasonal hiking hut is an architectural gem that looks out in every direction over the Swiss Alps.
Best Restaurant: The classic ambiance at Findlerhof makes it a fan favorite in Zermatt. The tiered terraces tend to get busy for apres ski, but the cozy interiors, perfect views and elegant cuisine are worth it.
Best Bar: Harry's Ski Bar is most certainly on the tourist trail, but for good reason. Groups have gathered here for years to enjoy the excellent apres ski, lively environment and beautiful views of The Matterhorn at sunset.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
With 360-degree views of mountains and turquoise-colored sea, there is no bad view in the house in Bora Bora. While the western side of the island has the most direct sunset views, any perch is perfect to catch the sky as it blazes from scarlet and fades to inky velvet.
Whether it's from a hammock or the deck of a five-star hotel, you're in for a treat when the sun goes down off of Bora Bora.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: Matira Beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in French Polynesia in general, but it really gets going around sunset.
Best Restaurant: Yacht Club Bora Bora serves up decadent French-style surf and turf, and is one of the most popular restaurants on island for sunsets.
Best Bar: The Beach Bar, right on the sands of Matira Beach, is often regarded as the best beach bar in town. Plus, it has the best seat on the island for sunset.
Punta del Este, Uruguay
Uruguay's Punta del Este is a chic resort town that can often be compared to the ritzy and glamorous South of France. Punta del Este sits on a peninsula, with the Atlantic on one side and an estuary on the other.
Because it has water to the east and the west, it is one of the best spots in the world to enjoy both sunrises and sunsets.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: Punta Ballena, located along the beach promenade, offers 360-degree views all around the water and the town, making it the best vantage point for sunset.
Best Restaurant: La Huella is one of the top restaurants in town (so reservations are a must). Grab a seat on the wooden deck and get ready to be mesmerized.
Best Bar: Moby Dick is everyone's favorite waterfront bar in Punta del Este. Its piece of real estate affords it the best views of the port as well as the sunsets and anytime a fireworks display is on the docket.
Key West, Florida
Key West is all about celebrating — anytime, anywhere. The sunsets are no different, and they have become a nightly ritual for visitors and locals alike.
The last island in the string of Florida Keys, Key West juts out directly into the Gulf of Mexico, making it one of the best places in all of the United States for epic sunsets.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: Mallory Square Dock offers the best ocean views, and it's where everyone seems to congregate to toast the end of the day.
Best Restaurant: It may be located on Sunset Key, but Latitudes is a quintessential part of the Key West experience. This toes-in-the-sand meal includes the absolute best views of the sunset.
Best Bar: To go to Key West and skip a tiki bar is an absolute no-no, so visit The Sunset Tiki Bar to get your fix of sunset views and those iconic island vibes.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
What’s great about Siem Reap is that it is legendary for both its sunsets and sunrises, which can both be seen with the beautiful backdrop of the ruins of Angkor Wat. Any Instagrammer worth their followers has made the attempt to catch the most perfect sunset in Siem Reap.
But even before the 'Gram, travelers have heard the legendary tales of the sun shows that turn a blaze of purples and reds and perfectly reflects itself, along with the ruins, in the glassy pool of water out front. Whether or not you're there to snap a photo, the image will surely be emblazoned in your mind forever.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: Make your way to Phnom Bakheng, one of two temples within Angkor Wat that is open until 7 p.m., which means you can watch the sunset from within the temple itself.
Best Restaurant: Siem Reap has long been a backpacker hotspot but lately has been introducing fine dining. Palate Angkor Restaurant & Bar is a glass-clad, elegant restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and a rooftop bar that is perfect for views.
Best Bar: For the most uninterrupted sunset views, Central Prestige d'Angkor features a lounge-like setting with plenty of beanbags, dim lighting, cheap beer and sunset views.
Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
With nothing for 4,000 miles except a starkly beautiful lunar landscape, the sunsets at the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia are, truly, out of this world.
The legendary salt flat acts like a reflective mirror — you may be familiar already, thanks to Instagram — and come sundown, the encrusted fields of salt glitter like diamonds on fire.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: Pick any spot. You can’t go wrong.
Best Restaurant: A sea of salt may not seem like a hotspot for dining, but that all changes with the opening of Gustu, one of the best restaurants in all of Latin America that is part of the new Kachi Lodge.
Best Bar: You won’t find any bars on the salt flats and very few in town that are known for the sunset views. But you can always grab a drink at Gustu, or simply BYO and enjoy the sunset on your own.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Dramatically sloping cliffs carved by a lonely stretch of road and an endless sea of undulating fields peppered with glass-like lakes — this is the Isle of Skye in Scotland.
It's a photographer's dream for sunsets, who come to chase the kaleidoscope of colors that seem to reflect off the peaks and valleys, turning the mirror lakes into shimmering jewels as far as the eye can sea.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: Trotternish Ridge is the best spot on the island from which to gaze out at the peaks and valleys below.
Best Restaurant: With a Michelin Star under its belt, Loch Bay Restaurant is not only a delectable spot to grab a traditional Scottish meal, it also happens to be one of the best places in the world to watch the sunset.
Best Bar: The Stein Inn in the village of Waternish has a beautiful outdoor beer garden that has both views of the sea and a perfect shot of the nightly sunset.
Bagan, Myanmar
Cycling the dusty roads through the tall grass fields in Old Bagan’s Valley of Temples is one of the most life-changing experiences — especially at sunset as you catch a glimpse of the beams bouncing off the rust-colored pagodas that peak out at every turn.
Sunset in Myanmar is nothing short of magical, as the sky fades to a deep purple, and all that’s left are the silhouettes of hundreds of temples that disappear in the distance.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: Splurge on a hot-air balloon ride over Bagan at sunset. You won't regret the unparalleled views of the old city, the centuries-old temples and the shimmer of the Irrawaddy River.
Best Restaurant: The food may not be the best in Bagan, but it's the sunset views that draw the crowds at Sunset Garden Restaurant. Set on the Irrawaddy River, the restaurant has the best evening views of the mountains in the background.
Best Bar: If a regular bar is old hat, try Erawati Raft, a boat-turned-restaurant and bar that serves signature cocktails and impeccable views.
Santa Monica, California
California was built on sunsets. Everyone across the board, from A-list celeb to leathery surfer, can all agree on one thing — California has the best sunsets.
And no where in California are you going to get more of those sunset vibes than on the cliffs of Santa Monica overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: The beach, of course!Santa Monica State Beach has the best ticket in town for that golden hour magic.
Best Restaurant: Santa Monica is not for the shallow of pockets, so if you're splurging already, you may as well visit Hotel Casa Del Mar's Terrazza Lounge, which combines a Tuscan vibe with California views as well as a hefty menu of pizza, sushi and seafood.
Best Bar: ONYX Rooftop Bar is poised atop the swanky Hotel Shangri-La and is known for its stunning views and impeccably crafted cocktails.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
An international party destination, cultural melting pot and one of the most-visited places in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is famous for many, many reasons. But it also happens to be one of the most spectacular places in the world for sunset.
Grab a caipirinha, dig your toes in the sand and do as the locals do.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: Arpoador is a small peninsula that is between Copacabana and Ipanema. Its strategic location gives visitors views in all directions.
Best Restaurant: Located in the Santa Teresa neighborhood, Aprazivel Restaurant has a splendid and welcoming patio. Combined with the gorgeous Brazilian cuisine, this is the best restaurant in town for sunset.
Best Bar: Bar Urca is casual and unassuming, but it's the views from across the street that are truly worth the trip. Sit on the wall overlooking Guanabara Bay with your drink in hand.
Sussex, U.K.
The cliffs of Sussex's coastline make for a spectacular view out to sea, particularly at sunset when the sun's rays swirl into pinks and oranges.
The white of the cliffs sets the canvas for a beautiful showing of color.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: The cliffs between Seaford and Beachy Head offer the best coastal views at sunset.
Best Restaurant: Casual, no frills and undeniably charming, Billy's on the Beach is the best place to tuck into crispy fish and chips while gazing out to sea.
Best Bar: The Crab Shack in Worthing has a beautiful outdoor terrace that spills directly out onto the beach. It's the perfect place to sip a pint or a glass of wine, while simultaneously drinking in the views.
Anchorage, Alaska
It's not difficult to find an epic sunset spot amid the wild, unspoiled beauty of Alaska. But if you're looking for beauty-meets-accessibility, Anchorage has it all.
As the sun melts into the water, the skies above Anchorage are coated with gold, and the city begins to get quiet as it blends into the raw nature that surrounds it.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: Point Woronzof Park has sweeping views of Mt. Susitna, the Cook Inlet, and the Anchorage skyline. At sunset, it offers the perfect place to watch it all go down. Keep your eyes peeled for Beluga whales, which are often swimming off shore.
Best Restaurant: Simon and Seafort's Saloon & Grill is a historic restaurant and a local favorite. It also happens to have panoramic views, making it a top spot for sunset.
Best Bar: Williwaw Social is the new face of Anchorage, featuring three floors of entertainment. But the rooftop bar is perfect during the summer months for sunsets and live music.
Port Waikato, New Zealand
When you boast a spot called Sunset Beach, it's no wonder that locals and visitors alike flock for the sunsets.
Port Waikato is often heralded as the best place in New Zealand to watch day turn into night. It sits where the Waikato River spills out to the Tasman Sea, just south of Auckland.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: Sunset Beach is the spot where everyone heads to sit and watch the sun fade as the waves crash on shore.
Best Restaurant: Restaurants and bars are hard to come by in this tiny little town, so Sylvia's at Sunset Beach is one of the only spots to grab a bite and a drink. Still, it's right on the beach and is typically where you'll find everyone else, so you won't be alone.
Venice, Italy
Magic hour in Venice adds yet another dusting of beauty to this already magical city.
Amid the marble churches, web of canals and vibrantly colored homes and buildings, its nightly golden bath makes Venice one of the most spectacular places in the world to catch the sunset — no matter where you are.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: A vantage point from the Grand Canal is certainly spectacular, but anywhere on the water is really the best seat in the house when watching the sunset here.
Best Restaurant: When in Venice, unleash your most decadent side and indulge at Terrazza Danieli, the rooftop restaurant of the Hotel Danieli.
Best Bar: Skyline Rooftop Bar has it all — swanky atmosphere, sexy cocktails and the most sublime sunset views over the entire city.
Cairo, Egypt
How can you top the sight of the sun slipping between the pinnacles of the Great Pyramids? Answer: You can't. This is why Cairo is considered to be one of the best places in the world to see the sunset.
The magic of history is palpable at every turn, especially as you consider that this is a view people have looked upon for thousands and thousands of years.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: If you're not on a camel at the Pyramids themselves, Al-Azhar Park has one of the best views of the City of One Thousand Minarets. What makes it even more special is the Cairo Citadel at its center as well as the surrounding gardens and park.
Best Restaurant: It may be touristy, but the Revolving Restaurant at The Grand Nile Tower Hotel has unbeatable 360-degree views of Cairo.
Best Bar: Crimson is a chic rooftop restaurant on a street that faces the Nile. It's a bit on the spendy side, but the cocktails are to die for.
Cape Town, South Africa
Choose your own adventure when it comes to sunsets in Cape Town, from the top of Table Mountain, aboard a boat out where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean or on a terrace with a superb glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Whatever you choose, the entire city is dipped in red at sunset.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: Wherever you are, you are going to want a view of Table Mountain for sunset. A boat trip out to sea is the best vantage point for seeing it all.
Best Restaurant: Azure Restaurant is breathtaking, from its rooftop perch atop the Twelve Apostles hotel. The open-air terrace has views of mountains and sea, which light up at sunset.
Best Bar: Locals love the Sky Bar atop The Grey Hotel for its intimate atmosphere, small lap pool and uninterrupted views of the sunset.
Bali, Indonesia
The sunsets of Bali are splashed all over Instagram, whether you're up in the mountains or down on the sea.
From five-star luxury resorts to the rice terraces of Ubud and everywhere in between, there is no one in Bali that does not have a perfect sunset view.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: There are so many from which to choose, but Jimbaran Beach is one of the most popular beachfront spots on the island for sunset.
Best Restaurant: There cannot be one best restaurant for sunset in Bali, but on the shores of Seminyak is Mejekawi, which is definitely a top contender.
Best Bar: Bali is a big island, so again, it's impossible to choose. But on the cliffs of Bingin sits El Kabron, a clifftop club with an infinity pool and unmatched views of the sea at sunset.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Massachusetts is East Coast all the way, but Martha's Vineyard, not far from Boston, has some enviable sunset views.
The town of Aquinnah is the local favorite on the island for the most electric sunsets.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: The cliffs overlooking Jungle Beach have the best vantage point. Just be careful when you look down, as the beach is popular among nudists.
Best Restaurant: The Aquinnah Shop Restaurant has a perfect clifftop porch that serves excellent food and unmatched views over Edgartown Harbor.
Best Bar: The Lookout Tavern is a staple in Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard. You'll soon know why once you see the stools lined up on the deck overlooking the sea. It's the perfect place to unwind with a drink and wait for sunset.
Big Island, Hawaii
As the westernmost state in the United States, it can't be argued that Hawaii has the most epic sunsets in the country. But where to go in Hawaii's archipelago?
It has to be the Big Island, where seemingly endless natural beauty creates blank canvases for perfect sunsets no matter which side of the island you're on.
Where to Watch the Sunset
Best Nature Spot: Kailua Kona Bay creates a world of contrasts at sunset, as the orange-and-pink smudged sky blends down to the moody volcanic rocks below.
Best Restaurant: Big Islands Kona coastline is bubbling with great restaurants, but the Kona Canoe Club has casual, delicious bites with a five-star view.
Best Bar: Lava Lava Beach Club is popular both with tourists and visitors, who come for the cocktails but stay for the fiery sunsets.