The 12 Most Beautiful Cities in the World

What is the most beautiful city in the world? This is a question that is difficult to answer without igniting a heated debate. However, at Civitatis, we feel uniquely qualified to join the conversation.

Having taken our most popular destinations into consideration, we have compiled a varied and international list of what we believe to be the 12 most beautiful cities in the world.

As you read on, you’ll see some old favourites, however, we’ve also included some cities slightly off the beaten track.

1. Venice, Italy
2. Kyoto, Japan
3. Cape Town, South Africa
4. Cairo, Egypt
5. Hoi An, Vietnam
6. Sydney, Australia
7. Mexico City, Mexico
8. New York, The United States
9. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
10. London, England
11. Seville, Spain
12. Singapore

1. Venice, Italy

Anyone who has visited any Italian city would probably claim it to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Although it was difficult to choose just one among the infinite Italian treasures, Venice is perhaps the most symbolic, peculiar and must-see destination.

From St. Mark’s Square with its grand basilica to the view of the Grand Canal that sweeps you up as soon as you step outside the train station, Venice is undoubtedly a beautiful city. Not to mention the beautiful islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello!

If you haven’t visited Venice yet, this may be the sign you’ve been waiting for. Why not book a private tour of the city so you can learn about the history of its monuments in depth?

One of the most interesting things about Venice is Carnival. This annual festival is not only famous in Italy, but worldwide! If you haven’t heard of Carnival before, there is no better place to discover the origins of this colourful festival than by joining a Carnival Tour.

We couldn’t talk about Venice without giving an honourable mention to its most famous mode of transport—is there anything more Venetian than a Gondola? A trip to Venice would simply not be complete without experiencing a gondola ride through the canals.

2. Kyoto, Japan

Even though the former capital of the Japanese Empire was replaced by Tokyo in 1868, it has never lost its charm.

Kyoto is known for its extraordinary cultural heritage. The city is home to numerous historical structures, including temples, shrines, Zen gardens and imperial palaces, many of which have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. No wonder we consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

In our opinion, it’s a destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime, perhaps starting with a free tour of its districts, including Gion, the famous geisha quarter.

Or, if you love traditional Japanese cuisine, you might enjoy this food tour of Kyoto, to expand your culinary boundaries with tasty dishes. After all, one of the best ways to discover a new city is through its food!

3. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is one of the most famous and fascinating cities on the African continent, located at the very southern tip.

Dominated by the majestic Table Mountain, an iconic peak with a flat top offering spectacular panoramic views of the city and the ocean, Cape Town has all the makings of the most beautiful city in the world.

A few kilometres off the coast of Cape Town is Robben Island, famous for being the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for most of his 27 years of imprisonment during apartheid. Today, the island is an important historical and tourist site. You can see it for yourself by going on this Cape Town tour.

Cape Town is a particularly good destination for lovers of nature and extreme sports. As a matter of fact, many travel here to try paragliding or bungee jumping. Imagine discovering South Africa’s legislative capital upside-down!

4. Cairo, Egypt

Cairo’s history goes back as far as time. You would only need to take one glance at the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, to understand why we consider Cairo one of the world’s most beautiful cities. If you’ve always dreamed of seeing the pyramids, you can do so by taking this tour of Cairo’s major archaeological sites.

The Egyptian capital offers its visitors a multitude of attractions: from the most complete Egyptian Museum in the world and its wealth of artefacts to the numerous colourful souks. There are so many fun things to do in Cairo, however, a particular favourite of ours is embarking on a dinner and show cruise on the River Nile.

Alternatively, if you would rather stay on solid land, this evening tour of Cairo is another fantastic way to experience the essence of the city.

5. Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An’s past dates back to the 15th century, when this small seaside town became an international trading port between Asian and Western countries. It was at this time when the first characteristic buildings sprang up in the city, an expression of a flourishing and unique culture.

Due to being a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port, the historic centre of this small city in central Vietnam became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Come and discover this fascinating mixture of cultures with a guided tour of Hoi An.

The small city is home to many historical monuments, such as the ancient Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a meeting point for the Chinese community, or the Japanese Bridge, the only bridge in the world with a Buddhist temple inside.

You could not leave the city without attending the traditional Lantern Festival in which colourful handmade lanterns are flown on full moon nights. On this occasion, the thousands of tiny lights create a truly enchanting visual spectacle.

6. Sydney, Australia

Sydney is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city, rich in tourist attractions, culture and spectacular scenery. Its seaside location and laid-back, quintessentially Australian lifestyle make it a popular destination.

Sydney is home to two of the world’s most recognisable architectural icons: Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The distinctive structure of the Opera House, with its white ‘sails’, and the imposing iron bridge that cuts across the bay, define the city’s spectacular skyline.

One of the best ways to admire these two architectural gems is with a boat tour of Sydney Bay. As a matter of fact, the city’s skyline looks the best from the sea!

To get in on the rest of the attractions and plan fun activities, we recommend buying the Go City: Sydney Explorer Pass. You can see kangaroos at Taronga Zoo, pop into the Maritime Museum or climb Sydney Tower Eye!

7. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City has a rich history dating back to Aztec times. The city is dotted with archaeological sites, ancient ruins, colonial churches and historic buildings that testify to Mexico’s fascinating past.

Here, you can admire a mix of ancient and modern architecture. Alongside important landmarks in the historic centre, such as Constitution Square, the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral, you’ll find modern skyscrapers and contemporary museums.

Despite being an urban metropolis, Mexico City is also rich in parks and green areas. The Bosque de Chapultepec, one of the largest urban parks in the world, is a green oasis in the heart of the city. It’s also home to ruins dating back to the Mesoamerican pre-classical period! You can check out the park for yourself on this free tour of the Bosque de Chapultepec.

A visit to Mexico City would not be complete without taking a tour of its most monumental neighbourhoods, or a complete guided tour which will take you through all seven centuries of the city’s history.

8. New York, The United States

The Big Apple could not be omitted from our list of the world’s most beautiful cities. After all, it’s not just a concrete jungle where dreams are made. New York’s charm is particularly linked to its unique energy. Known as “The City That Never Sleeps”, this city inspires a feeling of endless possibility.

Moreover, it has the most famous city skyline in the world. Landmarks such as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Chrysler Building contribute to its spectacular skyline. If you want to see the city’s skyline from the best spots, we recommend going up the Empire State Building or taking a tour of the Statue of Liberty.

If you love musicals, you’re definitely in the right place. It would be a crime to visit the home of Broadway without attending a show. One of our personal favourites is of course The Lion King. If you’ve always dreamed of seeing this masterpiece of a musical live, why not buy tickets to see it on Broadway?

It’s no secret that the city also offers a wide range of cultural attractions and world-class museums. That’s why we suggest buying tickets to MoMA, one of the Big Apple’s most beautiful and renowned art museums.

Not to mention the cultural diversity that animates New York. Its five boroughs reflect a mixture of cultures, ethnicities, languages and traditions. Together, they create a cosmopolitan and vibrant reality inimitable elsewhere. Why not see them for yourself on this tour of The Bronx, Harlem, Brooklyn and Queens?

9. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is a city where majestic mountains and golden beaches, such as Copacabana and Ipanema, are juxtaposed with emblematic monuments.

By travelling to Rio, you’ll have the opportunity to take a tour of the famous Sugarloaf Mountain, be captivated by an excursion to the Tijuca National Park and enjoy the view of Guanabara Bay, one of the most beautiful views in the world.

Such natural features form the backdrop to a metropolis full of cultural attractions. These include the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which, from the top of Mount Corcovado, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

Rio de Janeiro is also the birthplace of one of the world’s biggest and liveliest festivals, Carnival. Renowned for its festive atmosphere and glittering celebrations, this celebration truly reflects the Carioca joie de vivre and makes this destination extraordinarily fascinating. If you have never been, we highly recommend going during Carnaval. If you want to have an even more immersive experience, this private Carnival Tour is the way to go!

10. London, England

It’s no secret that London is steeped in thousands of years of history. This is evident in monuments such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and the British Museum. That said, the city has so much more to offer, boasting a range of modern attractions.

The best way to explore its eclectic architecture is by taking a stroll along the Thames, which boasts many atmospheric attractions. If you want to see the best views of the city, we recommend taking a ride on the London Eye, or buying tickets to enter the famous Tower Bridge.

The English capital is also dotted with beautiful parks and gardens, including the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew Gardens, which houses the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collection.

If nothing else, London deserves the title of the most magical city in the world. In fact, it’s the main destination for Harry Potter fans, who travel to the English capital to visit the Warner Bros. Studios in London, where a large part of the film sets of the famous saga are exhibited. If you’re an avid Harry Potter fan, your trip to London would not be complete without taking a tour of the studios.

To make sure you don’t miss any of the main attractions in the city, check out our comprehensive 3-day London travel itinerary, which will bring you through the best ways to experience the UK’s capital city.

11. Seville, Spain

It would be difficult to curate a list of the most beautiful cities in the world without mentioning Seville. The Andalusian capital has so much to offer, from its rich culture and traditions to its breathtaking architecture, not to mention its world-famous tapas.

Seville is home to the third-largest Old Town in Europe, as well as breathtaking buildings such as the Royal Alcazar, the Cathedral, and La Giralda—all three of which you can admire for yourself on this guided tour of Seville.

If you happen to be a fan of Star Wars, a visit to Plaza de España is a must! By taking this free tour of Seville, you’ll be able to see the city’s most iconic monuments, as well as the famous Star Wars filming location!

12. Singapore

Last, but certainly not least, on our list of the most beautiful cities in the world is Singapore. One of the Four Asian Tigers, Singapore is vibrant and ever-changing. A city, an island, and a nation, all at once, with more than 5 million inhabitants, Singapore is one of South East Asia’s most popular tourist destinations.

Perhaps the most jaw-dropping sight in Singapore, the Gardens by the Bay are a must-see on a visit to the city. With bottle trees, baobabs and more than 500,000 species of trees from around the world in the heart of the city, it’s no wonder that this giant botanical complex is internationally renowned. If you want to see it for yourself, we recommend buying to ticket to explore the Gardens.

As a bonus to the city’s beautiful futuristic skyline, Singapore is known for having impeccably clean streets and subways. If you’ve been inspired to visit this city, why not book our private tour of Singapore to make sure you don’t miss a beat?

Deciding which is the most beautiful city in the world is an almost impossible task. If we’re honest, making this list was not easy. However, at Civitatis, we’re firm believers that when in doubt, you should simply visit them all!