In this article, we will look at the 30 most beautiful cities in the world. You can skip our detailed discussion of the travel and tourism sector and see the 5 Most Beautiful Cities in the World.
Travel and Tourism Across the Globe
The tourism industry is one of the most prominent and largest services industries across the globe. According to the UN Tourism Barometer, international travelers reached around 97% of their pre-pandemic levels in Q1 2024, showing an almost complete recovery to pre-pandemic levels. Around 285 million tourists took international trips between January and March 2024, approximately 20% more than the number of international travelers in the same period in 2023. A continued release of pent-up travel demand, increased air connectivity, improved visa facilitation, and opening Asian destinations and markets are some of the primary reasons behind this increase.
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Post-Pandemic Recovery in Tourism: Regional Breakdown
The Middle East underwent the most robust growth relative to other regions, undergoing a 36% increase in its pre-pandemic level of international travelers in the first quarter of 2024. For the first time in a quarter, Europe’s international travelers grew by 1% from its pre-pandemic numbers of Q1 2019. The Americas recovered around 99% of their pre-pandemic travel numbers, while Africa experienced a 5% increase in international visitors in Q1 2024 as compared to Q1 2019 levels. Recovery in Asia and the Pacific was almost robust, with the regions jumping to 82% of their pre-pandemic levels in Q1 2024. This shows a continued recovery trend in Asia and the Pacific, which recovered 65% of its international travel in 2023.
Breaking post-pandemic recovery to subregions, North Africa took the lead with a 23% increase in its international travelers in Q1 2024 as compared to pre-pandemic levels. Central America followed closely behind with a 15% addition, while the Caribbean and Western Europe held the third spot with a 7% increase each. Tourism direct GDP also jumped to pre-pandemic levels in 2023, reaching approximately $3.3 trillion. This number comes up to around 3% of the global GDP. In addition, the total export revenues from international tourism recovered to around 96% of its pre-pandemic levels when considered in real terms, excluding inflation. These numbers include both receipts and passenger transport. The UN Tourism Confidence Index expects positive trends throughout 2024. However, changing geopolitical conditions and economic headwinds might pose hurdles to the complete recovery of international tourism across the globe. You can also look at 40 Best Places to Visit in South America That Are Beautiful and Safe.
Where Does Technology Come In?
Travel platforms have played a pivotal role in the recovery of international travel, offering users innovative features to facilitate and expedite their travel plans. Trip Advisor Inc. (NASDAQ:TRIP) is a prominent example. This American company is one of the best travel technology companies globally, facilitating millions of travelers through its online travel agencies and comparison shopping websites. The company recently announced a new functionality allowing its members to book hotel stays within the Trip Advisor app. Powered by Hopper Technology Solutions (HTS), the new functionality will enhance user experience and make it an integrated trip planning platform. The collaboration with HTS will provide a hotel inventory in the app, one that already allows users to explore restaurants, experiences, and things to do in potential travel destinations.
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Now that we have taken an overview of the travel and tourism sector, let’s look at the 30 most beautiful cities in the world. For more insight, you can look at 25 Most Beautiful States in the US.
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Our Methodology
In order to compile a list of the 30 most beautiful cities in the world, we used a consensus approach and a visitor survey through Reddit. Firstly, we consulted ten online expert resources to compile a list of the 50 most beautiful cities in the world. Next, we looked at ten Reddit threads that asked commenters to mention the most beautiful cities they had visited in the world. We only chose threads with more than 50 comments and studied more than 500 comments to shortlist the cities with the most recommendations by Reddit users. We then counted the number of upvotes on each comment and chose the top 30 cities with the most upvotes. The 30 most beautiful cities in the world are arranged in ascending order of their number of upvotes on Reddit.
Note: This list is not exhaustive and does not reflect our opinion. The ranking is solely based on the opinions of mass consumers on Reddit.
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30 Most Beautiful Cities in the World
30. Bergen, Norway
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 342
The 30th spot on our list of the 30 most beautiful cities in the world is held by Bergen, a scenic city that lies on Norway’s southwestern coast. With vibrant wooden houses lining its old wharf, Bergen stands surrounded by fjords and mountains, offering visitors panoramic opportunities for hiking.
29. Antigua, Guatemala
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 349
With 349 upvotes on Reddit, Antigua takes the 29th place on our list. This small city is located in southern Guatemala and is surrounded by volcanoes. Famous for Spanish colonial constructions, some of the city’s most prominent cultural and architectural attractions include the baroque La Merced church, Arco de Santa Catalina, and Cerro de La Cruz.
28. Munich, Germany
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 368
The beautiful city of Munich is the capital of the Free State of Bavaria in Germany. It houses numerous museums, cultural landmarks, and centuries-old constructions. The city is also famous for its annual Oktoberfest celebrations. Some of its most popular spots include the famous beer hall Hofbräuhaus, Altstadt (Old Town), and the Nymphenburg Palace.
27. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 371
San Miguel de Allende is a colonial-era city in San Miguel de Allende, located in the central highlands of Mexico in its far eastern part of Guanajuato. It is famous for its prevalent arts scene, cultural festivals, and Spanish colonial architecture.
26. Havana, Cuba
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 379
Havana ranks 26th on our list of the 30 most beautiful cities in the world. It is world famous capital of Cuba, which houses numerous Spanish colonial architectural landmarks. Its National Capitol Building and the 16th-century Old Havana core are some of the most prominent attractions.
25. Doha, Qatar
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 385
Doha is the primary financial center and the capital of Qatar. The modern city lies on the Persian Gulf coast in the eastern wing of the country, and boasts a landscape dotted with towering and innovative skyscrapers. It ranks 25th on our list.
24. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 392
With 392 upvotes on Reddit, Croatia’s Dubrovnik ranks 24th on our list. It lies in the southern sing of the country, and faces the Adriatic Sea. Famous for its scenic views, baroque Rennaissance and Gothic buildings, and distinctive Old Town, the city is a popular tourist destination.
23. Muscat, Oman
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 398
The port capital of Oman, Muscat, has history dating back to antiquity. The city lies on the Gulf of Oman, and is surrounded by desert and mountains. It boasts several cultural and historic landmarks, including the the 16th-century Portuguese forts, Al Jalali and Mirani, and the modern Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
22. Salzburg, Austria
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 409
The Austrian city of Salzburg is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It lies on the Germnay-Austria border, and boasts picturesque views of the Eastern Alps. Its Altstadt (Old City) on its left bank and the 19th-century Neustadt (New City) offer tourists innumerable cultural, historical, and architectural attractions.
21. Singapore, Singapore
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 411
Officially known as the Republic of Singapore, Singapore is a city-state and island country located in maritime southeast Asia. It is the smallest country in southeast Asia by surface area, and is a popular tourist destination due to its ultra-modern constructions that cater to all kinds of visitors.
20. Honolulu, USA
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 418
Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii, the only US state not located on the country’s mainland but rather an archipelago in the tropics. Honolulu lies on the Oahu island’s south shore, and is popular for its vibrant night life, shopping centers, scenic beaches, and exquisite dining.
19. Brussels, Belgium
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 426
The 19th spot on our list of the most beautiful cities in the world is held by Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Brussels is also the capital of the Flemish Region, and is the historical epicenter of the Brussels-Capital Region. The city functions as the administrative center of the European Union.
18. Edinburgh, Scotland
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 448
With 448 upvotes on Reddit, Edinburgh takes the 18th spot on our list. The dreamy hilly city is the capital of Scotland, and houses medieval buildings, historic castles, and neorclassical buildings. Rife with history and culture, the city is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
17. Tallinn, Estonia
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 452
Tallinn is the capital and most populous city in Estonia, and is also one of the most popular cities in the world due to its aesthetic beauty. The city lies on the Baltic Sea, and houses the cobblestoned Old Town, 13th-century Gothic Town Hall, and historic St. Nicholas Church dating back to the 13th-century.
16. Kyoto, Japan
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 460
Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is one of the most popular cities in the country and the world. Located on the island of Honshu, Kyoto is home to numerous imperial palaces, traditional wooden houses, Buddhist temples, and Shinto shrines. It is globally famous for its geisha, kaiseki dining, and other formal traditions.
15. Riga, Latvia
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 469
With 469 Reddit upvotes, Riga ranks 15th on our list of the 30 most beautiful cities in the world. The city is the capital of Latvia, and stands on the mouth of the River Daugava on the Baltic Sea. It is famous for its wooden building, museums, concert halls, and night life.
14. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 473
Chiang Mai is the melting pot of Thailand’s history and culture. The mountainous city lies in northern Thailand, and dates back to the 1200s. Its Old City area houses several cultural, religious, and historic landmarks, including hundreds of Buddhist temples dating back centuries. Some of these include the 14th-century Wat Phra Singh and 15th-century Wat Chedi Luang.
13. Luxor, Egypt
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 487
Luxor is one of the most historically significant cities in the world: it lies on the site of the ancient Thebes and houses remnants of the pharaohs at the peak of their power as their ancient capital. Dating back to the 16th-11th centuries B.C., Luxor’s most famous attractions include the Valley of Kings, The Lixor Temple, and the Karnak Temple.
12. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 499
Most famous for the 38m Christ the Redeemer statue that stands on top the Mount Corcovado and overlooks the city, Rio de Janeiro is a popular seaside city in Brazil. Its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are popular tourist destinations. It also houses the largest Carnaval festival in the world, full of vibrant costumes, flamboyant parades, and energetic samba dancers.
11. Cape Town, South Africa
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 507
Cape Town’s scenic beauty makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The legislative capital of South Africa lies on the southwest coast of the country, and is full of picturesque beaches, entertainment spots, and vibrant buildings. It also houses Robben Island, the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela but is now a museum.
10. Istanbul, Turkey
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 511
One of the most prominent landmarks in Istanbul is the beautiful Blue Mosque that dominates the city’s landscape. Standing on the meeting point of Asia and Europe, the beautiful city of Istanbul stretching across the Bosphorus Strait and offers reflections of the many empires that once ruled it in its exquisite culture, cuisine, bustling bazaars, and historic landmarks.
9. Reykjavik, Iceland
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 519
With 519 Reddit upvotes, Reykjavik ranks ninth on our list of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is the capital of Iceland, and is a popular tourist spot due to its picturesque sceneries, outdoor adventure opportunities, and entertainment spots.
8. Lisbon, Portugal
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 528
Pastel-colored Lisbon ranks eighth on our list, and is the coastal, hilly capital of Portugal. Its São Jorge Castle, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge, Atlantic beaches, and the National Azulejo Museum make it unmatched in history and aesthetic beauty.
7. Budapest, Hungary
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 536
Budapest ranks on our list of the 30 most beautiful cities in the world with its historical constructions, 13th-century buildings, and Roman cultural influences. The city is the capital of Hungary, and has 536 upvotes on Reddit.
6. Florence, Italy
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 541
Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region in Italy and one of the world’s most popular cities. The city houses several Renaissance art and architecture masterpieces, with one of its most famous sites being the Duomo Cathedral with its giant red dome. Its Galleria dell’Accademia also displays Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture, with Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” and da Vinci’s “Annunciation” displayed in its Uffizi Gallery exhibits.
5. Saint Petersburg, Russia
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 543
According to a Reddit user, Saint Petersburg looks like a city straight out of a fairytale. The Russian port city lies on the Baltic Sea, and serves as the country’s cultural epicenter after remaining the imperial capital for around two centuries. Often a called a “Window to Europe,” the city is lined with cultural, archiectrural, and historical landmarks.
4. Barcelona, Spain
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 551
Barcelona has it all, ranging from the beach and mountains to the world-famous constructions by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. The city also houses one of the most famous unfinished buildings in the world: the epic La Sagrada Família. Barcelona ranks fourth on our list, offering its visitors a perfect amalgamation of the contemporary and the historic.
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 567
Copenhagen is the scenic capital of Denmark, and holds the third place on our list. The city lies on the coastal islands of Amager and Zealand, and houses the famous Amalienborg Palace, Renaissance-era Rosenborg Castle, and the Christiansborg Palace apart from several other attractions. The city’s multi-storied red building truly make it one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 573
Amsterdam is considered one of the most beautiful cultural epicenters in the world, with its vast green spaces, museums full of original Van Gogh paintings, and colorful buildings. The city’s famous central canal was labeled a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. With 573 Reddit upvotes, the city ranks second on our list.
1. Prague, Czech Republic
Number of Redditt Upvotes: 582
The historical capital of Bohemia, Prague, ranks first on our list of the 30 most beautiful cities in the world. It is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic and is affectionately nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires.” With 582 upvotes on Reddit, the city appears to be the most popular among Reddit users worldwide. Lined with vibrant baroque buildings, medieval constructions like the Astronomical Clock, and Gothic churches, Prague has a lot to offer its visitors.
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Disclosure: None. This article was originally published at Insider Monkey.