Cities are fun, beautiful, and hold plenty of rich history. You can’t have a city without a history. In the cities I’ve been to I’ve seen many magnificent structures and unusual historical backgrounds with a lot of diversity. Many of these cities have an interesting historical background which led to their development and a significant number of tourist who visits every year. Many overtime have developed their own unique aesthetics and culture which draws people every day. I’ve done some research and compile a list of the most beautiful cities I have visited and some that I would love to visit someday.
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Most Beautiful Cities In World
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver, one of the world’s most beautiful cities and a major city in Canada with the highest population density. When you talk about diversity and ethnicity we usually think of New York, but Canada according to Census City Community Profile, (2006). is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada.
The economy is one of the top rankings in the world. Though it’s fast-growing and livable, it’s still expensive. According to the 8th Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey, (2012). Vancouver is ranked by demographia as the second-most affordable city in the world.
The temperature in Vancouver is pretty good considering its location. According to Canadian Climate Normals on average, snow falls nine days per year. It is considered Canada’s warmest city in the winter.
Its beautiful landscape makes it a scenic location and major tourist attraction. The city boasts beautiful structures and historical sites.
One of the major tourist attractions in Vancouver is:
Venice, Italy
Venice the capital of the Veneto region northeast of Italy. Is a metropolitan city that is separated by canals and linked to over 400 bridges.
Venice has a humid subtropical climate with cool winters and humid summers. Hence, it’s perfect for vacation no matter the time of year.
Its major earner is tourism, shipbuilding, and industrial export. In late 2016, the city faced financial hardship and a major deficit in its budget. The increasing prices of rent and cost of living, in general, have caused many residents to flee. Many are worried that Venice has become an overpriced theme park. Hence, this subsequently will affect the character of the city. “Worrall, Simon, Tourists could destroy Venice – If floods don’t first”. National Geographic, (2016)
The city is facing many major obstacles including flooding, erosion, over-tourism, and pollution to name a few. Venice is currently implementing strategies for more sustainable tourism. “Venice, to be or not to be a UNESCO ‘World Heritage in Danger? That is the question”, (2017).
Known as the “City of Water” and “City of Bridges” it is known for its renowned architecture and artwork. Venice attracts people from all over the world with its unique and beautiful structure and history. Venice is Gilles with music, film, threads, artwork. Architecture, festivals, and its famous Lagoon which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Things to do in Venice
- The Grand Canal (Canale Grande)
- Teatro La Fenice
- Rialto Bridge, (Ponte Di Rialto)
- Ride A Gondola In Venice
- Basilica Of Saints John & Paul
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is a widely recognized city, a major port of Brazil, and the third most heavily populated state. Its demography boasts a multicultural melting pot with different ethnic groups contributing to the formation of the population of Rio de Janeiro.
The language spoken is Portuguese and regularly mistaken for Spanish by outsiders due to its location in South America. Rio has a tropical, hot, and humid climate which also makes it perfect for vacationers.
The city battles socio-economic inequalities. Like most of Brazil, Rio is plagued with classism. There is a major disparity between the rich and poor. Hence resulting in segregation. The government is finding ways to reduce classism and undertake to modernize the city’s economy. Boniface, Brian G.; Cooper, Christopher P. (2005) pp 233-35.
Rio is a major tourism spot known for its beautiful beaches, tropical forest, peaks, historical bridges, and hills. Many flock to Rio during the annual Pre-Lenten Carnival which patrons parades through the streets of Rio with music, singing, parties, dance, beautiful costumes, and many festivities. Schneider, R. Milton , Geiger, . Pedro P. and Guimarães, . Alberto Passos (2019, November 27). Rio de Janeiro.
“ Rio de Janeiro: Carioca landscapes between the mountain and the sea” has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site as a cultural landscape.
Things to do in Rio de Janiero
- Christ the Redeemer
- Lapa
- Ipanema
- Sao Francisco da Penitencia
- Tijuca National
- Jardim Botanico
- Sugarloaf Mountain
- Escadaria Selaron
Paris, France
Paris the capital of France dubbed the “City of Light” and the “Capital of fashion” hosts a significant about of renowned brands, artists, chefs, and socialites. Paris climate is Farley moderate with cool winters and warm summers.
When you think about Paris the Eiffel Tower and romance come to mind. Paris the city of love is known for its fine iconic architecture, fashion scene, arts and history, and its French cuisine. Competing with Tokyo, Paris has the second-highest number of Michelin restaurants in the world.
Its beautiful ‘River Seine’ has made itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its famous historical buildings including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge to name a few have put Paris in the forefront to be the most popular tourist destination in the world. Boasting 44 million annually. Ardagh, J. Anthony Charles , Daul, . Kimberly and Ehrlich, Blake (2021, March 2).
Things to do in Paris
- Effiel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
- Seine River
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
- Observatoire Panoramique de la Tour Montparnasse
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is located in South Africa in the province of Western Cape with a predominantly black population and a total of 3.7 million people.
Overtaken and controlled by the Dutch, Cape Town was a thriving hub for trade to ships en route to the Indies. It was later overtaken by Britain in 1795 but then returned to the Dutch by treaty in 1803. But the chaos didn’t stop there. British forces occupied the Cape again in 1906 following the ‘Battle of Blaauwberg’. Bell, Charles. “A painting of the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck in Table Bay”.
Cape Town is known for its beautiful coats and its warm Mediterranean climate. Which allows for its rich flora and fauna to flourish. The area has one the highest levels of biodiversity compared to similar areas around the world. These areas are protected by the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Cape is not necessarily a top spot for tourists but is regularly overlooked. Cape Town has so many beautiful natural landscapes and rich biodiversity with a well-developed infrastructure.
Things to do in Cape Town
- Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
- Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
- Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
- Two Oceans Aquarium
- Constantia Glen Winery
- Arderne Gardens
Sydney, Australia
Sydney, one of Australia’s largest cities holding two of the world’s famous landmarks, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour.
The first inhabitants of Australia were the Aboriginals, they have inhabited Sydney for at least 30,000 years; Amassing a population of 5.3 million Sydney’s main demography is made of 26.9 percent English, 25.4 percent Australian, 7.5 percent Irish in that order. Australia: Ethnic groups as of 2011, Statista, 2011.
Sydney is Australia’s tourist hub and attracts millions of people to the city every year being one of the highest-ranking cities in the world for tourists. Sydney has amazing scenic parks, museums, beaches, and plenty of activities to explore.
Things to do in Australia
Santorini, Greece
Santorini is a small island located southeast of the Greek mainland. It is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. Santorini which has a crescent shape is also known as Thira or Thera in English.
Fun fact, Santorini was named after the Latin Empire in the 13th century. It was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century which gave it its shape and rugged landscape. Though this last eruption was 3,600 years ago, the Santorini islands are still active volcanoes.
Like Paris, Santorini is one of the most sought-after places for love and romance. It’s a top destination for weddings, honeymoons, and couples getaway. The island has more than just a picturesque landscape, but it’s also known for its architecture, archaeological sites, beaches, and culinary offers.
Things to do in Santorini
- Amoudi Bay
- Kamari Beach
- Sunset in Oia
- Gaia Winery
- Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
- Santorini Volcano
- Red Beach
New York, NY
New York City sort for NYC is one of the most know cities in the world and the largest metropolitan area in the world. The city is densely populated with diverse ethnic groups. (44% white, 25.5% Black or African American, 12.7% Asian. 28.6 Hispanic or Latinos) it’s known as a cultural melting pot. Saul, Michael Howard, (March 27, 2014).
Tourism is a major part of New York City, people from all over the world Including locals visit New York. The major tourist spots centered around Manhattan with Time Square being the most popular.
New York City is one the best places to go to enjoy and experience different cultures of the world in one place. NYC is cheap so be prepared to spend a lot.
Things to do in New York
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- One World Observatory
- Top of the Rock
- Radio City Music Hall
- Times Square
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, previously called ‘Kyo’, ‘Miyako’, or ‘Kyo no Miyako’ is a city located on the island of Honshu. It was once the capital of Japan between (794 to 1868).
The city is considered the cultural capital of Japan and a major tourist destination. The area is known for its many Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, many of which are UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.
The area has a humid subtropical climate and the winters are cold which brings occasional snow.
The city offers an abundance of rich imperial history, temples, landscape, and delicious foods and cuisine.
Things to do in Kyoto
- Kinkakuji Temple
- Monkey Park Iwatayama
- Arashiyama
- Sannenzaka Ninenzaka
- Nishiki Market Shopping District
- Shugakuin Imperial Villa
London, England
London is the largest city and capital of England and the United Kingdom. It is also one of the world’s most popular and powerful cities. The city just like New York has a diverse range of different cultures.
Tower of London Kew Garden is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. With a climate of temperate oceanic, tourists tend to visit London during the summer.
The City is known for its architecture, cityscape, natural history, and districts. “London is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world and in 2015 was ranked as the most visited city in the world with over 65 million visits. It is also the top city in the world by visitor cross-border spending, estimated at US$20.23 billion in 2015”. Wikipedia.
Things to do in London
- Tower Bridge
- V&A – Victoria and Albert Museum
- Borough Market
- The View from The Shard
- Sky Garden
- London Eye
These are my top favorite what are yours?