The most beautiful city in the world – as voted by you

written by Lottie Gross
updated 8/6/2021
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Have you ever visited a city and simply fallen in love? We're sure you have - but which one? We asked our Twitter and Facebook followers to vote for the most beautiful city in the world. From the old-world gems of Europe to modern metropolises in North America, these are the places that came top in the poll. Have a different opinion? Let us know on social!

14. Vancouver, Canada

Starting the countdown is Vancouver, and there's little wonder why this city has made the cut. With an unrivalled setting between water and the mountains, and nature readily available there may not be a more stunning city in Canada. Find out more about Vancouver

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Water view of Vancouver city and harbour - truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world © canadastock/Shutterstock

13. Sydney, Australia

A sparkling harbour, beautiful beaches and impressive landmarks galore are responsible for Sydney’s place in our beautiful cities poll. Its charm is further amplified by leafy suburbs like Surry Hills and picturesque coastal paths, such as the one that leads from Bondi to Coogee. Find out more about Sydney

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Sydney botanical gardens with highrises behind, Australia © DAE Photo/Shutterstock

12. Seville, Spain

Lord Byron once said of Seville, it 'is a pleasant city, famous for oranges and women.' But there’s more to this place than its eponymous orange – Seville’s elegant architecture makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the world, as our reader Kelsey MacAulay agreed on Twitter. Find out more about Seville

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The architecture contributes to Seville being a truly beautiful city © Shutterstock

11. San Sebastián, Spain

In 11th place is another Spanish city, San Sebastián. This spot has never been a key important port or industrial centre for Spain, but the coastal city has been a summer playground for the royal family since the mid 1800s. Set in a wonderfully curved bay, with a golden sand beach lapped by the azure waters of the Bay of Biscay, it’s a beautiful place all year round – not to mention the now world-famous foodie scene. Find out more about San Sebastian

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Best for exploring Northern Spain: The cities, mountains and beaches of Northern Spain

San Sebastian, Spain © Botond Horvath/Shutterstock

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10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Perhaps it’s the coastal location and famous Copacabana beach that draw people to Rio, or maybe it's the imposing Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain (book your cable car tickets here and save yourself the hassle). Either way, from the ocean to the forested Parque Nacional da Tijuca, there’s no denying that this Brazilian metropolis has natural and manmade beauty aplenty. Find out more about Rio de Janeiro

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Ipanema Beach surfing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil © lazyllama/Shutterstock

9. Kyoto, Japan

You voted Kyoto the 9th most beautiful city in the world. As the centre of Japanese culture for hundreds of years, and surrounded by magnificent and easily accessible mountains, there's much to be impressed by here. Walk around the east side of the city see the best of the traditional temples. Find out more about Kyoto

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© Shutterstock

8. Brisbane, Australia

In 8th place is Brisbane – Queensland Australia's largest city. You chose Brissy for its winning combination of high-rise modern architecture, lush green spaces and the enormous Brisbane River that snakes its way through the centre before emptying itself into the azure Moreton Bay. Find out more about Brisbane

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© Pixabay

7. Venice, Italy

You voted the floating island of Venice the 7th most beautiful city in the world, despite the millions of tourists that pack its streets each year - check here for some less crowded alternatives.

Mass tourism aside, Venice will always have charm, with its undeniably romantic setting, classic architecture and wonderful sea views - one of the most beautiful places in Italy for sure. Italy-lovers might also want to find out some fun facts about Italy.

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© Shutterstock

6. Prague, Czech Republic

Next up in our poll of the most beautiful cities in the world is Prague, a city of two sides: by night it's a buzzing metropolis with a hedonistic party scene, but by day you can lose yourself in a warren of quaint cobbled streets, or spend an afternoon admiring the view from the Charles Bridge, that stretches across the Vltava river.

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© Shutterstock

5. London, England

With sprawling green spaces, its huge gothic parliament buildings and perhaps the most famous residence in the world, Buckingham Palace, London can lay claim to being one of the most beautiful cities ever built. Even in the grittier east you can find allure at Columbia Road flower market, or atop the hill in Greenwich Park overlooking the Canary Wharf towers across the Thames. Check out some great walks in London to explore the city. With plenty of attractions to choose from, among them some really weird museums, make sure you're not spending your time in line but instead book some skip-the-line tickets ahead of time, for example for the Tower of London, including early access and the opening ceremony.

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River view of Big Ben and-Houses of parliament in London, England, United Kingdom © S.Borisov/Shutterstock

4. Edinburgh, Scotland

It's famed for its excellent annual festival, but there is more to Edinburgh than great comedy and arts – and according to you, it’s beauty (also one of the most beautiful places in Scotland). Head east of the city and make the short walk up Arthur’s Seat, an 823ft-high dormant volcano, to take in views of Scotland’s capital and you won’t need to question why it’s been voted the 4th most beautiful city in the world.

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© Shutterstock

3. Paris, France

Finishing in 3rd place, France's capital Paris has been long considered the paragon of style and the most glamorous city in Europe – and we can't disagree with your choice to put Paris near the top of this poll. We love its elegant streets and boulevards, the lofty Eiffel Tower and the huge range of incredible art and architecture found throughout the city. Keen to explore more beautiful European cities? Find the best area to stay in Lisbon.

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Louvre museum in Paris © Tijl De Meulemeester/Shutterstock

2. Florence, Italy

The cathedral dome that dominates the city's skyline is just one of the many attractions that make Florence in Tuscany one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The river Arno that cuts through the heart of the city, the Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi art gallery and the gorgeous church of San Miniato al Monte are all among Florence's highlights.

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Duomo Santa Maria Del Fiore in Florence Italy © Songquan Deng/Shutterstock

1. Rome, Italy

At number one you voted Rome as the most beautiful city in the world. With its thousand-year-old buildings such as the Forum Romanum or the Colosseum, beautiful piazzas and world-class art – not to mention Vatican City – we are certainly not surprised. Rome, after all, is the capital of Italy, the so-called bel paese, or "beautiful country" - not surprising a top spot among the most beautiful countries in the world. With so much to see and do, check here for the best things to do in Rome, and the best places to explore the city off the beaten path - but also the best pizza in Rome and for dessert the best gelato (ice cream).

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© Shutterstock

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written by Lottie Gross
updated 8/6/2021
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