The most beautiful city in the world rating. The most beautiful cities in the world to visit! Top reasons to visit Istanbul

10. Bruges | Belgium

Bruges is located in the northwestern part of Belgium, and it is the largest city in the province of West Flanders, as well as the capital of this country. Bruges is sometimes called the "Venice of the North" and at one time it was the world's main trading city. One of the most significant features in Bruges is its medieval architecture. Most of the buildings are excellently preserved to this day. The entire historic center is listed world heritage UNESCO.

The most attractive and popular buildings in Bruges include Michelangelo's masterpiece - the Church of the Virgin Mary. But that's not all, the most famous landmark of Bruges is the 13th century bell tower, which has 48 bells. It periodically hosts free concerts, which are eagerly attended by both locals and tourists. This is kind of a tradition. The city has museums with interesting exhibits.

Also, there are cinemas, art galleries, theaters and concert halls, music and culinary festivals are regularly held. Bruges is an amazing place to visit for people who love and appreciate art and culture.

9. Budapest | Hungary

8. Rome | Italy

Have you seen Gladiator? It contains a replica of the main character, Maximus, addressed to the emperor, Marcus Aurelius - “I have seen many lands. They are dark and cruel. Rome brings them light! ". With this phrase, Maximus expressed hope for the great future of Rome, and this phrase fully reflects the essence of this city. The most famous emperor of the city is Julius Caesar, probably the vast majority of people, even those who are not very familiar with the history and culture of Rome, know this name.

Rome, one of the most delightful cities, is home to many architectural monuments that many have heard of and perhaps visited. Probably one of the most famous is the Colosseum. Also, no less colorful and breathtaking architectural buildings include: the forum of Trajan, the Pantheon, the tomb of Raphael, temples and churches, baths, imperial palaces. If you haven’t been to Rome yet, then be sure to try to visit it, this is a truly magnificent city where you can have a great rest and at the same time learn and see a lot of new and unusual things.

7. Florence | Italy

Florence, a city on the Arno River, is the administrative center of the Tuscany region. Florence was the richest financial and commercial center of medieval Europe. Dan Brown, in his book "Inferno", emphasized the importance and peculiarity of this city. There are many wonderful places in Florence that will be of interest to tourists: art museums and galleries, including the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti, the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapel, cathedrals. In addition, Florence is one of the Italian legislators. In the 16th century, this city became the progenitor. Famous people such as Giulio Caccini and Mike Francis lived here.

6. Amsterdam | Holland

The name Amsterdam is derived from Amsterledamme, which means "dam on the river Amstel". In July 2010, the canals, built in Amsterdam in the 17th century, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Amsterdam has an oceanic climate due to its proximity to the sea and the prevailing westerly winds. Amsterdam is famous for its nightlife. It has many establishments for every taste - large and modern or small and cozy.

Every year it hosts a festival that attracts artists from all over Europe. The oldest building in Amsterdam is the Oude Kurk ( old church), built in 1306, and the oldest wooden building is Het Huoten Hues, built in 1425. It is also one of the two best preserved buildings in the city. Also, this beautiful city can please its guests with excellent cuisine.

An interesting fact is that Amsterdam is the birthplace of donuts.

5. Rio de Janeiro | Brazil

In Brazil, you can hear the expression - "God created the world in six days and Rio on the seventh." Rio de Janeiro, commonly referred to as Rio, is the second largest city in Brazil and the third largest metropolitan area in South America. Rio, one of the most visited and loved places in the southern hemisphere due to its natural conditions and excellent ones, such as: Bossa Nova and Balaneirio. The city is famous all over the world thanks to two things - and the Samba dance.

Every year, Rio de Janeiro hosts one of the most spectacular carnivals in the world. Moreover, Brazil is the host country of 2014, and in 2016 it hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Rio is the main cultural center of Brazil. The city has hosted the International Film Festival since 1999. The National Library of Brazil is considered the 8th largest library in the world and the largest in all of Latin America.

4. Lisbon | Portugal

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the largest city in this country. The architecture of this city is extremely diverse - from the Romanesque and Gothic styles, to the Baroque and postmodernism. Lisbon is the 11th most populous city in the European Union and occupies an important place in the world in trade, education, entertainment, media and the arts. The city is recognized as one of the oldest on the planet.

3. Prague | Czech

Prague is not only the largest city Czech Republic but also its capital. It is the 14th largest city in the European Union with superb Renaissance architecture. The Renaissance was characterized by exploration, exploration and discovery, so Prague is worth a visit because of its grandiose educational institutions. Just imagine the impressive historical heritage, which this city has concentrated in itself.

2. Paris | France

Paris is a city of love and romance, the most famous features that made this beautiful city famous are the Eiffel Tower and French cheese. Since Paris is the capital of France, it has been and remains the center of all significant political events in the country since the French Revolution. France is famous mainly because of this stunningly beautiful city. Magnificent perfumery and gourmet cuisine originate in Paris. Paris follows a very interesting motto - "Fluctuat nec mergitur", which literally means "Floats but does not sink."

1. Venice | Italy

This city is as beautiful as it is unique. There is no other, at least a little similar, in any country in the world. It has been given the great honor of being a World Heritage Site. Speaking of Venice, phrases are often said - “City of Water”, “City of Masks”, “City” and “City of Canals” and many others. According to Times Magazine, Venice is considered one of the most romantic cities in Europe.

Venice has a rich architectural heritage. More often than others, the Gothic style is present; it can be seen in most buildings of the city. Also, in the architectural appearance of Venice, you can find a mixture of Renaissance and Baroque. Venice is one of the most musical cities in the world, all because many of its inhabitants have some kind of musical instrument, and, of course, someone knows how to play it. This city has everything: water, boats, music, excellent architecture and cuisine to perfectly relax in a romantic atmosphere.

Attempts to make a top beautiful cities there are many in the world. Every year, various magazines, travel agencies, travelers write their own ratings, and they always differ from each other. Although there are, of course, unconditional favorites that fall into any list. We will try to compile a generalized top 10 beautiful cities in the world. He does not pretend to be the ultimate truth, but represents the opinion of the majority of people who love to visit different parts of the globe.

Rating Features

Deciding to compile the top beautiful cities in the world, you may encounter a big problem: there are many cities, and the list is limited. Any ratings should be based on some objective criteria. But what are the common indicators of beauty? Style? Diversity? Historical and cultural significance? But there is still the atmosphere of the city, the charm. How to evaluate all this? The surest way is to ask people who have seen different cities of the world. Of course, their opinions will differ, and sometimes very much, but in general, polls help to reveal the opinion of the majority, and this is a fairly sure way to find the truth.

Our list includes only 10 beautiful cities in the world, and this is negligible. Since any settlement has its own face, and for some, it may seem the most beautiful. Undoubtedly magnificent cities remained outside our list: Florence, Istanbul, Bruges, Budapest, Cape Town, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro and many others. But this is the shortcomings of all ratings, it is impossible to grasp the immensity. Here is our version of the list with the rationale for why this city entered the top, and what you should definitely see in it.

10. London

Let's start our list of beautiful cities in the world with the main city of the British Empire. London - city unique history, with an original architectural image and a unique atmosphere. A special energy reigns in it: youth and maturity, money, art, irony, imperial history.

The main charm of London is its endless variety. It really has everything: the majestic Parliament, Buckingham Palace, cozy Notting Hill, Stylish Chelsea, bohemian Soho, the grandiose St. Paul's Cathedral, the modern towers of the City. This is only the most superficial look at the dignity of the city.

The mandatory city program includes the following attractions:

  • Big Ben. The clock on the Parliament Tower has long been the main symbol of London. The guides can tell many stories from the life of the clock, the bell and the tower. The Neo-Gothic Parliament building with graceful spiers, towers and lancet window openings was built in the second half of the 19th century.
  • Buckingham Palace. The home residence of the royal family is the epitome of monarchy. On holidays, the queen and her heirs greet the people from the balcony of the palace. And on weekdays, it is worth seeing the changing of the guard and taking pictures of the famous guardsmen in high bear hats and red uniforms.
  • Tower. The fortress, built in the 11th century, was a palace, a prison, a museum, and a place for storing treasures. It has retained its historical appearance almost unchanged and you need to go into it to immerse yourself in the atmosphere ancient history and mystery.

And you also need to walk around London, go to the British Museum and the Tate Gallery, wander through the streets of the City, lie on the lawn in Hyde Park, take a boat trip to Greenwich, climb to a height in London Eye.

9. Prague

It is impossible not to include the capital of the Czech Republic in our ranking of the most beautiful cities in the world. Almost everyone who has been here falls in love with the city forever. The reason for this is the unique historical center, which was formed in the Middle Ages, and today plunges into the era of mysticism and mystery.

The city was formed from two independent settlements and now there are two distinctive districts: the Old Town with the Town Hall Square and houses decorated with signboards in medieval traditions, and Mala Strana, lying at the foot of the majestic Prague Castle. The Royal House, Prague Castle, is today the largest active government residence in Europe. Here you definitely need to see the St. Vitus Cathedral, the towers of which can hardly fit into the camera lens, go inside and admire the stained-glass windows and Gothic decoration. To the right of the cathedral there is a small lane, Zlata street. Here, jewelers once lived in dollhouses and the writer whose Prague Castle inspired him to write the mystical novel The Castle.

Connecting the two sides of the city and the two banks of the Vltava is the famous Charles Bridge with Gothic bridge towers and luxurious sculptures. You also need to see the colossal Wenceslas Square in Prague, furnished with houses in the Art Nouveau style, take a walk to the New Place and its town hall, look at the two Cathedrals of St. Nicholas on each side, climb to a beautiful example of baroque architecture and an excellent observation deck - the Strahovsky Monastery, take a walk along the embankment , finding the Dancing House and little Venice on the Chertovka River. And, of course, walk and walk around Prague, looking at houses and soaking up the atmosphere.

8. Hong Kong

Listing the beautiful cities of the world, it is worth remembering the stunning Hong Kong. It surprisingly combines the traditions of Asia and the East, history and modernity. This city on 260 islands was a British colony for more than 100 years. In the 2nd half of the 20th century, it experienced rapid economic growth and became a true financial capital of Asia. Today, Hong Kong is largely seen as the city of the future, although many national traditions are preserved here. There is a lot to see in this city.

You should definitely take a look at Victoria Peak - this is the most high point city ​​with fantastic views. To complete the experience, it is best to climb the mountain on an old funicular tram. Hong Kong is a city of skyscrapers, today there are more than 300 such structures, and many of them are real masterpieces of architecture. Tourists should definitely see the sitting Buddha statue, which is one of the ten tallest sculptures in the world. The beauty of the city is created not only by buildings, but also beautiful parks: Kowloon, Hong Kong, Ocean, and also embankments with stunning views of the city panorama. And in Hong Kong there are several temples and monasteries that amaze with their elegant traditional oriental look.

7. Barcelona

Choosing the most beautiful cities in the world, many people remember the capital of Catalonia. Barcelona appeared in the 3rd century BC. But her modern beauty, of course, is of later times.

The heart of the city is the Gothic Quarter, which has retained its appearance since the 14th century. Life here is in full swing, today there are many restaurants, shops, bars. But the spirit of the Middle Ages is preserved, and an important role in this is played by Cathedral. The Gothic spiers of the temple, its stained-glass windows are an excellent example of the architecture of the late Middle Ages. The "new" part of the city is a unique example of urban planning. Under Queen Isabella, the ancient fortress walls were destroyed and a new city with a clear linear structure was founded. This area of ​​Eixample today is the most prestigious and respectable in the city.

There is an incredible number of houses in the Catalan Art Nouveau style, as well as the famous buildings of the architect Antoni Gaudí, for which millions of tourists come here. The main buildings of the architect are the still unfinished, grandiose Sagrada Familia (Temple of the Holy Family), the houses of Mila and Batllo, the palace and the Park Güell. But besides this, in Barcelona there are many the most beautiful places. This is Plaza de España with a monumental building of the Museum of Art, a former bullring and a "singing" fountain, this is La Ramblai, Grazia Boulevard, Montjuic hill with an ancient fortress, River port, you can't see Barcelona in one day, it deserves a big and deep dive.

6. St. Petersburg

Undoubtedly, it should be included in the top most beautiful cities in the world. Its historic center is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The most beautiful cities in the world (photo attached) are always distinguished by their special architecture. The historical center of the city was planned by Emperor Peter the Great. Petersburg is worth starting with Peter and Paul Fortress- the heart of the city. And then you can go to the other side of the Neva. Be sure to take a walk from the end of Nevsky Prospekt to its very beginning, to the Admiralty. The walk will allow you to see a large number of palaces of the aristocracy, Anichkov and Green bridges, Kazan Cathedral, and, finally, go to Admiralteisky Prospekt, and from there to Palace Square.

Then you can walk to St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Bronze Horseman, wander along the embankments, walk to the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and the Mikhailovsky Palace. A special look at the beauties of St. Petersburg opens from the water. Therefore, it is worth taking a boat ride and seeing the majestic and ceremonial city. Because northern capital is included in the list of the 10 most beautiful cities in the world on the water, then bridges acquire special significance here, many of which are real masterpieces of architectural and engineering thought. The most mystical and complex character of the city opens up during the White Nights, when amazing light reigns here, giving a romantic touch to all buildings.

5. Paris

Describing the most beautiful cities in the world, the top 10 of which we compile, it is impossible to ignore the capital of France. Poets, writers, artists have written about her beauty more than once. "Gray Rose", as M. Voloshin called Paris, strikes with elegance and style. The city is ideal for romantic walks, for a leisurely promenade. The obligatory program in the French capital begins, of course, with Notre Dame de Paris. This is the heart of the city, from this place the city was once born. The second thing everyone who comes to Paris wants to see is the Eiffel Tower. She is the most photographed object in the world, her lacy silhouette can be admired day and night, and she is extremely photogenic.

The third most important object is the Louvre with its glass pyramids. But the beauty of Paris is not limited to these sights. To feel its charm, you need to walk through the Tuileries Park, reach the Arc de Triomphe, walk along the embankments, looking at bridges and houses, reach the perfect Place des Vosges, look into the Palais Royal. Stop at the Conciergerie Palace, see the Les Invalides, the Pantheon, the building of the Opera Garnier. The Montmartre district deserves special attention with its cabarets, restaurants, artists on the square, the Sacré Coeur and the funicular. The charm of this area cannot be expressed in words, it must be felt. Emotions of a completely different kind are caused by the modern and technological area of ​​skyscrapers De Fance, walking there, it’s even hard to believe that this is Paris.

4. Amsterdam

The capital of the Netherlands is a special city, it does not hit the eyes with brightness and does not shake the scale of buildings. But Amsterdam should undoubtedly be included in the ranking of the most beautiful cities in the world due to its restrained and strict architecture, distinct national flavor and special character. People go to the capital of Holland, first of all, for the atmosphere of freedom and romance. The city has almost half a thousand bridges, many of which are quite remarkable, and more than 50 canals. You should definitely swim under the bridges; a special, unforgettable view of the city opens up from the water. All visitors strive to get to main square city, called Dam, from the word dam. The second place where any tourist goes is the Red Light District. In addition to the refuge of sin, the beautiful Old Church (Oude Kerk) of the 13th century and many houses from the 15th-17th centuries have been preserved here.

The city also has several other interesting temples. Also worth seeing are the fine examples of the Dutch Neo-Renaissance - the Railway Station and the Rijksmuseum. The impressive remains of defense structures - the towers of Montelbanstoren, Monetnaya, the Wailing Tower - make a strong impression. But, probably, the main attraction of Amsterdam is the narrow houses clinging to the edges of the canals, boat houses and endless bridges.

3. Venice

Many beautiful cities of the world, located on the water, are compared with Venice. This is a certain standard, an example of style and unusualness. The city is located on 118 islands, which are connected by more than 400 bridges.

The most famous bridges worth seeing are the following: Rialto, Sighs, Academies, Straw. Be sure to swim under them, and then go through them. In this case, two Venice opens. Although, of course, the view of the city is more mesmerizing from the water. Its beauty is made up of famous objects: the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square and Cathedral, the church of Santa Maria della Salute, the palazzo along the Grand Canal, the churches of San Giorgio Maggiore and Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari.

An additional bonus to the beauty of the city are the nearby Burano, San Michele, Torcello, each of which is original and incredibly interesting. Venice is a city for unhurried walks and admiration, here you need to wander along the streets and embankments, looking at houses, bridges, churches.

2. Madrid

When asked what is the most beautiful city in the world, one can often hear in response: "Madrid". It really amazes with luxury and scope. Vibrant, noisy Madrid was created specifically to make an indelible impression on the visitor. Local attractions are always huge, richly decorated, luxurious.

Such is the Communications Palace in Cibelis Square, such are the buildings along Gran Via and Mayor. The Royal Palace, the Mayor Square complex, embody the greatness of the Spanish crown, symbolize the times when the country was among the leaders of world powers.

The city has excellent conditions for walking: wide, green boulevards, squares, spacious squares and streets. All major attractions are concentrated in a small space. It is worth taking a walk along Prado Boulevard, along the most famous museums, seeing the modern Atocha train station, walking along Alcala Street to Las Ventas Arena and going out to the eternally crowded Sol Square - the very heart of the city.

1. Rome

Remembering the most beautiful cities in the world, one cannot help but think of the capital of Italy. The Eternal City is infinitely diverse and beautiful. It combines ancient monuments such as the Forum and the Colosseum with stunning Renaissance architecture. Baroque coexists with classics and modernity. There are so many sights in Rome that they can even be listed for a very long time. The mandatory program includes St. Peter's Basilica, the Pantheon, the Castel Sant'Angelo, the complexes and del Popolo, the Spanish Steps and much more.

Do you dream of traveling the whole world, but don't know where to start? Then you need to get acquainted with the most beautiful cities on the planet. They have an expression of the culture of peoples, real life, uniqueness, originality. We bring you the 10 most beautiful cities in the world from every part of the world and from every continent. Every city has its own spirit and any of these cities lives its own special life in some way. Let's start our journey!

Beautiful cities of the world

Florence is considered one of the oldest Italian cities and the capital of Tuscany. Julius Caesar founded it in the fifty-ninth year BC on the beautiful banks of the Arno River as a settlement of legions. Since that time, the city has been besieged by enemies several times, but Florence withstood everything and now it is considered one of the most picturesque cities on the planet, where more than twenty million tourists flock every year.

Since ancient times, Florence has been famous for its vineyards and leather goods. In general, you can find leather accessories in this city in different shops and stores at various prices. Now the heart of Florence is given entirely to high art and fashion. Many famous brands have their own factories in Florence, such as Ferragamo and Gucci.

There are about eight dozen museums and a large number of exhibitions here. On the streets of Florence, paintings from the past seem to be frozen in frescoes and sculptures, which are found almost everywhere. There is a workshop here where Michelangelo created the statue of David. There is also a house near which the famous Dante created the Divine Comedy. The only thing you won't find in Florence is noisy dance clubs, with an abundance of alcoholic beverages and with music.

Heart of Great Britain - London

London is the beating, huge heart of Britain. In addition, London is a city of rain and fog. Drizzling light rains come here almost every day. Accordingly, when traveling to this city, you need to take an umbrella with you, and it will not lie idle in your bag. But the inhabitants of London are very smiling, and it may even seem that they are always in a wonderful mood.

London, despite the fact that it is considered a city of fogs and rains, often meets tourists and residents with clouds and clouds, it is always happy to welcome guests! On weekends in London, a large number of people go to the parks to take a break from working days. On Friday evenings, every cafe in the city is bubbling with excitement. However, by Sunday evening, everything subsides, as if by magic.

Many visitors to London, arriving here, are genuinely surprised at how fresh and clean the air here is compared to other big cities. Probably, they all know the most important sights of the city:

The third highest clock tower in the world is Big Ben.
Symbols of Great Britain and London - The Tower itself and the Tower Bridge.
The royal residence is Buckingham Palace with a chic garden laid out around it.

At the crossroads of Asia and Europe - Istanbul

Second Rome (Constantinople), Tsargrad, Istanbul - all these names are considered the names of the same amazing and ancient city. East and West meet in Istanbul, combining the comfort of the West and the subtle beauty of the East.

Istanbul is an influential Turkish city that once headed the territories Ottoman Empire. The city is located on the shores of the Sea of ​​Marmara and the Bosphorus. About six and a half million people live here and this is the largest Turkish city. It was built before all the subway. Another important factor is that Istanbul was once built on seven hills, like Rome, so it is often called the second Rome.

The two most significant and recognizable sights of the city are the blue Sultan Ahmet Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Arriving in this city, you need to look at these masterpieces of Islamic and ancient Christian architecture. The cathedral was once the largest Christian cathedral. The diameter of the dome is thirty-one meters. However, Istanbul is not only old City with attractions. It has many universities, libraries and museums. People come here from all over the world, some to rest, some stay forever.

Always young city - Tokyo

The capital of Japan is Tokyo. This city is considered the fifth most populous in the world. The number of inhabitants of the city is more than thirteen million. Tokyo - this city is forever young. It was founded quite recently, when Edo Castle was being built, which has survived to this day.

Tokyo is a major financial center and high-tech city along with New York and London. A large number of science-intensive enterprises are concentrated in it, at which almost all electronic equipment in Japan is created. However, the inhabitants of the city try to honor the traditions of their own ancient culture, despite the rhythm of life.

There are many places to see in Tokyo, both in terms of traditional and modern architecture. Most recently, the construction of a world-high television tower with interesting name Tokyo Sky Tree. The height of this tower is a little over three hundred meters. Fans of traditional architecture will be interested to look at Imperial Palace, which was founded in the sixteenth century and serves to this day in the family of emperors.

The City of Tomorrow or the Ultra-Modern City - Dubai

Is there a city in the East that looks like a diamond. Yes, and this is Dubai. Now this city is very beautiful with bold architectural solutions that are made by leading architects around the world. Dubai is intertwined with small cozy and ancient streets with ancient mosques. The symbol of modern Dubai is the star Hotel Sail, which was built on an artificial island, at a distance of three hundred meters from the coast.

Half a century ago, Dubai was not at all so magnificent. The city, located near the Persian Gulf, lived thanks to the fact that pearls were mined here, for which everything was exchanged: tools, clothes, food, and so on. However, due to a happy accident, oil was found here and a stream of investments went to Dubai. There are no taxes in the city, so many businesses have their own main offices here. You will find many boutiques and shops in Dubai. Every year, a shopping festival is held in Dubai with discounts that can reach up to seventy percent.

It is impossible to get around all the sights of the city in one day, there are so many of them. For example, Burj Khalifa (the highest skyscraper in the world), Dubai Aquarium, Wild Wadi Water Park, which is made like in a fairy tale.

There is also the largest man-made archipelago in the world - Palm Island, where all the islands are made in the form of palm trees.

City of Hope - New York

With no other city in the world, probably, do many people associate their hopes for a rich and happy life, as with the city of New York. The capital of the United States attracts with the spirit of its own freedom and a wide range of opportunities. This city is often called the world capital, and all because it has great political and economic importance. Approximately eight million people live in the city. New York is considered the largest city in the United States and there is much to admire.

The city is divided into several districts: Staten Island, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx and Brooklyn. The most interesting is Manhattan. New Yorkers consider this area to be the real New York because it contains the most Amazing places cities: Empire State Building, Broadway, Central Park, Fifth Avenue and so on.

By the way, when the city was founded, Indians settled on the island of Manhattan, where the famous district is located. The island was then bought from the Indians for items worth twenty-four dollars.

Beautiful city and capital of surfing - Cape Town


Cape Town is a city located in the southern region of Africa near the Cape Good Hope. It is located where the waves of the Atlantic meet the Cape Peninsula, giving surfers amazing waves. That is why the city is the surfing capital of the world.

Cape Town is now the capital of South Africa. Large banks, universities, government agencies are located in the city. However, the city was founded not at all as a capital, but as an important transit point for Dutch sailors who are heading to India.

Cape Town for tourists will be very interesting. In addition to the most beautiful waves and beaches, travelers are also attracted by Table Mountain. She has met sailors from all over the world for many centuries.

The Castle of Good Hope is an old building in the city. It was founded by the Dutch in the seventeenth century. Now there is a museum in this castle. In the city you can still find: the South African National Gallery, botanical gardens Kirstenbosch, V&A Waterfront, Two Oceans Aquarium and so on.

Gate of the East - Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt, a country with a history of more than six thousand. It is the largest populous city on the mainland and the most beautiful. It was founded as a small military settlement by Amr ibn al-As. Gradually the city grew and expanded. Cairo has achieved abundance and prosperity, and is now rightly called the gate of the East.

Cairo has a very diverse architecture. Ancient mosques (about five hundred) there are adjacent to marketplaces, noisy squares and skyscrapers. The Al-Khzar Mosque is the most famous mosque in the city, which also houses the university.

You can find the Cairo Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. It houses the world's largest collection of art ancient egypt. There are more than one hundred and twenty exhibits in it, for example, the mummies of the pharaohs and some elements with which these mummies were buried.

It is also worth talking about the great pyramids of Giza, located in the suburbs of Cairo - in Giza. Now civilization has been able to come close to this ancient world. The nearest houses are about two hundred from the Sphinx. One of the pyramids, namely the pyramid of Cheops, is one of the seven wonders of the world and is currently considered the only one of these monuments that has survived.

Sun City - Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a unique city in its beauty, which is located near the Atlantic. The city got its name from a navigator who discovered Guanabara Bay in the sixteenth century and mistook it for the mouth of a river.

Of course, we cannot imagine Brazil without Rio, without football and carnival. According to the indigenous people, football is considered the second religion in Rio de Janeiro. However, now the city is also one of the largest cities South America and Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is filled with contrasts, there are also beautiful houses, luxury hotels and hotels, and poor neighborhoods in which it is better not to appear late at night.

To see everything in Rio, you need to stay here forever - and rightly so. The city is cultural capital Brazil. Here, in addition to long beaches, there are also a large number of libraries, philharmonic societies, conservatories, concert buildings, and museums. The symbol of the city is the Statue of Christ the Redeemer. From the foot of this statue opens beautiful view on the city, on its interesting nature.

City by the Bay - Sydney

Sydney is one of the most beautiful cities in Oceania and Australia. It is located near the most beautiful and unique bay - Port Jackson, the largest natural bay in the world. Many people consider Sydney the capital of Australia, but this is not so at all.

Sydney is a paradise for tourists. In the city, beautiful human creations coexist with nature. There are museums, nightclubs, golden beaches and many attractions that can interest any tourist.

Sydney business card - Sydney Opera theatre, which is built near the coast of the bay and resembles large white-colored shells and sails. Surely, everyone at least once in his life was able to see pictures of this building. The city is also famous arch bridge- Harbor Bridge. Its arch rises about one hundred and forty meters above the waves, and the total length is half a kilometer. An impressive sight!

It is very difficult to name a city more beautiful than another, because there are many criteria for comparison, and if one city stands out exclusively for its beautiful skyscrapers, then another, for example, can look spectacular due to the unusual nature surrounding it, etc.
Therefore, this list does not represent any scientific or sociological value, we do not name some cities in it more beautiful than others, we do not make any rating - the most beautiful cities in the world according to LifeGlobe are simply collected here.

By the way, if we talk about skyscrapers, then the first city associated with them will most likely be "City of Skyscrapers" Chicago- that's where we'll start.




Many people think that Chicago was called the City of Skyscrapers solely because of the huge number of high-rise buildings on its territory - perhaps this is so, but few know that in 1885 it was here, in the then small, ordinary town of Chicago, that the first world skyscraper The Home Insurance Building, which existed until 1931. Of course he was not the most high structure of the world (“only” 10 floors originally and +2 floors in 1891), but the construction of this high-rise building can be safely called the first step towards the subsequent complete transformation of the appearance of almost every fairly large city on Earth!


Someone may argue that it was not at all the first high-rise building in the world, that high-rise buildings appeared several centuries ago in Yemen, and this is true, but the construction of skyscrapers began to gain obvious mass character precisely after the appearance of the first Chicago high-rise building.


There are 17 buildings in Chicago today that are over 200 meters tall, three of which are in the top 20 tallest buildings in the world (including the tallest in North America 443.2-meter skyscraper Sears Tower).


In addition, in Chicago, beautiful architecture of the middle of the last century and modern architecture, tending more to the height than the beauty of the external facades (although there are exceptions, such as the Aqua skyscraper).


And this is what Chicago will look like if the construction of the Chicago Spare skyscraper is unfrozen and the crown of creativity of the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava is still completed. It’s only a pity that the investor decided to make some adjustments to the design of the building and the skyscraper is now twisted not by 360 degrees, but only by 270 degrees and ends not with an elegant spire, but with an ordinary flat roof, but what can you do to ensure that your project is under construction ...


Today, the Chicago skyline is the tallest and densest in the world. In short, a skyline is a view of a line of skyscrapers against the sky, or, in another way, it is an artificial horizon created by buildings, a view of the city from the side. Skyline can also be called a kind of fingerprint of the city, since each city has its own and the same simply does not exist.




Not to go far, the next city on our list is New York, whose skyline is distinguished by its unique diversity, achieved thanks to a huge number buildings of various architectural styles. And Hollywood has also made it the most recognizable skyline in the world.


In New York, as many as 44 buildings "stepped over" the 200-meter mark! This is the largest number of skyscrapers in the world located in one city.




Of course, not counting the twin towers of the World shopping center… But today the Freedom Tower is being built in their place, promising to become the most prominent building in the city.


In addition, it is here, in New York, that the invariable symbol of America is located - the Statue of Liberty, as well as the UN headquarters.




You can not ignore and another American city - San Francisco.


This one is relatively Big city is associated, first of all, with the famous Golden Gate, which also owes its popularity to Hollywood.


Another "Hollywood" landmark of San Francisco is Alcatraz Island, which was once an impregnable prison, and is now one of the main tourist attractions of the city.




Another beautiful city is located in Canada. Of course, this is the largest city in the country - Toronto, which has a corresponding skyline with seven buildings above 200 meters.


These 7 buildings also include the 553.3-meter CN Tower, which until 2007 held the title of the tallest building in the world (although it is only 13 meters taller than the Ostankino TV Tower) and lost it after the appearance of the 828-meter Dubai Tower




Although in fact, to be honest, the CN Tower was not the tallest building in the world - there are taller TV towers - it was just that the CN Tower had the tallest building before the appearance of Burj Dubai viewpoint, which offers a unique panorama of Toronto.




Another Canadian city worth noting - Vancouver, which recently hosted the Winter Olympics.


Of course, there are no such huge skyscrapers here as in the cities described above, but this did not stop Vancouver from becoming “ the best city world" according to the British edition of The Economist.


Among the cities of South America, it is worth highlighting Rio de Janeiro.


Of course, in comparison with the previous giant cities, the city does not exude any special beauty, but it is located in a very picturesque place, among the greenery, which gives it a special charm.


The view of the city from the back of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the Brazilian carnival and New Year's celebrations on Copacabana beach have long been business cards Rio.


And here is the same Copacabana beach with New Year's fireworks


Now let's jump through Pacific Ocean straight to Tokyo- the pearl of Japan. Until recently, Tokyo was considered the most populated city in the world, until it was overtaken in this indicator by the overgrown Mexico City.


Japan's capital boasts 15 buildings over 200 meters, including the famous 332.6-meter Tokyo Tower, which changes color every night.


By the way, the construction of a new, even taller television tower, the 634-meter Tokyo Sky Tree, is underway, so if there are no delays, then at the end of 2011, another noticeable high-altitude landmark will appear in the Tokyo sky.


A distinctive feature of the Tokyo skyline, due to the huge size of the city, is that in fact there are several skylines in Tokyo - from every angle the city looks different.


At night, thousands of Tokyo's buildings shimmer with neon, creating breathtaking views, and during the day, Tokyo's unique charm is given by the unique Japanese architecture. By the way, the city has the world's largest fleet of helicopters - indispensable means of transportation during the worst traffic jams.


Another amazing "city on the island" - Singapore, which is considered one of the cleanest capitals in the world and, in addition, has an interesting layout.


The fact is that in the city there is a ban on the construction of buildings above 280 meters, due to the restrictions of the air traffic control service, so the Singapore skyline is distinguished by its even proportions - three skyscrapers exactly 280 meters each and five more skyscrapers just above 200.




Most of Singapore's buildings are painted in light colors, and the city center is surrounded by large-scale green spaces.


Let's move even further south and a little east - straight to the pearl of Australia, the city Sydney.


We simply could not help but name Sydney among the most beautiful cities in the world, because it is The largest city Australia.


The Sydney skyline has 8 skyscrapers above 200 meters, and the famous building of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbor Bridge have long been the hallmarks of the city and the continent.




Among other things, the most beautiful fireworks show in the world is held annually in Sydney on New Year's Eve!


Speaking of Australia, we also cannot miss another amazing city - Melbourne, also possessing an extraordinary appearance and a beautiful skyline.


The city combines Victorian and modern architecture, is replete with parks and is considered the sports and cultural capital of the country.


In Melbourne, as well as in Sydney, 8 skyscrapers "stepped over" the mark of 200 meters, only the spread in heights is much more contrasting than in the Australian capital.


The next settlement in the list of "The most beautiful cities in the world according to LifeGlobe" has the most beautiful skyline among the countries of the East, although many may even call it among the most beautiful cities in the world. Of course this Hong Kong.


Hong Kong is on our list for a good reason, because it is home to 4 of the 15 tallest buildings in the world! In total, there are 39 buildings "for 200 meters" in the city.


Accordingly, Hong Kong's skyline is marked by many sky-reaching towers, adorned with pleasant nighttime lighting that reflects beautifully in the water - all against the backdrop of the city's silent mountains. If you look at the city from Victoria Peak, then the most extensive skyline on the planet will open up to your eyes!


Another chinese city, which we could not ignore - Shanghai, more like a space station than a city.


China's largest and most advanced city, Shanghai was the country's most cosmopolitan city in the early 20th century, but lost that status during the Mao era.


But today, the city is quickly reclaiming its title as one of the main driving forces of the world economy, as well as an example of modern architecture.


There are 18 buildings over 200 meters high in the sky of Shanghai, including the 468-meter Oriental Pearl in the city center - Asia's tallest TV tower.


In terms of the pace of development, Shanghai can only be compared Dubai, which has recently begun to rapidly transform.


Of course, the poor areas of the city still look miserable, but the business center of the city, in which the sheikhs are investing billions, is gradually growing up.


35 Dubai skyscrapers - over 200 meters high (5 of them are exactly 200 meters high), some can be easily recognized by their unique shape - take for example the unusual Rose Tower, Dubai Sail and the world's tallest 828-meter building Burj Dubai with an amazing Dubai Fountain


Now let's move to Western Europe, namely to the capital of France - Paris. This is what it looks like from Notre Dame Cathedral


Of course, Paris cannot boast of high-rise buildings and numerous high-tech buildings, but this is the highlight of this amazing city! In the center rises only the Eiffel Tower - the symbol of France.


In Paris, they have repeatedly tried to build skyscrapers, and simply large buildings and communications, but each time they came across legal prohibitions - it was thanks to a tough policy regarding the protection of the historical center of the city that Paris has retained its historical appearance to this day, and all of them are somehow large corporations and business organizations have settled or are about to settle in convenient suburbs (for example, the La Defense area). In fact, the center of Paris is a real living museum!


A hallmark of Parisian architecture is special kind U-shaped mansions with a courtyard and a garden on the back side of the middle part of the building. Most of these buildings were built back in the 17th-18th centuries, and later buildings can be distinguished by a characteristic courtyard closed on all four sides. You can read more about Parisian mansions in the article Official Palaces of Paris and its suburbs


Another city of this type - London. In the capital of England there are also no skyscrapers higher than 200 meters, although, unlike Paris, many rather big buildings are scattered around the city (for example, the 180-meter "Cucumber" by Norman Foster).


But on the territory of London, buildings of almost all medieval architectural styles have been preserved (although there would have been much more of them if it were not for the large-scale fire of 1666 and the bombing during the Second World War).


The most familiar London view is, of course, the view of Westminster Palace and Big Ben across the Thames and Europe's largest Ferris wheel - the London Eye


It was this view that was used as a screensaver for the new British series Sherlock about the modern adventures of the famous detective, who instantly became the most popular series in Britain and took a strong position in the global box office.


The second most popular (after London) city in the UK is the capital of Scotland - the city Edinburgh.


The bulk of the medieval Edinburgh Castle rises above the city, and the city center is fully listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the UK is also located here.


Another unforgettable European city, completely different from all of the above settlements, is Venice- a city on the water.


Narrow streets, along which they move by boat, and not by the usual vehicles, will not leave anyone indifferent! No wonder Venice is considered one of the most romantic cities in Europe.


Another Italian city on our list is one of the oldest cultural centers in Europe. This, of course, Florence- a city-museum with the unchanging bulk of the Duomo Cathedral, towering over the city.


It is not for nothing that Florence is called the city-museum, because it was here that the Italian Renaissance was born.


The most recognizable place in Florence, which has long become a symbol of this city, is Ponte Vecchio, one of the most beautiful bridges in the world.


The last Italian city on our list, but far from the last in importance - Rome.


Colosseum, Pantheon, Vittoriano... You can list the sights of the Italian capital for a long time.


You can not ignore the most beautiful city in Spain - Barcelona, with the constant long-term construction of the Sagrada Familia, Gothic Quarter and the amazing houses of Antonio Gaudí.


Barcelona looks very unusual from above due to the characteristic layout of streets and quarters.


Montjuic hill deserves special attention - one of the largest parks in Europe, stretching over more than 200 hectares. For many, this park is associated with the Montjuic TV tower of the same name, which Santiago Calatrava worked on.


Next European city worth stopping at Prague, with the same red roofs of houses and gray-green spiers of St. Vitus Cathedral


You can easily see that Prague is literally immersed in greenery, which makes it one of the "greenest" European capitals.


The main square of the city is formed by houses of completely different styles and colors, and in the center there are extensive flower beds, which gives it some kind of indescribable charm - this is one of the most famous and largest squares in the world.

The Czech capital is located on both banks of the Vltava River, across which many bridges are thrown, including the famous Charles Bridge.




Another Czech city, located on the banks of the Vltava and worthy of inclusion in our list - Cesky Krumlov, a small oasis with red roofs, narrow streets and a castle built into the rock ...


To get to the city center - you need to go under such a multi-level arch

On the sides are the earlier parts of the castle


The historic center of Krumlov is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.


It is also impossible not to include another small Czech town in the list of the most beautiful cities in the world - Olomouc, considered one of the most beautiful ancient cities in the country.


The central square of the city with the Column of the Holy Trinity and the city hall building.


And here is the same square on the mini-plan of the city, located here.




For a large number of ancient buildings and monuments, Olomouc is also called the second Prague, or “Prague in miniature”, and it is not surprising, because almost the entire city consists of a variety of medieval buildings and cozy pavements.


The "pearl" of neighboring Poland is the city Krakow, which contains just a colossal number of historical monuments, buildings and castles.


A monument near the wall of the Wawel Castle, in which Polish President Lech Kaczynski and his wife were buried, who tragically died in a plane crash on April 10, 2010.


For such a variety of antiquities, Krakow was even nicknamed the Polish Petersburg (sometimes called the Polish Athens) - it is not surprising that the city is considered the cultural capital of Poland.


Among the cities of Germany, it should be noted, first of all, Berlin, which is, in fact, the most "green" city in the country, because. almost every street is lined with green spaces.


In addition to green streets, the world-famous Reichstag building and the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin also abounds with medieval baroque buildings and wide squares.


One of the most picturesque squares in Berlin - Gendarmenmarkt


Night Berlin




Another german city, Frankfurt am Main, can be called a kind of "European Chicago" - the largest number of skyscrapers among European cities is concentrated in Frankfurt.




The main feature of Frankfurt is the contrast between modern skyscrapers and ancient buildings of the historic city center.


Night view of Frankfurt skyscrapers


Another beautiful city in Germany is Nuremberg, the center of which is replete with spiers of medieval cathedrals and red roofs of houses.


View of the city from a bird's eye view

Medieval castle on a hill


Nuremberg is known not only in Germany, but all over the world, and for the large accumulation of historical sights it is even often called the "Treasury of the German Empire."


Let's not forget about cities more distant from us, for example, we cannot bypass the South African city Cape Town, considered the most beautiful city in Africa.




Stadium built in Cape Town for the 2010 FIFA World Cup


Cape Town is famous, first of all, thanks to the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point and Table Mountain, the silhouette of which is depicted on the flag of the city.