REVEALED: The world's most beautiful cities
The world's most beautiful cities have been revealed, ranging from well-known European gems to further-flung destinations with magnificent scenery.
New research by Time Out, which questioned 24,000 people, has revealed the places the majority of locals would describe as 'beautiful'.
The result is a definitive ranking of some of the top spots - many of which boast stunning seaside views, vibrant city centres and an overwhelmingly picturesque landscape.
Here's a full rundown of the list for you to peruse, and perhaps inspire your next holiday...
1. Cape Town, South Africa
Taking the gold medal as the best spot for beauty is Cape Town in South Africa
With expansive white sand beaches, acres of lush vineyards and a vibrant coastal ambience, Cape Town takes the top spot as the world's most beautiful city.
There's plenty to do here in terms of art and culture, too, from Zeitz MOCAA and the Norval Foundation, to institutions such as the Baxter and Artscape and the Labia, a home for independent cinema.
Events such as the Investec Cape Town Art Fair and First Thursdays draw global attention, and the city's creative energy is palpable here.
2. Edinburgh, UK
In second place, taking the silver medal, is Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh was voted the second prettiest city in the world - the highest-ranking UK and European destination.
Its beauty is down to a combination of its old town and imposing viewpoints. Check out Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill for unparalleled scenery.
Residents rave about the destination - the study showed a total of 84 per cent of its locals called it 'beautiful'.
3. Sydney, Australia
Taking the bronze medal in the full list is Sydney, Australia
With a score of 78 per cent, beach hotspot Sydney takes third place in the ranking, known for its excellent lifestyle and laid-back feel.
From the shores of Bondi beach to the downtown city district, Sydney has a clean, upmarket feel to it, all sunshine and fresh air.
Visitors rave about the sights, which range from the Sydney Opera House to the beaches, Harbour Bridge and the many food markets and eateries spread across the city.
4. Chicago, US
Chicago is the fourth city to make the list, known for its modern high-rise buildings
Chicago may be best known as the Windy City, but it's also one of the most beautiful.
It's a particularly green spot given its city status, with plenty of parks and greenery to explore alongside views of Lake Michigan.
The city is also the highest ranking US spot on the list, beating popular destinations such as Los Angeles, New York City and winter hotspot Aspen.
5. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, scoops up the fifth place award
If Lisbon had a colour, it would be orange - for its bright rooftops.
Lisbon's cultural reputation has long been unrivalled - with world-renowned museums, art galleries and markets, as well as a restaurant scene that is constantly on the up.
The Castelo de São Jorge, Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery are historic sights worth visiting, while modern attractions include the Gulbenkian art museum and LX Factory.
6. Paris, France
Next up is Paris, the city of love - and a popular European beauty spot
As far back as one can trace, Paris has been one of the best places to go for a mooch amid picturesque streets.
It's home to painting, photography, architecture and fashion, with major exhibitions and galleries including the Louvre, the Grand Palais and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.
A walk through Le Marais still offers a kaleidoscopic dive into global contemporary art and food while the Montmartre area looks like something out of a postcard.
7. Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is the next city to join the list, known for its buzzing vibe and culture
If colourful buildings, art nouveau architecture, cobblestone streets and water everywhere you look appeal to you, Stockholm is the place to be.
Widely considered one of the world's most beautiful spots, the 'Venice of the North', as it is often dubbed, boasts a well-preserved medieval city with plenty of historic attractions.
Standout destinations include its Royal Palace, City Hall and the many Gothic churches spread around the centre.
8. Porto, Portugal
Porto in Portugal comes in eighth place on the ranking
It's not the first Portuguese city to make the cut, but Porto is often hailed for its excellent food, waterside location and, of course, its beauty.
Porto's Livraria Lello & Irmão, commonly known in English as the Lello Bookshop, was also ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world.
Other city highlights include the UNESCO-listed Ribeira district, Porto Cathedral and nearby Port production destinations.
9. Medellin, Colombia
In ninth place in the full list is the city of Medellin
Medellin in Colombia might not be the first place that springs to mind when considering the most beautiful places around the world - but it should be up there.
In fact, it even ranked as the top place people are often uneasy about visiting but shouldn't be.
This is a far cry from its past links to drug cartels and professional hitmen associations it built up between the 70s and 90s. It was once even home to the famous drug lord, Pablo Escobar.
Crime hasn't completely disappeared in the city, but it is a more welcoming place for tourists and visitors can enjoy admiring the impressive graffiti, local artists and the cuisine.
10. Riga, Latvia
Rounding out the top 10 in the list is Riga, Latvia
Latvia, one of Europe's least populous countries, is more often associated with cheap stag dos and budget beer than a glamorous getaway – but that's a mistake.
Riga is one of the world's most beautiful cities, with all the cobbled streets and historic buildings you could desire.
With an art and culture scene to rival many other capitals (it has previously been dubbed the 'Paris of the North'), it is worth the reasonably priced flights, from £50 each way.
Comfortable temperatures and great attractions – such as the House of the Black Heads, Riga Art Nouveau Centre and the central market – make for a great weekend away.
11. San Diego, US
The 11th most beautiful city in the world was found to be San Diego
With a 61 per cent score, San Diego is next up on the list, known for its metropolitan flair and surrounding scenery and coastline.
On the one hand, you can check out the architecture, but it's also worth paying attention to scenery, from Balboa Park to La Jolla Cove and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park.
Even getting there is aesthetic - San Diego International Airport was even voted one of the world's most beautiful airports.
12. Panama City, Panama
Taking position number 12 in the travel list is Panama City
Arguably Central America's most cosmopolitan city, those in the market for Latino fun might fancy Panama City.
This vibrant metropolis has become a new home for thousands of expats from around the globe thanks to the commerce – and its use of the US dollar – that exists within its sprawling skyline.
Add in tropical beaches and luxury apartments with a city panorama for around £1,800 a month, and it's an easy, breezy way to tap into the high life.
13. Cambridge, UK
Cambridge, full of picturesque waterways, boats and cobbled streets, is up next
The university city of Cambridge is certainly one of the UK's prettiest, with historic buildings, Venice-like waterways and greenery to explore.
Enjoy punting down the River Cam followed by a stroll through the city centre, passing all the university colleges, each with their own glamorous style and ambience.
Highlights include King's College, a key example of Gothic architecture, and St John’s College, often hailed as one of the most stunning in the area.
14. Florence, Italy
Florence in Italy - an arty centre - takes position 14
Synonymous with Renaissance art and architecture, Florence offers an unparalleled concentration of historic treasures across its galleries, churches and streets.
Alongside the city's cultural heritage, in the summer months, open-air opera, jazz and cinema animate Florence's piazzas and gardens.
According to a previous Time Out survey, museums and art galleries define Florence's cultural appeal, with 72 per cent of Florentines rating its arts scene positively and the same proportion highlighting its affordability.
15. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro has become a chic travel destination in recent years
Rio de Janeiro is a bucket-list item for many jet-setters, for its long coastline, mountainous scenery and bustling city centre.
Points from which to see the city at its best are, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain and Corcovado, where you'll find the Christ the Redeemer statue.
The highlight of the Rio de Janeiro calendar is, of course, Carnival - all samba music, extravagant costumes and a multi-day party vibe.
16. Bath, UK
The final UK destination to make the full list is Bath
Another UK city to make the cut, Bath is most famous for its Roman baths - a must-see for any culture vultures heading to this part of the country.
One review read: 'Visiting the Roman Baths in Bath, England was one of the highlights of our trip and an experience I would highly recommend.
'The atmosphere is also beautiful, especially around the main bath where the architecture, lighting, and steam from the water create a very memorable setting.'
17. Bengaluru, India
Bengaluru in India takes 17th place in the complete ranking (pictured, Vidhana Soudha)
Bengaluru, the capital of the southern Karnataka state in India, is a tech hub - but there's much more to it than that.
Don't miss the impressive sights, most notably Bangalore Palace, modelled after England’s Windsor Castle, and Vidhana Soudha.
It's one of India's most progressive cities, with a vibrant culinary scene and many craft beer spots to seek out.
18. Vienna, Austria
The city centre of Vienna is known for its imposing buildings and statues
Vienna, Austria's capital, was crowned the world’s most liveable city in 2024, and is also one of the world's best to navigate while walking - not to mention it is also exceptionally beautiful.
Highlights include Schönbrunn Palace, Belvedere Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral and the State Opera building, one of the best in the world.
It won't break the bank either - with return flights from London costing just £55.
19. Brasilia, Brazil
Finishing off the list is Brasilia, the capital of Brazil (pictured, Itamaraty Palace)
Most beautiful cities 2026
1. Cape Town, South Africa
2. Edinburgh, UK
3. Sydney, Australia
4. Chicago, US
5. Lisbon, Portugal
6. Paris, France
7. Stockholm, Sweden
8. Porto, Portugal
9. Medellin, Colombia
10. Riga, Latvia
11. San Diego, US
12. Panama City, Panama
13. Cambridge, UK
14. Florence, Italy
15. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
16. Bath, UK
17. Bengaluru, India
18. Vienna, Austria
19. Brasilia, Brazil
Source: Time Out
While many opt for Rio de Janeiro for a holiday, Brasilia, the country's capital, is one of the most beautiful - and distinctive - cities in the world.
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Known for a unique white modern architectural style, sights such as the Congresso Nacional, Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida and Itamaraty Palace are gorgeous highlights well worth your time.
'Impressive and emblematic building, with very distinctive features in columns and surrounding water. The internal spaces are massive and the staircase presents a unique design. I strongly recommend a visit when in Brasilia,' one visitor wrote of Itamaraty Palace.
