The 500 Most Beautiful Cities in the World: #470–456

Quick reminder to please read the blurb for criteria and other important info! See the previous blogs for #500-471!

Back so soon, traveler? Let’s continue!

Population: 8,545

Welcome to Socotra Island, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean! Start your morning on the island in Hadibu with a walk on the beach, snapping gorgeous photos of the sunrise with your camera. Then, walk to the markets and sit down for some Bedouin tea and homemade Socotran donuts while watching the sun peek above the palms. The capital of Socotra Island, Hadibu is a quaint community built on fishing and animal husbandry and is an interesting place to visit. For one, the city is famed for its iconic dragon trees, unique in the world as they are only found on the island. For another, while there’s not much to do city-wise, outside of the market streets and a mosque, a great many adventures exist outside the city in the rugged wilderness. With ventures such as diving, kitesurfing, windsurfing, dune surfing, professional fishing tours, and trekking up the mountain Jabal al-Jahir, Hadibu offers a diverse selection of outdoor activities to undertake, allowing for both peace of mind and a sense of adventure for those who take the plunge. The weather is fine, the hotels are fine, the excessive amount of weirdness and fun is fine. It’s all good in Hadibu, so why not join in?

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE DRAGON TREES 🐉 🌳 

Population: 1.475 million

Kyoto is Japan in a nutshell. The cultural and former capital of Japan, Kyoto if famous for its classic Buddhist gardens, palaces, shrines, and wooden houses. But don’t mistake it for antique; the city is still extremely modernized, with high-rises and vibrant markets, but also with lots of green spaces. Noted for its impressive 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Kyoto is a hub for Japanese arts and natural beauty, with attractions such as the geisha, known for their kimonos, and the world famous Torii Gates at the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine being a huge tourist draw. But don’t let the high level of tourism dissuade you. Kyoto has a host of different temples and unknown areas to visit if you’re favorite spot is packed. Places such as Kiyomizu-dera, Nanzen-ji, Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji (all of these are temples), lend beauty and splendor to the numerous valleys surrounding the city, and the gorgeous, mythical Arashiyama forest is a place to get lost in its bamboo towers. Kyoto’s traditional imperialist history can be seen at Nijo Castle, famed for its wooden build and lush gardens, while the city’s blend of traditional and new cultures can be found in Gion, the city’s historic center. Kyoto is also over 1,100 years old and is not afraid to show its age, with small huts along the Katsura river and the many zen parks revealing its dynamic past, while buildings like the Heian Shrine, constructed for the city’s 1,100-year old birthday display its dedication to preserve its storied heritage while, at the same time, ushering in a new era of modernism for the city. Kyoto has some of the greatest culture in the world and is one of the best cities in Japan. Go visit it!

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE FUSHIMI INARI TAISHA SHRINE ⛩

Population: 10.72 million

There’s so many gardens! Suzhou is full of bright, airy spaces and dense, thick woods, but one thing remains the same: it’s always a garden. Sitting just west of Shanghai on Lakes Tai and Jinji, the city of Suzhou, founded in 514 BCE, is home to 60 of these Classical Gardens, and they are collectively known as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Specific gardens such as the Humble Administrator’s, Lion Grove, and Master of the Nets fill the city with verdant beauty and incredible scenery. The city is also known for its unusual zigzagging bridges over connected pools and canals and its Museum, a I.M. Pei design, a striking set of whitewashed walls over a reflecting pool. Other must-visits in Suzhou are the Lingering Garden, a beautifully-carved, ornate pavilion with views of the Crown of Clouds Peak, a towering limestone rock overlooking the city, and Tiger Hill, a gorgeous mount with the imposing, 7-story, Cloud Rock Pagoda at its zenith. Aside from its peaceful and scenic gardens, the city is the fast-growing in China and is a pioneer of the inclusion of greenery in cities. The city is highly developed and has been the second-largest economic center of the Jiangsu province for decades behind Nanjing. Often dubbed the “Venice of the East,” Suzhou is fantastic and fascinating city, being both a Top 50 city for scientific research and one of the largest commercial hubs in China; so, with that said, put it on your East Asia Bucket List. It deserves a spot.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE LINGERING GARDEN 🪴 

Population: 6.748 million

Yes, MG, I ranked it this high (but don’t worry, there are more Brazilian cities to come). Welcome to the most lively city in Brazil: Rio! Where to even begin? I guess you could start with the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue, a 38 meter behemoth atop the picturesque Mount Corcovado, a gorgeous place to visit in itself, and newly minted member of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Then we focus on the beauty that is Rio’s beaches, with famed spots such as Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches drawing huge crowds to the Atlantic Coast, framed with soft sand and golden sunsets. Speaking of sunsets, the city’s Arpoador region is a fantastic place to catch one while swimming in its azure waters, while the landmark Sugarloaf Mountain, accessible by an incredible cable car ride, is the perfect place to observe panoramic views of Rio as well as both the sunrise and sunset. Brazil’s premier seaside city, Rio is next to Tijuca National Park, the largest urban rainforest on the planet, and is also famous for its sprawling favelas and wild nightlife. Events such as the Carnival, featuring extravagant floats, costumes, and dancers, breathe life into the city, and hold the distinguished title as being the largest types of these celebrations in the world. Within the city itself, splendid places to visit include Escadaria Selarón, a stairway covered in mosaic tile, Museu do Amanhã, famed for its insane architecture and interesting take on humanity’s global impact, and Maracanã, one of the world’s largest soccer (or football, if you’d like) stadiums and beautifully constructed. Rio is also a world-class and internationally recognized city, having hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics, the first South American city ever to do so, and the finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, taking place in Maracanã. If you’re worried about the crime, don’t be because it’s a misconception: Rio actually has a lower incidence of crime than most of the other Brazilian state capitals, making it a much safer city than previously perceived. We could go on and on about Rio, but there’s no time. If you want to learn more about it, why not travel there yourself and see what the hype is all about?

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE CHRIST THE REDEEMER STATUE 🏞🗽 

(There’s no CtR emoji, unfortunately, so I had to use the Statue of Liberty)

Population: 825

The smallest city-state in the world! The bastion of Catholicism! The pearl of the Holy See! For such a small city (it literally fits inside Rome), there’s so much to see. While the whole of the city can be circumvented in 20 minutes (which is insane!), there are many beautiful sites full of Renaissance-era architecture that you just have to see. The headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and the home of the Pope, places to visit in Vatican City include the Vatican Museums, housing a treasure trove of iconic art and architecture such as the ancient Roman sculpture ‘Laocoon and His Sons’ as well as a great many Renaissance frescoes in the Raphael Rooms, the iconic Sistine Chapel, famed for Michaelangelo’s gorgeous ceiling, and the image of Vatican City, Saint Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest basilica for Christianity, the main draw for those visiting the city. Outside the Basilica is Saint Peter’s Square, the city’s landmark plaza with spewing fountains and the recognizable obelisk in the Square’s center. More architecture did you say? Well, Castel Sant’Angelo is a beautiful, regal 2nd-century castle that doubles as another museum (gotta pack it in with only 4,700,000 square feet) and features ornate statues, domes, and vaults. There is also a small bit of greenery to be found in Vatican City, with the Gardens of Vatican City providing bounteous nature and scenery within the walled enclave. Vatican City can be covered in a day, so go ahead and add it to your Rome excursions.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: SAINT PETER’S BASILICA ⛪️

Population: 2.13 million

Hola, compadre! Welcome to Cuba! As Camila Cabelo sang, half of your heart should be in Havana because this city encapsulates the colonial heritage and carefree attitude of the Caribbean island. Famed for its collection of classic 1960s-era American cars, Havana sits 90 miles away from the coast of Florida and is a cigar-smoking, nightclub-rocking, historical gem to visit. Its heritage is preserved in places such as the Old Havana core, featuring the National Capitol Building and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, a fort and maritime museum. Also featured in Old Havana is Catedral de San Cristóbal and Plaza Vieja, both incredible pieces of architecture blending old and new styles. Outside the city center, Havana is home to other beautiful places to visit. For the introduction into Cuban beach life, check out Malecon, an iconic coastal esplanade and high sea wall. Also calling to you is the historic Paseo del Prado, a gorgeous, tree-lined urban boulevard. Finally, dive into Havana’s culinary delights at La Bodeguita Del Medio, a bar famous for its mojitos. If you’re looking for Havana’s elusive beaches, look no further than Playas de Este, a miles-long stretch of pure white-sand beaches. And if you just want to have fun, visit Fusterlandia, a residential property within the city filled to the brim with the weird, wacky, and fantastical. Havana is the Cuban lifestyle wrapped up in a bottle; all I can say is ‘vamonos!’

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: OLD HAVANA 🎠 🇨🇺 

Population: 404,461

One of Poland’s most gorgeous cities, Szczecin is a darling city tucked along the Oder River in northwest Poland. Famed for its Chrobry Embankment, a huge, historic terrace overlooking the river, the city is now one of the country’s cultural centers, having been the site of protests against Soviet rule during the Cold War. Sitting in the middle of the city is the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle, a former castle now renovated to a landmark concert and exhibit venue, and the mammoth St. James Cathedral, a beautiful building arced with incredible stained-glass windows. Nearby is The National Museum, a large center exhibiting Szczecin’s history and extensive culture, and the Central Cemetery, containing wide gardens, monuments, a chapel, and a respectful, beautifully-painted burial hall. If you seek underrated architecture within the city, the Karlowicz Philharmonic has you covered, sporting an astounding geometric design and an adjacent concert hall. Nature lovers, fear not! Szczecin is also home to Däbie Lake, a scenic, sizable body of water with numerous beaches a bike path to travel around. Szczecin is a hidden, underrated gem in Poland that warrants a visit from travelers along the Oder River.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE KARLOWICZ PHILHARMONIC 🎶🏤

Population: 145,403

Separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River, the city of Savannah, Georgia, has long been known for its manicured parks, finely-crafted horse-drawn carriages, and antebellum architecture. On the Atlantic coast, Savannah is one of the those cities that just has that Southern charm that you don’t find anywhere else (unless you’re in Charleston). Within the city, green areas such as Forsyth Park, Bonaventure Park, and the Wormsloe Historic Site all provide gardens, nature, and hiking trails to explore the beautiful city and its outlying, marshy landscape. The city also boasts an old, interesting, and sometimes not so great heritage. The Historic District and East River Street breed gorgeous architecture and flavorful shops and restaurants; however, places such as the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters remind you that the city was an important Confederate shipping port and was part of the Atlantic slave trade. With all its beautiful coastal landscapes and impeccable scenery, as well as some famous appearances in media, the “Life is like a box of chocolates” scene from Forrest Gump was filmed in Savannah’s Chippewa Square, Savannah is a delectable city that demands you visit it.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: FORSYTH PARK 🏞

Population: 81,592

There’s too many pictures of Lucerne to choose from! The city is just too beautiful! Switzerland’s premier compact city, nestled among the snow capped mountains of Lake Lucerne, Lucerne is famed for its preserved medieval architecture and dedication to keeping its regal beauty. The city’s Old Town is a colorful blend of buildings and is bordered by the 870 meter Musegg Wall, a 14th-century rampart, and the city’s Chapel Bridge connects the Old Town to the Reuss River. Within Lucerne, incredible places of interest abound, including the Swiss Museum of Transport, a museum, planetarium, and cinema wrapped all in one, the Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre, a beautiful complex sitting right on the bank of the lake, and the iconic Hofkirche St. Leodegar, Lucerne’s landmark church featuring Gothic towers. Around the city, the stunning, jagged landscape is some of the best in Europe, and the city is the gateway to the Lion Monument, a lion carved into the mountainside, and Spreuer Bridge, a centuries-old wooden bridge crossing a canal. I can’t talk enough about the scenery but damn, it rivals established Swiss juggernauts like Gstaad, Zurich, and Basel with its sweeping, mountainous peaks and its crystal-clear waters. Fresher air is hard to find. Lucerne is a definitely must-visit, no question about it, so go.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: LAKE LUCERNE 🌊 

Population: 12.48 million

Now, I know what you’re thinking: how can you put Mumbai ahead of Lucerne?! That’s ridiculous! Just hear me out. If you take away the constant smog pollution and the insane crowds at midday (morning and night are the best times to do things in Mumbai), you will get one of the most beautiful, modern cities in all of India. I promise. The most populous city in India and the nation’s financial hub, Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is a city with many sites to impress. On the harbor’s waterfront stands the Gateway of India, a stone arch built by the British Raj, while offshore, the nearby Elephanta Island houses caves with carved temples inside of them dedicated to Shiva. Mumbai is also the heart of the Bollywood film industry, and is home to a UNESCO World Heritage site in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a Gothic revival station in the city center. The city is also home to a modernized city center and many temples and museums on its outskirts, elaborately constructed and pleasant to look at. The city is also a culinary haven, with the Marine Drive, a waterfront promenade, being the perfect place to chow on some native food and drink and watch the sunset. The city is also the gateway to Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a protected area with numerous temple complexes built into rock. Mumbai is actually a very beautiful city, you just have to understand that there’s more than what meets the eye.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE MODERN CITY CENTER 🌃 

Population: 433,688

Like Lucerne, there are too many pictures for Cape Town. Cape Town is perhaps the singular most well-known city south of the Sahara Desert and it lives up to its reputation as one of the greatest cities in the world. Where to even begin? Let’s start with the fact that Cape Town is on South Africa’s southwest coast, sitting on the edge of a peninsula watched over by the imposing and picturesque Table Mountain. You can take a rotating cable car to the peak of Table Mountain to get unforgettable, spectacular views of the city and the surrounding area. From the top of Table Mountain, you can find hiking, climbing, abseiling, and even hang-gliding and bungee jumping. Returning the city, I suggest checking out the fringe areas like Robben Island Prison first, the place where Nelson Mandela was held captive. Other gorgeous spots within the city include the Cape of Good Hope, featuring scenic views and absolutely stunning beaches, the V&A Waterfront, the waterside commercial and residential hub of Cape Town, Boulders Beach, a sandy cove with actual penguins (freaking insane!), and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, a nature reserve with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. From here, we can move on to Cape Point Nature Reserve, a scenic cliff top with views of the city and the deep blue ocean, Signal Hill, providing great views, Clifton Beaches, filled with beaches (duh), boardwalks, beachside restaurants, and a yacht harbor, and, finally, my personal favorite, Bo-kaap, a multicultural community sprinkled with multicolored pastel buildings and beautiful gardens. Cape Town is the quintessential African getaway, and if it’s not on your Bucket List, you’re missing out.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: BO-KAAP 🌈 🏘 

Population: 111,541

The pearl of Madeira’s archipelago, Funchal is one of Portugal’s best seaside cities. Framed by rolling hills, Funchal is a quaint, beautiful city known for its bustling harbor, crazy gardens, and world-famous wine cellars; but, perhaps most recognizable is the São Tiago Fortress fronting the harbor. Built in the 17th century, it now houses the Contemporary Art Museum, featuring a large collection of Portuguese works. For decades now, Funchal has been recognized as one of the Atlantic cruise ship lines’ main ports-of-call, and its harbor has been ranked alongside Rio de Janeiro’s as one of the two best in the world. In the city, places to visit to immerse yourself in Madeira’s culture include the Farmers’ Market, a historic venue where both culinary and flowery treats are sold, the Funchal Cathedral, a Gothic-style church noted for its wooden ceiling, and the Funchal Cable Car, treating you to panoramic views of the orange-roofed port city. Now, onto what really makes Funchal stand out: its gardens. First up is Santa Catarina Park, a scenic green space with lush landscaping and a divine sculpture garden. Next is Monte Palace Madeira, featuring global, exotic plants, incredible sculptures, and rare collected gems. Finally, we have the most spectacular of all the gardens: the Madeira Botanical Garden. Renowned for its symmetrical and asymmetrical structure, the gardens are just a treat to look at and filled with colorful plants and swirling shapes; it’s enough to give you nightmares. Funchal is a dynamic, cultural city on the Atlantic coast and is definitely the place to visit if you’re traveling to Madeira.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE MADEIRA BOTANICAL GARDEN 🪴 

Population: 975,551

Stockholm actually has nothing to do with stocks. What is does have to do with is bridges. Lots of them. Stockholm has over 50 bridges spread over 14 islands of this Baltic Sea archipelago, each and every one of them beautifully designed and elegantly carved. Another thing Stockholm has a lot of are museums, with places such as The Royal Palace, the Nobel Museum, the Skansen Museum, and the Vasa Museum all exhibiting unique artifacts and explaining the area’s exquisite history. Within the city, the way to travel is by ferries, which shuttle passengers to and fro different islands; these ferries can take you to sites such as the Gamla Stan, the Old Town, famous for its winding cobblestone streets and ochre buildings, as well as the imposing Storkyrkan Cathedral. Like that Cathedral and built in the same way, the Stockholm City Hall sits on the banks of the Baltic, a sentinel to the Swedish masses and new travelers alike. The city is also home to Drottningholm Palace, a royal castle with perfectly manicured gardens, and the Djurgården, a fairground opposite the Vasa Museum. But the ferries aren’t the only way to travel. If you want to walk around Stockholm, the city is ripe with walkways and paths displaying riveting views of the city, as well as branching off into other, less-traveled areas of the city, featuring, you guessed it, more museums. They really love their museums around here (be sure to visit the ABBA one as well if you’re a music fan). Stockholm is fun, lively, and elaborately decorated city and is near the very top of the list of Scandinavian cities to visit.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE KASTELLET CATHEDRAL ⛪️

Population: 1.328 million

If you’ve seen the Pyramids too many times, Luxor is your new destination. Sitting on the east bank of the Nile River, Luxor is a beautiful city and recognized around the world as the “World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum.” Why does it have this distinguished honor? Well, the city is home to a myriad of Ancient Egyptian sites, including the ruins of Thebes, the pharaoh’s capital in the old times, and the Luxor and Karnak Temples, both are which are graceful and ancient, their complexes having been built to worship the Egyptian gods over 3,000 years ago. What the city is really known for, however, is the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, two burial sites filled with the the royal tombs of pharaohs and queens that are partially excavated. But the history doesn’t stop there. In fact, Luxor has two more impressive sights, those being the Colossi of Memnon, giant sandstone statues of two pharaohs, and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, a reconstructed New Kingdom-era temple. Within the city itself, Luxor is home to a great many markets featuring excellent artisans making spies, trinkets, and alabaster stones, a Luxor staple. The city also has an excellent nightlife, featuring nightly boat rides down the Nile and hosting Sound and Light shows nearly every evening at the Karnak Temple. When you can’t visit Cairo or Giza, Luxor should right at the top of your list. The history there is so real it’s almost as if the dead aren’t really dead.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS 👑 

Population: 110,169

Welcome to city with a hundred bells chiming in the air! At least, that’s what Rouen is commonly known as. The capital of Normandy and sitting on the Seine River, Rouen hasn’t changed much since the Middle Ages, as can be seen in its spectacular and awe-inspiring architecture. Places like the Gothic churches of Saint-Maclou and Saint-Ouen lend credence to this fact and reveal the city’s deep Christian roots. A main draw of Rouen is its pedestrian cobblestone paths, winding along half-timbered houses and leading to places such as Museum of Fine Arts, also Gothic, and the Market Square, a beautiful hodgepodge of buildings with many different styles. Rouen’s skyline is dominated by the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, a mammoth cathedral featured in many of Impressionist Claude Monet’s works. Other interesting pieces of architecture in the city include the Le Gros-Horloge, a Renaissance-style clocktower with ornate detailing, and St. Joan of Arc’s Church, a boat-shaped monument to Joan of Arc, arguably the most famous Frenchwoman of all time. Rouen was also a strategically important city during World War II, and as such, the city was nearly totaled, with over 45% of it destroyed and fires lasting 48 hours ravaging much of the surrounding area. Still, the city survived and rebuilt itself, looking as beautiful as it did before the war. If you’re visiting Normandy, drop by and say “bonjour;” you won’t be disappointed.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE SAINT-MACLOU CHURCH ⛪️