The 500 Most Beautiful Cities in the World: #485–471

Quick reminder to please read the blurb for criteria and other important info! See the first blog for #500–486!

Population: 5,450

Do you like castles? Because I like castles. If you do, then boy, do I have one for you: Castle Vaduz, the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein, over 900 years old, 130 rooms; the seat from which you can see all of the tiny European micro-nation. Sitting on the Rhine River near the Swiss border, Vaduz is a gorgeous small city in the Alps, famous for its hospitality and high-end ski resorts. The city is also a pioneer of modernism, with the sleek Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein dominating the Städtle (town square) and displaying great quality modern art. Also popular in the Städtle is the Liechtenstein Center, where you can discover the country at a glance using state-of-the-art multimedia technology and learn all about its rich history as a culturally significant and wealthy nation. Providing stunning views of the majestic Central Alps, Alte Rheinbrucke is a very popular spot for both tourists and locals to sit and stare at the mountains and to cross the Rhine River by way of covered bridge. For such a small capital, Vaduz has so much to offer, so if you haven’t put it on your Bucket List yet, I recommend that you do.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: VADUZ CASTLE 🏰 

Bruges is one of those classic European cities that you just never get tired walking in. The most well-preserved medieval city, Bruges is known for its old-style architecture, its sweeping canals, and its cobbled, well-traveled streets. Built out of its port, Zeebrugge, the city makes its business in the fish trade and is an important port center for North Sea trade. Within the city itself, the famous Stadhuis (city hall) features a spectacularly carved, ornate ceiling, and the iconic belfry, featuring a 47-bell carillon and an 83 meter tower, offering beautiful panoramic views of the city. And who can forget the most photographed area of Bruges: the Quay of the Rosary, a picturesque spot where the two largest canals meet. For those foodies in search of the Belgian Big 3, the Choco-Story (chocolate), Bruges Beer Experience (beer), and the Frietmuseum (waffles) are the best in the business, with fresh, homemade—or home-brewed—snacks/drinks produced daily. Not into architecture or food? That’s okay because Bruges has bountiful nature as well. Places such as Minnewater Lake and the Beguinage House are full of natural beauty and splendor, with gorgeous gardens and pathways. Out of the Belgian Circuit, Bruges is one of the best and is well worth a visit.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE HISTORIC CENTRE OF BRUGGE ⛲️

Population: 159,050

Olá! Welcome to the island life! Like the Canary Islands and the Azores, Cape Verde is an East Atlantic paradise, full of nice beaches and interesting history, with the Portuguese first colonizing the city in the 1460s as a basis for trading with the Mali Empire. The sister city of both Boston and Lisbon, Praia is known for its two gold sand beaches, Quebra Canela and Prainha, and for its fort, which has stood for over four centuries. Within the city, the shops and restaurants are clustered in the Achada de Santo António quarter, leaving much room for Praia’s architecture and natural beauty to shine through. Exhibits such as the Lighthouse Dona Maria Pia, Monumento de Diogo Gomes, and the Church of Our Lady of Grace show off Praia’s classic but evolving architecture, while spots such as Parque de Julho reveal the city’s natural beauty. Add to the fact that the city center is raised on a plateau overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and you have a perfect place to watch the sunrise or stare off in the distance towards the African mainland.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE HISTORIC FORT 🏰 

Educational scholars, this is your city! Home to the oldest university in the world, al-Qarawiyyin, established in 859 AD, Fes is Morocco’s cultural capital and a delight for enthusiasts of Islamic architecture. Originally constructed as an imperial city, Fes boasts an ancient walled section of the city, akin to Jerusalem, as well as newer, more modern section focused on arts and crafts (literally). The city is primarily known for its Fes El Bali Medina, a beautiful arrangements of plazas filled to brim with vivid ceramic tiles, ornate entryways, souk vendors, and exquisitely constructed mosques. For those who want to dive in to Morocco’s unique culture, the Medina’s marketplaces are the place for you, boasting spices, perfumes, leather, and food that you can’t find anywhere else. For those seeking beautiful nature, look no further than the Merzouga Desert, a vast collection of orange sand dunes where there is nothing between you and the horizon. If you thought Castries or Duluth had good sunsets, just wait until you see one from Fes’s premiere desert. The culture in Fes is real; why not give it a shot?

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE MERZOUGA DESERT 🏜 

Population: 6,647

Ah, Palikir. Who knew such a small place could pack such a punch? Not well-known and hard to get to, Palikir will suck you in and never let you leave. The small island city has an abundance of interesting, secluded virgin wilderness that only a handful have seen. Places such as Mount Pwusehn Malek, a gorgeous, climbable peak, Nan Madol, a stunning archaeological site, and Kepiroh Waterfall, a lush waterfall in the dense forest. The city also has many picturesque beaches such as Ant Atoll and is famous for the gorgeous Sokehs Rock, a grassy outcropping connected to the city by a field of mangroves. The city itself is very modernized, built off the back of $15 million dollars in US Foreign Aid, featuring a plethora of resorts, spas, and harbors, as well as having a boardwalk-esque feel to it. Palikir is also one of the best surfing spots in Micronesia, having many surfing tours and known for its huge waves. Seclusion? Surfing? Beaches? Palikir is a paradise and definitely warrants a visit should you visit the Pacific Islands.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: ANT ATOLL 🏝 

Population: 688,711

Seville is architecture at its finest. Good God, every time I look at this city, I can’t help but be awed at its grandeur and rich heritage of Spanish royalty. It’s just so incredibly beautiful (which is a testament to the 479 cities in front of it)! Sitting on the lower part of the River Guadalquivir, Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is a city full of exciting things to do and places to visit. Famous for its enormous Catedral de Sevilla, the largest Gothic building in all of Europe (damn!), and La Giralda, the adjacent tower and tallest landmark in the city, Seville is a hotbed for exquisite parks and gardens, stunning architecture, and delectable cuisine exclusive to the area. Incredible places to visit include Real Alcázar, the Spanish royalty’s palace and gardens, Parque de María Luisa, a beautiful park built for the 1929 World Fair, and the iconic Plaza de España, famed for its colorful ceramic tiles and towering colonnades. Seville is also famous for its flamenco shows and its absolutely mouthwatering tapas, specifically the traditional fried fish. If you’re feeling like seeing something alien, visit Metropol Parasol to see its mushroom-like designs. If you’re feeling at peace with the world, take a serene cruise down the River Guadalquivir, where you can see the beauty of the city and ride under the gorgeous Triana and San Telmo bridges. Seville is waiting; just answer the call!

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: PLAZA DE ESPANA 🛕

Population: 477,328

No, not the Panama City in Florida. The actual city in Panama: Panama City. Framed by the Pacific Ocean and the Panama Canal, the city is famous for its historic cobblestone center, Casco Viejo, and for its colonial-era architecture. Within the limits of the city, flowery plazas line the residential areas, offering sumptuous food, drink, and company. Want to see ships traverse the canal? The Miraflores Locks has you covered, with three separate tiers from which you can observe the amazing process. Want something that makes you go “Wow!?” Frank Geahry’s Biomuseo is definitely worth a visitation, showcasing a multicolored, jumbled yet distinct pile of buildings. Need to see some green? Places such as Monkey Island (it’s in the name), Avenida Balboa, a short, fun walk next to the harbor, and Soberania National Park, noted for its dense vegetation and the Pipeline Road, a perfect place to spot rare species of birds endemic to the area. Impressive sights? Panama City has those in spades, most notably the Bridge of the Americas, connecting North and South America, and the Bahai Temple, which provides excellent views of the surrounding jungle. Panama City is overshadowed by its Floridian counterpart, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve any love.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE PANAMA CANAL 🛳💧🛳 (like the lack of the lemur emoji, there’s not one for canals, so just hang with me)

Population: 2.646 million

The first modern metropolis on the list, Taipei is the apple of Taiwan’s eye, with soaring skyscrapers mixed in with lively markets to craft an appealing and stunning city that not only juxtaposes its past with its future, but embraces it. Known for its Japanese colonial lanes and the famous Taipei 101 skyscraper, a 509 meter structure shaped like a stick of bamboo, Taipei is a haven for the elusive night market, with over 300 of them stationed throughout the city. The city is rich with the history of both the ancient past and the past of the last century, with grand monuments such as the National Palace Museum, housing classic Chinese art and artifacts, the attractive Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, famous for its gardens and ponds, and Lungshan Temple, a historic temple with Buddhist and Taoist roots. Don’t be fooled into just thinking Taipei’s just a city, even if it does have an amazing skyline. The city is also home to beautiful spots of nature, such as the Yangmingshan National Park, featuring a picturesque landscape, good hiking, and a volcano. The city also sports a direct line to an adjacent village, Jiufen, where you can experience a tradition Taiwanese tea house. If you want views of the city, you’re in luck because Taipei has two good areas to do so from: one is the view from the top of Taipei 101, and the other is from the Maokong Gondola, taking you to the peak of Taipei; it’s truly gorgeous. For a mega-city, Taipei has some major selling points that should, if it hasn’t already, entice you to visit. Plus, did I mention there’s a zoo?

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE TAIPEI 101 SKYSCRAPER 🏙 

Population: 12,928

Welcome to Ski Town, USA! Home to a world-record 98 Winter Olympians (that’s literally insane!), Steamboat Springs is a cozy, lively town nestled in the Rockies, featuring some of the world’s best ski resorts and hot springs. Renowned for its world-class skiing and Champagne Powder, some of the best in the business flock to the city each year to hit the slopes. Why not join them? Along with the featured Steamboat Ski Resort, Howelsen Hill is a pristine Olympic training ground open to the public. In conjunction with its skiing, the city is famed for its therapeutic hot springs, most notably Strawberry Park and the Old Town Hot Springs, equipped with swimming pools, soaking tubs, and water slides. Sitting on the Yampa River and framed by six peaks, of which Mount Werner is the highest, Steamboat Springs is almost more beautiful in the summer than the winter, with gorgeous swaths of forest popping up and the mountains sprawling with vegetation. Places such as Fish Creek Falls, Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, and the Routt National Forest breathe life into the small city, keeping it consistently ranked as one of Colorado’s most picturesque. Even better is the Steamboat Gondola, allowing those who ride to get an aerial view of the beautiful area and surrounding valley. The scenery is there; go have fun in it!

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: STEAMBOAT SKI RESORT 🎿 

Population: 914,552

It feels like every other city I’m talking about architecture again but here it is: Cartagena has some of the best historical architecture in the world. From the iconic, walled Old Town, famous for its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, to Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría, a historic Catholic basilica, Cartagena is known for its architecture. The city also has a fascinating history. As it was once the most important coastal city for Spanish Empire expansion, Cartagena had both the largest slave port and the most amount of pirate attacks per year. Now, the only thing remaining of that history is the city’s architecture (I’m sorry, I can’t help myself), with sites such as Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a massive fortress on the coast, Las Bóvedas, a former dungeon, and the Plaza de Santo Domingo, a vibrant area featuring interesting shops and sculptures, standing as reminders of its past. Beyond the architecture, Cartagena has really good beaches as well, with the Rosario Islands and Isla Barú being the best places to go for the island life. You can feel the history in Cartagena, just as you can be awed by the beauty and splendor of its surrounding nature. Who cares if it’s not the safest city in the world? Go anyways.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: CARTAGENA’S OLD TOWN 🏘🌆

Population: 874,961

What’s that through the fog? Oh, it’s just one of the greatest American cities of all time. Founded in 1776, San Francisco has seen it all, from earthquakes to hippies to gold rushes; nothing is ever out of place here, it’s just seen as a new idea, a new movement. It’s essentially pick your poison in Frisco; everything you like...is here. Architecture? Look at the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, Union Square, or the Painted Ladies. Want culture? Look at The Palace of Fine Arts. Food and drink? Lombard Street has you covered. Great views? PIER 39 is your place. Enjoy walking and greenery? Golden Gate Park has beautiful paths and gardens for you to enjoy. Like history? Standing out like a sentinel, Alcatraz Island, housing the most famous prison in the world, is rich with stories from the past. Want to discover another country while still in the city? Check out Chinatown. Sports? Oracle Park is your destination. It’s all here; waiting for you. But wait, there’s more! San Francisco is full of other wild, crazy, and beautiful things to do, with prime examples of this including the Exploratorium (which I highly recommend), the Walt Disney Museum, and Lands End (which will basically wrap up the city for you in one view). If you really want to get a feel of the city, I suggest taking a cable car around, with 17 miles of track to keep you occupied as you mosey around one of the West Coast’s most beautiful cities. I’m serious when I say that you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place than San Francisco that represents all of America in one city. It’s a must-visit on any US traveler’s Bucket List.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE 🌉 

Population: 13,500

Surprised to see Santorini so soon? The beautiful, picturesque island is a one of a kind place few get to enjoy. The only thing taking away from its draw is that it’s so famous, almost too famous. But that’s not to say it’s not beautiful, because it absolutely is! It’s stunning, truly one of the most gorgeous places in the world. One of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, Santorini is famed for its whitewashed houses and its many resort towns, the two most famous of which are Fira and Oia. Once devastated by a volcanic eruption, the island is situated above an underwater caldera and has perpetually rugged landscape, upon which its towns overlook the Aegean and black-sand beaches formed by the island’s own active volcano. Santorini is steeped in history, with areas such as Akrotiri and Thera full of prehistoric and ancient ruins. Within its resort towns, the island is known for its fine wine, with wineries such as Santo Wines offering tours and the chance to watch the sunset, while sipping a product of course, from an Oia patio. The island is also rich in natural beauty, with places such as the caldera, which sometimes peeks above the water, and the area’s two best beaches, Paralia Vlichada and Períssa, providing sights to behold. If you get started after the sun goes day, head on over to Fira, where Santorini’s ostensibly Greco-posh (I just created a new word) culture bleeds into its nightlife. Santorini’s picturesque, no doubt. It’s also a right of passage for any Mediterranean traveler. Live it up!

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: OIA 🏝🌊💸

Population: 1.056 million

This city is made for people who like the color blue. Famous for its iconic shade of blue, painted on many of the buildings, Jodhpur is a city featuring a distinct flavor of India not seen anywhere else in the country: the heavy amount of architecture in its forts, palaces, and temples. Colloquially called the Blue City, Jodhpur is one of India’s most visited tourist cities and has a rich history for a city sitting stark in the middle of the Thar Desert. The old capital of the Marwar Empire, the city boasts sites such as the Mehrangarh Fort, a preserver of old art, the Jaswant Thada, an ornate memorial for a maharaja, and Umaid Bhawan Palace, a regal palace–turned hotel. Maybe the most underrated part of Jodhpur is its excess of seemingly hidden nature. Overlooked, scenic places like Kaylana Lake and Bal Samand Lake provide opportunities for outdoor adventures, recreation, and picnics, and draw you in so much you can’t help but wonder if the city’s in a desert after all. Along with its heritage and natural beauty, Jodhpur is a lively, bustling city, with many chances given to integrate oneself into its culture. The recommended destination for cultural enthusiasts is the Ghanta Ghar, a busy locale replete with markets and the imposing clocktower, standing as a sentinel over the marketplace that seems to have a mind of its own. If you’re a fan of red, I recommend trying out the color blue and the best way to do that is by visiting Jodhpur. Khush trels (happy trails in Hindi)!

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE BLUE BUILDINGS 🛕💙 (just go with it)

Population: 426,538

Perhaps the most underrated Baltic capital, Tallinn is an absolute gem. Built on the edge of the Baltic Sea, the city retains its historic Old Town, featuring both a 15th-century defensive tower and a 13th-century Gothic Town Hall, and is a hub for ecclesiastical and unorthodox art. Tallinn should be known as the Art Capital of the World because Good Lord, do they have some collections. Places such as the Kadriorg Art Museum, known for its stunning gardens, and the Kumu, a modern museum designed to specifically house collections of Estonian art. Along with its impressive art, Tallinn is famed for its rousing, eye-popping architecture, most notably the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, constructed in the style of St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. Beyond that, Tallinn is just a hub for museums in general, the city being the home of the KGB Museum, the Linnahall exhibit, Seaplane Harbor, Kiek in de Kök, and the Soviet Statue Graveyard. Looking for nature? Tallinn’s got that too, with places such as Glehn Park and the Maarjamäe Memorial Complex featuring exquisite scenery and beautifully crafted sculptures (seriously, what is it with Estonians and sculptures?). All in all, Tallinn is a quiet, peaceful city to chill out in; just make sure to bring a coat in the winter. It’s beautiful, but it’s also quite cold. Final verdict: definitely worth checking out!

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: TALLINN’S OLD TOWN IN THE WINTER 🏘❄️ 

Population: 482,005

Welcome to Scotland! For classical history, turn left. For new innovations, turn right. Edinburgh is at the crossroads of old and new, juxtaposing its rich history with its newer, modern city center. Built on compact hills, Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland for centuries as well as being the seat of the Scottish Crown. The city is famous for its mammoth Edinburgh Castle, a spectacular old fortress housing the commonwealth’s Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in Scottish coronations.  Other markers of history include the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Mile, home to numerous landmarks, shops, and pubs. Newer areas are present too, with sites such as the renovated National Museum of Scotland, featuring beautiful glass architecture, and Calton Hill, littered with bars and memorials. The city is also the gateway to the Scottish Highlands and many lochs, most notably Loch Ness, famed for its supposed “monster.” Within the city itself, both the Salisbury Crags and the peak of Arthur’s Seat provide stunning, sweeping views of the city. If you’re looking to ingrain yourself into Scottish culture, try a Scotch Whisky tour (for that elusive, smooth taste), or a ghost tour (there are plenty of those). You could even visit The Elephant House, the cafe where J.K. Rowling wrote the esteemed Harry Potter books. Edinburgh is selling what you’re buying, so why not give it a shot? It’ll be well worth your while.

WHAT I LIKE THE MOST: THE SCOTCH WHISKY 🥃