The 50 most beautiful cities in the world

Take a walking tour of Athens to hit all of the major sites: Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Panathenaic Stadium.

Aside from the Great Wall of China, one of the seven wonders of the world, other must-sees include the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven.

Jaipur is also known as the "Pink City" for its colorful palaces. Tour Amber Palace, the Palace of the Winds, and the City Palace for the best of the city's architecture.

Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason, with its colorful houses and mountain views. The mountain goats on Mount Fløyen add to the scenic charm.

Both Marrakesh's Old and New Cities have plenty to offer visitors, from the stunning Koutoubia Mosque to the French-inspired Jardin Majorelle.

Dublin Castle and Trinity College are among the most iconic sites to visit. And of course, take a pit stop in an Irish pub for a pint of Guinness.

Cartagena offers both stunning beaches like Playa Blanca and majestic buildings such as San Felipe Castle and the Cathedral of Cartagena.

A trip to Bangkok must include touring the city's many intricate palaces and temples, shopping at the famous floating market, and checking out the nightlife on Khao San Road.

If you're looking to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, meander through scenic streets, and sunbathe on pristine beaches, San Sebastian is the place to be. Its Old Town and La Concha beach provide gorgeous views all around.

"Game of Thrones" helped boost Dubrovnik's popularity, having appeared as King's Landing. A walk around the Old City walls dating back to the 600s provides panoramic views of the ocean and Mount Srd.

Between the royal palace of Changdeokung and the downtown district full of neon lights and street food, Seoul's cultural contrasts blend together seamlessly.

The city's centerpiece, the Sanctuary of Jesus of Atotonilco, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other noteworthy attractions include the San Miguel Arcangel Parish and the Mercado de Artesanías.

Queenstown's sweeping mountain and ocean views are world-renowned. Thrill-seekers can enjoy the scenery via skydiving or bungee jumping.

Hanoi's Old Quarter is one of the world's street food capitals, and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Berlin features an eclectic mix of historic and modern buildings. The Holocaust Memorial and the Reichstag building are among the most impactful stops.

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is one of the most recognizable symbols of St. Petersburg. As the second-largest museum in the world, the Heritage Museum also warrants a visit.

A short drive from Machu Picchu, Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right featuring Koricancha Temple's fusion of Inca and Hispanic cultures and the artsy San Blas area.

Situated on the shores of Lake Zurich, cable cars up to Uetliberg mountain transport visitors to idyllic hiking paths. On the ground, hotspots include West Zurich's shopping opportunities and the Swiss National Museum.

At La Mitad del Mundo, visitors can stand with one foot in each hemisphere at the equator. The church of Compañia de Jesús Jesuit and the active Pichincha volcano are also wonders worth seeing.

Edinburgh Castle is the most iconic sight to see, but don't miss the Old Town's Royal Mile or Victoria Street's multicolored buildings.

Jerusalem is divided into four quarters (Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian), each containing holy sites according to their traditions. The open-air market of Mahane Yehuda is also not to be missed, full of steaming pita bread, fresh hummus, and other Middle Eastern treats.

Dubai's futuristic skyline features the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Watersports at Kite Beach and desert camel rides can also be accessed via the busy metropolis.

Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage site with brightly colored buildings and the Castle of Salvador de la Punta. For beach enthusiasts, snorkeling opportunities abound.

There's no shortage of landmarks to visit in Madrid, from Plaza Mayor to Puerta del Sol to Templo de Debod. Art museums and flamenco shows are also a Madrid specialty.

Did you really visit Belgium if you didn't try some of their world-famous chocolate? Bruges offers plenty of chances to do so, such as the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum.

This lakefront city boasts iconic structures like Cloud Gate (often referred to as "The Bean"), the Willis Tower (one of the tallest buildings in the western hemisphere), and the ferris wheel at Navy Pier.

Victoria Peak is the best lookout spot to see the full extent of the city, and Hong Kong's light show on Victoria Harbour is unparalleled.

The castle-like Le Château Frontenac hotel overlooks Old Quebec City, which is packed with shops and cafes.

San Diego's perfect year-round weather makes it ideal for surfing, visiting animals at the San Diego Zoo, and enjoying its many parks.

Toronto's 1,815-foot CN Tower allows brave tourists to see the city from every angle, and the Royal Ontario Museum and Ripley's Aquarium of Canada present an array of exhibits about the natural world.

The La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires is a bright canvas of color, culture, and delicious local cuisine. The Recoleta Cemetery, which is the final resting place of many of Argentina's presidents and leaders, is also worth a visit.

There are plenty of palaces to visit in Vienna. The enormous Schönbrunn Palace is the most iconic, but First Hofburg and Belvedere Palaces are also some of the city's most beautiful spots.

The ancient Sensō-ji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo, and it is surrounded by seasonal cherry blossoms. For the freshest sushi, visit the Tsukiji fish market, which is famous for its tuna auctions.

The Hagia Sophia Museum was used as both a church and a mosque, encapsulating the city's rich cultural history. Istanbul's Galata Tower, another historic landmark, dates back to the 1300s and measures 206 feet tall. 

Budapest is also known as the "City of Baths" for its natural hot springs. The Széchenyi Medicinal Bath is the largest in Europe with 15 indoor baths and three outdoor geothermal pools. The city's Gothic-style Parliament Building is also one of its top attractions.

Among Rio de Janeiro's most famous sites are the 98-foot Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the city, Sugarloaf Mountain (accessible by cable car), the annual Carnival, and popular beaches.

Prague is known as the "City of 100 Spires." The 600-year-old Prague Astronomical Clock is also a whimsical sight to behold.

In between taking in the city's canals and characteristic tulips, visitors should see the Anne Frank house and the Van Gogh Museum.

From the Tower of Belém on the Tagus River to São Jorge Castle's overlook, it's hard to find anywhere that isn't strikingly beautiful in Lisbon.

The city-state of Singapore entices visitors with the greenhouses of Gardens by the Bay and the half-fish, half-lion Merlion statue. The Marina Bay Sands hotel also boasts the world's largest rooftop infinity pool.

When in Rome, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter's Basilica are essential stops. Plus, anywhere that sells gelato.

The Sydney Opera House is the most recognizable of the city's landmarks, but the Royal Botanic Gardens, Bondi Beach, and Harbor Bridge are also worthwhile attractions.

San Francisco is full of world-famous tourist sites, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and the sea lions at Pier 39.

The natural beauty in and around Cape Town provides many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors at places like Table Mountain National Park, Boulders Beach, and the Cape of Good Hope.

Architect Antoni Gaudí left his mark on Barcelona, designing the La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, and other buildings people come from all over the world to see.

If you don't have the stomach for the 200-foot-high Capilano Suspension Bridge, Granville Island Public Market and the English Bay offer entertainment at sea level.

Gondola rides through Venice's many canals are a no-brainer for any traveler. St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge also make for romantic destinations.

Towering symbols of London include Big Ben, the London Eye, and, of course, Buckingham Palace. The city's iconic Notting Hill neighborhood is also instantly recognizable with its pastel-colored buildings.

New York City offers an endless variety of historical, cultural, and natural wonders, from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park to the legendary Broadway theater district.

The Eiffel Tower. Le Louvre. Arc de Triomphe. Champs-Élysées. Palace of Versailles. Need we say more?

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