There are no specific criteria by which it is safe to say that one city is more beautiful than another. Each of them is unique. Some are famous for their architecture, others for their unusually beautiful nature, others for culture and an incomparable atmosphere. If you haven’t been to any of the cities on our list, then after reading this article you will surely be imbued with the beauty and inner atmosphere, and if you are already familiar, you can share your impressions from your trip with other users of our site in the comments.
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 main trading city in the world. One of the most significant features in Bruges is its medieval architecture. Most of the buildings are perfectly preserved to this day. The entire historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most attractive and popular buildings in Bruges include Michelangelo's masterpiece - the Church of the Virgin Mary. But this is not all, the most famous attraction of Bruges is the bell tower of the 13th century, which has 48 bells. It periodically hosts free concerts, which both locals and tourists are eager to attend. This is a kind of 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 people who love and value art and culture.
9. Budapest | Hungary
Budapest is one of the largest cities in the European Union, as well as the capital of Hungary. Budapest is the political and cultural center of the country. Hungarians settled this territory in the 9th century, immediately after the Romans. The city has many monumental buildings related to world heritage. One of the most popular attractions of Budapest is its metro, which is the second oldest railway system in the world, and perhaps the most durable. Also, the city is listed among the 25 most popular and beautiful cities in the world; it is annually visited by 4.3 million tourists from different countries. In addition, sports are very popular in Budapest. It has 7 professional football clubs. The city also hosted the Olympics, world and European championships.
8. Rome | Italy
Have you seen the movie “Gladiator”? It has a replica of the protagonist, Maximus, addressed to the emperor, Marcus Aurelius - “I saw many lands. They are gloomy 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, for sure the vast majority of people, even little acquainted with the history and culture of Rome, know this name.
Rome, one of the most fascinating cities, has many architectural monuments that many have heard of and possibly 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 grave of Raphael, temples and churches, baths, imperial palaces. If you have not been to Rome, then be sure to try to visit it, it is truly a magnificent city where you can relax and learn and see a lot of new and unusual things.
7. Florence | Italy
Florence is an Italian city on the Arno River, 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. In Florence there are many wonderful places that will be interesting for tourists: art museums and galleries, including the Uffizi and Palazzo Pitti Gallery, the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Medici Chapel, and cathedrals. In addition, Florence is one of the trendsetters of Italian fashion. In the 16th century, this city became the progenitor of the Opera. Here lived such famous people as: Giulio Caccini and Mike Francis.
6. Amsterdam | Holland
The name Amsterdam is derived from Amsterledamme, which means “dam on the Amstel River”. In July 2010, 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. There are many establishments in it, for every taste - large and modern or small and cozy.
Every year it hosts a festival, which brings together artists from all over Europe. The oldest building in Amsterdam is Oude Kurk (Old Church), built in 1306, and the oldest wooden building is Het Huoten Hughes, built in 1425. It is also one of the two most well-preserved buildings in the city. Also, this beautiful city can delight its guests with excellent cuisine.
An interesting fact is that Amsterdam is the homeland of donuts.
5. Rio de Janeiro | Brazil
In Brazil, you can hear the expression - "God created the world in six days and Rio in the seventh." Rio de Janeiro, commonly called Rio, is Brazil's second largest city and the third largest metropolis in South America. Rio, one of the most visited and favorite places in the southern hemisphere due to its natural conditions and excellent beaches such as: Bossa Nova and Balaneirio. The city is famous all over the world thanks to two things - football and Samba dance.
Every year, in Rio de Janeiro, one of the most spectacular carnivals in the world is held. Moreover, Brazil is the host country of the 2014 World Cup, and in 2016 it hosted the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Rio is the main cultural center of Brazil. Since 1999, the International Film Festival has been held in the city. The National Library of Brazil is considered the 8th largest library in the world and the largest library 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 Baroque and postmodernism. Lisbon is the 11th largest city in the European Union and occupies an important place in the world in the fields of trade, education, entertainment, media and art. The city is recognized as one of the oldest on the planet.
3. Prague | Czech Republic
Prague is not only the largest city in the 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 the search for new things, research and discoveries, so Prague is worth a visit because of its grandiose educational institutions. Just imagine the impressive historical heritage that this city has concentrated in itself.
2. Paris | France
Paris is a city of love and romance, the most famous features that have made this beautiful city famous - 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, starting with the French Revolution. France is famous mainly because of this stunningly beautiful city. Superb perfumes and gourmet cuisine originate in Paris. Paris follows a very interesting motto - “Fluctuat nec mergitur”, which literally means “Swims, but does not sink”.
1. Venice | Italy
This city is as beautiful as unique. There is no other, even a little similar, in any country in the world. He is honored with the World Heritage Site. Speaking of Venice, phrases are often pronounced - “City of Water”, “City of Masks”, “City of Bridges” and “City of Canals” and many others. According to the Times Magazine, Venice is considered one of the most romantic cities in Europe.
Venice has a rich architectural heritage. More often than others there is a Gothic style, 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 certainly, someone can play it. This city has everything: water, boats, music, excellent architecture and cuisine to relax in a romantic atmosphere.