151 Most Beautiful Cities in the World, #55-#51

As part of the 151 Most Beautiful Cities in the World from AWT’s MegaLists Series, here we continue our massive attempt at bringing you the best and most beautiful places to visit.

55. Luang Prabang, Laos (2)

The most iconic landmark is Wat Xieng Thong, a stunning Buddhist temple that exemplifies Lao architectural finesse with its ornate gilded facades, intricate mosaics, and graceful roofs.

The Royal Palace Museum, a former royal residence, is another architectural gem, housing a collection of royal artifacts and offering insights into the country’s regal history.

The Kuang Si Waterfalls, located just outside the city, is a breathtaking natural feature with cascading turquoise waters amid lush greenery, providing an idyllic spot for swimming and picnicking.

The Tak Bat Ceremony, where saffron-robed monks walk silently through the streets to receive alms, is a captivating daily ritual that reflects the city’s deeply rooted Buddhist culture.

The Old Town of Luang Prabang is a charming area with well-preserved French colonial buildings, traditional Lao wooden houses, and delightful cafes and shops, creating a delightful fusion of cultures.

The Phousi Hill, rising in the heart of the city, offers panoramic views of Luang Prabang and the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for sunset-watching and photography.

Photo Credit to Molydar Souama and Colin Roe

54. Chiang Mai, Thailand (2)

The most iconic landmark is Wat Phra Singh, an exquisite temple adorned with intricate Lanna-style architecture, gilded ornaments, and stunning murals, making it a true gem of Northern Thai art.

The Doi Suthep Temple, perched atop a mountain overlooking the city, is another must-visit attraction, offering panoramic views and a sacred atmosphere that is known to captivate visitors.

Chiang Mai’s historic Old City is encircled by ancient walls and moats, dotted with temples, traditional wooden houses, and charming cafes, providing a glimpse into the city’s past.

The Night Bazaar, a bustling market, is a sensory delight, with a vibrant array of handicrafts, textiles, and delectable street food, making it a shopper’s paradise.

For nature enthusiasts, a trip to the Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand’s highest peak, is a must, featuring lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and unique flora and fauna.

Chiang Mai’s Floating Lantern Festival, known as Yi Peng, is a magical event where thousands of lanterns are released into the night sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle of light and beauty.

Photo Credit to Anh Hoang, Marc Mintel, Retno Dwinika, and Norbert Braun

53. Beijing, China (2)

The Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an architectural masterpiece and the world’s largest palace complex, featuring intricate wooden structures, ornate courtyards, and impressive imperial gardens.

The Great Wall of China, an iconic symbol of China’s ancient civilization, stretches majestically across the country’s northern landscape, with sections near Beijing like Mutianyu and Badaling drawing countless visitors to marvel at its engineering marvel.

The Temple of Heaven, a magnificent Taoist temple complex, exemplifies classical Chinese architecture and was once a site for imperial worship ceremonies.

The Summer Palace, a vast imperial garden, is a serene retreat with beautiful pavilions, bridges, and a picturesque lake, reflecting the essence of Chinese landscape design.

The modern architecture of Beijing is represented by landmarks like the CCTV Headquarters and the National Centre for the Performing Arts (the “Egg”), showcasing the city’s commitment to contemporary design.

The traditional hutongs, narrow alleys with historic courtyard houses, offer a glimpse into Beijing’s old-world charm and local culture.

Photo Credit to Zhang Kaiyv and Juniperphoton

52. Hanoi, Vietnam (2)

The Hoan Kiem Lake, located in the heart of the city, is a picturesque oasis, surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and historic temples like Ngoc Son Temple, creating a serene atmosphere for locals and tourists alike.

The Old Quarter, with its labyrinth of narrow streets and traditional shophouses, exudes a unique charm, where visitors can savor local delicacies, shop for souvenirs, and witness the city’s vibrant street life.

The Temple of Literature, a symbol of Hanoi’s intellectual and cultural heritage, is a well-preserved Confucian temple dating back to the 11th century, surrounded by peaceful gardens and ancient stelae.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing structure, houses the embalmed body of Vietnam’s revered leader, Ho Chi Minh, and is a site of great historical significance.

The One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist temple, is an architectural marvel with its unique design, set amidst a tranquil garden.

The St. Joseph’s Cathedral, with its neo-gothic architecture, stands out as a remarkable European-inspired structure in the heart of the city.

Photo Credit to Anh Hoang, Raissa Lara Lutoff, and Minseok Kwak

51. Berlin, Germany (2)

The Brandenburg Gate, an iconic neoclassical structure, is an enduring symbol of Berlin and a testament to its resilience and unity.

The Berlin Cathedral, an impressive Baroque masterpiece, stands majestically on Museum Island, boasting stunning architecture and a stunning dome that offers panoramic views of the city.

The Reichstag Building, with its glass dome designed by Sir Norman Foster, is an architectural marvel and houses the German Parliament, reflecting Berlin’s modernity and political significance. And just a small note, you do have to make online reservations (just click the link above to do so).

The East Side Gallery, a stretch of the Berlin Wall adorned with vibrant murals, commemorates the city’s tumultuous past and serves as an open-air gallery celebrating freedom and artistic expression.

Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to several world-class museums, including the Pergamon Museum, the Neues Museum, and the Altes Museum, showcasing art and artifacts from various eras and civilizations.

Berlin’s Tiergarten, a sprawling park in the heart of the city, offers a serene escape with picturesque landscapes, walking paths, and beautiful monuments.

Finally, Charlottenburg is another great neighborhood and has a stunning Castle and garden.