151 Most Beautiful Cities in the World, #35-#31

This blog list is part of AWT’s MegaLists Series, 151 Most Beautiful Cities in the World.

35. Zurich, Switzerland (3)

Zurich, Switzerland, is known for its stunning natural scenery, historic architecture, and vibrant arts and culture scene. Here are some of the most beautiful places, buildings, parks, and sites in Zurich.

Lake Zurich is a beautiful natural attraction that invites visitors to enjoy its refreshing waters, whether by swimming or taking a boat tour around the lake. The surrounding mountains and gardens provide a scenic view.

The Grossmünster is Zurich’s most famous church and one of the city’s landmarks. The Gothic-style church boasts impressive twin towers that are visible from several locations in the city.

Fraumünster is another church with breathtaking stained glass windows from world-renowned artists, including Augusto Giacometti and Marc Chagall. The church also has ancient tombs that add an air of mystery and fascination to its visitors.

Zurich Old Town, also known as Altstadt, is a beautiful area of the city laced with cobbled streets, quaint shops, and beautiful architecture. One can spend hours walking around the town and enjoying the numerous attractions including restaurants and shops.

Photo Credit to Henrique Ferreira, Tobias Reich, and ChiemSeherin

34. Lisbon, Portugal (3) aerial view of city buildings during daytime

To start with, in Lisbon, Portugal is the stunningly beautiful Jeronimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Portuguese architecture, located in the Belém neighborhood of Lisbon. The monastery dates back to the 16th century, boasting ornate designs with intricate stonework.

The Belem Tower, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning example of the 16th-century Portuguese architecture. The tower is an iconic symbol of Lisbon, standing tall by the river Tagus.

The Castle of São Jorge, situated at the top of Lisbon’s historic hill, is a must-visit site. The castle overlooks the city with breathtaking views of Lisbon’s skyline and the river Tagus.

Lisbon’s central square, Praça do Comércio, is one of the most beautiful sites in Portugal. The square is lined with 18th-century buildings, bright palm trees, and has an enormous equestrian statue of Dom José I in its center.

Photo Credit to Katiya Shkiper, Claudio Shwarz, Marin Barisic, and Andreas M.

33. Vancouver, Canada (3)

Stanley Park, a 1000-acre marvellous park, stretches out on Vancouver’s downtown peninsula and overlooks the Burrard Inlet. The park features lush gardens, hiking trails, beaches, and playgrounds making it an ideal destination for families and nature lovers.

Capilano Suspension Bridge, situated a few miles from Vancouver, is a thrilling tourist attraction. The bridge suspends 450 feet over the Capilano River, and visitors can also explore the nearby Cliffwalk and Treetops Adventures.

Vancouver Aquarium in the Stanley Park is home to thousands of fish, mammals, reptiles, and birds, making it the largest attraction of its kind in Canada. The aquarium provides an excellent interactive educational experience for visitors.

Vancouver Art Gallery, located in the downtown district, is another noteworthy attraction. The gallery features an extensive collection of contemporary and historical art pieces, paintings, sculptures, and spectacular exhibits.

Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, is famous for its cobbled streets, Victorian-style buildings, and several quaint shops. Stroll past the famous steam clock and grab a coffee at one of the many cafes, bistros, and eateries in the area.

Photo Credit to Mike Benna, Aditya Chinchure, Mado El Khouly, and Miles Loewen

32. Jaipur, India (4)

Jaipur, popularly known as the ‘Pink City,’ is a hub of beautiful architecture, historic landmarks, and cultural heritage. The city is situated in the Indian state of Rajasthan, known for its splendid palaces, forts, and markets, making it a popular spot for tourists worldwide.

The Amer Fort, located on the outskirts of Jaipur, is a stunning attraction. Its scenic location on top of a hill overlooking Lake Maota provides an excellent backdrop for visitors. The fort features ornate interior decoration of palaces, courtyards, and gardens, reflecting Rajput architectural designs.

The City Palace, situated in the heart of the city, is a beautiful complex. The palace dates back to the 18th century and features a combination of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. Visitors can explore the courtyards, gardens, and palaces, including the Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, and the City Palace Museum.

The Hawa Mahal, known for its unique architecture of 953 small windows, is an iconic landmark of Jaipur. The palace was designed to allow the royal women to view city life while keeping them hidden from the public eye.

The Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory, is another must-visit site in Jaipur. The site features a collection of 19 instruments that enabled ancient scholars to measure the universe’s movements.

The lush greenery of Central Park located in the heart of the city is another significant attraction. The park features a variety of flora, walking trails, monuments, and fountains, making it an excellent spot for relaxation.

Photo Credit to Annie Spratt, Meric Dagli, Harsh Jain, and Satyam Bhardwaj

31. Cusco, Peru (4)

Cusco, Peru, is a city rich in history and culture, located in the Andes mountains. Once the center of the Inca Empire, Cusco is home to numerous historic landmarks and ancient ruins, along with natural beauty. Below are some of the most beautiful places, buildings, parks, and sites in Cusco.

Machu Picchu, located just a few hours from Cusco, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous landmarks in Peru. The Inca citadel is perched high in the mountains and features intricate stonework, temples, and terraces.

The Plaza de Armas, located in the heart of Cusco, is a beautiful town square surrounded by colonial-style buildings with balconies adorned with vibrant flowers. The square is filled with locals and tourists alike, and visitors can explore the Cathedral of Cusco and the Church of the Company of Jesus, located on opposite sides of the square.

Sacsayhuaman, located on the outskirts of Cusco, is another impressive Inca site featuring massive stone blocks that fit perfectly together and form a magnificent fortress.

Pisac, a village just outside Cusco, features beautiful views of the Sacred Valley and ancient Inca ruins. Its colorful market is a perfect spot to buy traditional handicrafts and local produce.

The San Pedro market in the central district of Cusco is also worth a visit, featuring stalls selling fresh produce, textiles, and souvenirs.