With our ever-expanding bucket lists, it’s sometimes easy to lose sight of the essentials. Well, we’ve gone to the community of travelers at A&D with a simple goal: find the most incredible destinations on Earth. From the great ancient capitals to the modern cities of Asia, the Americas, and beyond, here are the top 50 cities you must see.
01. Venice, Italy
How could we not include Venice? From its picturesque canals and grandiose basilicas to its colorful homes and cozy wine bars, there’s nowhere like it on Earth.
Photo by: Jesus Lopez
02. Seville, Spain
Seville is the crown jewel of imperial Spain. Visitors can delight in the city’s narrow streets lined with orange blossoms, Moorish castles, and some of Spain’s most legendary tapas joints.
Photo by: Zu Sanchez
03. New York City, USA
It’s no wonder New York is often called the “Crossroads of the World.” Nowhere else can you find such a mind-blowing concentration of art, culture, cuisine, and business?
Photo by: Iker F. Gavilan
04. Lhasa, China
Lhasa is the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism, and the rugged Himalayas set against Lhasa’s incense-filled monasteries and palaces make for one of the most unforgettable views on Earth.
Photo by: Juanjo Fontanet
05. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is an experience for all five senses, from the world-famous Carnival to its iconic skyline. The fact that it’s home to two of the most famous beaches on Earth doesn’t hurt either!
Photo by: Stocklapse
06. London, England
London’s calling! With its prestigious museums, famous street markets, and bustling financial center, it’s no wonder that London is one of the world’s most-visited cities. What are you waiting for?
Photo by: Tbtb
07. Marrakech, Morocco
Entering the medina of Marrakech is an experience you’ll never forget: endless, maze-like corridors full of vibrant souks, stunning architecture, and bubbling tagines around every corner.
Photo by: Cesar Blay
08. Petra, Jordan
Of all the world’s great ancient cities, Petra stands in a league of its own. Set amid an epic, wind-swept desert, Petra’s monumental rock-cut buildings must be seen to be believed.
Photo by: Husar 77
09. Rome, Italy
Walking through Rome is like exploring the world’s largest open-air museum. No city on Earth combines fine art, cuisine, and tons of ancient history like the Eternal City.
Photo by: Tbtb
10. Varanasi, India
Varanasi, one of India’s holiest cities, is an authentic experience for the senses. Seeing the sunrise as the ghats on the banks of the Ganges fill up with holy men, pilgrims, and locals is a sight you’ll never forget.
Photo by: Jordi Batet
11. Florence, Italy
As the home of the Renaissance, Florence boasts one of the most incredible art collections on Earth, to say nothing of the gorgeous cathedrals, delicious Tuscan food, and rich, enchanting architecture.
Photo by: Ivan Luengo
12. Havana, Cuba
Exploring the streets of Old Havana is like stepping back in time to a world of majestic pre-revolutionary buildings, classic cars, and the smell of home-cooking mixing with the sea breeze.
Photo by: Viajesyfotografia
13. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto was once the Imperial Capital of Japan, and exploring its elegant tea houses, gardens, and castles is the best way to discover the true essence of traditional Japan.
Photo by: Viajesyfotografia
14. Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem is a true crossroads of cultures, cuisines, and beliefs. Nowhere is this more evident than in the streets of the Old City, home to some of history’s most excellent persons and events.
Photo by: Ignacio Izquierdo
15. Paris, France
The City of Lights is the place to immerse yourself in breathtaking museums, enchanting squares, and many cafes. It’s no wonder it’s considered the most romantic place on Earth!
Photo by: Juan Z. Aranda
16. Beijing, China
Beijing is China’s historical and cultural capital and home to two of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth: the monumental Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China in the nearby mountains.
Photo by: David Esteban
17. Lalibela, Ethiopia
Lalibela is one of Ethiopia’s great holy cities and is famous worldwide for its unique and stunning collection of monolithic churches carved right into the rock below your feet.
Photo by: Alfonso N. Tappero
18. Granada, Spain
From the glories of the Alhambra to the narrow, cobblestone streets of the Albayzín district, Granada has an undeniable magic that’s rarely found even in the great cities of Europe.
Photo by: Miguel Eguido
19. Athens, Greece
The Acropolis has a top spot on many bucket lists, but the city’s sunny streets, flower-lined squares, and incredible museums make Athens much more than just ancient ruins.
Photo by: Gianfranco Perlongo
20. Bagan, Myanmar
Could the world’s best sunrise be in the ancient city of Bagan? Many would say so. Just imagine the mist evaporating in the day’s first light, revealing a near-endless plain of ancient pagodas.
Photo by: Gorka Nelson
21. Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu is, for many, the gateway to the majestic Himalayas. With its mixture of sadhus, saffron-robed monks, and iconic prayer flags, it’s also one of the most colorful cities on Earth.
Photo by: Nic Dalla-Valle
22. Vatican City
The Vatican is a city within a city and home to the Roman Catholic Church. Even if you’re just a sightseer, the columns and dome of St. Peter’s Square are enough to take your breath away.
Photo by: Pablo L. Ramos
23. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon truly has it all: sun, sea, and an enchanting and decadent atmosphere like that found amid the sunny, colorful streets of the city’s Chiado and Alfama neighborhoods.
Photo by: Jessica M. Infante
24. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo seems straight from the future. While this glittering metropolis of 13 million is a Mecca for shopping, foodies, and partiers, it is still home to some genuinely peaceful shrines and gardens.
Photo by: Sandra G. Arangoa
25. Istanbul, Turkey
Yes, Istanbul…the city where the east meets west. From its monumental mosques to its bustling bazaars, Istanbul is a city that can boast millennia of history and still be more relevant than ever.
Photo by: Mikel H
26. Hội An, Vietnam
Hội An is a historic Vietnamese port whose UNESCO-recognized Old City is a unique mix of Japanese, Vietnamese, and European influences. Oh, and wait until you try the food.
Photo by: Vincenzo Tessarin
27. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam has one of the world’s highest qualities of life, a fact not lost on the millions of visitors charmed by its famous Red Light District and stunning Van Gogh Museum.
Photo by: Zu Sanchez
28. Luxor, Egypt
Set on the banks of the Nile, Luxor is the most stunning of Egypt’s ancient cities. Its proximity to Karnak, Thebes, and the Valley of the Kings makes it a must for history lovers worldwide.
Photo by: Pablo Charlon
29. Berlin, Germany
Few cities have played such a pivotal role in recent history as Berlin. Its legendary nightlife and vibrant restaurant scene make it one of the most exciting cities in modern Europe.
Photo by: Jose P. Rodriguez
30. Jaipur, India
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is home to some of India’s most spectacular palaces and gardens. It’s also part of India’s famous “Golden Triangle,” featuring the Taj Mahal in Agra and New Delhi.
Photo by: Jordi Batet
31. Lyon, France
Lyon is a World Heritage city dating back to Roman times. Try visiting during the Fête des Lumières, when thousands of lights illuminate the cathedrals, gardens, and streets.
Photo by: Christian Belzunce
32. Oia, Greece
Oia is the most famous town on the Greek island of Santorini, and its gorgeous white and blue homes cascading down to the sea are the stuff that postcards are made of!
Photo by: Gianfranco Perlongo
33. Siem Reap, Cambodia
While most come to see the stunning ancient city of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap’s laid-back bohemian-backpacker vibe and tasty food make it a worthy destination on its own.
Photo by: Angel B. Arevalo
34. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a majestic Imperial city full of beautiful palaces, manicured gardens, and elegant cafes. The fact that it’s consistently voted as one of the world’s most livable cities is just the icing on the cake.
Photo by: Machbel
35. Cusco, Peru
Besides being the main entry point for those looking to explore the Andes and Machu Picchu, the World Heritage City of Cusco is full of historic temples, monasteries, and gorgeous colonial homes.
Photo by: Chris Pearrow
36. Cartagena, Colombia
The colonial city of Cartagena on Colombia’s Caribbean coast has a history filled with explorers, pirates, and royalty, and its UNESCO-recognized Old City is every bit as enchanting as you’d expect.
37. Zanzibar, Tanzania
The ancient city of Zanzibar is one of Africa’s top destinations. It is famous for its white-sand beaches and mix of African, Arab, and Portuguese influences in the historic district of Stone Town.
Photo by: Naxos
38. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is a delightful chaos of sights, sounds, and colors. Home to over 20 million people, the city offers beautiful colonial architecture, nearby ruins, and some delicious food.
Photo by: Azu Azul
39. Singapore
Whether on vacation or during a layover, Singapore is a place that needs to be experienced. Exploring Little India is a must, but remember to save time for arguably the best street food in the entire world.
Photo by: Dirk Vietzke
40. Las Vegas, USA
Sin City is a favorite among national and international visitors drawn by the city’s incomparable mix of fine hotels, famous restaurants, and over-the-top casinos. Viva Las Vegas!
Photo by: Surapon Sujjavanich
41. Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Samarkand is an ancient Silk Road city, and the madrasas and mosaics of the monumental Registan Square are among the world’s most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture.
Photo by: Sonia R. Salces
42. Sydney, Australia
From its iconic Opera House to its famous beaches, Sydney knows how to combine the natural and the urban perfectly and leaves no doubt about its place among the most significant cities on Earth.
Photo by: Naxos
43. San Francisco, California
You didn’t think we’d forget San Francisco, did you? Its historic buildings, nearby natural parks, and acclaimed cuisine make it the undoubted star of the American west coast.
Photo by: Monica Lewis
44. Mont Saint Michel, France
As over 3 million annual visitors can attest, few sights are quite as evocative or romantic as the Mont Saint Michel Abbey spire rising above the tranquil Normandy coast.
Photo by: Michel Exaim
45. Dubrovnik, Croatia
The walled city of Dubrovnik is the jewel of the Adriatic, and its Old City (a World Heritage Site) is one of the most picturesque areas in Europe. Don’t get us started on the beaches!
Photo by: Serviajera
46. Bangkok, Thailand
From peaceful temples to exotic markets and rowdy nightclubs, Bangkok has something for everyone. It has become so popular that it beat London as 2013’s most-visited city!
Photo by: Alberto S. Dosantos
47. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is often called the Paris of South America. From the broad avenues of downtown to the colorful homes and tango clubs of Barrio La Boca, Buenos Aires is a place to savor.
Photo by: Flavia Ramos
48. Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
There’s one word to describe Antigua, Guatemala: magical. Visitors can explore the ruins of colonial churches and monasteries and dive into a bohemian cafe, all under the gaze of the three watchful volcanoes that dominate the horizon.
Photo by: Sonia R. Salces
49. Prague, Czech Republic
A mix of history, stunning architecture, and hearty cuisine has made Prague one of the world’s most-visited cities and a must for travelers searching for the soul of central Europe.
Photo by: Alvaro M. Molina
50. Budapest, Hungary
The countless empires that have ruled Budapest over the years left a trace on this city, often considered the most beautiful in Europe. Add a rowdy nightlife scene and plenty of hot springs, and you have a recipe for travel bliss.
Photo by: Raquel Rey
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