35 Beautiful Cities Span Fairytale Enclave, Santa's Home

You can experience one before even hitting baggage claim. The Jewel Changi Airport is home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, falling seven stories from a glass ceiling and surrounded by a lush greenhouse. Then there’s the ArtScience Museum that’s shaped like an oversized lotus flower, and the see-it-to-believe-it Marina Bay Sands building, which appears to have a cruise ship balancing atop three 55-story hotel towers.

The City of Light likely appears on this list for good reason. Novelists, poets, and musicians—everyone from Edith Piaf to Jay-Z—have celebrated the French capital and its appeal. In 2023, 15.5 million international travelers visited, a number that earned Paris fifth place for most-visited cities globally, according to the report. The same report named Paris the most attractive city destination.

Few cities inspire travel from a single photo, but Chefchaouen, the northern Morocco mountain town bathed in blue, is one. The azure hue stems from Jewish refugees who painted buildings in the 15th century as a reminder of the heavens. Residents maintained the tradition in subsequent centuries.

Chiang Mai is not your typical city. This northern mountain municipality offers waterfalls, tropical forests, and botanic gardens, while also serving as a hub for ancient healing techniques. Traditional Thai massage, rooted in Buddhist teachings, has been practiced here for over 2,500 years. With more than 300 Buddhist temples, wellness is deeply woven into the city’s fabric.

Though Japan’s former capital, Kyoto retains its cultural significance. The city is rich with cherry blossoms, a swaying bamboo forest (Sagano), and sacred shrines. It has 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Saiho-ji, a moss temple; Ryoan-ji Temple, a celebrated Zen rock garden; and Kinkaku-ji Temple, a pavilion covered in gold.

Barcelona’s seaside location and 300 days of sunshine annually make it a contender for beauty. Beyond the beaches, the city boasts architectural marvels. Antoni Gaudí’s work, such as the Sagrada Familia, defines its skyline. The nature-inspired gothic basilica, under construction for over a century, is Gaudí’s masterpiece and Barcelona’s top attraction.

Cape Town’s blend of brilliant blue waters, vibrant nightlife, and Table Mountain makes it stunning. The city’s natural attractions include Table Mountain National Park’s cable car, whale-watching from Cape Point, and penguins at Boulders Beach.

Rio combines city, beach, mountain, and rainforest. Its Ipanema and Copacabana beaches are celebrated, while Sugarloaf Mountain offers panoramic views via cable car. The city also thrives with street art, feijoada stew, and samba music.

Like Paris, Florence is a trove of European cultural treasures. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, it’s filled with museums, architectural masterpieces, and 13th-century castles. Sampling Tuscan cuisine here is often described as a spiritual experience.

Djenné’s striking architecture, including its centuries-old mud-brick homes and the Grand Mosque, reflects its history as a trans-Saharan gold trade hub. The mosque requires annual mud application to protect it during the rainy season.

New York City’s skyline features the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Rockefeller Center. Central Park, shaped by glaciers 14,000 years ago, is one of the most visited urban parks globally, offering a green oasis in a concrete jungle.

Amsterdam captivates with its canals, historic buildings, and world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. The city also boasts a thriving startup scene, sustainability initiatives, and a bike-friendly infrastructure with extensive lanes.

Amsterdam’s nightlife includes the Red Light District, though tourists are advised to explore other neighborhoods for a more authentic experience. The city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity, making it a top European destination.