When looking for the most beautiful city in the world, you can’t ignore certain “diamonds”, many of which are located in the “heart” of Europe, such as Athens, says Focus magazine.
In the list of the ten most beautiful cities in the world, which the German magazine lists, the Greek capital occupies the sixth place. At the top of the list is Venice.
1. Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world
Its beauty can be felt at first sight. Every year it is visited by around 30 million tourists. It is located in the northeast of Italy and is built on 118 islands separated by canals and connected by bridges. There are very few roads, as the main thoroughfares are the famous canals, which can be navigated by gondola. Venice’s most famous sights include, among others, St. Mark’s Square with its cathedral and the Doge’s Palace.
2. Rome – perhaps the most beautiful capital of the world
It is not only the capital of the “boot” (as one sees Italy on the map), but also a city with a history of 3 thousand years. Residents and tourists alike can admire many buildings from that time. It is no coincidence that Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearly 7.1 million tourists visit the Italian capital every year to see the famous Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
3. The heart of Spain beats in Barcelona
Barcelona is the cultural, political, and economic capital of Catalonia. It has a population of just under 1.6 million and is considered relatively small compared to other cities in the Iberian country. However, the approximately 27 million tourists who visit the city every year bring it to life: from morning to night. Visitors can go to the Parque Güell, a 170-acre purpose-built park, ideal for enjoying a lovely stroll.
4. Prague – The Golden City
With a population of around 1.2 million, Prague is also a small metropolis. Nevertheless, it is one of the richest cities in Europe. The capital of the Czech Republic also boasts many attractions. Germans make up the largest percentage of tourists and this is not surprising, as by car, the journey from Dresden to Prague takes less than two hours. In addition to Charles Bridge and St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle is also worth a visit. The Old Town is adorned with countless towers that glow like gold at sunset, a fact that has earned the Czech capital the title of the “Golden City”.
5. New York is perhaps the most famous metropolis in the world
It is home to 8.5 million people and is visited by around 55 million tourists every year. Many rightly call it the “city that never sleeps”. It is the third largest city in the world and is divided into five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. The most famous attraction for most tourists is the “Statue of Liberty”. For other visitors, it is Central Park as well as Times Square.
6. Athens is the cultural center of ancient Greece
It is not only the capital of Greece but also witnesses an influential and important culture to this day. The ancient sites of Athens provide the tourism sector with one of the city’s main sources of income. Nearly 7 million visitors visit the Greek capital every year. The Acropolis, a world-famous attraction, is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. Many temples, such as that of Hephaestus and the Parthenon, are in very good condition.
7. Budapest – divided and united
The city of Budapest was created in 1873. Today, it is divided by the Danube River, which runs through the centre of the capital of Hungary. One side of the Danube is called Buda and the other is Pest. Tourists should not miss visiting the 19th-century Chain Bridge, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Fisherman’s Bastion. The Parliament Building is also a popular landmark for visitors.
8. Vienna – an imperial dream
Almost no other city in Europe represents the monarchy as much as Vienna. No wonder, as it was the centre of Habsburg life and the seat of government for Emperor Franz Joseph I and his beloved Sisi. Even today, one can still taste the aroma of that era by walking through numerous baroque buildings. Schönbrunn Palace and the historic centre of Vienna are Unesco World Heritage Sites.
9. Bordeaux – the most beautiful city in France
Although Paris with its numerous historic buildings and the Eiffel Tower is very popular with tourists, Bordeaux is even more beautiful. France’s ninth-largest city is best known for its vineyards. It is located a short distance from the Atlantic coast. The city’s gothic buildings, such as St. Andrew’s Cathedral, are a magnet for visitors.
10. Milan – city of modernism and history
Milan is not only considered one of the most important metropolises in terms of fashion and design. The northern Italian city of over one million inhabitants also has a lot to offer in terms of history. One of the most famous paintings in the world, Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’, is located in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Other notable attractions include Milan Cathedral, Simplon Park, and the Royal Palace.
