Beautiful cities in the world that you must see

There are about 20 countries around the world with more than 2.5 million cities. Each of them has its own charm and charm, because you can fall in love with a city not only for its attractions, expensive restaurants or grandiose skyscrapers, but also because of the pleasant memories left in it. It’s difficult to name the most beautiful city on the planet, it’s still a matter of taste, but we’ve compiled the top most visited places, the popularity of which is off the charts, and thousands of tourists strive to get there again and again.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city shrouded in romance, a city of magnificent canals and famous artists, the place where you go to enjoy the splendor of the ancient architecture of the Netherlands, visit the famous red light district and the world's only tulip museum.

In translation, the name of the city is translated as “dam on the Amstel River.” The city consists of 4 semicircles, they are surrounded on all sides by canals and connected by bridges; it is not for nothing that Amsterdam is called the second Venice.

Amsterdam is considered not only one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but also one of the most important European ports. The city canals were built back in the 17th century, and were mainly intended for the diamond trade.

Thrill-seekers will definitely appreciate the local entertainment and nightlife features. Everyone knows that soft drugs are legal in the Netherlands. You can try hashish and marijuana in special coffee shops, of which there are more than a hundred in the city.

Well, and, of course, many are interested in the famous red light district, where thousands of priestesses of love live and work, while paying considerable taxes to the city treasury.

What else is worth visiting:

• The Rijksmuseum is a grand museum of art history in the Netherlands.
• Keukenhof is a huge flower museum in the outskirts of the city.
• Muiderslot is a medieval fortress that has been perfectly preserved to this day.
• The Royal Palace is the official residence of the country.
• The Dam is the main square of Amsterdam.
• Madame Tussauds is a branch of the world's most famous wax exhibition.

Venice

Venice - another one European city, where thousands of tourists go every year, enchanted by the atmosphere of the Renaissance, described in books and filmed in films. There are so many tourists in Venice that local authorities are afraid of serious destruction under such onslaught; for the same reason, more and more indigenous residents are leaving their homes.

Venice is built on 122 islands, connected by bridges and canals (there are about 150 in total), which serve as streets, and instead of cars there are gondolas. Almost every building in Venice is an amazing monument of medieval architecture; it is not surprising that the entire old part of the city is under UNESCO protection. The architecture of Venice is very unique, given that the canal-streets in some parts of the city are so narrow that you can swim by holding on to the walls of the houses with one hand.

The foundation of the houses consists of two parts - metal piles and a stone foundation; this structure is completely under water. According to experts, within a couple of decades, buildings will begin to collapse, so a special program has been created to artificially regulate water.

Venice is considered to be the cultural capital of Italy. Every year, dozens of film festivals, art exhibitions, costume balls and carnivals are held here. Most visited attractions:

• The Basilica of San Marco is a cathedral that in the Middle Ages was considered the religious and political center of the city.
• The Doge's Palace is a monument of Gothic architecture and was the main administrative building of Venice.
• Campanile San Marco - a watchtower with a bell tower.
• Palazzo Santa Sofia is a grand Venetian-style castle on the banks of the Canal Grande.
• The Venice Carnival is Italy's most important cultural event.

Budapest

Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, it is not without reason that it is called the “Pearl of the Danube”.

Budapest is a relatively young city and the history of its creation is very curious, because it appeared in 1873 as a result of the merger of two cities (western - Buda and eastern - Pest), located along the two banks of the Danube. This feature determines the uniqueness of the culture and architecture of Budapest; it is truly a city of contrasts. On the one hand, the regularity and tranquility of Buda, streets wandering along the hillsides, medieval monuments and buildings, magnificent castles, fortresses and thermal baths. On the other is the busy and bustling Pest, the center of economic and political life with its Parliament, modern shops, museums and restaurants. These two historical parts of the city are connected by amazingly beautiful bridges sparkling with bright lights in the night.

Today Budapest is considered one of the centers of European shopping; there are shopping centers and brand stores here for every taste and budget.

The main attractions of Budapest:

• Buda Castle is the main historical and cultural heritage of the country in the very center of the city.
• The chain bridge connecting the two parts of the city is the hallmark of Budapest. The bridge was erected in 1849, three years later it was decorated with cast iron sculptures of lions. It was reconstructed after the war.
• A fisherman's bastion was built on the site of an old fish market as a backdrop for the church.
• The neo-Gothic style building of the Hungarian Parliament was erected on the Danube coast after the unification of the two cities.
• Matthias Church is part of the architectural complex of Buda Castle, this is its main component. An interesting fact is that this is almost the only building in the Gothic style in Hungary.

London

Amazing and extraordinary London, the first and only capital of Great Britain, the heart of the European state. London leads in population in Europe and is its financial and cultural center. The mysterious Foggy Albion dictates the rules and laws of politics, business and even fashion. About 10 million tourists visit it annually. Travelers I am invariably attracted by the original flavor of the city, its ancient architecture, the opportunity to visit famous art museums and art galleries, as well as a large selection of entertainment.

List all attractions London is not possible, but usually the tourist route looks something like this:

• The Tower of London, a 900-year-old fortress, has witnessed all the historical vicissitudes of the state. At various times there was a residence, a prison and even a zoo here. At the moment there is a museum here.
• Westminster Abbey is the main church in England, designed in the Gothic style. From the moment of its construction, it was closely connected with the royal palace; it was here that the coronations of monarchs took place.
• Buckingham Palace is another royal residence and serves as a venue for official ceremonies.
• Tower Bridge.
• Big Ben is a clock tower, a symbol of London and the whole of Great Britain.
• Trafalgar Square.
• Madame Tussauds is a wax museum.
• The British Museum, whose exhibits are dedicated to the history of mankind.
• Tate Modern is the national gallery of modern art.
• Covered markets in Covent Garden.

Bruges

The Belgian town of Bruges is considered small even by European standards - only about 120 thousand inhabitants, however, this does not detract from its architectural merits; at the moment the city is the main tourist center of the province of West Flanders, and the whole country as a whole.

The name of the city translates as “harbour”; it is not for nothing that in the Middle Ages Bruges was a major port and center of trade. Surprisingly, since those times the appearance of the city has changed little and is more reminiscent of a medieval open-air museum. Tourists here get a feeling of unreality, and all thanks to the romantic flair of the past - quiet cobbled streets, houses in Gothic and Romanesque styles, the leisurely flow of life, ancient churches and temples. The canals that merge here give Bruges a special picturesque appearance.

The city often hosts carnivals and masquerades; it is here that the participants of the processions look most organic in traditional costumes.

Must see:

• ancient city gates;
• Boniface Bridge;
• neo-Gothic city courthouse;
• Tower of the Virgin Mary;
• Market Square;
• Belfort Bell Tower.

Shanghai

Shanghai (“City by the Sea”) is one of the largest and most densely populated metropolises in China, and throughout Asia. Shanghai has never been the cultural capital of China; its purpose is somewhat different - it is the center of the scientific, technical, economic, political and industrial life of the country, in addition, the city is considered the most important port.

The industry here is moving forward by leaps and bounds. The most developed industries are automotive, metallurgy and light industry. The city has branches and offices of major corporations.

Day and night, life in Shanghai is full of life; it’s hard to believe that several decades ago this place was a poor fishing village. Now the city is famous for its fashionable restaurants, brand stores and luxury hotels. Despite everything, Shanghai remains surprisingly cozy and hospitable. West and East coexist quite harmoniously in this city, and skyscrapers do not in any way overshadow the beauty of original Chinese architecture.

Speaking about the sights of Shanghai, it is impossible not to mention some of them:

• Shanghai TV Tower is a symbol of the city, its height is about 500 meters, it ranks 5th in height among all the towers in the world;
• Shanghai World Financial Center - a majestic structure especially beautiful in the evening hours;
• Shanghai Oceanarium is the largest in Asia;
• Jinmao Skyscraper is a place for lovers of panoramic views;
• Shanghai Old Town.

Warsaw

Polish Warsaw is a city with an interesting, vibrant, but at the same time tragic history. During its existence, it experienced a lot, managed to be part of several states, but perhaps the most terrible blow was the Second World War, when almost the entire historical center was destroyed. After the end of the war, Warsaw was literally revived from the ruins, collecting and reconstructing pieces, using old drawings and engravings.

Today, Warsaw has the most large-scale reconstruction project of medieval monuments after almost complete destruction, but this in no way detracts from its historical value compared to other European cities. Warsaw still bears the unique flavor of the past, the special atmosphere of a fairy tale.

Arriving in the city, be sure to visit:

• Stare Miasto is the oldest landmark cities. It took dozens of years to restore this part of the city. Now it looks exactly like it did several centuries ago: winding streets, red tiled roofs and a unique atmosphere.
• On the Market Square, in the very heart of Warsaw, bustle reigns as before, with shopping shops, local artists and cab drivers.
• Palace Square is the place from which the tourist route of city guests usually begins.
• The Royal Castle, which now houses a popular museum.
• Krakowskie Przedmieście is an entire street with several ancient sites, including a medieval castle and a state university.
• The Chopin Museum is the building in which the great composer gave his first concerts.

Prague

Each city is unique in its own way, in any of them you will find attractions dear to your heart, and you will want to return there again. But Prague is a city, one of a kind, here on an area of ​​only 500 square meters. kilometers, so many ancient architectural monuments, temples, Gothic castles, cozy pubs, houses, squares have been erected that it seems unreal. Each building and stone has its own unique history. Great poets, artists and writers came to Prague for inspiration, but in all their works the city was described in completely different ways, so unique and diverse is the capital of the Czech Republic.

If you look at the city from above, you will see an amazing view - thousands of red tiled roofs, Gothic cathedrals and numerous towers and turrets; it is not for nothing that Prague was dubbed the “City of a Thousand Towers”. Every narrow street here is imbued with an atmosphere of mysticism; there are many legends and myths about evil spirits, perhaps because most Czechs themselves believe in it.

Places you should definitely visit while in Prague:

1. Charles Bridge is an ancient medieval building; currently the bridge is a pedestrian bridge.
2. Wenceslas Square is the central square of the Novo Mesto district, a cultural and business center.
3. Old Town Square is the main square of the Staro Mesto district, as in the 12th century, life is in full swing here, the square is surrounded by ancient monuments in the Gothic and Baroque styles.
4. The Old Royal Palace is the former residence of Czech rulers.
5. St. Vitus Cathedral is the main cathedral of Warsaw.
6. The Dancing House is a building in the deconstructivist style, the highlight of the city.

Sydney

During the time of British colonialism, Sydney was a godforsaken place on the territory of the smallest continent. Criminals, English prisoners who lived in very difficult conditions and were constantly in conflict with the government, were sent here.

During the gold rush, Sydney's population began to grow sharply, new parks, museums, and various cultural institutions opened.

Finally, at the beginning of the 20th century, Sydney gained its long-awaited freedom, attractions and buildings began to grow like mushrooms after rain.

But all the most dramatic changes occurred in the city at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. In the year that Sydney hosted the Olympics, the whole world became aware of the paradise next to the bay, its friendly people and breathtakingly beautiful nature.

Today, Sydney remains the pearl of the green continent; it is one of the most prosperous cities in the world, where pristine nature and golden beaches coexist with skyscrapers, business districts and the largest offices. The standard of living is constantly growing, and along with it the population is growing.

Local attractions:

• Port Jackson Bay, today a national park has been built on the natural part of the bay.
• The Sydney Opera House is a symbol of the city; the roof of the building resembles flying sails.
• The Harbor Bridge is the largest arched structure in the world.
• The Queen Victoria Building is built in the classic Victorian style.
• The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary is the city's Catholic cathedral.
• Sydney Tower is the tallest building in Sydney.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the ultra-modern and rapidly developing capital of Malaysia. It intricately combines Victorian style, Islamic architecture and high-tech, so beloved in Asia. Several religions, cultures, beliefs and ethnic groups are mixed in the metropolis. Highways give way to green islands of forests, and then noisy markets, skyscrapers and the usual bustle of a big city open up again.

Who would have thought that on the site of a large city relatively recently there was a small mining village, whose residents mined tin ore. Over time, the excavations ended, but this did not stop the city from actively developing. But even in our time, Kuala Lumpur carefully protects witnesses of a bygone era - Victorian-style buildings.

The most significant pieces of modern architecture, the famous Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest buildings in the world. To get there, you will have to sign up for a queue that will last for a couple of days.

What else is worth a look:

• The Palace of Sultan Abdul-Samad, which combines the seemingly incongruous - Victorian style and local Moorish style.
• Jamek is a Mavitan temple complex.
• Palace of Sultan Etan Negara.
• National Science Center Kuala Lumpur.
• National lake park.

Florence

Florence is a flourishing city in Italy; back in the Middle Ages it was considered second only to the capital, having absorbed the best of the then existing Roman Empire. The first mention of the city dates back to 59 BC. Then Gaius Julius Caesar ordered the creation of a colony on the Arno River and called it Florence. Since then, the city has grown rapidly, and in the Middle Ages it became one of the centers of cultural life in Europe, where masterpieces of the Renaissance were created.

Along with Rome, Venice and Milan, Florence is one of the favorite tourist destinations, and all thanks to the abundance ancient sights, magnificent architectural monuments and a special romantic atmosphere. At different times, artists and writers created imperishable works in the city.

The Cathedral Square in the historical part of the city makes Florence even more mysterious and charming; on its territory the building of the Cathedral - Santa Maria del Fiori, built in an elegant Gothic style, was built. Giotto's bell tower and the Baptistery of San Giovanni highlight the beauty of the cathedral and complement the ensemble.

Other iconic places in Florence:

• Piazzale Michelangelo - it offers a picturesque panorama of the city.
• Palazzo Vecchio is a luxurious medieval castle.
• Palazzo Pitti is the largest castle in Florence, and also an art museum.
• Basilica of Santa Croce, on the territory of which famous figures of Italy are buried.
• The Uffizi Gallery is the calling card of Florence.
• House-Museum of Dante Alighieri, creator of the imperishable poem “The Divine Comedy”.

Kyoto

“The City of a Thousand Temples” - Kyoto is one of the most popular cities in Japan among tourists. Kyoto was once the capital of the Land of the Rising Sun and had a completely different name - Heianke (“City of Peace and Tranquility”).

For several millennia, Kyoto was the main center of political and spiritual life in Japan, and from the 8th century it became the capital and official residence of the emperor.

Now about 2 thousand people live in the city. Kyoto is known to the world thanks to the only remaining geisha school, a huge number of ancient churches, parks and palaces, many of them are UNESCO protected sites. And also to the fact that during World War II the city miraculously escaped the atomic bombings, otherwise it would have suffered the fate of the notorious Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

In Kyoto, in addition to architectural monuments, there are many modern buildings, but they are all integrated into the landscape very organically. Temple complexes and churches seem to grow out of the water surface or hills, wonderfully complementing the overall landscape.

Popular tourist places:

• One of the most beautiful castles in Japan, Nijo, powerful but at the same time elegant, is located in the very center of the city.
• The tallest tower in Kyoto, with its spire its height reaches 131 meters.
• Amazingly sophisticated Fushimi Castle.
• The Kyoto National Museum is one of the country's art museums. The museum's fund consists of about 12 thousand objects.
• Ginkaku-ji Temple (“Golden Pavilion”).
• Ryoan-ji Temple ("Temple of the Rest of the Dragon").
• The Ponto-cho area is a Japanese geisha district that preserves traditional architecture and culture.

Bagan

The ancient city of Bagan is located in the Republic of Myanmar (Burma). It's not the most popular tourist route, however, “The City of a Thousand Temples” is very interesting from the point of view of cultural studies and archaeology. Today, Pagan is being actively restored and studied by all kinds of specialists.

Objectively speaking, the modern city of Bagan does not exist, there is only Bagan Airport and several nearby villages. Once upon a time this city was the capital of the kingdom of the same name, rich and prosperous. It was built in 841 on the Ayeyarwaddy River as a small defensive fortification. Since then, the city has grown and acquired increasing strategic importance. After King Anoratha became the ruler of the state, Bagan became a cultural and political center. At the same time, Buddhism established itself as the state religion, and grandiose temple construction began. Today, Bagan is an area of 40 square kilometers, on which about 2,000 pagodas, temples and monasteries were built. The time of their construction dates back to the 11th-12th centuries. Many of them were destroyed and looted as a result of the Mongol invasions.

Although the temples of Bagan are not included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list for political reasons, the city is a major pilgrimage center in the Southeast region.

The largest pagodas and temples:

• Shwezigon Pagoda is the only local landmark that has preserved its golden decoration.
• Ananda Temple - named after the disciple of Buddha.
• Tabinnyu Temple is the highest in Bagan, its height is about 66 meters.
• Dhammayanji Temple - Resembles a pyramid and gives the impression of a structure from another civilization.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the cultural center of northern Thailand and the capital of its province of the same name, second only to Bangkok in its importance.

Along the entire perimeter, Chiang Mai is surrounded by a large artificial ditch, which is how local residents once escaped from Burmese raids. Today, the moat has no practical significance, however, it is the only one in all of Thailand, which makes it an attraction along with temples and other ancient monuments.

Chiang Mai fully corresponds to the status of a cultural capital; after hundreds of years, its architectural appearance, of course, has changed, but has not lost its historical outlines. Tourists who have visited here talk about the special peaceful atmosphere of the town; there are no noisy crowds of travelers or annoying guides. Peace and serenity reigns everywhere.

You can walk through gardens and parks, visit a zoo with pandas, or go to healing hot springs. Well, and, of course, visit numerous churches, there are about three hundred of them in the city. The most famous, perhaps, can be considered the magnificent and at the same time frightening White Temple. Work on the construction of the temple complex is still ongoing and is planned for the next 50 years.

Ciudad Bolivar

The Venezuelan city of Ciudad Bolivar is comfortably located on the picturesque Orinoco River. Once the city was an important port of the country, ships loaded with a wide variety of goods moored at its shores, and it is still a port for the eastern regions of Venezuela. The houses painted in bright colors give the city a special charm.

Modern-day Ciudad Bolívar may not be as famous as most beautiful cities Europe, however, due to its unique history and culture, is vying for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

The original name of the city was completely different, long and difficult to pronounce, but most often it was simply called Angostura. For many years, Angostura was a military base led by General Bolivar, the national hero of Venezuela, a fighter for the country's independence from the Spanish colonialists. In the mid-19th century, the city was given a new name in honor of him.

Iconic places of the city:

• colonial buildings - the Cathedral, the Congress building, Casa de San Isidora.
• museum of modern art.
• restored Yastreb fortress.
• Bolivar Museum.
• Angostura Bridge.