7 Most Elegant Cities Around the World

Every individual seeks beauty in different forms — through art, architecture, history, culture, ambiance, views, and much more. For this reason, listing the most beautiful and elegant cities around the world is a subjective topic.

Yet, there are destinations spread across much of the globe that makes visitors fall in love at first sight with their colorful colonial buildings, charming culture, and futuristic skylines. These cities are a balanced mix of urban pleasures and natural and human-made beauty that makes them exceptionally gorgeous.

So, if you are looking to embark on a remarkable vacation, here are some of the best cities in the world that you can consider visiting.

1) Paris, France

With monumental squares, magnificent architecture, age-old churches, romantic bridges, and cobbled streets, Paris is undeniably one of the most beautiful and elegant cities in the world. Famously known as the “City of Love”, it is a place where history and romance go hand in hand. The gorgeous city has inspired writers, painters, sculptors, and poets from far and wide to elucidate its beauty through art.

Every neighborhood in Paris seems to have its notable landmark, be it the popular Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame, or the Sacre-Coeur. You can enjoy a nice cruise ride on the Seine or relish a delectable meal in any of the famous Parisian patisseries. Either way, you are sure to have a memorable vacation.

Kytoto Golden Pavilion
Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion

2) Kyoto, Japan

The legendary Japanese city promises to take you back in time. Being one of the most well-preserved ancient cities, Kyoto welcomes all visitors with open arms. The city allows exploring the rich Japanese culture and revels in the beauty of its landscapes. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the city is incredibly tranquil filled with thousands of temples and gardens that change color with seasons.

Boasting the most exquisite architecture, Japanese geishas are a must-visit, offering a wholesome cultural experience. Kyoto is also famous for its wide range of cuisine that offers delightful experiences to all food connoisseurs. It is also home to many exploration sites and hiking trails, meant for those who want to feel one with nature.

Cape Town, South Africa

3) Cape Town, South Africa

From majestic mountains, expansive coastlines, and striking beaches, Cape Town has pretty much everything there is to offer. The most famous is Table Mountain National Park which defines the city and draws nature enthusiasts from across the world. Well-cultivated areas, such as the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Company’s Garden, and Green Point Urban Park also make exploring around an absolute delight.

The multicultural city has a very welcoming ambiance. It is one of the most elegant cities that also offers exclusive excursion trips to nearby destinations such as Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.

Prague, Czech Republic

4) Prague, Czech Republic

Popularly called “The City of Thousand Spires”, the Czech capital is a fairy tale place that is best known for its exquisite architecture. With a unique bohemian vibe and medieval ambiance, the city has several historical monuments that have been well-preserved to date. The place is packed with tourist spots, old-school cafes, and rustic cobbled pathways, making it the ideal place for tourists who enjoy history, culture, and serenity.

Situated in a romantic setting of riverside and charming bridges, the city is dotted with many domed structures. The Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and Astronomical Clock are some of the impressive sites to visit.

San Francisco, California

5) San Francisco, California

San Francisco is one of the most elegant cities in the United States. Its enormous garden areas, parks where you can disengage from the bustling city, and attractive beaches that surround its coast make it a favorite among travelers.

A city with a lot of character, San Francisco is a hub of excitement. It is dotted with a lot of iconic landmarks, with the Golden Gate being the most recognizable one. It has been declared as one of the modern wonders of the world. You can also find a lot of entertainment, music, and an excellent variety of museums in the city. Food lovers can head to the waterfront community at Fisherman’s Wharf for some incredible dining experiences. It is advisable to invest in the best roof rack accessories before visiting for a hassle-free traveling experience.

Quebec City, Canada

6) Quebec City, Canada

If you want to experience the real flavor of Canada’s European past, this is a destination you must visit. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quebec City, is strategically placed atop cliffs that overlook the St. Lawrence River. The ancient architecture of this French-speaking city is one of the most spectacular in the world.

Divided into two parts, the Upper Town comprises the defensive Citadel along with other iconic landmarks, such as the Chateau Frontenac. The Lower Town is best known for its historic stone buildings, narrow streets, and ostentatious views. Why not take a private walking tour of the city to start your stay? Also, make sure to head to the end of the river to watch the sunset for an unforgettable experience.

Edinburgh, Scotland

7) Edinburgh, United Kingdom

One of the most beautiful cities in the world, the Scottish capital, is a center of arts and culture. Crowned by the stone walls and towers of the famous Edinburgh Castle, the city offers unadulterated drama and rugged romance within its pristine settings. The city is primarily divided into two segments: The Old Town and the Georgian New City. History buffs will have a great time admiring the alleyways of the Old Town and the Edinburgh Castle and even the Georgian splendor of the new town.

Home to the biggest annual art festival in the world, Edinburgh lets you explore the real beauty of Victorian streets, high-flying architecture, and a bevvy of charming markets and pubs.

Wrapping Up

That was our roundup of the 7 most elegant cities around the world which are on the bucket-list of most travelers. So, whether you want to visit a rich city with plenty of history, embark on an adventurous journey among the bounties of nature, or simply enjoy the food and wine… these destinations are ideal for you.


This is a guest blog post. We are always open to featuring guest content on our website so please contact us if you have content you want to share with our audience. If you need help with planning your trip to any of these elegant destinations, reach out to Anywhere But Here Travel.

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6 Comments

  1. mengoy on February 26, 2021 at 8:16 am

    rubbish! where in the world London is not in this list? are effin’ out of your mind?

    • Monica Hubinette on March 1, 2021 at 11:23 am

      Sorry you feel like London was left out. This was a post written by a guest blogger and it was hard to narrow it down to just 7.

      • Maria Muse on April 30, 2021 at 9:45 am

        Vienna is elegant. Edinburgh is rustic and medieval.

      • Maria Muse on April 30, 2021 at 9:49 am

        Your guest blogger needs to understand what defines “elegance” a bit more. These are not it. Maybe 2.
        I’d love to write a travel piece. I’m your muse.

        • Monica Hubinette on May 3, 2021 at 11:59 am

          You are welcome to email us at info@goabhtravel.com to discuss blogging for us. Thank you!

    • Maria Muse on April 30, 2021 at 9:50 am

      Agreed. London is the definition of class and elegance.

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