First most beautiful city in the world

First most beautiful city in the world
Photograph: Shutterstock

The City of a Hundred Spires beat New York, Paris and Chicago to the top spot

First most beautiful city in the world

After 18 months inside, your wanderlust might be at its highest ever point – and it certainly doesn’t help that TikTok and Instagram are awash with the prettiest places in the world, making us all desperate for a city break.

If beauty is among your reasons for planning a getaway, Prague should be at the top of your list. We asked 27,000 city-dwellers from across the globe to choose their city’s best qualities and the capital of the Czech Republic came out on top for beauty, with 83 percent of the voters we polled in Prague praising its appearance.

Whether it’s wandering across the Charles Bridge or gazing at the Astronomical Clock, a day in Praha is bound to involve some magnificent architecture.

First most beautiful city in the world
Photograph: Shutterstock

But it’s not all about the buildings: head to Letná Park for stunning hillside views, or wander along the banks of the Vltava for something more peaceful. It’s clear why the city also came second in the Time Out Index for relaxation: grabbing a coffee and soaking up the atmosphere here is second nature.

There’s beauty to be found in the most unexpected of places. The recently discovered Speculum Alchemiae – a fully intact 16th-century alchemical laboratory – is a labyrinthine ode to magic in the heart of the city. It’s mysterious and dazzling, so it’s no wonder locals are in love.

Curious about how Prague stacks up against other major metropolises? Check out Time Out’s ranking of the best cities in the world.

Now find out why Chicago was voted second for beauty in this year’s Time Out Index.

Plus: these are the world’s 10 best cities for nightlife.

  • Sophie Dickinson Freelance contributor

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Bergen, Norway, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, according to Flight Network's survey. Grisha Bruev / Shutterstock

50. Athens, Greece

An aerial view of Athens. Edwin Verin/Shutterstock

Take a walking tour of Athens to hit all of the major sites: Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Panathenaic Stadium.

49. Beijing, China

Traditional architecture in Beijing. SchnepfDesign/Shutterstock

Aside from the Great Wall of China, one of the seven wonders of the world, other must-sees include the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and the Temple of Heaven.

48. Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

City Palace in Jaipur. saiko3p / Shutterstock

Jaipur is also known as the "Pink City" for its colorful palaces. Tour Amber Palace, the Palace of the Winds, and the City Palace for the best of the city's architecture.

47. Bergen, Norway

Houses in Bergen. Grisha Bruev / Shutterstock

Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason, with its colorful houses and mountain views. The mountain goats on Mount Fløyen add to the scenic charm.

46. Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh at sunset. Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock

Both Marrakesh's Old and New Cities have plenty to offer visitors, from the stunning Koutoubia Mosque to the French-inspired Jardin Majorelle.

45. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin Castle in Dublin. Matej Hudovernik/Shutterstock

Dublin Castle and Trinity College are among the most iconic sites to visit. And of course, take a pit stop in an Irish pub for a pint of Guinness.

44. Cartagena, Colombia

The Cartagena skyline. alexmillos/Shutterstock

Cartagena offers both stunning beaches like Playa Blanca and majestic buildings such as San Felipe Castle and the Cathedral of Cartagena.

43. Bangkok, Thailand

Temple views in Bangkok. bento42894/Shutterstock

A trip to Bangkok must include touring the city's many intricate palaces and temples, shopping at the famous floating market, and checking out the nightlife on Khao San Road.

42. San Sebastian, Spain

A beach in San Sebastian. Botond Horvath/Shutterstock

If you're looking to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, meander through scenic streets, and sunbathe on pristine beaches, San Sebastian is the place to be. Its Old Town and La Concha beach provide gorgeous views all around.

41. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Tourists walk through Old Town in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Darko Bandic/AP

"Game of Thrones" helped boost Dubrovnik's popularity, having appeared as King's Landing. A walk around the Old City walls dating back to the 600s provides panoramic views of the ocean and Mount Srd.

40. Seoul, South Korea

Snowy roofs in Seoul. Sean Pavone / iStock

Between the royal palace of Changdeokung and the downtown district full of neon lights and street food, Seoul's cultural contrasts blend together seamlessly.

39. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

The Sanctuary of Jesus of Atotonilco in San Miguel de Allende. Bill Perry / Shutterstock

The city's centerpiece, the Sanctuary of Jesus of Atotonilco, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other noteworthy attractions include the San Miguel Arcangel Parish and the Mercado de Artesanías.

38. Queenstown, New Zealand

A bird's-eye view of Queenstown. filipefrazao / iStock

Queenstown's sweeping mountain and ocean views are world-renowned. Thrill-seekers can enjoy the scenery via skydiving or bungee jumping.

37. Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi's Old Quarter. Nicola Ferrari/iStock

Hanoi's Old Quarter is one of the world's street food capitals, and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

36. Berlin, Germany

Berlin from above. S.Borisov/Shutterstock

Berlin features an eclectic mix of historic and modern buildings. The Holocaust Memorial and the Reichstag building are among the most impactful stops.

35. St. Petersburg, Russia

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg. Boris Stroujko/Shutterstock

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is one of the most recognizable symbols of St. Petersburg. As the second-largest museum in the world, the Heritage Museum also warrants a visit.

34. Cusco, Peru

San Blas in Cusco, Peru. Christian Vinces/Shutterstock

A short drive from Machu Picchu, Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right featuring Koricancha Temple's fusion of Inca and Hispanic cultures and the artsy San Blas area.

33. Zurich, Switzerland

The shores of Zurich. bluejayphoto / iStock

Situated on the shores of Lake Zurich, cable cars up to Uetliberg mountain transport visitors to idyllic hiking paths. On the ground, hotspots include West Zurich's shopping opportunities and the Swiss National Museum.

32. Quito, Ecuador

Basilica del Voto Nacional in Quito, Ecuador. Shutterstock

At La Mitad del Mundo, visitors can stand with one foot in each hemisphere at the equator. The church of Compañia de Jesús Jesuit and the active Pichincha volcano are also wonders worth seeing.

31. Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. Stockcube/Shutterstock

Edinburgh Castle is the most iconic sight to see, but don't miss the Old Town's Royal Mile or Victoria Street's multicolored buildings.

30. Jerusalem, Israel

The Old City of Jerusalem. Shutterstock/ John Theodor

Jerusalem is divided into four quarters (Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian), each containing holy sites according to their traditions. The open-air market of Mahane Yehuda is also not to be missed, full of steaming pita bread, fresh hummus, and other Middle Eastern treats.

29. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai's skyline. shutterlk/Shutterstock

Dubai's futuristic skyline features the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Watersports at Kite Beach and desert camel rides can also be accessed via the busy metropolis.

28. Havana, Cuba

Colorful buildings in Havana. YU_M/Shutterstock

Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage site with brightly colored buildings and the Castle of Salvador de la Punta. For beach enthusiasts, snorkeling opportunities abound.

27. Madrid, Spain

A beautiful day in Madrid. Belyay / Shutterstock

There's no shortage of landmarks to visit in Madrid, from Plaza Mayor to Puerta del Sol to Templo de Debod. Art museums and flamenco shows are also a Madrid specialty.

26. Bruges, Belgium

Historic buildings in Bruges. Emi Cristea / Shutterstock.com

Did you really visit Belgium if you didn't try some of their world-famous chocolate? Bruges offers plenty of chances to do so, such as the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum.

25. Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago skyline. cendhika/Shutterstock

This lakefront city boasts iconic structures like Cloud Gate (often referred to as "The Bean"), the Willis Tower (one of the tallest buildings in the western hemisphere), and the ferris wheel at Navy Pier.

24. Hong Kong

Signs in Hong Kong. ESB Professional/Shutterstock

Victoria Peak is the best lookout spot to see the full extent of the city, and Hong Kong's light show on Victoria Harbour is unparalleled.

23. Quebec City, Canada

Old Quebec City in Quebec, Canada. nicepix/Shutterstock

The castle-like Le Château Frontenac hotel overlooks Old Quebec City, which is packed with shops and cafes.

22. San Diego, California

Surfers in San Diego. Shutterstock/Sebastien Burel

San Diego's perfect year-round weather makes it ideal for surfing, visiting animals at the San Diego Zoo, and enjoying its many parks.

21. Toronto, Canada

The CN Tower in Toronto. Luke Abrahams / iStock

Toronto's 1,815-foot CN Tower allows brave tourists to see the city from every angle, and the Royal Ontario Museum and Ripley's Aquarium of Canada present an array of exhibits about the natural world.

20. Buenos Aires, Argentina

La Boca in Buenos Aires. Diego Grandi/Shutterstock

The La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires is a bright canvas of color, culture, and delicious local cuisine. The Recoleta Cemetery, which is the final resting place of many of Argentina's presidents and leaders, is also worth a visit.

19. Vienna, Austria

Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. saiko3p/Shutterstock

There are plenty of palaces to visit in Vienna. The enormous Schönbrunn Palace is the most iconic, but First Hofburg and Belvedere Palaces are also some of the city's most beautiful spots.

18. Tokyo, Japan

Cherry blossoms bloom in Tokyo. Phattana Stock/Shutterstock

The ancient Sensō-ji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo, and it is surrounded by seasonal cherry blossoms. For the freshest sushi, visit the Tsukiji fish market, which is famous for its tuna auctions.

17. Istanbul, Turkey

The Galata Tower in Istanbul. TTstudio/Shutterstock

The Hagia Sophia Museum was used as both a church and a mosque, encapsulating the city's rich cultural history. Istanbul's Galata Tower, another historic landmark, dates back to the 1300s and measures 206 feet tall. 

16. Budapest, Hungary

Baths in Budapest. Vacclav / Shutterstock.com

Budapest is also known as the "City of Baths" for its natural hot springs. The Széchenyi Medicinal Bath is the largest in Europe with 15 indoor baths and three outdoor geothermal pools. The city's Gothic-style Parliament Building is also one of its top attractions.

15. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. Barichivich/iStock

Among Rio de Janeiro's most famous sites are the 98-foot Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the city, Sugarloaf Mountain (accessible by cable car), the annual Carnival, and popular beaches.

14. Prague, Czech Republic

Just some of the spires of Prague. TTstudio/Shutterstock

Prague is known as the "City of 100 Spires." The 600-year-old Prague Astronomical Clock is also a whimsical sight to behold.

13. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

A canal in Amsterdam. JeniFoto/Shutterstock

In between taking in the city's canals and characteristic tulips, visitors should see the Anne Frank house and the Van Gogh Museum.

12. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon at sunset. TTstudio/Shutterstock

From the Tower of Belém on the Tagus River to São Jorge Castle's overlook, it's hard to find anywhere that isn't strikingly beautiful in Lisbon.

11. Singapore

The city-state of Singapore. Noppasin/Shutterstock

The city-state of Singapore entices visitors with the greenhouses of Gardens by the Bay and the half-fish, half-lion Merlion statue. The Marina Bay Sands hotel also boasts the world's largest rooftop infinity pool.

10. Rome, Italy

Ancient ruins in Rome. S.Borisov/Shutterstock

When in Rome, the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and St. Peter's Basilica are essential stops. Plus, anywhere that sells gelato.

9. Sydney, Australia

The famous Sydney Opera House. Shutterstock

The Sydney Opera House is the most recognizable of the city's landmarks, but the Royal Botanic Gardens, Bondi Beach, and Harbor Bridge are also worthwhile attractions.

8. San Francisco, California

Cable cars in San Francisco. canadastock/Shutterstock

San Francisco is full of world-famous tourist sites, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and the sea lions at Pier 39.

7. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has stunning beaches and mountains. Ben1183 / iStock

The natural beauty in and around Cape Town provides many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors at places like Table Mountain National Park, Boulders Beach, and the Cape of Good Hope.

6. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona combines art with architecture. JeniFoto/Shutterstock

Architect Antoni Gaudí left his mark on Barcelona, designing the La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, and other buildings people come from all over the world to see.

5. Vancouver, Canada

Downtown Vancouver. Edgar Bullon/Shutterstock

If you don't have the stomach for the 200-foot-high Capilano Suspension Bridge, Granville Island Public Market and the English Bay offer entertainment at sea level.

4. Venice, Italy

A canal in Venice. Efired/Shutterstock

Gondola rides through Venice's many canals are a no-brainer for any traveler. St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge also make for romantic destinations.

3. London, England, UK

Notting Hill in London. Christian Mueller/Shutterstock

Towering symbols of London include Big Ben, the London Eye, and, of course, Buckingham Palace. The city's iconic Notting Hill neighborhood is also instantly recognizable with its pastel-colored buildings.

2. New York, New York, USA

Central Park in the fall. Shutterstock / Songquan Deng

New York City offers an endless variety of historical, cultural, and natural wonders, from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park to the legendary Broadway theater district.

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