6 of the world’s most beautiful cities according to Reader’s Digest

Beauty is subjective, yet some cities repeatedly capture the imagination of travelers. Reader’s Digest surveyed over 1,000 travel bloggers, writers, and agents to identify cities with more than one million residents that leave a lasting visual impression. 

The results highlight destinations where natural landscapes, historic architecture, city culture, and climate converge to create unforgettable experiences. From the romantic streets of Europe to North America’s scenic harbors, these cities demonstrate that beauty can be urban, natural, or a carefully curated combination of both.

The experts were asked to consider not only traditional markers of beauty, such as iconic landmarks and skyline views, but also elements that might be subtler: vibrant neighborhoods, tree-lined avenues, and the interplay between historical and modern architecture. In doing so, they recognized cities where even routine experiences — walking down a street, taking a ferry, or sipping coffee in a plaza — become visually and emotionally memorable. The outcome is a diverse global collection, where a single trip can offer encounters with centuries-old culture and contemporary vibrancy side by side.

Here are six of the most beautiful cities in the world.

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According to the survey, Paris combines iconic landmarks with a lifestyle steeped in elegance and artistic expression. Travelers $TRV encounter the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe, each contributing to the city’s visual identity. Paris is also an international fashion capital, where residents and visitors alike engage with beauty through clothing, design, and urban streetscapes. Cafés spilling onto cobblestone avenues and manicured gardens reinforce the sense that the city is curated for both aesthetic pleasure and daily enjoyment. Every stroll reveals layers of architectural and cultural detail, from historic Haussmann buildings to contemporary galleries, making Paris an enduring standard of urban beauty.

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New York City is more than skyscrapers and neon lights; it is a collage of visual contrasts that many find captivating, according to the survey. Central Park offers a green respite in the middle of the bustling metropolis, while the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty provide enduring symbols of the city’s identity. The energy of its streets—people, taxis, and signage—creates a kinetic beauty that evolves with every visit. Its neighborhoods, from Brooklyn brownstones to Lower Manhattan lofts, offer layers of texture and character that reveal themselves gradually, rewarding repeated exploration.

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London’s beauty lies in its fusion of historical architecture, royal landmarks, and urban green spaces, say the survey results. Buckingham Palace, Elizabeth Tower, and the surrounding City of Westminster offer iconic visuals, while Hyde Park provides serenity and biodiversity within central London. The Serpentine River, rose gardens, and abundant bird species add delicate touches to the urban environment. Even under gray skies, the interplay of natural and constructed elements gives London an enduring charm that blends heritage with everyday city life.

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According to the survey, Venice captivates with its network of islands, canals, and bridges, forming an architectural pattern unlike any other city. The Rialto Bridge and other ornate crossings frame views of the Grand Canal, while gondoliers’ songs animate the waterway experience. The city’s charm is amplified by the delicate interplay of historic palaces, piazzas, and waterways, creating a sensory environment that is as beautiful to hear as it is to see. Venice’s vulnerability to rising sea levels also adds urgency to experiencing its ephemeral splendor.

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Vancouver offers visual splendor through a combination of coastal scenery and urban design. The Capilano Suspension Bridge provides elevated views of lush forests, while the Sea to Sky Gondola reveals panoramic vistas of Howe Sound and surrounding peaks. Stanley Park integrates natural West Coast rainforest into the city, creating pathways, beaches, and cycling routes framed by English Bay. This seamless blend of city and nature ensures that every perspective—from street level to mountaintop—offers a new aesthetic experience, according to the survey.

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Barcelona’s beauty is inseparable from the legacy of Antoni Gaudi, whose works such as La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell transform the cityscape into a living gallery. Beyond Gaudi, the city features museums, plazas, and vibrant neighborhoods that showcase a fusion of Gothic, Art Nouveau, and contemporary styles. Each street presents opportunities to encounter public art, intricate facades, and cultural textures that engage both sight and imagination, according to the survey. Barcelona exemplifies how urban planning, historical preservation, and artistic vision can converge to create a city admired worldwide.