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What makes a city attractive to tourists? Unique architecture, diverse cultures, hospitable people, or historical stories etched through generations? If you're a travel enthusiast and love exploring, you probably already have your own answer.
25 cities on the list ofTravel+LeisureThis is the answer compiled from the experiences of many travelers around the world in those cities. These could be new options for you when the global tourism industry reopens in the future.
1. San Miguel de Allende (Mexico)
San Miguel de Allende is a colonial city in the central highlands of Mexico, with a unique blend of Neo-Gothic and Spanish colonial architecture. Gazing at the exteriors of the buildings clustered along the road leading to the city's tallest building – the Parroquia de San Miguel Archangel – will only pique your curiosity about what lies behind the closed doors before you.
Beyond its architectural marvels, the city seems to attract visitors with a unique "magic" based on its historical narrative, diverse and time-worn landmarks, and increasingly influential cuisine. You can stroll through the main streets or narrow alleys to experience the authentic atmosphere of San Miguel de Allende, as it is incredibly easy to get around. Enjoying the city's beauty from the rooftops of restaurants to the El Jardin and the Museo Historico is also a perfect and much-loved option for many visitors.
2. Udaipur (India)
Udaipur, also known as the "City of Lakes," is a city located in the southernmost part of Rajasthan. It boasts numerous royal palaces, stunning lakes, handcrafted temples, and countless gardens waiting to be explored. You can't experience all the wonders this city has to offer in a single visit. Udaipur will always be a fresh and exciting experience when you return.
3. Istanbul (Türkiye)
If you're in the city, try looking up at the sky and you'll be overwhelmed by the towering spires of the Blue Mosque – Istanbul's oldest landmark. You can also experience the unique feeling of standing between two continents, Asia and Europe, simply by crossing a bridge.
4. Ubud (Indonesia)
The most fascinating thing about visiting Ubud is that you'll be completely immersed in an ancient atmosphere, with sacred ancient temples and a royal palace that is not only vast but also incredibly majestic. Must-see attractions include the Ubud Monkey Forest, the Tegalalang rice terraces, the Goa Gajah Elephant Caves, the Tegenungan Waterfall, and many other tourist attractions. Immersing yourself in the rich Indonesian culture of Ubud promises to leave you with unforgettable memories of this Southeast Asian country.
5. Kyoto (Japan)
Once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is a repository of many unique traditional Japanese cultural aspects, with numerous temples, shrines, and countless other historical sites that remain intact to this day. In contrast to modern and bustling Tokyo, Kyoto exudes an ancient, refined beauty, harmoniously blended with a slow, peaceful pace of life that you can fully appreciate from the scenery to the people.
6. Florence (Italy)
If you are an art enthusiast and want to enjoy the romantic atmosphere of Italy, Florence is a perfect choice for you. It is a hub of Renaissance art, with numerous museums and galleries housed within ancient mansions, preserving countless works of art from paintings and sculptures to frescoes and reliefs. Its unique and ancient architectural heritage is also a key factor in making Florence one of the top destinations in Europe.
7. Mexico City (MEXICO)
Mexico City is an ancient highland city situated more than 2,000 meters above sea level. Besides its many unique historical buildings, such as San Miguel de Allende, it also boasts numerous modern buildings in the Mexican style. With famous tourist attractions built by both the Indian and Spanish over the centuries, it is considered a melting pot of three distinct civilizations, creating a unique culture that you can only find when visiting Mexico City.
8. Oaxaca (Mexico)
Oaxaca is often cited as one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico. Considered a cultural hub, it's renowned for its vibrant festivals and bustling street art performances. You'll also be overwhelmed by Oaxaca's stunning scenery – from its majestic mountain ranges to the brightly colored buildings lining its lively streets.
9. Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Chiang Mai is an ancient city in Thailand, still retaining a distinct culture from the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Besides its vibrant festivals, Chiang Mai is also known for its spiritual aspect, with over 300 Buddhist temples within the city. When visiting Chiang Mai, you can explore the famous Bazaar night market, one of the most popular in Thailand, a must-try experience for any tourist.
10. Bangkok (Thailand)
The vibrant and bustling capital city of Bangkok is always one of the top tourist destinations in Asia. While known for its modernity with countless skyscrapers and large-scale shopping malls, Bangkok still preserves its traditional charm through its old neighborhoods and unique architectural structures that are distinctly Thai from centuries ago.
11. Taipei
Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a developed and modern city, and also home to many famous tourist attractions that many visitors look forward to seeing.
12. Krakow (Poland)
Located on the banks of the Wisla River, at the foot of Wawel Hill, Krakow is the largest and oldest city in Poland. It boasts not only a peaceful beauty but also awe-inspiring cultural heritage and ancient architecture steeped in Central European style.
13. Luang Prabang (Laos)
This ancient and peaceful city, situated on the banks of the Mekong River, was once the capital of Laos. Its most distinctive feature, attracting tourists, is its Buddhist culture, with over 30 ancient temples still preserved today.
14. Rome (Italy)
The capital of Italy is famous for its architecture that reflects the style of an ancient and legendary Roman empire. Visiting here, you will gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between historical ruins and the vibrant, modern life that permeates every street in Rome.
15. San Sebastian (Spain)
With its tranquil turquoise beaches, elegant ancient architecture, and rich culinary scene, it's easy to see why San Sebastian is known as a favorite resort of Spanish royalty. It boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the world. Enjoying the best of Mediterranean cuisine alongside idyllic beaches is something many look forward to when visiting San Sebastian.
16. Bodrum (Türkiye)
Bodrum was originally just a rustic, ancient fishing village on the coast. But with the booming tourism industry since the 1940s, it has become a vibrant port city, attracting tourists from all over the world.
17. Jaipur (India)
A city with a rich cultural heritage like Jaipur is an interesting destination for those who want to learn about Indian culture through its ancient structures. Furthermore, the pink hues covering the city not only reflect its unique character but also express Jaipur's hospitality and warmth towards visitors. This was also the original purpose of Jaipur's ruler, Raja Jawai Singh, when he welcomed the British royal family to his city in the 18th century.
18. Charleston (South Carolina, USA)
If you want to see classic American architecture firsthand, just like in the movies, Charleston is a perfect choice. You can also explore the streets by signing up for a horse-drawn carriage tour to enhance the authentic experience.
19. Tokyo (Japan)
Tokyo is known as a bustling city with a fast-paced and hectic lifestyle. Its vibrancy and hustle and bustle have long been a hallmark of the city, from its main streets to its narrow alleyways. It's also a paradise for fans of anime, manga, and Japanese music, with the captivating Akihabara electronics district that no one wants to leave once they've wandered into it.
20. Cape Town (South Africa)
Cape Town is considered the most beautiful city in South Africa and began to gain worldwide recognition after hosting the World Cup in 2010. Tourists are impressed by the city's stunning natural landscape, a blend of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, from pristine beaches to majestic mountains, while its cuisine is also a highlight to consider when visiting.
21. Trieste (Italy)
Not only does Triest embody the elegant and romantic spirit of Italy, but it is also a melting pot of diverse cultures, situated next to Slovenia and having once been part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
22. Ljubljana (Slovenia)
The beauty of Ljubljana lies in the tranquility and pleasant atmosphere the city offers. Besides the old European architecture you'll notice as you stroll through the streets, you can also enjoy incredibly famous traditional dishes and be warmly welcomed by the locals.
23. Seoul (South Korea)
The capital of South Korea is one of the most famous and modern cities in Asia. Besides its bustling and vibrant neighborhoods, you can also find a romantic and nostalgic Seoul anywhere, from Gyeongbokgung Palace and ancient villages to tree-lined streets that are most beautiful during the autumn foliage season.
24. Antigua Guatemala (Guatemala)
Guatemala's incredible natural beauty is evident everywhere you look. You'll not only see many tourists flocking to the city to immerse themselves in its pristine and ancient beauty, but also countless adventurers coming to explore ancient ruins and discover the unique culture, a blend of Spanish and indigenous Mayan influences.
25. Porto (Portugal)
What makes Porto special is the exhilarating experience of strolling along its streets, which were once steep, winding mountain roads in the early days. Every street corner exudes sophistication and holds a mysterious beauty that captivates visitors. Enjoying a glass of wine by the river as the sun sets could be the perfect choice for your Porto outing.
