Enchanted Urban Escapes: 19 Cities So Beautiful, You’ll Want To Stay Forever

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By Samantha Collins

The most enchanting cities in the world offer endless adventures, mouthwatering food options, and gorgeous architecture.  While the list of breathtaking cities is much longer than we can do justice to here, we’ve highlighted 19 of the most beautiful!

1. Palermo, Italy

Palermo-Italy
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If you’re big on architecture and food-obsessed, Palermo is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities you’ll want to travel to. Palermo is home to the largest opera house, Teatro Massimo, standing 250 feet tall and filled with photo-worthy cathedral structures.

2. Paris, France

Eiffel-Tower-Paris-France
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Now, we couldn’t compile a list of the most beautiful cities in the world without including Paris, could we? There’s something romantic about Paris that makes your heart skip a beat; whether it’s a quaint café or the Eiffel Tower lit up at night, it’s on every couple’s travel bucket list. Let’s not forget to mention its inspiring art and architecture.

3. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul-South-Korea
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The city of Seoul is one of the world’s hidden gems with a vibrant food scene, an urban environment, and just about everything you can imagine. Here, you’ll get an exclusive taste of the party scene, out-of-this-world skyscrapers, and modern subways that make New York City pale in comparison. With gorgeous landscaped parks and mountainous hiking trails, Seoul is the perfect city for outdoor enthusiasts.

4. Rome, Italy

The Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy, in the morning light
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Ah, Rome, the city of museums and architecture, where you’ll get lost in endless alleys and piazzas. Known for its delicious gelato, you and your better half can take an evening stroll to glimpse La Passeggiata, resident Romans who venture out when the heat breaks!

5. Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An
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Hoi An is an ancient riverside city and one of the most enchanting in the world. Its well-preserved old town was spared during the Vietnam War and is home to many sacred temples. While adventuring the streets, you’ll get to participate in riverboat rides, have tea at local cafés, or take a day trip to the beach.

6. Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Filled with Latin flavor, the beautiful city of Buenos Aires is awash with rich mansions, top-rated food hangouts, and shopping promenades. Buenos Aires boasts stunning architecture, mouthwatering food options, and an unforgettable nightlife scene. What more could you ask for?

7. Edinburgh, Scotland

Cityscape of Edinburgh from Arthur's Seat in a beautiful summer day, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Edinburgh, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, is home to stunning landscapes and, believe it or not, extinct volcanoes. If you’re traveling here in the summer, you won’t want to miss its electric performance arts festival that comes to the city each August. This stunner of a city is a must-visit for avid travelers.

8. Florence, Italy

Ponte Vecchio Florence
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Known as one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, Florence has gorgeous medieval structures and galleries where you can see the famous artworks of Michelangelo and Leonardo, well-known artists from the Renaissance. If you want to take a break from the art scene, grab your walking shoes and take a tour to taste delicious Tuscany wine!

9. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina
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Not only is Charleston one of the most beautiful cities, but it’s also made the list of the top 25 best cities in the world, ranking 18th. This charming city is one of the oldest in America, has gorgeous cobble-stoned streets, and is popular in the summer for its water sports. Don’t worry about getting along with the locals, as it’s also known as one of the friendliest cities and is the definition of southern hospitality.

10. Bruges, Belgium

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Bruges, a small charming city filled with medieval charm, has beautiful canals, historical buildings, and cobblestoned streets. Aside from its beauty, it’s well-known for its waffles, beer, and chocolate, which is more than enough to satisfy any traveler. With its picture postcard setting, beautiful architecture, and delicious food, Bruges is one-of-a-kind.

11. Chefchaouen, Morocco

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Chefchaouen is one of Morocco’s most beautiful and relaxing cities; with its vibrant colors all over town, it’s hard not to take hundreds of photos during your visit. Known as Morocco’s Blue City, its alleyways and blue-washed buildings are like nothing you’ve ever seen in other parts of the world.

12. Halstatt, Austria

HALLSTATT, AUSTRIA. Beautiful autumn view of Hallstatt with reflection. Hallstatt is a small town in Austria.
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Growing in popularity, Halstatt is one of the most beautiful cities in Austria and has some of the most gorgeous fairy-tale-like villages. Located in the mountains, it gives its visitors stunning views of the Austrian Alps and offers seclusion and serenity to visitors that you won’t find in places such as Europe.

13. Seville, Spain

Seville, Spain
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As one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, no matter which angle you look at the city of Seville, you’ll capture its fantastic architecture and carvings. This perfectly-sized city is perfect for walking and has spring-like temperatures during March. So pack your bags and book your ticket because this is one destination you’ll never want to return from!

14. Sydney, Australia

Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia 
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If you ever go to Sydney, you’ll notice its luxurious yachts, gorgeous beaches, abundant sunshine, and fantastic cleanliness. During your travels, you’ll see coastal views, lagoons, and the Sydney Opera House, all from a convenient ferry ride! Don’t just stop there because if you’re an avid surfer, you’ll want to hit the surfer-approved waves at Queenscliff Beach.

15. Cape Town, South Africa

Aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa on a sunny afternoon. Photo taken from a helicopter during air tour of Cape Town
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Cape Town is loaded with natural beauty and is a popular tourist spot for its activities, such as diving with sharks, riding a rotating cable car, and hiking Table Mountain. Don’t worry about not filling up your itinerary here; Cape Town has all the excitement, from sipping cocktails on Camp Bag Beach to music festivals!

16. Cork, Ireland

Cork, Ireland
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Cork is known for its beautifully preserved town and is one of Ireland’s hidden gems that offers the best cottages and castles. Cork has a vibrant art community with miniature design stores and some of the best seafood in Ireland. Visit the city of Cork, and you’ll be taken aback by its historic atmosphere and charm.

17. Santorini, Greece

The Greek Islands
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Located along the Aegean Sea, Santorini is filled with white-washed homes with blue roofs and pebbles made from lava, giving Santorini its beautiful scenery. Some of the most beautiful places you’ll come across in Santorini are Perissa Beach, Pyrgos, and the village of Oia.

18. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul-Turkey
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If you’ve traveled to other cities, such as Rome or Italy, you’ll want to add Istanbul, Turkey, to your list of cities to visit. In Istanbul, you’ll see beauty with cobblestone streets, mosaic architecture, and markets where the food scene is out of this world! Their coffeehouse scene extends in the early morning to make things even better!

19. Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece
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Greece continues to break records for its beauty, so naturally, Athens made the list again as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The capital of Greece, known as the city that never sleeps, offers an entertaining nightlife scene and myriad historical attractions including the state-of-the-art Acropolis Museum.

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