The Top 50 Cities To See In Your Lifetime

With our ever-expanding bucket lists, it’s sometimes easy to lose sight of the essentials. Well, we’ve gone to the community of travelers at A&D with a simple goal: find the most incredible destinations on Earth. From the great ancient capitals to the modern cities of Asia, the Americas, and beyond, here are the top 50 cities you must see.

01. Venice, Italy

How could we not include Venice? From its picturesque canals and grandiose basilicas to its colorful homes and cozy wine bars, there’s nowhere like it on Earth.

Photo by: Jesus Lopez

02. Seville, Spain

Seville is the crown jewel of imperial Spain. Visitors can delight in the city’s narrow streets lined with orange blossoms, Moorish castles, and some of Spain’s most legendary tapas joints.

Photo by: Zu Sanchez

03. New York City, USA

It’s no wonder New York is often called the “Crossroads of the World.” Nowhere else can you find such a mind-blowing concentration of art, culture, cuisine, and business?

Photo by: Iker F. Gavilan

04. Lhasa, China

Lhasa is the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism, and the rugged Himalayas set against Lhasa’s incense-filled monasteries and palaces make for one of the most unforgettable views on Earth.

Photo by: Juanjo Fontanet

05. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is an experience for all five senses, from the world-famous Carnival to its iconic skyline. The fact that it’s home to two of the most famous beaches on Earth doesn’t hurt either!

Photo by: Stocklapse

06. London, England

London’s calling! With its prestigious museums, famous street markets, and bustling financial center, it’s no wonder that London is one of the world’s most-visited cities. What are you waiting for?

Photo by: Tbtb

07. Marrakech, Morocco

Entering the medina of Marrakech is an experience you’ll never forget: endless, maze-like corridors full of vibrant souks, stunning architecture, and bubbling tagines around every corner.

Photo by: Cesar Blay

08. Petra, Jordan

Of all the world’s great ancient cities, Petra stands in a league of its own. Set amid an epic, wind-swept desert, Petra’s monumental rock-cut buildings must be seen to be believed.

Photo by: Husar 77

09. Rome, Italy

Walking through Rome is like exploring the world’s largest open-air museum. No city on Earth combines fine art, cuisine, and tons of ancient history like the Eternal City.

Photo by: Tbtb

10. Varanasi, India

Varanasi, one of India’s holiest cities, is an authentic experience for the senses. Seeing the sunrise as the ghats on the banks of the Ganges fill up with holy men, pilgrims, and locals is a sight you’ll never forget.

Photo by: Jordi Batet

11. Florence, Italy

As the home of the Renaissance, Florence boasts one of the most incredible art collections on Earth, to say nothing of the gorgeous cathedrals, delicious Tuscan food, and rich, enchanting architecture.

Photo by: Ivan Luengo

12. Havana, Cuba

Exploring the streets of Old Havana is like stepping back in time to a world of majestic pre-revolutionary buildings, classic cars, and the smell of home-cooking mixing with the sea breeze.

Photo by: Viajesyfotografia

13. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto was once the Imperial Capital of Japan, and exploring its elegant tea houses, gardens, and castles is the best way to discover the true essence of traditional Japan.

Photo by: Viajesyfotografia

14. Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem is a true crossroads of cultures, cuisines, and beliefs. Nowhere is this more evident than in the streets of the Old City, home to some of history’s most excellent persons and events.

Photo by: Ignacio Izquierdo

15. Paris, France

The City of Lights is the place to immerse yourself in breathtaking museums, enchanting squares, and many cafes. It’s no wonder it’s considered the most romantic place on Earth!

Photo by: Juan Z. Aranda

16. Beijing, China

Beijing is China’s historical and cultural capital and home to two of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth: the monumental Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China in the nearby mountains.

Photo by: David Esteban

17. Lalibela, Ethiopia

Lalibela is one of Ethiopia’s great holy cities and is famous worldwide for its unique and stunning collection of monolithic churches carved right into the rock below your feet.

Photo by: Alfonso N. Tappero

18. Granada, Spain

From the glories of the Alhambra to the narrow, cobblestone streets of the Albayzín district, Granada has an undeniable magic that’s rarely found even in the great cities of Europe.

Photo by: Miguel Eguido

19. Athens, Greece

The Acropolis has a top spot on many bucket lists, but the city’s sunny streets, flower-lined squares, and incredible museums make Athens much more than just ancient ruins.

Photo by: Gianfranco Perlongo

20. Bagan, Myanmar

Could the world’s best sunrise be in the ancient city of Bagan? Many would say so. Just imagine the mist evaporating in the day’s first light, revealing a near-endless plain of ancient pagodas.

Photo by: Gorka Nelson

21. Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu is, for many, the gateway to the majestic Himalayas. With its mixture of sadhus, saffron-robed monks, and iconic prayer flags, it’s also one of the most colorful cities on Earth.

Photo by: Nic Dalla-Valle

22. Vatican City

The Vatican is a city within a city and home to the Roman Catholic Church. Even if you’re just a sightseer, the columns and dome of St. Peter’s Square are enough to take your breath away.

Photo by: Pablo L. Ramos

23. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon truly has it all: sun, sea, and an enchanting and decadent atmosphere like that found amid the sunny, colorful streets of the city’s Chiado and Alfama neighborhoods.

Photo by: Jessica M. Infante

24. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo seems straight from the future. While this glittering metropolis of 13 million is a Mecca for shopping, foodies, and partiers, it is still home to some genuinely peaceful shrines and gardens.

Photo by: Sandra G. Arangoa

25. Istanbul, Turkey

Yes, Istanbul…the city where the east meets west. From its monumental mosques to its bustling bazaars, Istanbul is a city that can boast millennia of history and still be more relevant than ever.

Photo by: Mikel H

26. Hội An, Vietnam

Hội An is a historic Vietnamese port whose UNESCO-recognized Old City is a unique mix of Japanese, Vietnamese, and European influences. Oh, and wait until you try the food.

Photo by: Vincenzo Tessarin

27. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam has one of the world’s highest qualities of life, a fact not lost on the millions of visitors charmed by its famous Red Light District and stunning Van Gogh Museum.

Photo by: Zu Sanchez

28. Luxor, Egypt

Set on the banks of the Nile, Luxor is the most stunning of Egypt’s ancient cities. Its proximity to Karnak, Thebes, and the Valley of the Kings makes it a must for history lovers worldwide.

Photo by: Pablo Charlon

29. Berlin, Germany

Few cities have played such a pivotal role in recent history as Berlin. Its legendary nightlife and vibrant restaurant scene make it one of the most exciting cities in modern Europe.

Photo by: Jose P. Rodriguez

30. Jaipur, India

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is home to some of India’s most spectacular palaces and gardens. It’s also part of India’s famous “Golden Triangle,” featuring the Taj Mahal in Agra and New Delhi.

Photo by: Jordi Batet

31. Lyon, France

Lyon is a World Heritage city dating back to Roman times. Try visiting during the Fête des Lumières, when thousands of lights illuminate the cathedrals, gardens, and streets.

Photo by: Christian Belzunce

32. Oia, Greece

Oia is the most famous town on the Greek island of Santorini, and its gorgeous white and blue homes cascading down to the sea are the stuff that postcards are made of!

Photo by: Gianfranco Perlongo

33. Siem Reap, Cambodia

While most come to see the stunning ancient city of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap’s laid-back bohemian-backpacker vibe and tasty food make it a worthy destination on its own.

Photo by: Angel B. Arevalo

34. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a majestic Imperial city full of beautiful palaces, manicured gardens, and elegant cafes. The fact that it’s consistently voted as one of the world’s most livable cities is just the icing on the cake.

Photo by: Machbel

35. Cusco, Peru

Besides being the main entry point for those looking to explore the Andes and Machu Picchu, the World Heritage City of Cusco is full of historic temples, monasteries, and gorgeous colonial homes.

Photo by: Chris Pearrow

36. Cartagena, Colombia

The colonial city of Cartagena on Colombia’s Caribbean coast has a history filled with explorers, pirates, and royalty, and its UNESCO-recognized Old City is every bit as enchanting as you’d expect.

37. Zanzibar, Tanzania

The ancient city of Zanzibar is one of Africa’s top destinations. It is famous for its white-sand beaches and mix of African, Arab, and Portuguese influences in the historic district of Stone Town.

Photo by: Naxos

38. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is a delightful chaos of sights, sounds, and colors. Home to over 20 million people, the city offers beautiful colonial architecture, nearby ruins, and some delicious food.

Photo by: Azu Azul

39. Singapore

Whether on vacation or during a layover, Singapore is a place that needs to be experienced. Exploring Little India is a must, but remember to save time for arguably the best street food in the entire world.

Photo by: Dirk Vietzke

40. Las Vegas, USA

Sin City is a favorite among national and international visitors drawn by the city’s incomparable mix of fine hotels, famous restaurants, and over-the-top casinos. Viva Las Vegas!

Photo by: Surapon Sujjavanich

41. Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Samarkand is an ancient Silk Road city, and the madrasas and mosaics of the monumental Registan Square are among the world’s most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture.

Photo by: Sonia R. Salces

42. Sydney, Australia

From its iconic Opera House to its famous beaches, Sydney knows how to combine the natural and the urban perfectly and leaves no doubt about its place among the most significant cities on Earth.

Photo by: Naxos

43. San Francisco, California

You didn’t think we’d forget San Francisco, did you? Its historic buildings, nearby natural parks, and acclaimed cuisine make it the undoubted star of the American west coast.

Photo by: Monica Lewis

44. Mont Saint Michel, France

As over 3 million annual visitors can attest, few sights are quite as evocative or romantic as the Mont Saint Michel Abbey spire rising above the tranquil Normandy coast.

Photo by: Michel Exaim

45. Dubrovnik, Croatia

The walled city of Dubrovnik is the jewel of the Adriatic, and its Old City (a World Heritage Site) is one of the most picturesque areas in Europe. Don’t get us started on the beaches!

Photo by: Serviajera

46. Bangkok, Thailand

From peaceful temples to exotic markets and rowdy nightclubs, Bangkok has something for everyone. It has become so popular that it beat London as 2013’s most-visited city!

Photo by: Alberto S. Dosantos

47. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is often called the Paris of South America. From the broad avenues of downtown to the colorful homes and tango clubs of Barrio La Boca, Buenos Aires is a place to savor.

Photo by: Flavia Ramos

48. Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

There’s one word to describe Antigua, Guatemala: magical. Visitors can explore the ruins of colonial churches and monasteries and dive into a bohemian cafe, all under the gaze of the three watchful volcanoes that dominate the horizon.

Photo by: Sonia R. Salces

49. Prague, Czech Republic

A mix of history, stunning architecture, and hearty cuisine has made Prague one of the world’s most-visited cities and a must for travelers searching for the soul of central Europe.

Photo by: Alvaro M. Molina

50. Budapest, Hungary

The countless empires that have ruled Budapest over the years left a trace on this city, often considered the most beautiful in Europe. Add a rowdy nightlife scene and plenty of hot springs, and you have a recipe for travel bliss.