Looking to pimp up your Instagram? Or simply marvel at the majesty of man meets nature? These are our picks for the world’s most beautiful and Instagram worthy cities.
One of the great things about travelling is when you see a sight that really takes your breath away. There are plenty of beautiful cities that can rival natural wonders for their epic beauty, often it’s when the two meet that cities are at their best.
So if you want to see when man meets nature at it’s finest, this is our selection of the most beautiful cities around the world.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Where else but Rio? The quintessential man meets nature city famous for beautiful beaches, rolling hills and good looking people. Rio is all kinds of fun and it looks good too. No matter if you’re stood on the beach looking back at the city or down from the Redeemer, you’ll find plenty of views to take your breath away.
Get the postcard shot: Looking down from Christ the Redeemer across the city to Sugarloaf Mountain.
Cape Town, South Africa
The jewel in South Africa’s crown, Cape Town is towered over by the natural shelter of Table Mountain. The area around the city is studded with beautiful beaches, coves, cliffs and cool towns like Camps Bay and Seapoint.
Check out our 48 hour guide to Cape Town.
Get the postcard shot: Head to Bloubergstrand for shots of the city and silhouette of the mountain. Or from the Victoria and Albert Waterfront for a more close up shot.
Hong Kong, SAR China
Bright, brash and stacks more cliches including ‘East meets West’ are used to describe Hong Kong. And for good reason. It is literally all those things. It looks damn cool too. Those massive skyscrapers framed by The Peak behind the city are genuinely breathtaking.
Get the postcard shot: Head up the Peak for shots down across the city or shoot from the Tsim Tsa Tsui pier on Kowloon.
Sydney, Australia
The mouth of the Paramatta River creates a beautiful natural harbour, now famous as the site of the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. As places to build a massive buzzing city go, this is a near perfect location.
Check out our 48 hour guide to Sydney.
Get the postcard shot: Either from Mrs McQuarries chair, Kirribilli or on the ferry to Manly.
San Francisco, USA
You’ve seen it in the movies a hundred times, but it will still impress you when you first see it. The Golden Gate Bridge straddling the bay, the cool city spires, the laidback vibe. The City by the Bay is a must visit.
Get the postcard shot: Battery Spencer across the opposite side of the bridge gives you cool shots with the city in the background.
Florence, Italy
Picking a the most beautiful city in Italy is like choosing your favourite child. But Florence edges it over Rome and Venice simply for it’s location. The rolling hills of Tuscany frame the Duomo with the iconic Brunelleschi Dome. You’ll see why this is such a compelling tourist destination.
Get the postcard shot: Piazzale Michaelangelo is the spot to get the dome and the hills in the background.
Vancouver, Canada
Often on the list for most livable city in the world, Vancouver is also very good looking. The snowy peaks of the North Shore mountains frame this harbour city. Multicultural, outdoorsy and a lot of fun, you can see why it has such a good rep.
Get the postcard shot: Kitsalano Beach or Varnier Park will get you the city and mountain composition.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Old stone houses, a castle on a hill, an extinct volcano and a cool artistic vibe. Edinburgh is probably the best looking city in the UK. Few people come and don’t fall in love with it.
Get the postcard shot: Carlton Hill from the Observatory is the most iconic shot. Try also the views from King Arthurs Seat.
San Sebastian, Spain
A contender for the world’s best city beach, San Sebastian has a lot to offer. Hill walking within the city limits, a beautiful beach, epic surf and some of the best food in Europe. If it’s not on your must visit list, why not?
Get the postcard shot: Monte Igueldo has the shot across the city. Plus there’s an antiquated funfair!
Bergen, Norway
The gateway to the fjords! Bergen is super cool, laid back and packed full of outdoors activities. Number one has to be fjord trekking or cruising.
Get the postcard shot: Mount Floyen has those breathtaking views across town.
Innsbruck, Austria
Nestled amongst mountains deep in the Tyrol region of Austria, Innsbruck is stunning from every angle. Colourful houses, old churches and a meandering river complete the look. Plus you can go skiing directly by taking a funicular from the centre of town!
Check out our review of nearby Mayrhofen.
Get the postcard shot: Hungerburg is the best spot for shots of the city from up top (take the funicular), or wander the south bank of the River Inn for shots of colourful houses with mountain backdrops.
Kyoto, Japan
There are plenty of beautiful cities in Japan, but Kyoto is probably the most iconic. Classical Japanese temples, serene lakes, cherry blossom and a buzzing city make the ancient capital of Japan a must do.
First timers to Japan, check out our guide to this incredible country.
Get the postcard shot: The Fushimi Inari shrine is where the iconic orange corridor is located. Or there are many temples nestled amongst picturesque cherry blossom, such as the Golden Pavillion.
Lhasa, Tibet (China)
High up in the Himalayas, Lhasa is the ancient seat of the Dali Lama. The Potala Palace still stands but the city is unfortunately not as Tibetan as it once was. However, the location is still as stunning as ever.
Get the postcard shot: Lhasa West Gate is the angle for the palace with the mountains backdrop.
Essaouira, Morocco
The sleepy coastal fortress town of Essaouira is a hippy haunt from back in the 60’s-70’s, now rediscovered by the budget flight generation. Nestled on the surf lashed Atlantic coast of Morocco this white washed, walled town is a pleasant and fresh aired escape from the chaos of nearby Marrakech.
Get the postcard shot: From the Scala in the Port looking back towards the Old City.
Feeling inspired? Book a flight to one of these Instagram worthy destinations and come back and tell us all about it (or send us a digital postcard – hello@box2083.temp.domains). Our handy flight widget below will help you find the best deals…
