The Top 50 Cities to See in Your Lifetime
Posted: 07/03/2014 5:58 am by Huffington Post
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 minube.net with a simple goal: find the greatest destinations on Earth.
From the great ancient capitals to the modern cities of Asia, the Americas, and beyond, here are the 50
cities you must see during your lifetime.
1.) 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 simply nowhere like it on Earth.(Photo by Jesus Lopez)
Click here for more photos of Venice
2.) Seville, Spain - Seville is the crown-jewel of imperial Spain and visitors can delight at the city's
narrow streets lined with orange blossoms, Moorish castles, and some of Spain's most legendary tapas
joints. (Photo by Zu Sanchez)
Click here for more photos of Seville
3.) 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)
Click here for more photos of New York City
4.) 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)
Click here for more photos of Lhasa
5.) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - From the world-famous Carnival to its iconic skyline, Rio de Janeiro is an
experience for all five senses. The fact that its home to two of the most famous beaches on Earth doesn't
hurt either! (Photo by Stocklapse)
Click here for more photos of Rio de Janeiro
6.) London, England - 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?
London's calling! (Photo by Tbtb)
Click here for more photos of London
7.) 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)
Click here for more photos of Marrakech
8.) Petra, Jordan - Of all the world's great ancient cities, Petra stands in a league of its own. Set in the
midst of a epic, wind-swept desert, Petra's monumental rock-cut buildings must be seen to be believed.
(Photo by Husar 77)
Click here for more photos of Petra
9.) Rome, Italy - Walking through Rome is like exploring the world's largest open-air museum. Simply
put, no city on Earth combines fine art, cuisine, tons and tons of ancient history quite like the Eternal City.
(Photo by Tbtb)
Click here for more photos of Rome
10.) Varanasi, India - Varanasi, one of India's holiest cities, is a true experience for the senses. Seeing
the sunrise as the ghats on banks the Ganges fill up with holy men, pilgrims, and locals is a sight you'll
never forget. (Photo by Jordi Batet)
Click here for more photos of Varanasi
11.) Florence, Italy - As 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)
Click here for more photos of Florence
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)
Click here for more photos of Havana
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)
Click here for more photos of Kyoto
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 greatest persons and
events. (Photo by Ignacio Izquierdo)
Click here for more photos of Jerusalem
15.) Paris, France - The City of Lights is the place to immerse yourself in breathtaking museums,
enchanting squares, and tons of cafes. It's no wonder why it's considered to be the most romantic place on
Earth! (Photo by Juan Z. Aranda)
Click here for more photos of Paris
16.) Beijing, China - Beijing is China's historical and cultural capital and home to two of the most aweinspiring places on Earth: the monumental Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China in the nearby
mountains.(Photo by David Esteban)
Click here for more photos of Beijing
17.) Lalibela, Ethiopia - Lalibela is one of Ethiopia's great holy cities and is famous around the world
for its unique and stunning collection of monolithic churches carved right into the rock below your feet.
(Photo by Alfonso N. Tappero)
Click here for more photos of Lalibela
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)
Click here for more photos of Granada
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 makes Athens much more than just ancient ruins. (Photo
by Gianfranco Perlongo)
Click here for more photos of Athens
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)
Click here for more photos of Bagan
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' also one of the most colorful cities on
Earth. (Photo by Nic Dalla-Valle)
Click here for more photos of Kathmandu
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 cupola of St. Peter's Square are enough to take your breath away.
(Photo by Pablo L. Ramos)
Click here for more photos of the Vatican
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)
Click here for more photos of Lisbon
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 truly peaceful shrines and gardens.
(Photo by Sandra G. Arangoa)
Click here for more photos of Tokyo
25.) Istanbul, Turkey - Yes, Istanbul...the city where east meets west. From its monumental mosques
to its bustling bazaars, Istanbul is city that can boast millenia of history and still be more relevant than
ever. (Photo by Mikel H)
Click here for more photos of Istanbul
26.) Hộ i An, Vietnam - Hộ i An is a historic Vietnamese port whose UNESCO-recognized Old City is a
unique mix of Japanese, Vietnamese, and European influences. Oh, and just wait until you try the food.
(Photo by Vincenzo Tessarin)
Click here for more photos of Hộ i An
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)
Click here for more photos of Amsterdam
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)
Click here for more photos of Luxor
29.) Berlin, Germany - Few cities have played such a pivotal role in recent history as Berlin and its
legendary nightlife and vibrant restaurant scene also make it one of the most exciting cities in modern
Europe. (Photo by Jose P. Rodriguez)
Click here for more photos of Berlin
30.) Jaipur, India - Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, is home to some of the 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)
Click here for more photos of Jaipur
31.) Lyon, France - Lyon is a World Heritage city dating back to Roman times. Try visiting during the
Fête des Lumières when the cathedrals, gardens, and streets are illuminated by thousands of lights.
(Photo by Christian Belzunce)
Click here for more photos of Lyon
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)
Click here for more photos of Oia
33.) Siem Reap, Cambodia - While most come to see the stunning ancient city of Angkor Wat, but
Siem Reap's laid-back bohemian-backpacker vibe and tasty food make it a worthy destination on its own.
(Photo by Angel B. Arevalo)
Click here for more photos of Siem Reap
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)
Click here for more photos of Vienna
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)
Click here for more photos of Cusco
36.) Cartagena, Colombia - The colonial city of Cartagena on Colombia's Caribbean coast has a history
filled with explorers, pirates, and royalty, and it's UNESCO-recognized Old City is every bit as enchanting
as you'd expect.
Click here for more photos of Cartagena
37.) Zanzibar, Tanzania - The ancient city of Zanzibar is one of Africa's top destinations and famous
for its white-sand beaches and mix African, Arab, and Portuguese influences in the historic district of
Stone Town. (Photo by Naxos)
Click here for more photos of Zanzibar
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 seriously good
food. (Photo by Azu Azul)
Click here for more photos of Mexico City
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)
Click here for more photos of Singapore
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)
Click here for more photos of Las Vegas
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)
Click here for more photos of Samarkand
42.) Sydney, Australia - From its iconic Opera House to its famous beaches, Sydney knows how to
perfectly combine the natural and the urban and leaves no doubt about its place among the greatest cities
on Earth. (Photo by Naxos)
Click here for more photos of Sydney
43.) San Francisco, California - You didn't think we'd forget San Francisco, did you? It's historic
buildings, nearby natural parks, and acclaimed cuisine make it the undoubted star of the American west
coast. (Photo by Monica Lewis)
Click here for more photos of San Francisco
44.) Mont Saint Michel, France - As over 3 million annual visitors can attest, there are few sights
quite as evocative or romantic as the spire of Mont Saint Michel Abbey rising above the tranquil
Normandy coast. (Photo by Michel Exaim)
Click here for more photos of Mont Saint Michel
45.) Dubrovnik, Croatia - The walled city of Dubrovnik is the jewel of the Adriatic and it's Old City (a
World Heritage Site) is one of the most picturesque areas in all of Europe. Don't get us started on the
beaches! (Photo by Serviajera)
Click here for more photos of Dubrovnik
46.) Bangkok, Thailand - From peaceful temples to exotic markets and rowdy nightclubs, Bangkok has
something for everyone. It has become so popular, in fact, that it beat London as 2013's most-visited city!
(Photo by Alberto S. Dosantos)
Click here for more photos of Bangkok
47.) Buenos Aires, Argentina - Buenos Aires is often called the Paris of South America. From the wide
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)
Click here for more photos of Buenos Aires
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)
Click here for more photos of Antigua Guatemala
49.) Prague, Czech Republic - An 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)
Click here for more photos of Prague
50.) Budapest, Hungary - The countless empires that have ruled Budapest over the years all left a trace
on this city often considered to be the most beautiful in Europe. Add a rowdy nightlife scene and plenty of
hot springs, and you've got a recipe for travel bliss. (Photo by Raquel Rey)
Click here for more photos of Budapest