The most beautiful city in the world – as voted by you

Have you ever visited a city and simply fallen in love? We're sure you have - but which one? We asked our Twitter and Facebook followers to vote for the most beautiful city in the world. From the old-world gems of Europe to modern metropolises in North America, these are the places that came top in the poll. Have a different opinion? Let us know on social!

14. Vancouver, Canada

Starting the countdown is Vancouver, and there's little wonder why this city has made the cut. With an unrivalled setting between water and the mountains, and nature readily available there may not be a more stunning city in Canada. Find out more about Vancouver

• Best for downtown: L'Hermitage Hotel
• Best for bay and mountain views: The Westin Bayshore Vancouver
• Planning a trip to Vancouver? Don't miss the opportunity to choose the best place to stay in the city.

13. Sydney, Australia

A sparkling harbour, beautiful beaches and impressive landmarks galore are responsible for Sydney’s place in our beautiful cities poll. Its charm is further amplified by leafy suburbs like Surry Hills and picturesque coastal paths, such as the one that leads from Bondi to Coogee. Find out more about Sydney

Where to stay

• Best for views of Sydney Opera House: InterContinental Sydney
• Best for style on a budget: Veriu Central
• Find more accommodation in Sydney

What to do

• Best for the whole family: Sydney Attraction Pass including the Tower Eye, Acquarium and many more
• Best for foodies: Hunter Valley - Wine, cheese and chocolate tasting tour

12. Seville, Spain

Lord Byron once said of Seville, it 'is a pleasant city, famous for oranges and women.' But there’s more to this place than its eponymous orange – Seville’s elegant architecture makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the world, as our reader Kelsey MacAulay agreed on Twitter. Find out more about Seville

• Best for boutique style on a budget: Hotel Boutique Casa de Colon
• Best for views of the cathedral: EME Catedral Hotel
• Find more accommodation in Seville
• Best for the total immersion in Andalucia: Andalucia Explored
• Best for a weekend getaway: A culinary experience in Seville

11. San Sebastián, Spain

In 11th place is another Spanish city, San Sebastián. This spot has never been a key important port or industrial centre for Spain, but the coastal city has been a summer playground for the royal family since the mid 1800s. Set in a wonderfully curved bay, with a golden sand beach lapped by the azure waters of the Bay of Biscay, it’s a beautiful place all year round – not to mention the now world-famous foodie scene. Find out more about San Sebastian

Where to stay

• Best for a little luxury: Maria Cristina a Luxury Collection Hotel San Sebastian
• Best on a budget: A Room In The City
• Find more accommodation in San Sebastian

What to do

• Best for an outdoor adventure: Basque Country e-bike tour
• Best for foodies: Gourmet Pintxo Tour

Tailor-made trips

Best for exploring Northern Spain: The cities, mountains and beaches of Northern Spain

10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Perhaps it’s the coastal location and famous Copacabana beach that draw people to Rio, or maybe it's the imposing Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain (book your cable car tickets here and save yourself the hassle). Either way, from the ocean to the forested Parque Nacional da Tijuca, there’s no denying that this Brazilian metropolis has natural and manmade beauty aplenty. Find out more about Rio de Janeiro

Where to stay

• Best on a budget for Copacabana beach views: Orla Copacabana Hotel
• Best for a little luxury: Belmond Copacabana Palace
• Find more accommodation in Rio de Janeiro

What to do

• Best for the family: Sugarloaf Cable Car ticket
• Best for a day trip outside the city: Boat trip to Angra dos Reis

Tailor-made trips

• Best for exploring water and sun enthusiasts: Brazilian Beaches: Copacabana, Botafogo and more
• Best for a family trip: Blissful Brazil

9. Kyoto, Japan

You voted Kyoto the 9th most beautiful city in the world. As the centre of Japanese culture for hundreds of years, and surrounded by magnificent and easily accessible mountains, there's much to be impressed by here. Walk around the east side of the city see the best of the traditional temples. Find out more about Kyoto

• Best hostel near local attractions: Piece Hostel Kyoto
• Best for wonderful views of the city: Hotel Granvia Kyoto
• Read our guide to the best places to stay in Kyoto.
• Best for cultural immersion: Traditional Tea Ceremony & make your own Matcha Tea

• Best for foodies: Japanese Bento Cooking Class

   

8. Brisbane, Australia

In 8th place is Brisbane – Queensland Australia's largest city. You chose Brissy for its winning combination of high-rise modern architecture, lush green spaces and the enormous Brisbane River that snakes its way through the centre before emptying itself into the azure Moreton Bay. Find out more about Brisbane

Where to stay

• Best for South Brisbane and Brisbane River: Mantra South Bank
• Best for downtown location on a budget: Great Southern Hotel Brisbane
• Find more accommodation in Brisbane

What to do

• Best for the adventurous: Story Bridge Adventure Climb
• Best for day trips outside of Brisbane: Moreton Island Shipwreck, Sand Dune and Kayak Adventure

7. Venice, Italy

You voted the floating island of Venice the 7th most beautiful city in the world, despite the millions of tourists that pack its streets each year - check here for some less crowded alternatives.

Mass tourism aside, Venice will always have charm, with its undeniably romantic setting, classic architecture and wonderful sea views - one of the most beautiful places in Italy for sure. Italy-lovers might also want to find out some fun facts about Italy.

Where to stay

• Best for impeccable cool: Charming House DD724
• Best for super luxurious: The Gritti Palace
• Find more accommodation in Venice and check out our guide on the best places to stay in Venice

What to do

• Best for cultural immersion: Priority Admission ticket to the Doge's Palace
• Best for exploring the islands: Murano, Torcello and Burano Boat Trip with Guide

Tailor-made trips

• Best for a weekend getaway: Romantic Venice
• Best for a longer tour exploring Northern Italy: From Venice to Florence

6. Prague, Czech Republic

Next up in our poll of the most beautiful cities in the world is Prague, a city of two sides: by night it's a buzzing metropolis with a hedonistic party scene, but by day you can lose yourself in a warren of quaint cobbled streets, or spend an afternoon admiring the view from the Charles Bridge, that stretches across the Vltava river.

Where to stay

• Best for most desired room in town: Dancing House Hotel
• Best for location to the Old Town: Ventana Hotel Prague
• Find more accommodation in Prague and check out our guide to the best places to stay in Prague

What to do

• Best for entertainment: Medieval Dinner with unlimited drinks
• Best for sightseeing: Small group tour to Prague Castle

5. London, England

With sprawling green spaces, its huge gothic parliament buildings and perhaps the most famous residence in the world, Buckingham Palace, London can lay claim to being one of the most beautiful cities ever built. Even in the grittier east you can find allure at Columbia Road flower market, or atop the hill in Greenwich Park overlooking the Canary Wharf towers across the Thames. Check out some great walks in London to explore the city. With plenty of attractions to choose from, among them some really weird museums, make sure you're not spending your time in line but instead book some skip-the-line tickets ahead of time, for example for the Tower of London, including early access and the opening ceremony.

Where to stay

• Best for romance in the heart of London: Hazlitt's
• Best for hip hotel and location: The Hoxton Holborn
• Find more accommodation in London and check our area guide for the best places to stay in London

What to do

• Best for families: Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour
• Best for the curious minds: Jack the Ripper Interactive Guided Walking Tour

Tailor-made trips

• Best for driving enthusiasts: The Great British Roadtrip
• Best for history & culture: Historical Highlights of England

4. Edinburgh, Scotland

It's famed for its excellent annual festival, but there is more to Edinburgh than great comedy and arts – and according to you, it’s beauty (also one of the most beautiful places in Scotland). Head east of the city and make the short walk up Arthur’s Seat, an 823ft-high dormant volcano, to take in views of Scotland’s capital and you won’t need to question why it’s been voted the 4th most beautiful city in the world.

Where to stay

• Best for location to New Town: Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
• Best for location to Old Town: Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh
• Check out our area guide for the best places to stay in Edinburgh

What to do

• Best for foodies: The Scotch Whisky experience
• Best for curious minds: Camara Obscura and World of Illusion

Tailor-made trips

• Best for outdoor fans: Scotland's wildest natural scenery
• Best for families: A family adventure - from Harry Potter to Loch Ness

3. Paris, France

Finishing in 3rd place, France's capital Paris has been long considered the paragon of style and the most glamorous city in Europe – and we can't disagree with your choice to put Paris near the top of this poll. We love its elegant streets and boulevards, the lofty Eiffel Tower and the huge range of incredible art and architecture found throughout the city. Keen to explore more beautiful European cities? Find the best area to stay in Lisbon.

Where to stay

• Best for location to the middle of the city: Hotel de Crillon
• Best for views of the Eiffel Tower: Eiffel Trocadero
• Check out our area guide for the best places to stay in Paris

What to do

• Best for families: Disneyland Paris 1-Day Ticket
• Best for art fans: Skip the line Louvre ticket

Tailor-made trips

• Best for families: Paris - Best of both worlds including Disneyland
• Best for a weekend getaway: Romantic Paris

2. Florence, Italy

The cathedral dome that dominates the city's skyline is just one of the many attractions that make Florence in Tuscany one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The river Arno that cuts through the heart of the city, the Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi art gallery and the gorgeous church of San Miniato al Monte are all among Florence's highlights.

• Best for central location and attractions: Hotel Pendini
• Best for unique views of Florence Cathedral: Grand Hotel Minerva
• Find more accommodation in Florence
• Best for foodies: Day tour to Tuscany
• Best for art & culture fans: Skip-the-line Uffizi tour
• Best things to do in Tuscany
• Best for a weekend getaway: Florence - a trip back in time
• Best for art & culture fans: Italian cities of the Renaissance

Rough Guides tip: To better prepare for your trip to Florence, also read our guide to the best areas to stay in Florence.

1. Rome, Italy

At number one you voted Rome as the most beautiful city in the world. With its thousand-year-old buildings such as the Forum Romanum or the Colosseum, beautiful piazzas and world-class art – not to mention Vatican City – we are certainly not surprised. Rome, after all, is the capital of Italy, the so-called bel paese, or "beautiful country" - not surprising a top spot among the most beautiful countries in the world. With so much to see and do, check here for the best things to do in Rome, and the best places to explore the city off the beaten path - but also the best pizza in Rome and for dessert the best gelato (ice cream).

Where to stay

• Best for romance on a budget: Navona Loft
• Best for location to attractions: Hotel Quirinale
• Check out our area guide to the best places to stay in Rome

What to do

• Best for foodies: Rome street food tour
• Best for exploring: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-line tickets

Tailor-made trips

• Best for a weekend getaway: Eternal Rome
• Best for exploring the South: Rome, Naples, Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast