Just reading about these world-famous cities is enough to make you want to 'pack your bags and go.'
Explore 30 iconic cities worth adding to your upcoming travel plans.
While there's no place like home, there are undeniable temptations that can pull us away from that feeling. A picture, a story about a distant place—these can easily ignite your desire to explore. Here are 30 famous cities around the world; just reading about them will make you want to 'pack your bags and go' immediately.
Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is a city brimming with vitality and vibrant colors. Strolling through the Medina, surrounded by souvenir stalls, delicious food, and friendly locals, will leave you delighted.
Ciyouphan, Taiwan
Juifen (Ciyouphan), a charming village located in the Ruifang district on the outskirts of Taipei, is renowned for its distinctive streets, breathtaking sea views, and iconic red lanterns lining the streets. Particularly, the Shuqi Road here is believed to be the inspiration behind the famous Japanese animated film 'Spirit Away'.
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena truly embodies a city of love and romance. Narrow winding alleys weaving through squares and churches adorned with spring flowers create a scene reminiscent of romantic fairy tales.
Havana, Cuba

The streets of Havana are filled with contrasts, yet, when coexisting, they truly harmonize. Colorful youthful houses paired with vintage cars on the road leading to the sun-drenched beach form a perfect cityscape.
Santorini, Greece
The azure domes, gleaming white walls, and shimmering paths along the edge of the deep blue ocean are everyday sights in Santorini, Greece. Every corner in this place is as picturesque as a painting, making Santorini a highly favored destination for travelers.
Paris, France
A visit to Paris is incomplete without exploring Montmartre, a gathering place for many famous artists. Considered one of the most beautiful areas in Paris, it charms with cobblestone streets, lively squares, and colorful awnings.
Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, is known for its lush green gardens and ancient shrines. Higashiyama, one of the districts that has hardly changed since ancient times, features pedestrian-only paths and traditional Japanese inns known as ryokan.
Umbria, Italy
Known as the green heart of Italy, Umbria is distinctive for its lack of coastline or border with other countries. Easily captivating nature lovers with hilltop towns from medieval times and lush green forests. Particularly, the wines here can satisfy even the most discerning connoisseurs.
Belize, Central America
Despite a relatively high crime rate, Belize is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and colorful historic houses.
Alacati, Turkey

The whitewashed houses, winding streets along the vast ocean, turn this place into one of the most enchanting spots in Turkey. The art galleries, shops, and houses with turquoise-accented doors along the narrow streets add to the serenity of this place.
Putuo, China
Putuo is an exceptionally picturesque city situated in the southeast of Jiangsu Province, China. Despite the influence of modernization, the city retains its ancient charm with traditional roofs, gardens, serene canals, and peaceful temples.
Barcelona, Spain
No need to visit art museums to appreciate masterpieces. Just come to Barcelona and immerse yourself in its famous, elegant, and unique streets and buildings.
Oxford, England

It's no coincidence that Oxford is called the 'city of dreaming spires.' With one of the world's renowned universities, the streets of Oxford showcase the distinctive architecture of England, brimming with unforgettable antiquity.
Jaisalmer, India
Known as the 'golden city' of India, Jaisalmer is famous for its architecture crafted from golden sandstone and bustling vibrant markets. It's home to the Sonar Fort, an unmissable destination for tourists.
Bangkok, Thailand
This renowned capital is always lively, especially in the historic Soi Rambutri district. When the city lights up, street food stalls buzz with activity, serving both locals and tourists.
Bahia, Brazil
Bahia is a blend of African and Portuguese influences. Most famous are the colorful historic buildings and cobblestone streets in Pelourinho, a renowned historical center in Salvador.
Alexandria, Egypt

Known as a Mediterranean port city in Egypt, Alexandria is famous for its tree-lined streets, historic cafes, and ancient Greek lighthouse – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Hamilton, Bermuda
Famous for its exclusivity, Bermuda is also renowned for its capital, Hamilton. The city boasts colorful historic houses juxtaposed with upscale, modern shops lining the Front Street harbor, creating a unique style.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
In Amsterdam, you must visit Reguliersgracht, a central canal with a famously picturesque view. Additionally, the cafes along the historic streets are a magnet for tourists.
Sousse, Tunisia

Sousse is known as the 'jewel of Sahel.' This UNESCO-recognized medieval city is famous for its vibrant walls, stone-paved streets, and stunning beaches.
Budapest, Hungary
With a manageable size, you can explore the entire city on foot. Budapest's ancient churches, castles, and beautiful bridges propelled it to the top of the list of the most beautiful cities in Europe in 2017.
Brooklyn, New York
When people think of New York, they often envision the famous hustle and bustle of Manhattan. However, Brooklyn, with its tree-lined green stone streets, is known for its very own poetic charm.
Table Mountain, South Africa
Table Mountain is the most famous flat-topped peak in South Africa, surrounded by an unbelievably lush indigenous forest. Visitors can choose to hike to the summit or use the cable car.
Lindau, Germany

Situated on an island between the borders of Germany and Switzerland, Lindau is a historical center that seems to step out of fairy tales, with colorful houses lining cobblestone streets.
Évora, Portugal
Located in the heart of the Alentejo region, Évora is a charming medieval town in Portugal. Its history is so well-preserved that UNESCO even calls Évora a 'museum city.' Here, visitors can explore museums and admire unique monuments.
Harar, Ethiopia
Harar is a sacred city located in the east of Ethiopia. Surrounded by ancient walls, it resembles a colorful labyrinth. Harar attracts tourists with the unique blend of traditional Harari houses and modern wooden structures.
Outback, Australia
The 'Outback' is a common name for the arid land in Australia. Despite its harsh conditions, this area captivates tourists with vast landscapes and diverse wilderness.
St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg is the second-largest city in Russia, only after the capital, Moscow. Considered the cultural center of Russia, the city is famous for artistic streets and squares like Nevsky Prospekt, Troitskaya Ploshchad, and the Palace Square.
Québec, Canada
In Québec, especially during winter, you'll feel like you've entered a fairyland, with cobblestone streets, ancient churches, towering castles glittering under the twinkling lights in a landscape blanketed with pristine white snow—a truly unforgettable experience for travelers.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dating back to the 13th century and chosen as the setting for the famous TV series 'Game of Thrones,' Dubrovnik is a historic city. Situated along the azure waters of the Adriatic Sea, it's also home to Stari Grad, one of the oldest towns in Europe with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
By Theo Tien Quang/Ngoi Sao
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourMay 4, 2018