For its 28th annual survey, the US magazine "Condé
Nast Traveler" asked its readers: What is the most beautiful city in the
world? Over 128,000 people sent in their answers. Eight of the top 10
cities are in Europe.
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10. London, England
As far as visitor numbers are concerned, London leaves all other cities
behind it. Over 17 million tourists come to the city on the river Thames
every year. They are attracted by fabulous museums and theaters, royal
glamour, modern architecture and fashionable shopping areas. |
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9. Kyoto, Japan
The former imperial capital is regarded as Japan's historical heart and
offers a myriad of palaces, abbeys, shrines, temples and Zen gardens.
Added to that, Kyoto's lively art scene, excellent food and impressive
landscapes make it a top travel destination. |
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8. Bruges, Belgium
A medieval jewel: cobble stoned roads, small brick houses nestled close
together, gothic churches and numerous canals that thread through the
city make Bruges one of Europe's most romantic destinations. |
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7. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague Castle is over a thousand years old and one of the world's
biggest castles. It visibly towers over the city on the river Vltava.
Below it there is a labyrinth of little alleyways in the old town center
where visitors can travel back in time to the Middle Ages. |
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6. Rome, Italy
The "eternal city" is some 3,000 years old and it proudly presents the
remnants of its long history: the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain, the
Spanish Steps and St. Peter's Basilica. But far from being a dusty
museum, the city is very lively indeed.
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5. Paris, France
Paris is the city of love, culture, museums and the French 'joie de
vivre' way of live. The Louvre, Centre Pompidou, Eiffel Tower, Arc de
Triomphe, Champs-Elysées, Notre-Dame, Sacré-Coeur, Versailles Palalce –
in Paris there is so much to see.
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4. Sydney, Australia
With its fantastic location on world's largest natural harbor and with
miles of white sanded beaches at its doorstep, Australia's second
biggest city is rich in nature. Add to this the attraction of exciting
architecture like Sydney's landmark opera house.
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3. Vienna, Austria
St. Stephen's Cathedral, Hofburg Palace, Prater Park and the Viennese
café culture – these are all part of the charm of Austria's capital
city. Here you can still experience the splendor and glamour of the old
imperial days. |
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2. Budapest, Hungary
Nearly all attractions are located along the banks of the Danube: the
famous Gellért spa hotel with its thermal baths, the main building of
the university, castle hill with Buda Castle or the Hungarian Parliament
building. Its beauty has earned Budapest the name "Queen of the Danube".
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1. Florence, Italy
The world most beautiful city is Italian: Florence, capital city of
Tuscany. Undeniably packed with a wealth of museums, palaces and sights,
Florence was also the birthplace of the Renaissance art movement, and
artists like Leonardo da Vinci and many others have left their mark on
the city. |
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