The 100 Best Cities In The World To Visit: Cities 51-75
Our journey through the world's most exceptional urban destinations continues with cities ranked 51-75. Each offers distinct experiences, cultural richness, and unique attractions that earn it a place among the world's finest cities to visit.
51. Minneapolis, Minnesota 🗺️
Minneapolis combines Midwestern warmth with progressive values and exceptional cultural assets. The city embraces its natural setting with a chain of urban lakes and the Mississippi River flowing through its heart, creating an interconnected park system that encourages year-round outdoor recreation despite harsh winters. Minneapolis boasts impressive cultural institutions including the renowned Walker Art Center with its adjacent sculpture garden (home to the iconic "Spoonbridge and Cherry"), the Guthrie Theater's architectural marvel, and the comprehensive Minneapolis Institute of Art. The city's thriving music scene that launched Prince continues through diverse venues from First Avenue to the Dakota Jazz Club. Minneapolis constantly reinvents itself, from the transformed Mill District highlighting the city's flour milling history to the vibrant North Loop neighborhood with trendy restaurants and boutiques housed in restored warehouses.
52. Ottawa, Canada 🗺️
Canada's capital balances stately government buildings with abundant natural beauty and multicultural vitality. The neo-Gothic Parliament buildings and ceremonial Changing of the Guard create appropriate gravitas, while the Rideau Canal cuts through downtown serving as a recreational centerpiece—transforming into the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink in winter. Ottawa houses exceptional national institutions including the National Gallery of Canada in its striking glass structure, the Canadian Museum of History's comprehensive Indigenous collections, and the distinctive Canadian War Museum. The vibrant ByWard Market area combines historic architecture with contemporary dining and shopping, while numerous festivals celebrate everything from tulips to winter activities. Ottawa's bilingual character reflects Canada's dual English and French heritage, while its diverse neighborhoods showcase global influences in this surprisingly dynamic capital city.
53. Austin, Texas 🗺️
Austin's unofficial motto "Keep Austin Weird" captures the creative, independent spirit that distinguishes Texas's capital from other Lone Star cities. The self-proclaimed "Live Music Capital of the World" boasts over 250 venues where musical traditions from blues and country to indie rock and Latin rhythms thrive nightly. The South by Southwest and Austin City Limits festivals have evolved into global cultural touchstones. Austin embraces outdoor living through its spring-fed Barton Springs Pool, Lady Bird Lake's hike-and-bike trail, and the remarkable Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony. The city's food scene extends beyond exceptional barbecue and Tex-Mex to innovative chef-driven restaurants and distinctive food truck enclaves. Austin's technology sector growth has accelerated development while adding to its youthful energy, creating constant tension between preserving character and embracing change in this rapidly evolving city.
54. Calgary, Alberta 🗺️
Calgary combines frontier spirit with cosmopolitan amenities against the dramatic backdrop of the Canadian Rockies visible from downtown's glass towers. The annual Calgary Stampede celebrates the region's western heritage through rodeo competitions, chuck wagon races, and citywide festivities that transform Canada's oil industry hub into a massive cowboy celebration. Calgary's elevated system of enclosed walkways (the "+15 Skyway") enables comfortable navigation during winter months, connecting shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. The distinctive Calgary Tower and the bow-shaped Wonderland sculpture provide architectural landmarks, while the reimagined East Village district highlights urban renewal efforts. The city serves as gateway to Banff National Park and world-class skiing in the nearby Rocky Mountains. Calgary's blend of outdoor adventure opportunities, cultural attractions, and economic prosperity creates an energetic urban environment in Alberta's largest city.
55. Dallas, Texas 🗺️
Dallas embodies Texas-scale ambition through its dramatic skyline, arts district, and entrepreneurial energy. The city's complex history comes alive at Dealey Plaza's Sixth Floor Museum examining President Kennedy's assassination, while Pioneer Plaza's cattle drive sculpture celebrates the region's ranching heritage. The Dallas Arts District stands as the nation's largest contiguous arts precinct, featuring facilities designed by architectural luminaries like Renzo Piano, Norman Foster, and I.M. Pei housing the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Meyerson Symphony Center. Sports culture thrives through passionate fan bases supporting the Cowboys, Mavericks, and Stars in world-class venues. Dallas neighborhoods range from historic Highland Park to trendy Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts districts where independent businesses flourish. The city's dining scene extends from iconic Tex-Mex and barbecue to innovative chef-driven restaurants reflecting the region's agricultural bounty and diverse cultural influences.
56. Brussels, Belgium 🗺️
Brussels balances its role as administrative capital of the European Union with historic charm and distinctly Belgian cultural traditions. The spectacular Grand Place with its ornate guild houses and Gothic town hall provides one of Europe's most magnificent central squares, especially when illuminated at night. Brussels embraces artistic heritage through museums dedicated to René Magritte's surrealism and the pioneering comic art tradition that produced Tintin and The Smurfs. Belgian culinary specialties elevate everyday items like waffles, frites, and beer to artisanal status, with chocolate shops, frituurs, and intimate cafes scattered throughout the city. The quirky Manneken Pis fountain reflects Belgian humor, while the imposing Atomium structure built for the 1958 World's Fair symbolizes the atomic age. Brussels' multicultural neighborhoods like Matonge showcase global influences in this compact capital where French and Flemish cultures converge.
57. Lisbon, Portugal 🗺️
Lisbon captivates visitors with its hilly topography, decorative tilework, and melancholic fado music drifting from neighborhood taverns. Built across seven hills overlooking the Tagus River, the city offers dramatic viewpoints from miradouros (lookout points) and the ancient São Jorge Castle. Historic trams navigate narrow streets past colorful buildings adorned with azulejo ceramic tiles that chronicle Portuguese history. The Belém district houses landmarks from Portugal's Age of Discovery including the ornate Jerónimos Monastery and distinctive Tower of Belém. Lisbon's culinary scene spans from traditional pastéis de nata custard tarts to contemporary restaurants reimagining Portuguese classics. The city's architectural layers reveal Roman foundations, Moorish influences, and Manueline extravagance alongside striking contemporary projects. Once overlooked compared to other European capitals, Lisbon's authenticity, affordability, and exceptional quality of light have fueled its renaissance as a creative and cultural destination.
58. Honolulu, Hawaii 🗺️
Honolulu blends urban sophistication with tropical paradise, where skyscrapers rise against volcanic backdrops and palm-fringed beaches. The city serves as gateway to Hawaii's multicultural heritage, with influences from native Hawaiian, Asian, and Western traditions creating a distinctive Pacific crossroads. Waikiki Beach remains the tourist heart with its crescent shoreline, oceanfront resorts, and Diamond Head crater view, while Pearl Harbor's somber memorials document pivotal World War II history. Beyond these famous sites, Honolulu offers distinct neighborhoods like Chinatown's revitalized arts district and Kakaako's murals and craft breweries. The city's culinary scene spans from traditional Hawaiian plate lunches to innovative Pacific Rim cuisine utilizing local produce, seafood, and tropical fruits. Cultural institutions like the Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace preserve Hawaiian royal history and indigenous traditions, while the year-round perfect weather enables outdoor activities from surfing to hiking accessible from this unique American metropolis.
59. Detroit, Michigan 🗺️
Detroit embodies American resilience through its ongoing renaissance after decades of industrial decline and population loss. The city's automotive heritage remains evident in the distinctive Renaissance Center skyline, the comprehensive Henry Ford Museum, and the annual Woodward Dream Cruise celebrating car culture. Detroit's musical contributions span multiple genres, from Motown's hitmaking factory (preserved at the Motown Museum) to the birth of techno and continuing jazz traditions. The Detroit Institute of Arts houses world-class collections including Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals celebrating the city's manufacturing might. Innovative urban renewal projects have transformed abandoned spaces into urban farms, art installations, and community gathering places. Detroit's food scene increasingly reflects its diverse communities, while distinctive neighborhoods from historic Indian Village to emerging Corktown show the city's architectural heritage and future potential as America's comeback city.
60. Kraków, Poland 🗺️
Kraków stands as Poland's cultural capital with its miraculously preserved medieval core and intellectual energy as a university city. The UNESCO-listed Old Town centers around Europe's largest market square (Rynek Główny), where the Renaissance Cloth Hall continues its trading tradition and St. Mary's Basilica's carved altarpiece represents Gothic artistic mastery. Wawel Castle's hilltop complex chronicles Poland's royal history, while the former Jewish quarter of Kazimierz has evolved from Holocaust devastation to vibrant cultural district. Kraków's thriving café culture and affordable excellence in classical music, theater, and art result from its status as Poland's traditional academic center. The city serves as emotional counterpoint to the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp memorial, where Poland's tragic wartime history is preserved. Despite increased tourism, Kraków maintains authentic Polish character through its milk bars serving traditional cuisine, distinctive festivals, and continued importance as a living city rather than museum piece.
61. Shanghai, China 🗺️
Shanghai embodies China's economic dynamism and international orientation, creating a futuristic metropolis with historical layers. The dramatic Pudong skyline including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower represents China's financial might, while the historic Bund promenade preserves European colonial architecture from Shanghai's early international trading era. The city's traditional side persists in the Yu Garden's classical Chinese design and atmospheric Old City lanes, while the tree-lined former French Concession offers boutique shopping and café culture in historic buildings. Shanghai's 24-hour energy reveals itself through vibrant nightlife districts, illuminated skyscrapers, and constant commercial activity. The city's comprehensive subway system enables exploration of diverse neighborhoods from artistic M50 complex in a former textile factory to the bustling Nanjing Road pedestrian shopping street. Shanghai's culinary excellence spans from street food xiaolongbao dumplings to refined Shanghainese cuisine and global dining options in China's most cosmopolitan city.
62. San Jose, California 🗺️
San Jose stands as the urban heart of Silicon Valley, where technological innovation shapes daily life and the urban landscape. The city's transformation from agricultural center to tech powerhouse becomes tangible at institutions like the Tech Interactive science center and the Computer History Museum documenting the digital revolution. Downtown San Jose offers cultural attractions including the San Jose Museum of Art, historic California Theatre, and the distinctive Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph. The sprawling Winchester Mystery House represents Victorian architectural eccentricity, while Japantown preserves cultural heritage as one of the nation's few remaining authentic Japanese American neighborhoods. The city's diversity manifests through vibrant Vietnamese, Mexican, and Portuguese communities contributing to a dynamic food scene. San Jose's Mediterranean climate and proximity to coastal mountains provide outdoor recreation opportunities, while its central position allows day trips to coastal Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, and Bay Area cities.
63. New Orleans, Louisiana 🗺️
New Orleans cultivates America's most distinctive urban culture through its unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. The historic French Quarter's wrought-iron balconies, hidden courtyards, and lively Jackson Square create an atmospheric center for exploration, while nearby Frenchmen Street offers authentic local music experiences. New Orleans' food culture ranks among America's most celebrated, from classic Creole dishes like gumbo and jambalaya to iconic beignets and po'boy sandwiches. The city's musical heritage birthed jazz and continues through brass bands, second line parades, and venues ranging from preservation hall to neighborhood bars. Beyond tourist areas, distinctive neighborhoods like the Garden District's oak-lined streets with ornate mansions and Bywater's colorful Creole cottages reveal different facets of the city. New Orleans embraces celebration through Mardi Gras traditions and countless festivals, while acknowledging its complex history including slavery and Hurricane Katrina at thoughtful museums and memorials in this resilient, soulful city.
64. Nashville, Tennessee 🗺️
Nashville fully embraces its "Music City" identity while evolving beyond country music into a multifaceted cultural and culinary destination. Historic venues like the Ryman Auditorium (original Grand Ole Opry home) and legendary recording studios on Music Row connect visitors to the city's songwriting heritage, while the Country Music Hall of Fame chronicles the genre's evolution. Live music pervades Nashville at all hours, from honky-tonks along Broadway to intimate songwriter showcases at the Bluebird Cafe and cutting-edge performances across diverse genres. The city's creative energy extends to visual arts in gallery districts and the distinctive Frist Art Museum in a repurposed Art Deco post office. Nashville's food scene has exploded beyond meat-and-three traditions to innovative chef-driven restaurants, while hot chicken remains its signature culinary creation. The city balances Southern hospitality with progressive development in neighborhoods like East Nashville and Germantown, creating a dynamic urban environment with strong community spirit.
65. Edmonton, Alberta 🗺️
Edmonton maximizes its northern setting through innovative indoor spaces and outdoor festivities that embrace all seasons. The North Saskatchewan River valley forms North America's largest urban park system with extensive recreational trails connecting neighborhoods. The West Edmonton Mall pioneered the shopping-entertainment concept as North America's largest mall, complete with indoor waterpark, amusement rides, and skating rink. Edmonton's thriving arts scene includes excellent theater companies, the distinctive Art Gallery of Alberta's twisted metal architecture, and the Royal Alberta Museum's comprehensive regional collections. The city hosts one of North America's oldest fringe theater festivals among numerous cultural celebrations throughout the year. Edmonton's recent downtown revitalization centered around the Rogers Place arena district has accelerated its urban evolution, while diverse neighborhoods like Old Strathcona offer historic character and independent businesses. The city's status as gateway to northern Canada and provincial capital creates a distinctive blend of frontier spirit and government stability.
66. Salt Lake City, Utah 🗺️
Salt Lake City's dramatic mountain-ringed basin setting creates a spectacular backdrop for Utah's capital, where Mormon heritage meets outdoor adventure culture. Temple Square stands as the spiritual center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with its distinctive temple, tabernacle, and visitor facilities explaining Mormon history. The city's wide streets and orderly grid pattern reflect its planned origin, while Capitol Hill offers panoramic views and impressive government buildings. Salt Lake City has evolved beyond its conservative reputation through vibrant neighborhoods like Sugar House and the 9th and 9th district featuring independent businesses, craft breweries, and progressive communities. The city serves as base camp for exceptional recreational opportunities, with world-class skiing at nearby resorts and five national parks within driving distance. Salt Lake City's hosting of the 2002 Winter Olympics accelerated development, while its thriving tech industry dubbed "Silicon Slopes" continues this transformation in this uniquely situated mountain metropolis.
67. Baltimore, Maryland 🗺️
Baltimore embraces its working-class roots and maritime heritage while cultivating artistic communities and neighborhood authenticity. The Inner Harbor transformation from industrial port to tourism center anchors downtown with the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, and historic ships including the USS Constellation. Beyond this polished area, Baltimore reveals itself through distinctive neighborhoods like Fell's Point's cobblestone streets and maritime history, Federal Hill's panoramic harbor views, or Hampden's quirky "Hon" culture celebrated in John Waters films. The city's cultural institutions include the comprehensive Baltimore Museum of Art with the world's largest Matisse collection and the Walters Art Museum's exceptional ancient to 19th-century holdings. Baltimore's culinary contributions include steamed blue crabs seasoned with Old Bay spice, pit beef sandwiches, and desserts like Berger cookies. The city has embraced its contradictions through the hit show "The Wire" while continuing revitalization efforts centered around its creative communities, historic architecture, and waterfront potential.
68. Bordeaux, France 🗺️
Bordeaux embodies elegant French provincial life through its exceptional 18th-century architecture, world-renowned wine culture, and gastronomic excellence. The city's UNESCO-listed center features harmonious limestone buildings along the sweeping waterfront Place de la Bourse with its reflecting pool, while pedestrianized shopping streets and lively public squares create a walker's paradise. Bordeaux's revolutionary wine museum La Cité du Vin offers interactive exploration of global wine culture in its distinctive curved building resembling wine swirling in a glass. The surrounding wine regions including Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Sauternes provide exceptional day trips combining historic châteaux, picturesque villages, and legendary vineyards. Bordeaux's tram system connects diverse neighborhoods from the bohemian Saint-Michel district with its massive flea market to the redeveloped Bassins à Flot docklands area. The city's remarkable urban renewal has transformed it from "Sleeping Beauty" to dynamic cultural center while maintaining its architectural harmony and relaxed lifestyle centered around food, wine, and community.
69. Gothenburg, Sweden 🗺️
Gothenburg represents Sweden's approachable second city, where shipbuilding heritage meets sustainable innovation and friendly café culture. The city's efficient tram network connects diverse areas from the historic Haga district with its wooden buildings and cobblestone streets to the massive post-industrial Lindholmen area now housing technology companies. Gothenburg's archipelago offers island escapes minutes from downtown, while the extensive park system includes the botanical garden and Slottsskogen with its zoo and open spaces. The distinctive Feskekôrka ("fish church") houses seafood vendors in a Gothic-inspired building, highlighting the importance of maritime connections in this major port city. Gothenburg's cultural institutions include the impressive Konstmuseum art collection, interactive science center Universeum, and distinctive Liseberg amusement park. The city embraces hygge-like coziness through its exceptional fika (coffee break) culture in countless cafés, while simultaneously developing sustainable urban solutions as one of Europe's greenest cities with pioneering environmental initiatives.
70. Cleveland, Ohio 🗺️
Cleveland exemplifies Rust Belt revival through cultural richness, architectural preservation, and renewed downtown energy. The city's exceptional museums include the comprehensive Cleveland Museum of Art with free admission to its world-class collection, the innovative Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in its distinctive I.M. Pei building, and the thought-provoking exhibits at the Great Lakes Science Center. Cleveland's performing arts thrive at Playhouse Square (the country's largest performing arts center outside New York) and through the renowned Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall. Historic West Side Market continues its century-old tradition offering diverse foods in a grand architectural space, while neighborhoods like Tremont and Ohio City foster independent restaurants, breweries, and shops in historic buildings. The city's industrial heritage remains visible along the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie shoreline, now complemented by recreational trails and entertainment districts. Cleveland's authentic character and affordability have nurtured creative communities generating ongoing renewal in this resilient Great Lakes city.
71. Valencia, Spain 🗺️
Valencia balances Spanish traditions with forward-looking design and Mediterranean lifestyle advantages. The city masterfully juxtaposes its medieval core featuring the Gothic Silk Exchange and ornate cathedral with Santiago Calatrava's futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex. Valencia's most ingenious urban planning converted the former Turia riverbed into a sinuous park connecting diverse neighborhoods with recreational spaces, gardens, and cultural facilities. The city's food culture centers around its creation of paella, with authentic versions featuring rabbit and snails rather than seafood, alongside vibrant market culture at the art nouveau Mercado Central. Valencia's annual Las Fallas festival transforms the city through elaborate sculptural installations ultimately burned in spectacular nighttime displays. The city offers beautiful beaches just minutes from downtown, while its pleasant climate enables year-round outdoor living. Valencia's authentic Spanish experience without Barcelona's crowds or Madrid's intensity creates an increasingly popular alternative combining livability with distinctive cultural identity.
72. Glasgow, Scotland 🗺️
Glasgow's industrial heritage and working-class character have evolved into cultural richness and design innovation in Scotland's largest city. The distinctive architectural legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh permeates the city through the Glasgow School of Art (currently being rebuilt after fire damage), The Lighthouse design center, and various tea rooms and buildings showcasing his Art Nouveau style. Glasgow's exceptional museums include the comprehensive Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum housing Salvador Dalí's "Christ of Saint John of the Cross," the engaging Riverside Museum of transport designed by Zaha Hadid, and the thought-provoking Gallery of Modern Art. The city's musical vitality spans from the acclaimed Scottish Opera and Royal Scottish National Orchestra to influential indie music scenes that launched bands from Simple Minds to Franz Ferdinand. Glasgow balances grand Victorian architecture along boulevards like Sauchiehall Street with authentic neighborhood pubs where conversation flows freely and traditional Celtic music sessions continue. The city's renewed self-confidence emerges through its contemporary art scene, innovative dining, and distinctive Glaswegian humor.
73. Doha, Qatar 🗺️
Doha represents extraordinary urban transformation from fishing village to global center through artistic vision and petroleum wealth. The city's spectacular skyline along the Corniche waterfront promenade showcases distinctive skyscrapers including the twisting Al Bidda Tower and spire-topped Burj Doha. Doha balances ultramodern development with cultural preservation through projects like the Museum of Islamic Art designed by I.M. Pei on its own artificial island and the National Museum of Qatar's desert rose-inspired structure by Jean Nouvel. Traditional life continues at the atmospheric Souq Waqif with its mud-rendered buildings housing spice vendors, craft shops, and restaurants, adjacent to the newly constructed Msheireb downtown district's sustainable urban design. Doha's Education City houses branches of elite international universities in architecturally distinctive buildings, while Katara Cultural Village provides performance venues, galleries, and restaurants celebrating both Qatari heritage and contemporary arts. The city's hosting of major sporting events including the 2022 FIFA World Cup has accelerated development while increasing its global visibility.
74. Warsaw, Poland 🗺️
Warsaw embodies remarkable resilience through its post-WWII reconstruction after near-total destruction, now evolving into a dynamic European capital. The meticulously recreated Old Town earned UNESCO recognition for its faithful reproduction of the historic center from paintings and architectural plans. Modern Warsaw contrasts communist-era structures like the Palace of Culture and Science with gleaming contemporary office towers reflecting Poland's successful post-communist transition. The city's complex history comes alive through thoughtful museums including the Warsaw Uprising Museum documenting the 1944 rebellion against Nazi occupation, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in its architecturally significant building, and the Chopin Museum celebrating Poland's most famous composer. Warsaw's green spaces provide relief from urban density, particularly the elegant Łazienki Park with its palace on the water and outdoor Chopin concerts during summer months. The city's thriving cultural scene includes exceptional classical music, theater, and film, while its affordability compared to Western European capitals has nurtured creative communities and entrepreneurship.
75. São Paulo, Brazil 🗺️
São Paulo overwhelms visitors with South America's largest metropolitan area—a sprawling concrete jungle revealing its treasures through neighborhood exploration and cultural depth. The city's economic might becomes visible along Avenida Paulista's canyon of skyscrapers housing financial institutions and luxury shopping, while cultural institutions like the distinctive São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) hovering above its plaza provide artistic counterpoint. São Paulo's multicultural heritage stems from significant Italian, Japanese, Lebanese, and other immigrant communities whose influences permeate the food scene from neighborhood pizzerias to sophisticated restaurants ranking among Latin America's best. The city's creative energy manifests through vibrant street art particularly in Batman Alley, world-class museums like Pinacoteca do Estado in a renovated historic building, and Latin America's largest gay pride celebration. São Paulo compensates for limited historic architecture with exceptional modern buildings by Brazilian architects Oscar Niemeyer and Paulo Mendes da Rocha, green spaces like Ibirapuera Park, and cultural experiences reflecting Brazil's diverse regional traditions in this dynamic megacity.
This article continues our series exploring the 100 best cities in the world to visit. Check out our first and second installments featuring cities ranked 1-25 and 26-50, and stay tuned for our final part covering cities 76-100!