Whether you’re a casual traveler or consider yourself a hodophile—somebody who likes to travel—you might consider the beautiful places and scenic spots listed below as inspiration for your next trip. It would be almost impossible to rank these spectacular locations objectively, so we’ll list them in alphabetical order by country. Grab your virtual boarding pass and buckle up: We’re about to explore the 60 most beautiful places in the world to visit!
60 Most Beautiful Places in the World
1. Berat, Albania
This beautiful city is known as “The City of a Thousand Windows” because of the gorgeous hillside houses adorning the scenery. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Berat has a fabulous blend of natural and man-made beauty.
2. Ahaggar National Park, Algeria
These spectacular rock formations are located south of Algiers in an untouched part of Algeria. The area is rich with history like ancient engravings and paintings, as well as flora and fauna that have been flourishing since the area became a national park in 1987.
3. Miradouro da Lua, Angola
This formation is located near the capital city of Luanda, which is famed for being a cultural crossroads known as “the Paris of Africa." Miradouro da Lua literally means “viewpoint of the moon” in Portuguese, and it’s easy to see why.
4. Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
Found in the Andes of Argentina, this area of magnificent beauty was dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. Mount Fitz Roy can be found here, and mountain climbers often take refuge in the small village of El Chaltén.
5. Hayravank Monastery, Armenia
Although much less famous than the monastery in Sevanavank, Armenia, Hayravank Monastery is a much more relaxing and interesting place to visit, thanks in part to fewer tourists. Located on the shores of Lake Sevan, this ancient piece of history has an unforgettable view.
6. Bridgetown, Barbados
The sapphire waters of the capital of Barbados are just one part of this city that will capture your attention. The vibrant colonial architecture and downtown area are some of the reasons that Bridgetown and its Garrison are one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.
7. Great Blue Hole, Belize
This striking salt water sinkhole, 400 feet deep, can be found off the coast of Belize. Surrounded by vibrant light-colored water, the dark blue hues of the sinkhole are as mesmerizing as they are beautiful.
8. Iguazu Falls, Brazil
Imagine the mist from these waters filling your nostrils as you step out onto the footbridge above the falls. With almost 300 individual waterfalls here, it comes as no surprise that these are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
9. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Angkor Wat has got to be one of the most spectacular temples in the world. Although they’ve been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992, these structures were actually “rediscovered” by French explorer Henri Mouhot in the 1840s, who said that the site was “grander than anything left to us by Greece or Rome.”
10. Banff National Park, Canada
Imagine unzipping your tent to this view! Moraine Lake in Canada has got to be one of the most beautiful spots you could ever dream of setting up camp.
11. Torres del Paine, Chile
If it’s cheating to include two spots in Patagonia on this list (the other being in Argentina), then call me a cheater! The natural beauty of these mountains and lakes is just too irresistible to ignore.
12. Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
Imagine walking in the treetops across an entire forest! The condensation comes from the dense trees, and the area is filled with beautiful fauna and flora.
13. Old Havana, Cuba
The very definition of living history, here you will find neoclassical architecture and streets lined with vintage cars straight out of a movie.
14. Copenhagen, Denmark
The Nyhavn area of Copenhagen has got to be one of the most picturesque parts of the world in terms of its architecture. Colorful houses planted shoulder to shoulder above a waterway lined with old-fashioned boats—what more could you ask for?
15. The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
This is one of the seven wonders of the world, and for good reason! The scale of the pyramid, which has stood for over 4,000 years, is totally mind-bending. The tops of the pyramids used to be topped with white marble and gold leaf to reflect the sun’s rays, though this was eroded long ago.
16. The Simien Mountains, Ethiopia
The beauty of the Simien Mountains is enhanced by the vast array of animal species found there. When the sun falls onto the slopes of these mountains, it casts a golden glow onto everything for miles around.
17. Dravuni Island, Fiji
It doesn’t get more tropical paradise-esque than this. Emerald waters and fine white sand make this the ideal place to lay down a towel and relax. The whole island is less than one square mile and has no WiFi, restaurants, or ATMs.
18. Rovaniemi, Finland
The Northern Lights appear in the skies above the city of Rovaniemi up to 150 times a year, which is why many people claim this to be the best place in the world to see the Aurora Borealis.
19. Mont-Saint-Michel, France
A tidal commune that seemingly sprouts straight out of the sea, Mont-Saint-Michel is surely one of the most magical places in the world. If you find yourself there, make sure to bring your cape and your wand, because this is where parts of Harry Potter were filmed!
20. Ushguli, Georgia
This is one of Europe’s highest-altitude settlements at a dizzying 7,000 feet. You’d be forgiven for forgetting about Georgia when considering the most beautiful places in the world, but it is a veritable hidden gem in the Greater Caucasus Mountains!
21. Bastei Bridge, Germany
This is the Bastei Bridge over the River Elbe in Germany. It’s hard to believe that this can be found a stone’s throw from Dresden—just 35 minutes!
22. Santorini, Greece
It’s hard not to think of Santorini’s whitewashed, cubiform houses when talking about Greece. It’s easy to understand why this is one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations. Imagine the ambiance on a mild summer evening.
23. Budapest, Hungary
Pictured here is the elven-looking Fisherman’s Bastion on the Buda side of the Danube river. This is arguably one of the most picturesque man-made structures in the entire world, and is nestled among plenty of other fantastic attractions in Budapest.
24. Seljalandsfoss, Iceland
Take a trip behind one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls, and feel the frigid mist of Seljalandsfoss land on your face. If you’re ever driving around Iceland’s famous ring road, this is a must-do stop!
25. Bodh Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple, India
It is difficult to comprehend the gargantuan scale of this awe-inspiring statue found in the Indian state of Bihar. Standing at 80 feet tall, the statue required 120,000 masons. This is said to be the center of the Buddhist world, as it is the site of the Buddha’s enlightenment.
26. Skellig Michael, Ireland
If these huts look familiar, it’s because they featured in the filming of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Fun fact: the island is teeming with puffins, which served to be the inspiration for the adorable Porgs in the film!
27. Bosa, Italy
A serene old town on the lesser-known west coast of Sardinia, Bosa features narrow cobbled streets that buzz with the sounds of traditional Sardinian singing. The aromas of the winemaking process spill up to the canopy of roof terraces high above the road.
28. Lake Kawaguchiko, Japan
Surround yourself with the red maple trees lining this beautiful body of water, and take in the view of the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance.
29. Petra, Jordan
Channel your inner Indiana Jones in the beating yet beautiful sun of the Jordanian summertime, and explore the ruins of an ancient city lost to time.
30. Almaty, Kazakhstan
Gaze upon this almost cartoonishly turquoise lake near the city of Almaty in the fascinating Central Asian country of Kazakhstan.
31. Tian Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan
Immerse yourself in the culture of this beautiful country by staying in a traditional yurt next to Song-Kol lake high in the Tian Shan mountains. There will be horses galloping across the plains while you listen to traditional Kyrgz music played on the komuz.
32. Bsharri, Lebanon
When you think of skiing, your mind first goes to Switzerland or Aspen. In fact, Lebanon might be one of the last places you’d think of. However, it just so happens that Lebanon is home to a number of ski resorts, including this one near the beautiful village of Bsharri.
33. Vaduz Castle, Liechtenstein
Precariously perched on a rocky hill far above the capital of Liechtenstein, Vaduz Castle is the home of the Prince of Liechtenstein. Though it looks like something out of a movie, we assure you that this is completely real, and has stood on that site since the 12th century!
34. Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Check out the capital of this tiny European nation. With fabulous bridges like the one pictured, and gorgeous architecture typical of the country, Luxembourg City is a uniquely beautiful place to visit.
35. Valletta, Malta
Discover the capital of the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta. A melting pot of Roman, Moorish, French and British influences, Malta is a beautiful place with sun, sea and sand.
36. Ik Kil Cenote, Mexico
Dare to explore beyond the bustling holiday resorts of Mexico, and plunge yourself into this peacefully mesmerizing swimming hole in the Yucatán Peninsula.
37. Stone Forest, China
In Yunnan Province, you’ll find a forest unlike any other. It’s called the Stone Forest and is made up of giant limestone formations in various shapes that was formed more than 270 million years ago. It covers 180 square miles and includes waterfalls, natural bridges, river caves and more.
38. Tsonjin Boldog, Mongolia
Located 34 miles from Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar, this enormous 130ft tall statue of Genghis Khan towers over everything else as far as the eye can see. Constructed out of stainless steel, this behemoth catches the sun’s rays in such a way as to bring the statue to life!
39. Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco
Imagine a clay city sprouting out of the sand on the far edge of the Sahara desert, and that is exactly what you will find at Ait Ben Haddou. This amazing feat of engineering was built in medieval times, and has featured in the filming of a number of films including Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.
40. Bagan, Myanmar
Float gracefully above the old city of Bagan in a hot air balloon, and take in the views of the mystical pagodas and the scenic landscapes. This is an adventure not to be missed.
41. Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
Visit the world’s oldest desert, the Namib, and gaze upon the beautiful sand dunes that have been here for at least 55 million years. Exodus Travels offers private tours that are one of the best ways to view this far-off destination, since you’ll also get to meet the local tribe that calls this desert home.
42. Mt Annapurna, Nepal
Allow yourself to feel dwarfed by the dizzying heights of the Annapurna mountain range in Nepal. The vibrant colors of the prayer flags found in this area of the world enhance the awe-inspiring natural beauty of some of the most dangerous and beautiful mountains in the world.
43. Giethoorn, The Netherlands
Sometimes known as the “Venice of the Netherlands” for its many canals, Giethoorn is a quaint Dutch village with traditional thatched-roof houses and beautiful flowers.
44. Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand
This view of Lake Wakatipu can be seen from the gondola above Queenstown in the amazing country of New Zealand. It’s easy to see why Peter Jackson picked New Zealand as the location for the filming of Lord of the Rings!
45. Korab Mountains, North Macedonia
These striking mountains can be found in North Macedonia near the border with Albania. Take a dip in the blue waters of this river near the village of Zuznje.
46. Pulpit Rock, Norway
This photo hardly does justice to the scale of this soaring cliff found in Norway. Imagine a day’s hike to see this vista, and a cozy evening with the Aurora Borealis overhead.
47. Muscat, Oman
The sun gently warming the bright white buildings of Muscat in the evening is truly a sight to behold. The sweet aromas of dates and coffee wafting from the souks fill your nose as you stroll down the quiet streets.
48. Malakal Island, Palau
You would be forgiven for not knowing about the tiny country of Palau in Oceania. With just over 18,000 residents, the islands of Palau are a paradise surrounded by crystal-blue waters and vibrant vegetation.
49. Rainbow Mountain, Peru
Of course, you’ve heard of Macchu Picchu, but have you ever seen the multicolored slopes of Rainbow Mountain in Peru? This mountain is made up of 14 minerals which provide a variety of colors on display here.
50. Laguna Verde, Bolivia
With its blue-green water, this enchanting lagoon is a must-see in Altiplano, Bolivia. It’s located 4,200 meters above sea level and will take your take your breath away thanks to its stunning landscape, which includes towering mountains and the Licancabur volcano.
51. Constantia, South Africa
Constantia is a suburb of Cape Town, South Africa, and is a major producer of South African wine. If you’re a fan of South African Sauvignon, there’s a chance you’ve even had a bottle from this very vineyard!
52. Tossa de Mar, Spain
The wonderful waters of this bay on the Spanish Costa Brava attract people from far and wide, and for good reason! Overlooked by an old medieval fortress, the vistas around the town are worth seeing even before you set foot on its cobbled streets.
53. Zermatt, Switzerland
High up in the lofty Swiss alps can be found the picturesque town of Zermatt. Overlooked by one of the world’s most iconic mountains, the Matterhorn, Zermatt is truly a treat for the eyes.
54. Iskanderkul Lake, Tajikistan
The towering columns of rock found in the Fann Mountains of Tajikistan make great company for the bright waters of Iskanderkul lake. The turquoise water is a result of glacial melting elsewhere in this mountainous part of Central Asia.
55. Khao Sok National Park, Thailand
No, this photo has not been taken from James Cameron’s Avatar! It is Khao Sok National Park in Thailand. You’ll never get closer to being on Pandora than when taking a gentle boat ride in this gorgeous part of Thailand.
56. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Not many people will ever get the chance to visit this secretive Central Asian country, but if you do, chances are you’ll be visiting the hyper-modern capital of Ashgabat. Pictured here is not a lavish temple, but a shopping mall!
57. St Andrews, Scotland
This tiny seaside town on the East coast of Scotland is shared between a large number of college students and a yearly pilgrimage of golfers who flock to the many competitions held here. Not only are the sunsets here famous for their beauty, but it is even possible to see the Northern Lights when the conditions are just right!
58. Olympic Mountains, United States
It doesn’t get more Pacific Northwest than a view of the Olympic Mountains of Washington with some gorgeous woodland beneath them. The natural beauty here is as jaw-dropping as it is rainy. Make sure you pack a raincoat!
59. Bukhara, Uzbekistan
The fifth-largest city in Uzbekistan is known for its beautiful mosaics and mosques, such as the one pictured here. A country that is at a cultural crossroads between the Muslim world and Asia, this is truly a melting pot of amazing architecture and curious culture.
60. Old City of Sana’a, Yemen
This part of Sana’a has been inhabited for over 2,500 years, resulting in its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The surviving white window frames of the buildings here are especially striking in a country that has been so ravaged by war. The minarets of Al Saleh Mosque stand above the city in a breathtakingly beautiful man Check out…Best Honeymoon DestinationsBest Beach VacationsVacation Instagram Captions
