The Most Beautiful Capital City in the World, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the capital city you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on Apr 19, 2024 06:21

Consider the joy of strolling through a city where cultural treasures and architectural wonders meet. The most beautiful capital city is not just about aesthetics—it's about the feeling it evokes and its place in the hearts of those who visit or dream of visiting. Ranking these cities can inspire travel plans and deepen appreciation for global heritage. By casting your vote, you help shape a collective perspective on beauty and significance. This dynamic listing not only guides curious travelers but also highlights the unique qualities that make a capital city stand out. Your participation brings personal insights into a broader conversation, enriching the way we view our world's cities.

What Is the Most Beautiful Capital City in the World?

1

67
votes
Paris, France

The City of Love, Paris is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. It is also famous for its beautiful architecture, charming cafes, and romantic atmosphere.
Paris, France is known for its romantic atmosphere, stunning architecture, and rich history. It is located in northern France, on the banks of the Seine River. The city is home to numerous iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Palace of Versailles.

Population: 2.1 million (city), 12.28 million (metropolitan area)

Language Spoken: French

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Climate: Temperate Oceanic

Famous Landmarks: Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge, Versailles Palace, Arc de Triomphe, Sacred Heart Basilica
Paris, France in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful city in the world
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful city at night
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful cities in Europe
- Position 6 of 10 in Most fun place on Earth
2

33
votes
Morio · CC BY-SA 3.0

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a city of contrasts, where modern skyscrapers and ancient temples coexist. It is known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and beautiful parks. The city is also famous for its cherry blossom season, which attracts millions of visitors every year.
Tokyo, Japan is a vibrant and bustling capital city known for its blend of modernity and traditional charm. With a rich cultural heritage, stunning architectural wonders, and a never-ending array of entertainment options, Tokyo captivates visitors with its unique and dynamic atmosphere.

Population: Approximately 14 million people

Area: 2,187 square kilometers

Language: Japanese

Climate: Humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters

Landmarks: Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace
Tokyo, Japan in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful capital in Asia
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful city at night
3

30
votes
Andrzej Otrębski · CC BY-SA 4.0

Vienna, Austria

Roman Empire

Vienna is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and cultural attractions. The city is home to numerous museums, art galleries, and music venues, and is famous for its coffee culture and delicious pastries.
Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. It is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The city has earned the nickname 'City of Music' due to its classical music heritage and being home to renowned composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss.

Population: 1.9 million

Area: 414.65 km²

Language: German

Currency: Euro

Climate: temperate continental
Vienna, Austria in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most comfortable city
- Position 6 of 10 in Most beautiful cities in Europe
4

25
votes
Rome, Italy

Ancient Romans

Rome is known as the Eternal City, and is filled with ancient ruins, beautiful churches, and world-famous museums. It is also famous for its delicious food, charming piazzas, and beautiful fountains.
Rome, Italy, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world. Known as the 'Eternal City,' Rome is a captivating blend of ancient history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Its rich heritage, artistic treasures, and exquisite landscapes make it a top destination for travelers from around the globe.

Population: Approximately 2.8 million

Area: 1,285 square kilometers

Architecture: A mix of Ancient Roman, Renaissance, and Baroque styles

Landmarks: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica, Trevi Fountain

Cuisine: Home to delicious Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, gelato
Rome, Italy in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most difficult city to drive in
- Position 10 of 10 in Most beautiful city at night
5

22
votes
Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a city of thermal baths, stunning bridges, and beautiful architecture. It is a cultural hub, with numerous museums, art galleries, and music venues. The city is also famous for its delicious food, including goulash and chimney cake.
Budapest, Hungary is a stunning city that is often referred to as the "Paris of the East". It is situated on the banks of the Danube River and is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, thermal baths, and vibrant nightlife.

Population: 1.7 million

Area: 525.2 km²

Official language: Hungarian

Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)

Famous landmarks: Fisherman's Bastion, Buda Castle, Parliament Building, Chain Bridge, St. Stephen's Basilica, Hungarian State Opera House, Heroes' Square, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Matthias Church, Vajdahunyad Castle
Budapest, Hungary in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful city at night
- Position 9 of 10 in Most beautiful cities in Europe
6

20
votes
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is known for its beautiful canals, charming architecture, and vibrant culture. It is a city of art and history, with numerous museums and galleries, and is famous for its cycling culture and delicious stroopwafels.
Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands. It is known for its canals, tulip fields, and historic architecture. The city is home to many museums, including the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Anne Frank House.

Population: 872,680

Area: 219.4 square kilometers

Language: Dutch

Currency: Euro

Time zone: UTC+1 (CET)
Amsterdam, Netherlands in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful cities in Europe
7

0
votes
London, United Kingdom

London is a city of history, culture, and excitement. It is home to world-famous landmarks such as Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace. The city is also famous for its museums, art galleries, and theater, as well as its delicious fish and chips.
London, United Kingdom is a vibrant and diverse capital city known for its rich history and stunning architecture. It offers a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, making it one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world.

Population: Approximately 8.9 million

Area: 1,572 square kilometers

River: Thames

Landmarks: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, London Eye

Parks: Hyde Park, Regent's Park, St. James's Park
8

8
votes

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is a city of art, culture, and history. It is home to numerous museums and art galleries, as well as beautiful parks and gardens. The city is also famous for its delicious food, including paella and churros.
9

8
votes
Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is a city of natural wonders, with stunning landscapes and beautiful scenery. It is a city of art and culture, with numerous museums and galleries, and is famous for its geothermal pools and delicious seafood.
Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is a charming and picturesque destination known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and architectural marvels. Situated on the coast of the North Atlantic Ocean, Reykjavik offers a unique combination of urban sophistication and untouched wilderness.

Population: 130,976

Area: 273.5 square kilometers

Language: Icelandic

Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)

Climate: Subarctic maritime
10

6
votes
Larske · CC BY-SA 4.0

Stockholm, Sweden

Birger Jarl

Stockholm is a city of islands, with beautiful scenic views and charming architecture. It is a city of art and culture, with numerous museums and galleries, and is famous for its delicious seafood and cinnamon buns.
Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden, is a breathtakingly beautiful city spread across 14 islands connected by 57 bridges. Known for its stunning architecture, picturesque landscapes, and rich history, Stockholm is often considered one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world.

Population: Over 900,000

Area: 188 square kilometers

Geography: Spread across 14 islands

Bridges: Connected by 57 bridges

Waterways: Surrounded by Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea

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Ranking factors for beautiful capital city

Architecture

The presence of historic and iconic buildings, urban design, and the overall aesthetic appeal of the city's architecture.
Natural beauty

Availability of green spaces, parks, gardens, water bodies, and overall natural elements that enhance the beauty of the city.
Cleanliness

Clean streets, public spaces, and a general sense of hygiene and maintenance in the city.
Cultural heritage

Presence of historical sites, museums, art galleries, and cultural landmarks that showcase the city's history and cultural richness.
City planning

Well-planned streets, efficient transportation systems, and overall infrastructure of the city.
Safety

Low crime rates, presence of police, and overall sense of security in the city.
Climate

Pleasant weather conditions, ideally a moderate climate with comfortable temperatures throughout the year.
Vibrancy and atmosphere

A lively city with a good mix of people, cultures, events, and overall energy.
Nightlife and entertainment

Variety of options for nightlife and entertainment, such as restaurants, bars, clubs, theaters, and other venues.
Walkability

The ease and safety of exploring the city by foot, with well-maintained sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly streets, and a compact urban layout.
Sustainability

Efforts made by the city to be environmentally friendly, such as implementing green initiatives, promoting public transportation, and maintaining low pollution levels.
Waterfronts and views

Beautiful waterfront areas and scenic viewpoints that showcase the city's skyline and surrounding natural beauty.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful capital city in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Capital is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2710 views
209 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Capital once every 24 hours. The rank of each Capital is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful capital city in the world

Capital cities are often the beating heart of a country, representing its history, culture, and identity. From the bustling streets of New Delhi to the grand boulevards of Paris, the world is full of stunning capital cities that are as diverse as they are beautiful. But which city stands out as the most breathtaking of them all? This is a question that has sparked countless debates and discussions, with people from all over the globe weighing in on their personal favorites. At StrawPoll, we've gathered opinions and votes from our community to determine which capital city truly reigns supreme when it comes to beauty.