According to a recent study by the British online Mortgage Advisor, most of the most beautiful cities in the world are in Europe. Nine of the top 10 places are European destinations. The ranking is based on the number of buildings that conform to the “golden ratio”. This mathematical principle has long been used in architecture to create balanced, harmonious structures.
Venice named the most beautiful city in the world
Topping the list is Venice in Italy, whose buildings conform to the Golden Ratio at an impressive 83%. The city’s winding canals and eclectic architecture have long captivated visitors, and this ranking provides scientific backing for its aesthetic appeal. Rome follows closely behind, scoring 82% on the Golden Ratio scale.
The mix of ancient and modern architecture secured the Italian capital’s place as the most beautiful European capital. Barcelona in Spain comes in third place, contributing to the high score with its Gothic and modernist architecture. The famous works of Antoni Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, probably played a significant role in the high ranking.
Interestingly, New York City is the only non-European representative in the top 10, securing fifth place. The city’s iconic skyline, which features a mix of historic and contemporary skyscrapers, likely contributed to its high ranking. New York’s inclusion highlights the universal appeal of well-designed urban spaces, regardless of geographical location.
Surprising omissions and inclusions
Noticeably absent from the top 10 is Paris, often considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Despite its iconic buildings such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, Paris only managed to come in 12th. Bordeaux, on the other hand, surprised everyone by coming in ninth. Bordeaux is best known for its surrounding vineyards, and its impressive architecture, including the modern Cité du Vin museum and the classic Grand Théâtre, helped the city to make the top 10.
The complete list
Here is an overview of the ten most beautiful cities, determined by the study of Online Mortgage Advisor.
- Venice, Italy
- Rome, Italy
- Barcelona, Spain
- Prague, Czech Republic
- New York, United States
- Athens, Greece
- Budapest, Hungary
- Vienna, Austria
- Bordeaux, France
- Milan, Italy
