Researchers crown the ‘most attractive’ city in the world - and it’s not Paris or Sydney
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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder as they say, but according to new research, these cities are the most attractive in the world.
The team at travel and tourism research institute Yanolja Research recently compared more than 200 cities around the globe, collecting “mentions and emotional responses that tourists voluntarily posted online” for each.
They then analysed these responses using AI-based natural language processing technologies to come up with a list of the most beautiful spots to visit (Sydney did get a mention but not until number 41). Here are the top 10.
10. Dubai, UAE
Kicking off the top 10 is Dubai, thanks to its futuristic architecture, record-breaking structures like the Burj Khalifa, and massive man-made marvels like the Palm Jumeirah. The city blends ultra-modern design, luxury, and clean coastal views into a grand urban landscape. Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty Images
9. Bangkok, Thailand
Ninth place goes to Thailand’s capital Bangkok, boasting old-style royal palaces, and bright river views along the Chao Phraya River. iStock
8. Okinawa, Japan
In eighth place for its beauty, Okinawa is also a hotspot for budget-seekers. With its warm, subtropical climate and its long sandy beaches which meet the turquoise water, the island is a far cry from the country’s ski fields and bustling cities. Getty
7. Rome, Italy
This ancient European city’s buildings glow in shades of soft gold, orange and the cobblestone alleys reveal tiny hidden cafés and quiet squares. Getty Images
6. London, UK
To some London might seem cold and dreary, but the city does an excellent job of mixing old history with modern style, featuring famous landmarks like Tower Bridge alongside glass skyscrapers. iStock
5. Paris, France
Heading into the top five and another European icon gets a mention with Paris coming in fifth spot. With its twinkling tower, architecture and iconic streets it was bound to rank high. iStock
4. Seoul, South Korea
A dramatic mountain backdrop, rivers, cherry blossoms, and traditional villages with a history that spans hundreds of years are just some of the things that have Seoul firmly among the most beautiful cities in the world. iStock
3. New York, USA
Despite being home to hundreds of skyscrapers and landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge, New York was called out for “beauty and natural scenery, experiential content, and hospitality.” Central Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden are among the highlights there. Getty
2. Kyoto, Japan
In second place was another Japanese gem with Kyoto only narrowly missing the top spot. The city’s high ranking was thanks to its “organic combination of traditional culture, historical places, natural scenery, and hospitality”. iStock
1. Osaka, Japan
In first place, rounding out Japan’s mentions to three, was Osaka. It was crowned the world’s leading “attractiveness-dominant” city, thanks to having the highest level of positive visitor evaluation and high marks in both experiential content and hospitality. iStock
“Food, shopping, accommodations, theme parks, and nightlife - elements in which tourists can directly participate and take pleasure - contributed strongly to these positive assessments,” Yanolja Research wrote in its report. “Combined with Osaka’s distinctive culture of friendly and energetic service, these attributes have allowed the city as a whole to be perceived as a tourism experience that delivers high levels of satisfaction.” iStock
