Besides the food, culture, and scenery that lure most travelers across the globe, architecture in its own right has quite a powerful draw.
Who knew stacks of bricks could elicit such beauty, such mystery, and such imagination.
Let’s take a tour of some truly resplendent cities and their gorgeous reminders of the past, present, and future.
1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai needs little introduction, this once quiet little fishing town has been transformed into one of the most advanced and modern metropolises in the world. Home to huge shopping centres, luxury 5 star hotels and the breathtaking tallest building in the world – The Burj Khalifa.
2. Rome
Rome is often called the eternal city. Some of the most well-known works are the old St. Peter’s Basilica and also the new St. Peter’s Basilica which is known to be decorated with the artwork of Michelangelo and Bramante. Other important places to visit in Rome include landmarks like the Coliseum, Roman Forum, and The Pantheon. Watch ‘The Bicycle Thief’ before you go, filmed in the early 50′s and shows a very different Rome.
3. Barcelona
There are so many must see attraction in Barcelona, this city is home to some of the most beautiful buildings in Spain. Wander the streets and get a real feel for the city and Gaudi’s influence, from the La Sabra Familia to Parc Guel – this city is easily one of the most architecturally beautiful on the European continent.
4. New York
Although the city is very well-known for its world famous skyline, there are so many amazing places to visit in New York. From numerous museums, churches and bridges, and world famous structures like the Empire State Building. new York building styles you will find vary between art deco and the most modern American architecture. Walking along the perimeter of Central park highlights some beauties.
5. Paris
If you feel like the USA isn’t big enough for you, travel to other continents, like Europe. Paris is a ‘must see before you die’ destination. I don;t care how rude you think the French are. The city is known to be one of the best preserved ones, and you can see numerous churches and cathedrals as evidence of the times past. If you plan to visit Paris for the first time, buildings to visit include the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Versailles Palace, and Louvre Museum.
6. Istanbul
This is Europe’s current ‘must-see’ city. Istanbul has a lot going on and it’s architecture is no slouch either. With Aya Sofia, Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque and Topi Kapi, the former sultans palace, just to name a few. Plus there is the food (hope you like lamb and yogurt) and the thrill of being a what I call a Muslim ‘light’ society.
7. Prague
Prague is known as the ‘golden city of spires’ and the styles we can find here include Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque. The most interesting thing about the city is that we can recognize numerous different styles that are able to coexist side by side. The majority of the old buildings have been renovated with a lot of attention to the smallest details. The buildings you should visit include Prague Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square. Prague has a lot of hype and for good reason, it’s freaking gorgeous.
8. Beijing
Where Old meets New. Thanks to the Olympics, Beijing sprung into the skyline some truly magnificent structures. Must visit destinations include the Bird’s nest stadium and Central China Television (CCTV) building and historic sites such as Forbidden City. Other incredible locations include the Summer Palace and the breathtaking Great Wall of China.
9. Moscow
Hello Red Square and the 400 years old St. Basil’s Cathedral, plus the metro is the most beautiful in the world.
10. Boston
The city is known for its long history that is preserved by numerous buildings. There are many landmarks dating back to the colonial era, such as the Old North Church and the Old State House that has been home to the Declaration of Independence. Other architectural sites to visit include the John Hancock Tower and Quincy Market. Have lunch in Italian North End.
11. Chicago
This is the perfect destination for those who like skyscrapers. Start with the Willis Tower and you could continue with not so well-known buildings like 311 South Whacker Drive. If you ever get to the top of these buildings you will see a sight you will never forget. Chicago also doubles as Gotham City.
12. Athens
Greece is one of the most historical countries in the world and Athens the capital is an amazing city to explore. Peering high over the city is the incredible Pantheon, one of the must visit buildings in the world. Wandering the streets of Athens is like going back in time, other must see structures include Temple of Hephaestus and Temple of Olympian Zeus.
13. Miami
Miami is a great destination to see a mix of new and old, from art deco to super modern skyscrapers. Dating back 100 years you can see the biggest collection of Art Deco architecture anywhere on the planet. Head to the coast and beaches and you will now see super modern skyscrapers for miles, most with incredible ocean views.
14. San Francisco
San Francisco doesn’t usually make too many top architecture city lists, but this destination is really unique. The sights that you should see include Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Warf and also China Town. A really interesting feature of the city is The Painted Ladies, that is a very picturesque Victorian house.
This really is just a sample of the amazing destinations you can go to, other top rated locations include London, Florence, Marrakech and Hanoi.
