The World's Most Popular Coastal Cities
Both modern and cool thanks to its proximity to the sea, these are the 15 most popular coastal cities in the world.
1. Auckland, New Zealand
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Nestled between two harbours and atop a volcano, Auckland has thousands of sandy beaches, perfect for everything from surfing to sunbathing. The Auckland Art Gallery houses 15,000 works and is nearby, where the Lord of the Rings films were filmed.
2. Barcelona, Spain
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Barcelona is the largest city on the Mediterranean Sea. The capital of Catalonia attracts 9 million tourists a year, who come to see Gaudí architecture and the Camp Nou stadium. The city also has some of the best food in the world, such as tapas.
3. Vancouver, British Columbia
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Come to Vancouver and you’ll see why so many people love this city. Home to the sprawling Stanley Park, the world-famous Museum of Anthropology, and a goal to become the greenest city in the world by 2020, with 93% of its electricity coming from sustainable sources, Vancouver is unlike any other.
4. Copenhagen, Denmark
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Built on two islands in the Baltic Sea, the Danish capital is interconnected by bridges, walkways and parks. Copenhagen is home to the world's oldest monarchy and the world's second-oldest amusement park.
5. Singapore
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Comprising 63 islands, the city-state is 38% foreign-born, making it culturally diverse. It has a high cost of living, but also boasts UNESCO heritage sites, the largest art collection in Southeast Asia and the world's largest infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands hotel.
6. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is the third largest city in the United States and the birthplace of jazz and blues. Situated on the lower edge of Lake Michigan, the city boasts a vibrant sports scene, world-class restaurants, luxury hotels and a renowned Art Institute – attracting up to 1.5 million visitors a year.
7. Sydney, Australia
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Sydney has 70 beaches, rock pools, the Royal National Park, the Australian Museum so it's no surprise it appears on the list of the world's most popular coastal cities.
8. New York, USA
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Nestled on the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean, this is undoubtedly the most famous coastal city in the world. Other accolades include: the most visited Metropolitan Museum of Art in the world, the most visited Central Park in the United States. A trip to New York will please anyone.
9. Dublin, Ireland
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Dublin's location on the Irish coast has helped make it a cultural capital, and the setting for Ulysses and Dubliners. It also boasts more green space per kilometre than any other European capital, and the Guinness brewery is a tourist attraction.
10. Helsinki, Finland
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The capital of Finland, Helsinki, is located on the Gulf of Finland and is the northernmost metropolis in the European Union. The Helsinki Archipelago consists of around 330 islands, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of busy city life.
11. Lisbon, Portugal
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Portugal's largest city sits on the banks of the Tagus River and accounts for nearly 30% of the country's population. Lisbon is famous for its seafood, coffee culture, Europe's largest oceanarium, and beautiful coastal parks.
12. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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The only city in the world with 7-star hotels, overwater and underwater villas, and the tallest buildings in the world. Is there anything Dubai can't do?
13. Perth, Australia
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Often overlooked by Sydney and Melbourne, Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is close to the wild Indian Ocean. The city has beautiful beaches, seven national parks with wildlife sanctuaries and botanical gardens. Perth also attracts visitors with its well-regarded music festivals.
14. Istanbul, Türkiye
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The largest city in Europe, Istanbul is located on the continental divide, built on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait. Here you will visit the Blue Mosque, bustling markets and famous Turkish baths.
15. Venice, Italy
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