The world's most beloved coastal cities

1. Auckland, New Zealand

Nestled between two harbors and atop a volcano, Auckland boasts thousands of sandy beaches, perfect for everything from surfing to sunbathing. The Auckland Art Gallery houses 15,000 works of art, and nearby are the filming locations for "The Lord of the Rings."

2. Barcelona, ​​Spain

Barcelona is the largest city on the Mediterranean Sea. Every year, the Catalan capital attracts 9 million tourists who come to see Gaudí's architecture and the Camp Nou stadium. The city also boasts some of the world's best cuisine, such as tapas.

3. Vancouver, British Columbia

Visiting Vancouver will help you understand why so many people love this city. With its expansive Stanley Park, the world-renowned Museum of Anthropology, and its goal of becoming the world's greenest city by 2020, boasting 93% of its electricity from sustainable sources, Vancouver is truly unique.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

Built on two islands in the Baltic Sea, the Danish capital has many interconnected bridges, walkways, and parks. Copenhagen boasts the world's oldest monarchy and the world's second-oldest amusement park.

5. Singapore

Comprising 63 islands, the city has 38% foreign residents, resulting in an incredibly diverse culture. 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 music. Situated on the lower edge of Lake Michigan, the city boasts vibrant sports venues, world-class restaurants, luxurious hotels, and renowned art institutions – attracting up to 1.5 million visitors annually.

7. Sydney, Australia

With its 70 beaches, rocky pools, the Royal National Park, and the Australian Museum, it's no surprise that Sydney consistently ranks among the world's most beloved coastal cities.

8. New York, USA

Located on the Hudson and Atlantic coasts, it's undoubtedly the most famous coastal city in the world. Other accolades include: the world's most visited Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Central Park the most visited park in the United States. A trip to New York is sure to please anyone.

9. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin's location on the Irish coast has made it the cultural capital and the setting for the film Ulysses and the Dubliners. It also boasts more green space per kilometer than any other European capital, and the Guinness Brewery is a popular tourist attraction.

10. Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is located on the Gulf of Finland and is the northernmost city in the European Union. The Helsinki archipelago, comprising approximately 330 islands, is a haven from the hustle and bustle of busy city life.

11. Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal's largest city, situated on the banks of the Tagus River and home to nearly 30% of the nation's population, Lisbon is renowned for its seafood, coffee culture, Europe's largest aquarium, and stunning coastal parks.

12. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The only city in the world with 7-star hotels, villas floating on the water as well as underwater villas, and the world's tallest buildings. Is there anything Dubai can't do?

13. Perth, Australia

Often overlooked in comparison to Sydney and Melbourne, Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is close to the wild Indian Ocean. The city boasts beautiful beaches, seven national parks with wildlife reserves, and botanical gardens. Perth also attracts visitors with its valuable music festivals.

14. Istanbul, Türkiye

As Europe's largest city, Istanbul sits on the continental divide, built on either side of the Bosphorus Strait. Here, you can visit the Blue Mosque, vibrant markets, and famous Turkish baths.

15. Venice, Italy