(Last Updated: December 2024)

I'm a sucker for a good city view. Few things make me feel more intimately connected to a place than to bask in its beauty.

I'll contemplate life or chat with friends for hours while looking out on a view. I've always noticed that some of the best conversations happen in these settings–as if the beauty pulls the introspection and reflection out of us.

Here are the top city views I've gotten the chance to witness after traveling the world!

Honorable Mention

These views didn't crack the top 10, but they deserve a shout-out.

• Naples, Italy
• Dubai, UAE
• Monaco
• Doha, Qatar
• San Francisco, CA, USA

Check them out if you're in the area! Now, onto the top 10.

10. Nice, France

Oftentimes, what separates a good view from a great one are the emotions that accompany your viewing experience. Nice cracks the top 10 for this very reason.

I was at a low point after living in Metz, France for months, and escaped to Nice for a weekend. It was also the anniversary of losing my friend Braylon in a car accident.

But Nice didn't care. This skyline gave me hope. It told me everything would be alright and better days would come. I found this skyline at the perfect moment and was extremely grateful.

9. New York City, NY, USA

Take your pick of amazing NYC skyline views–they're all amazing. New York has maniacal, magical energy in the air, and soaking in its skyline only enhances that feeling.

New York is a city that makes you feel like you can do anything. There's nothing like it. Which is why the feelings that accompany gazing at the views of the city help propel it into the top 10. Some people might wrinkle their noses at the concrete jungle. I am totally here for it.

8. Medinah, Saudi Arabia

There's something special about a sunrise hike up Mount Uhud just outside of Medinah, the second-holiest city in Islam. It's the same mountain that the Prophet Mohammed once climbed, although I don't think he had the luxury of seeing the bustling metropolis that has taken shape in the valley.

The sun glints off the jagged mountains at the perfect angle, and the traditional Middle Eastern white mud-brick buildings take your breath away. I wasn't even sure if I was allowed to climb this as a non-Muslim, but it wasn't an issue.

I'm glad I got to witness its beauty.

7. Singapore

Singapore makes it in over similarly idealistic skylines like Dubai and Doha because of intimacy. After living in Singapore for 5 months, the Marina Bay view never got old. Sure it's a bit manufactured, but it takes your breath away nonetheless.

Singapore is another city where you can't pick a bad skyline. Look out on the city from the Marina Bay Sands. Check out the picture-perfect Gardens by the Bay. Or wait until Formula 1 weekend to get the skyline along with powerful car engines.

You can't go wrong and you won't regret witnessing it.

6. Positano, Italy

Yeah, that's a no-filter photo. Positano isn't just one of the most beautiful city views in the world, it's also one of the most romantic.

I can't say enough good things about the tiny town on the Amalfi Coast. I just sat there thinking about how this would be a great place to revisit if I can ever find a girlfriend.

Even without one, I could look at the scenery all day. Italy is full of gems like this–Capri, Amalfi, and Cinque Terre are each world-renowned for their beauty.

But Positano is the winner in my book.

5. Amman, Jordan

Oh boy, it's time to queue a bunch of skylines that also crack my favorite cities list. I firmly believe the two go hand-in-hand and Amman is a great example of why.

I fell in love with this skyline because I fell in love with the people of Amman. As an American in the Middle East, I initially felt vulnerable and uncomfortable in Jordan and I was grateful to have those feelings quashed by the kindness of the locals.

So when I reached the top of the Amman Citadel, that city view hit that much more.

I'm counting down the days until I can see it again.

4. Cape Town, South Africa

Let me be clear.

There is not a single bad view of Cape Town and about 100 options for good ones. Take your pick of Table Mountain, Lion's Head, Signal Hill, Chapmans Peak, Devil's Peak...I could go on and on.

Cape Town's views are the gift that keeps on giving. Sunset, sunrise, or midday, you won't be disappointed. I'm not sure if I fell in love with the city or the views first, but as with Amman, they go hand-in-hand.

3. Seoul, South Korea

As with Cape Town, one thing I admire about the view of Seoul is that you had to work for it.

It took a 4-hour hike in Bukhansan National Park to reach Asia's most stunning city view. But it was completely worth it. The panoramic shot of South Korea's metropolis isn't something I'll soon forget.

It also adds to the recurring theme of views that reinforce a feeling of enhanced connection with cities I already loved. I did this hike the day after partying until 7:00 AM and don't regret a thing.

2. Athens, Greece

Man, I love these sprawling cities interspersed with hills.

Athens started my love for city views and it's another place with countless scenic skyline spots. My favorite is Mount Lycabettus, but you can't go wrong with Strefi Hill, any rooftop bar, or this place called the Acropolis.

I'll never forget climbing Strefi Hill at 18 years old and gazing out onto a city of 5 million people and endless possibilities.

That was the day I caught the travel bug.

1. Barcelona, Spain

Surprise, surprise. Another top 10 list with Barcelona on top.

It shows how city views go a long way in forging my affection for the place I'm in. It's a positive feedback loop and the more I'm enjoying a city, the more I'll love the skyline.

In this case, Barcelona is #1. Photos will not do Bunkers del Carmel justice. Looking down in amazement at the perfectly straight streets, vast sea, and Sagrada Familia is a sight to behold. It's my 8th Wonder of the World. I love Barcelona. And I love the view from Bunkers del Carmel.