5 Most Beautiful Waterfront Cities in the World

Out of all the types of public spaces that exist, none have proven to be as important as the humble waterfront. Waterfronts are deeply woven into a city’s history and identity. Imagine San Francisco without the Bay, Nice without its Riviera, and Sydney without its harbor? Natural beauty seems to follow these cities. With beautiful surroundings and balmy sea breezes, waterfront cities have an unquestionable atmosphere that’s both relaxing and invigorating. There are plenty of cities located on a body of water, but these twelve seaside cities stand out from the pack. Most of them have busy harbors with a rich maritime history, scenic promenades, or even sandy beaches to seal the deal.

Cape Town, South Africa

Perched at the very southern tip of Africa, Cape Town is one of those cities that will take your breath away time and time again. Not too many cities boast mountains, beaches, and wine farms within a 30-minute drive of one another.

The whole city revolves around the ocean and mountains. As you might expect, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities for adventure and nature seekers.

Home to hotels, a mall, museums, and markets, The V&A Waterfront seamlessly blends a historic working harbor with world-class entertainment, culture, and cuisine – all under an impressively sustainable umbrella.

Chania, Greece

On Crete’s northwest coast, Chania is a waterfront city carved into the Cretian landscape by its maritime history. The Venetian Harbor, known as the Old Port Area of Chania, was built in the 14th century to protect the city against pirates. Today, it’s a hub of cafes, restaurants, and shops in a unique setting that pays homage to its Cretan, Ottoman, and Venetian heritage.

The narrow alleys of the old port area are lined with boutiques and tavernas serving mouth-watering Cretan dishes. Sitting here with a chilled glass of Raki, taking in the lively atmosphere is something you won’t quickly forget.

San Sebastian, Spain

Spain has its fair share of iconic waterfronts, but one of the most gorgeous has to be San Sebastian. San Sebastian, or Donostia, as the locals call it, is a coastal gem along the Bay of Biscay.

Its famous beach, called Concha Beach because of its crescent-shaped shoreline, is often hailed as one of the most beautiful city beaches on the continent. This small city revolves around its waterfront, which is lined with tapas bars, and historic churches.If you’re up for a hike, the best place to view the waterfront in all its glory is from Monte Igueldo.

Singapore

This city-state and island country might be small, but it packs a real punch when it comes to waterfront attractions. And with 63 islands making up the country, it makes sense that water is a big part of Singapore’s identity.

The Marina Bay Sands, with its iconic rooftop infinity pool and unparalleled views, is an easy highlight. But there are some less touristy spots that are just as beautiful.The Singapore River was once the heart of maritime trade in the area. Today, it’s lined with bustling quays where you can enjoy a meal on the water or take a bumboat cruise at sunset.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is especially unique in that the city straddles the border of two continents. It’s where East meets West, and nowhere is this more noticeable than along the Bosphorus Strait. For some locals, ferry rides between Europe and Asia are a daily commute.

The waterfront area is extensive, but one of the most iconic spots is the Karakoy Waterfront. It’s here where you can eat fresh seafood straight off the boats and listen to the hum of the mosques across the other side of the Golden Horn waterway. Source : touropia