Medellin, Colombia, ranks as one of the world’s 10 most beautiful cities for 2026 according to Time Out. The ranking, based on a “beauty index” derived from surveys of 24,000 global residents and expert analysis of urban planning and nature, places Medellin at ninth with a 66% beauty rating.
How did Medellin make the world’s most beautiful cities list?
Medellin earned its spot through a combination of resident sentiment and geographic advantages. According to Time Out travel editor Grace Beard, the city’s 66% score stems from its location in the Aburra Valley, where it is surrounded by mountains and dense vegetation.
The publication highlighted a specific blend of architectural styles. The magazine points to the coexistence of colonial architecture and contemporary, nature-inspired structures, specifically citing the Orquideorama at the Botanical Garden as a key example of this visual identity.
Which cities are the most beautiful in the world?
The rankings are led by Cape Town, South Africa, which holds the top spot with 86% of its residents describing it as beautiful. Time Out attributes this to the city’s position between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain.
The full top 10 list, in order of their beauty index, includes:
- Cape Town, South Africa: 86%
- Edinburgh, Scotland: 84%
- Sydney, Australia: 78%
- Chicago, United States: 77%
- Lisbon, Portugal: 74%
- Paris, France: 68%
- Stockholm, Sweden: 68%
- Porto, Portugal: 67%
- Medellin, Colombia: 66%
- Riga, Latvia: 65%
What factors determine the “Beauty Index”?
Beyond the initial resident surveys, Grace Beard and the Time Out team applied several qualitative metrics to finalize the rankings. These include natural surroundings, urban planning, landscape, and a city’s unique visual identity.
For instance, Edinburgh’s 84% rating is tied to its mix of Gothic spires and medieval streets. Similarly, Stockholm’s 68% score is attributed to its geography, as the city is built on 14 islands connected by over 50 bridges.
How does Medellin compare to other top-rated cities?
While Medellin ranks ninth, it shares a similar “nature-meets-city” profile with several other top entries. Cape Town and Sydney both rely heavily on their coastal and mountain geography to drive their high scores (86% and 78% respectively).
Medellin’s score of 66% places it just below Porto (67%) and above Riga (65%). While Riga is recognized for its Art Nouveau architecture, Medellin’s appeal is rooted in the Aburra Valley’s vegetation and its specific blend of colonial and modern design.
Which other cities received high marks?
The list extends beyond the top 10. Positions 11 through 19 include a diverse range of global hubs such as San Diego, Panama City, Cambridge, Florence, Rio de Janeiro, Bath, Bengaluru, Vienna, and Brasilia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decided which cities were the most beautiful?
The list was prepared by Time Out travel editor Grace Beard, using survey data from 24,000 residents and an analysis of architecture and landscape.
What is the “Beauty Index”?
It is a metric created by Time Out that combines the percentage of residents who call their city beautiful with expert evaluations of urban planning and natural surroundings.
Why is Medellin on the list?
According to Time Out, Medellin’s inclusion is due to its location in the Aburra Valley, its surrounding mountains, and the mix of colonial and contemporary architecture.
What do you think of this list? Does your city deserve a spot in the beauty index? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more travel insights.
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