Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Many of the most beautiful cities in the world have amazing natural attractions like the capital city, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Famous for its lively Carnival, sultry bossa nova, and incredible beaches, Rio de Janeiro is also one of the most visited cities in the world. Rio has some of the loveliest stretches of sand in the world, from Copacabana to Ipanema, and its cobbled city streets are filled with the sounds of samba day and night. The Christ the Redeemer statue watches over all of it—even the tropical rainforest that sits within the city's bounds. Spectacular ocean views, countless cultural events, and experiences, and a lush tropical landscape set this Brazilian metropolis apart.

Among Rio de Janeiro's most famous sites is the 98-foot Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the city, Sugarloaf Mountain (accessible by cable car), the annual Carnival, and popular beaches. The city is indeed blessed with one of the most stunning settings in the world, making it the most naturally beautiful city in the world. Even if it was deserted of buildings and population, anyone standing at the top of the famous Sugarloaf Mountain or by the Corcovado statue would see one of the world's most beautiful landscapes. Green, tropical luxuriance mixes with the blue of the ocean and the brightness of the sand at the beaches, proving that this is truly "the marvelous city" as locals call it. Named a World Heritage Site, UNESCO’s accolades weren’t just for its natural setting but also for its urban cultural landscape, the mix of architecture, and stunning green spaces such as the botanical gardens.