10 best historic cities in the world

Sunny Atlantic capital with steep streets, tile-clad facades, and a fast-growing tech scene.

River-and-port-wine city with painted azulejos, granite alleys, and a slower beat than Lisbon.

Sun-soaked Spanish capital that lives in the streets — late dinners, world-class art, a tapas bar on every block.

Where the Mediterranean meets Gaudí — beaches, mountains, and tapas in one walkable city.

Sunshine, paella, and a beach you can bike to from the centre. Barcelona's quieter, cheaper cousin.

Still the daydream of cities. Pricey, romantic, intellectually serious, and unbeatable for art and food.

France's gastronomy capital, with two rivers, three hills, and an unhurried tempo.

Global city in every sense — anything you want exists here, if you can afford the rent.

Stone city of literary giants and dramatic skies. Scotland's brain and beating heart.

Pubs, poets, and the European HQ of half of Silicon Valley. Friendly, expensive, and rainy.