Fascinating destinations from all over the world
Here are the chosen ones. Click through and find out if your favorite small city made the cut!
Kralendijk is the compact and colorful capital city and main port of the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean Netherlands.
The city's historic downtown area is characterized by traditional architecture, painted in vivid rainbow hues.
Bonaire is a paradise for watersports enthusiasts. Diver and snorkelers can explore the protected Bonaire National Marine Park, one of the world's oldest marine reserves, which spans the entire coast. Bonaire's celebrated bonhomie is reflected in the many beachfront bars and restaurants that overlook a crystal clear Caribbean Sea.
Located in the west of Ireland, Galway is named after County Galway. This historic Irish city lies on the River Corrib and overlooks Galway Bay.
One of the largest and most impressive buildings in the city is Galway Cathedral, seen here illuminated at night from the river. It was completed in 1965, making it the last great stone cathedral to be built in Europe.
Galway is known as Ireland's cultural heart and is celebrated for its thriving art and music communities. It also boasts a vibrant food scene.
The world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state, Reykjavík makes an ideal base from which to explore this legendary country of ice and fire.
Enticingly close to Reykjavík are the lagoons and hot springs the country is famous for.
Every winter, Reykjavík puts on a magical and unworldly light show when the aurora borealis, otherwise known as the northern lights, illuminate the night sky above the city.
The historic city of Cambridge is dominated by the University of Cambridge. Founded in 1209 and ranking among the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the world, the university's buildings include King's College, a cherished landmark and a commonly used symbol of the city.
This is the stunning interior of King's College Chapel. It features the world's largest fan vault, constructed between 1512 and 1515 by master mason John Wastell (1460–c.1518).
In fact, Cambridge is all about magnificent buildings and an appealing academic vibe that permeates throughout its many pubs, clubs, and restaurants.
Bruges is one of Europe's best-preserved cities. Known as the "Venice of the North" for its myriad of canals, Bruges' scenic splendor is enhanced by numerous medieval landmarks.
The destination's romantic allure has made it one of the continent's most popular city-break destinations.
Take a canal tour and soak in the atmosphere before hitting dry land and quenching your thirst at any of the numerous breweries Bruges is famous for.
Not for nothing is Dubrovnik known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." This picture-perfect city is recognized for its outstanding centuries-old architecture and fortified old town.
Dubrovnik is a dream to explore, blessed as it is with a maze of cobblestone streets set under a collection of beautiful medieval palaces and domed churches.
Head to the top of the hill overlooking the city to reach an abandoned 11th-century monastery for a view worthy of any Instagram feed.
Siena sits in splendor on a hill surrounded by vineyards in the middle of Tuscany.
Lauded for its art, museums, and cuisine, the city is Renaissance personified. The centerpiece Duomo di Siena stands as one of the most ornate cathedrals in Europe.
Siena unfolds like a precious patchwork quilt viewed from the lofty Torre del Mangia, which stands needlelike over Piazza del Campo.
The chocolate box city of Salzburg is divided by the sparkling Salzach River, with both halves possessing their own unique visitor attractions.
Home to Mozart, Salzburg appears straight out of a romantic musical, the mighty Alps providing a scenic backdrop.
You can't miss busy Getreidegasse (Grain Lane). It's in this street that Mozart was born, at No 9. Personalized with fancy wrought iron guild signs, this delightful pedestrianized thoroughfare is where to shop, eat, and drink.
With one of Europe's finest urban beaches on its doorstep, San Sebastián in Spain's Basque Country is a city and resort rolled into one.
The city boasts a beautiful location, lapped on the one hand by the blue waters of the Bay of Biscay and on the other fringed by a verdant countryside of rolling valleys and impressive mountain ranges.
San Sebastián has long been an appetizing center of Basque cuisine. The city features tasty snacks similar to tapas called pintxos, which may be found at the bars of the Old Quarter.
And the number one best small city in the world is San Miguel de Allende! This gem of a Mexican destination is prized for its colorful Spanish colonial-era architecture that distinguishes its historical core.
The landmark La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel is one of the most photographed churches in the country for the two tall towers of its neo-Gothic facade.
Time a visit to San Miguel de Allende at the end of May and be greeted by Chinelos, traditional Mexican costumed dancers that color the city's annual Festival of Valle del Maiz.
Sources: (CN Traveler)
The best small cities in the world
Small cities big on appeal!
TRAVEL City
Every year, readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine vote for their favorite international city destination. Among other voting requests, readers are asked to nominate their preferred small cities, places where they reckon less means more. Here are the chosen ones. Click through and find out if your favorite small city made the cut!