10 cities where you can enjoy the natural scenery

Some cities offer great food. Others offer culture, nightlife, or architecture. But a rare group of cities gives you something even more magical: jaw-dropping natural scenery right outside your hotel window. These are the cities where mountains hug the skyline, lakes sparkle under the sunlight, and forests, waterfalls, or beaches lie just a few steps away.

Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, hiker, or simply someone who wants to escape into breathtaking landscapes, these 10 cities promise unforgettable scenery — the kind that stays with you for a lifetime.

1. Queenstown, New Zealand — The Adventure Capital Surrounded by Mountains

Queenstown feels like a fantasy world. Snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, lush valleys, and bright blue skies make it one of the most scenic cities on Earth. Every corner looks like a postcard.

Best highlights:

The Remarkables mountain range

Mirror-like lakes

Endless hiking trails

Adventure sports with world-class views

Perfect for travelers who want both relaxation and adrenaline against a dramatic landscape.

2. Vancouver, Canada — Where City Meets Ocean and Mountains

Few cities balance nature and urban life like Vancouver. Within minutes, you can go from city streets to beaches, forests, and snowy peaks.

What makes Vancouver special:

Stanley Park’s towering trees

Pacific Ocean sunsets

Mountain views from every angle

Access to skiing, hiking, and wildlife

A paradise for people who want nature without leaving the comforts of a major city.

3. Cape Town, South Africa — A City Hugged by Mountains and Sea

Cape Town delivers some of the planet’s most dramatic scenery. With Table Mountain rising above the city and turquoise beaches below, it’s impossible not to fall in love.

Top natural landmarks:

Table Mountain

Cape of Good Hope

Boulders Beach (with penguins!)

Lion’s Head hike

It’s a breathtaking mix of ocean, cliffs, wildlife, and unbelievable coastal views.

4. Lucerne, Switzerland — Lakes, Mountains, and Pure Alpine Charm

Lucerne looks like it came out of a storybook. Colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and snow-covered peaks rise behind a perfectly still lake.

Nature highlights:

Lake Lucerne

Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi

Pristine alpine air

Scenic boat rides

A dream destination for anyone who loves clean, calm, picture-perfect nature.

5. Kyoto, Japan — The City Where Nature and Culture Blend in Harmony

Kyoto’s beauty is subtle, peaceful, and deeply spiritual. Forested mountains surround ancient temples, bamboo forests rise like green cathedrals, and cherry blossoms create pink clouds in spring.

What to see:

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Kiyomizu-dera views

Cherry blossom gardens

River valleys and forested trails

Perfect for travelers who appreciate calm, reflective natural beauty.

6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — Wild Nature With Carnival Energy

Rio blends natural drama with vibrant culture. Mountains, beaches, jungles, and lagoons all collide in one unforgettable city.

Nature highlights:

Sugarloaf Mountain

Christ the Redeemer atop Tijuca Forest

Copacabana and Ipanema beaches

Lush rainforest landscapes

It’s where nature feels alive, bold, and electrifying.

7. Reykjavik, Iceland — A Gateway to Otherworldly Landscapes

Reykjavik is surrounded by natural wonders that look almost unreal: lava fields, hot springs, glaciers, and black-sand beaches.

Must-see sights:

Blue Lagoon

Golden Circle waterfalls

Northern Lights

Volcanic landscapes

A perfect city base for exploring some of the wildest scenery on earth.

8. Hallstatt, Austria — A Fairy-Tale Village Between Lake and Mountains

Hallstatt might be small, but its beauty is enormous. The village sits between towering mountains and a glassy lake that reflects everything like a mirror.

Why it’s magical:

Dreamlike lake views

Dramatic alpine cliffs

Misty mornings and peaceful paths

One of the most photographed places on the planet

This is the place where time feels slower and nature feels like art.

9. Honolulu, Hawaii, USA — Tropical Beauty at Its Best

Honolulu gives you volcanoes, beaches, rainforests, and mountain ridges — all wrapped in warm island breeze.

Nature highlights:

Diamond Head Crater

Waikiki Beach

Lush waterfalls

Coral-filled turquoise waters

It’s the ultimate tropical escape for nature lovers who still want city comforts.

10. Banff (Alberta), Canada — A Small Town Set Inside a Natural Wonderland

Technically a town, not a city — but too beautiful to leave off the list. Banff sits in the middle of Banff National Park, surrounded by mountains, emerald lakes, and forest trails.

Nature highlights:

Lake Louise

Moraine Lake

Canadian Rockies

Wildlife everywhere

It’s one of the most cinematic landscapes on earth, and every season feels surreal.

Why These Cities Stand Out

Each of these destinations blends urban accessibility with incredible natural artistry. They aren’t wilderness areas far from civilization; they’re places where modern life and natural beauty coexist perfectly. This balance gives travelers the best of both worlds: comfort and adventure, scenery and culture, peace and excitement.

Whether you seek mountains, oceans, forests, lakes, or something that simply feels magical, these cities remind us of one thing: nature is the greatest show on Earth — and some cities offer front-row seats.