Discover the unexpected Australian city that just stole the title of the world's most beautiful – you won't believe which one!

Adelaide, the often-overlooked gem of Australia, has recently been thrust into the international spotlight, earning the title of the world's most beautiful city by the esteemed Architectural Digest magazine. This accolade has come as a delightful surprise to many, as Adelaide is not typically mentioned in the same breath as some of the world's most iconic metropolises.

The magazine's list of 'the 20 most beautiful cities in the world' showcases destinations that offer unique charms that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, has outshone global heavyweights such as New York, Paris, and Barcelona to claim the top spot. This recognition is a testament to the city's enchanting blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance.


Adelaide's allure is multifaceted. The city boasts pristine beaches, where the surf laps against golden sands, and the Art Deco architecture provides a visual feast for the eyes. But the beauty of Adelaide extends beyond its coastline. The city is enveloped by rolling hills that are not only a sight to behold but also fertile grounds for some of the country's finest vineyards. Adelaide is indeed Australia's wine capital, offering an array of high-quality grapes that give rise to some of the most exquisite wines in the world.


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Adelaide has been named the world's most beautiful city by Architectural Digest. Credit: Shutterstock


When residents and visitors are not indulging in a glass of robust Australian cabernet, they can immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the Adelaide Hills. Here, nature enthusiasts can embark on hikes that offer the chance to encounter Australia's beloved wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos, in their natural habitat.


Despite Adelaide being the only Australian city to make the list, it finds itself in good company with other stunning cities from around the globe. Tallinn, Estonia, with its medieval charm, and Portsmouth, Dominica, with its Caribbean allure, follow closely behind Adelaide in the rankings.

The criteria for selection were stringent, with the magazine's art connoisseurs searching for cities that excelled in architecture, cultural treasures, historical significance, and natural beauty. Architectural Digest acknowledges that their list 'is by no means definitive' and that limiting the selection to just 20 cities does not fully encapsulate all the beauty our world has to offer. Nevertheless, they have endeavored to highlight some of the most spectacular places on the planet, from the secluded beaches of the Caribbean to the cultural heart of Japan.

The recognition of Adelaide as the world's most beautiful city is a proud moment for Australians, especially those from South Australia. It serves as a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places and that sometimes, the most enchanting destinations are those that remain under the radar.


As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we often cherish the beauty in the familiar and the comfort of our local surroundings. Yet, this news might inspire us to look at our own cities with fresh eyes, appreciating the unique qualities that make them special. It also serves as an invitation to explore Adelaide, a city that has quietly held a treasure trove of experiences, now recognized on a global stage.
Key Takeaways
  • Adelaide has been named the world's most beautiful city by Architectural Digest, a leading US magazine.
  • The city is praised for its unique offerings, including its beaches, Art Deco architecture, wine regions, and natural wildlife in the Adelaide Hills.
  • Adelaide topped a list of 20 cities, beating famous metropolises like New York, Paris, and Barcelona.
  • The selection criteria for the most beautiful cities included architecture, cultural treasures, historical relevance, and natural appeal. Architectural Digest acknowledged the list is not definitive and 20 cities are too few to encompass all the world's beauty.
We'd love to hear from you, our dear readers. Have you visited Adelaide and found yourself captivated by its charm? Or perhaps you're planning a trip to see what all the fuss is about? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let's celebrate the unexpected beauty that lies within our own backyard.
 
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I lived in the Adelaide Hills for years, and now in Newton, which isn't beautiful. Adelaide, the 'city of churches ' is beautiful , although turning many of the churches into restaurants surprises me. I'm not convinced that Adelaide is the world's most beautiful city, Russia certainly has some amazing cities, including Moscow.
 
I have lived in Adelaide all my life.As I grow older and having travelled a lot overseas and interstate I always cherish the cleanliness of the city and suburbs and the wide roads and ease of travelling around from place to place.I spent Sunday lunch at the Seacliff Hotel which is on the coast.It was a beautiful day and there was people everywhere enjoying the beach and the lovely weather.All the restaurants(there is many to choose from )were busy.There is lots of eating places all along the metropolitan coast.The city is vibrant and once again plenty of eaterys.The ambience is enjoyable.If you can find a place to take in the views of the Adelaide Hills and also back to the west towards the beaches it is spectacular.If you spend a few days in Adelaide there is plenty of directions you can go.A short journey into the Adelaide hills to enjoy wineries and scenery or head out to the Barossa or 45 minutes to Mclaren Vale.You may have already guessed I am biased but I love my city and State.Come and see for yourself.Cheers
 
I am New South Wales by birth. Moved around Oz a bit, landed in Radelaide 1998. That's 26 years ago. Live in the Adelaide Hills. Which I believe is the heart of SA wine country. An hour or so to just about anywhere, Barossa, MacLaren Vale, Murray Lands, Fleurieu Peninsula. We have Adelaide Central Market, which no other state can match. Fritz tastes better than Devon, Architecture from the settlers of 1800s and onwards. The best oysters in the country. I just cannot extol the virtues of SA enough.
Come and visit and see for yourselves.
 
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I have lived in Adelaide for 24 years now after visiting it for 23 years from Whyalla. I have always been very impressed with the architecture and complete layout of central Adelaide, but as one gets to travel around the surrounding suburbs, the hills, and the wine area it comes as no surprise to me that it has won this most deserved recognition. I am always amazed by the amount of trees and parks there are along the roadsides of each suburb. I live in Elizabeth which, in the short time I have been here, has undergone so many new buildings and improvements, as has the immediate neighbourhood district of Gawler. Clean and beautiful it is; so thanks to those who work hard each day to keep it that way from the Town Hall to the early morning Rubbish collector and Road Cleaner.
 
Having been to Adelaide numerous times, it is nothing but an overgrown rural village. Rundle Mall is a morgue - the land of the walking dead. The best thing about Adelaide is its proximity to Kangaroo Island, with some of the most beautiful coastal geography in the world. Hahndorf isn't too bad, with its German heritage. Visit Salisbury and Elizabeth for the real Adelaide - crime central! While you are at it, take a leisurely drive to Snowtown - roll out the barrels and have a gallon of fun! And don't get me started on AwFuL, a psychological affliction suffered by more people, only second to none, with the exception of Melboredom.
 
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Thank goodness Hobart and it surrounding suburban sprawl wasn't recognised. The AFL might have wanted to have the State Governmeent build a footie stadium for it, so as to capture the tourist trade.
 
Having been to Adelaide numerous times, it is nothing but an overgrown rural village. Rundle Mall is a morgue - the land of the walking dead. The best thing about Adelaide is its proximity to Kangaroo Island, with some of the most beautiful coastal geography in the world. Hahndorf isn't too bad, with its German heritage. Visit Salisbury and Elizabeth for the real Adelaide - crime central! While you are at it, take a leisurely drive to Snowtown - roll out the barrels and have a gallon of fun! And don't get me started on AwFuL, a psychological affliction suffered by more people, only second to none, with the exception of Melboredom.
That's why you are a vegetable.
 

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