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15 cities you have to visit at least once, according to the experts

How many have you been to?

CONDÉ NAST TRAVELler recently released the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards.

This year, more than 128,000 travelers submitted millions of ratings and thousands of comments that the magazine’s editors used to create lists of favourite cities, hotels, and resorts.

One of these lists declares 30 cities the best in the world for travelers. From bustling urban centers to a quaint Swiss city nestled on a river, there’s a destination for every type of traveler.

Check out the top 15 below, and click here to read the entire list.

15. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo Moyan_Brenn Moyan_Brenn

Japan’s capital combines modern and traditional elements. It ranks as one of the fashion capitals of the world, and it’s home to the Meiji Shinto Shrine and the Imperial Palace

14. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona Jorge Franganillo Jorge Franganillo

Unique architecture and exquisite cuisine collide in Catalonia’s capital. Antoni Gaudí’s signature designs, which include Parc Guell and La Sagrada Familia, are splattered around the city. Relish in tapas and paella by day, and then switch to sangria and experience the lively nightlife.

13. Venice, Italy

Venice SarahTz SarahTz

Some city dwellers drive cars; others row boats and gondolas. Venice occasionally suffers from floods due to its canal system, but locals and tourists alike can enjoy waterfront dining and luxury shopping.

12. Salzburg, Austria

Festung Salzburg barockschloss barockschloss

Mozart and The Sound of Music put Salzburg on the map. It’s also home to Austria’s largest beer hall, Bräustübl zu Mülln, and has a slew of museums, restaurants, and palaces to discover.

11. Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem City Center israeltourism israeltourism

Jerusalem is now attracting the global traveller, in addition to Christians, Jews, and Muslims. As one of the holiest cities in the world, it boasts multiple religious sites.

10. London, England

London afternoon Nick-K (Nikos Koutoulas) Nick-K (Nikos Koutoulas)

There’s more to London than fish and chips and double-decker buses. Situated on the River Thames, the city is full of museums, parks, and culture going back centuries.

9. Kyoto, Japan

20131124_日本北陸玩_第十一天_461_清水寺_23 macglee macglee

Kyoto has 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and nearly 100 Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s one of Japan’s most preserved cities, and traditional geishas can still be seen roaming the streets.

8. Bruges, Belgium

Brugge creyesk creyesk

Known for its cobblestone streets, canals, and preserved Old Town, Bruges is a medieval fairy tale brought to life. The city’s port is a key player in European trade.

7. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague Castle liber liber

From the Astronomical Clock and the Old Town Square to bars tucked away in cellars, Prague is a city for explorers. Photographers should climb Petřín Hill for ideal photos of its cityscape.

6. Rome, Italy

Rome Moyan_Brenn Moyan_Brenn

Rome is home to the world’s largest cathedral, St. Peter’s Basilica. While the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel are all essential to see, the Eternal City also boasts delicious restaurants with fresh dishes and quality house wines.

5. Paris, France

Paris Moyan_Brenn Moyan_Brenn

As one of the major fashion, art, and gastronomy capitals of the world, Paris has earned its top-five ranking. The city boasts a strong cafe culture, luxury shopping boutiques, and world-famous landmarks.

4. Sydney, Australia

Sydney Ryan Wick Ryan Wick

Sydney is the capital of New South Wales and is known for its iconic Opera House. As a harbour city, Sydney’s beach culture is strong, with waterside dining opportunities and plenty of surfing

3. Vienna, Austria

Hunderwasser haus in vienna Ludovic Hirlimann Ludovic Hirlimann

On the Danube River, the musical capital of Europe is known for former residents Mozart, Beethoven, and Sigmund Freud. Sip on espresso at one of its famous coffeehouses, or try its signature chocolate cake, Sachertorte.

2. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest sunset Moyan_Brenn Moyan_Brenn

The country’s capital is famous for its spa culture and has maintained thermal baths from the 16th and 17th centuries. For gorgeous views, walk over the Széchenyi Chain Bridge that connects Buda with Pest.

1. Florence, Italy

View of Florence Artur Staszewski Artur Staszewski

Florence stands out for its world-renowned art scene. Locals and tourists alike can enjoy the various galleries, museums, and churches throughout the city.

- Brittany Fowler and Talia Avakian

Read: Roaming charges are (finally) set to be scrapped from June 2017 >

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