FX.co ★ Five most fascinating cities in the world

Adelaide

Adelaide, a large Australian metropolis with a population of around 1.3 million, tops the ranking. The city was founded in 1836 and named after Queen Adelaide, the wife of King William IV of Great Britain. Today, it is known for its wide streets, green parks, and picturesque Victorian-style buildings. One of Adelaide’s main landmarks is the Town Hall, built in the mid-19th century. Among the modern constructions, travelers pinpoint the SAHMRI institute building, resembling a giant crystal, and the 40-story Resonance skyscraper.

Tallinn

The second place goes to the capital of Estonia. Tallinn was founded on the shores of the Baltic Sea in the 13th century. Today, its main highlight is the so-called Old Town, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. This part of the Estonian capital is characterized by narrow streets, medieval houses with red tiled roofs, and Gothic churches. The Old Town also features a historic square with a 14th-century town hall, which has been well-preserved to this day.

Portsmouth

The “bronze” in the ranking is awarded to Portsmouth, a city located on the southern coast of England, in Hampshire. Portsmouth was founded in 1180 by Lord Jean de Gisors. For over eight centuries, it has played an important role in Britain’s naval history and remains a significant naval port today. One of the city's main attractions is the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where legendary warships like Admiral Nelson’s HMS Victory and King Henry VIII’s Mary Rose can be visited. The city is also adorned by the Spinnaker Tower, a skyscraper shaped like a sail.

San Miguel de Allende

Fourth place in the ranking goes to San Miguel de Allende, a city located in central Mexico. It was founded in 1542 by Spanish monk Juan de San Miguel, after whom the city was named. Today, San Miguel de Allende is renowned for its rich historical heritage. Its architecture is a harmonious blend of Spanish colonial style and baroque. The Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel stands in the city center, a picturesque Gothic church with pink spires, which is the symbol of San Miguel de Allende.

Antigua

Rounding out the ranking is the city of Antigua, located in central Guatemala. Antigua was founded in 1543 and served as the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala until 1773, when it was devastated by a strong earthquake. Despite the destruction, the city has preserved many of its historic buildings, constructed in the Spanish Baroque style. Notable landmarks include the Cathedral of Santiago, the Santo Domingo Monastery, and the Santa Catalina Arch, which has become a symbol of the city.