Out of all the types of public spaces that exist, none have proven to be as important as the humble waterfront. Waterfronts are deeply woven into a city’s history and identity. Imagine San Francisco without the Bay, Nice without its Riviera, and Sydney without its harbor?
Natural beauty seems to follow these cities. With beautiful surroundings and balmy sea breezes, waterfront cities have an unquestionable atmosphere that’s both relaxing and invigorating.
There are plenty of cities located on a body of water, but these twelve seaside cities stand out from the pack. Most of them have busy harbors with a rich maritime history, scenic promenades, or even sandy beaches to seal the deal.
12. Cape Town, South Africa
Perched at the very southern tip of Africa, Cape Town is one of those cities that will take your breath away time and time again. Not too many cities boast mountains, beaches, and wine farms within a 30-minute drive of one another.
The whole city revolves around the ocean and mountains. As you might expect, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities for adventure and nature seekers.
Home to hotels, a mall, museums, and markets, The V&A Waterfront seamlessly blends a historic working harbor with world-class entertainment, culture, and cuisine – all under an impressively sustainable umbrella.
11. Chania, Greece
On Crete’s northwest coast, Chania is a waterfront city carved into the Cretian landscape by its maritime history. The Venetian Harbor, known as the Old Port Area of Chania, was built in the 14th century to protect the city against pirates. Today, it’s a hub of cafes, restaurants, and shops in a unique setting that pays homage to its Cretan, Ottoman, and Venetian heritage.
The narrow alleys of the old port area are lined with boutiques and tavernas serving mouth-watering Cretan dishes. Sitting here with a chilled glass of Raki, taking in the lively atmosphere is something you won’t quickly forget.
10. San Sebastian, Spain
Spain has its fair share of iconic waterfronts, but one of the most gorgeous has to be San Sebastian. San Sebastian, or Donostia, as the locals call it, is a coastal gem along the Bay of Biscay.
Its famous beach, called Concha Beach because of its crescent-shaped shoreline, is often hailed as one of the most beautiful city beaches on the continent. This small city revolves around its waterfront, which is lined with tapas bars, and historic churches.
If you’re up for a hike, the best place to view the waterfront in all its glory is from Monte Igueldo.
9. Singapore
This city-state and island country might be small, but it packs a real punch when it comes to waterfront attractions. And with 63 islands making up the country, it makes sense that water is a big part of Singapore’s identity.
The Marina Bay Sands, with its iconic rooftop infinity pool and unparalleled views, is an easy highlight. But there are some less touristy spots that are just as beautiful.
The Singapore River was once the heart of maritime trade in the area. Today, it’s lined with bustling quays where you can enjoy a meal on the water or take a bumboat cruise at sunset.
8. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is especially unique in that the city straddles the border of two continents. It’s where East meets West, and nowhere is this more noticeable than along the Bosphorus Strait. For some locals, ferry rides between Europe and Asia are a daily commute.
The waterfront area is extensive, but one of the most iconic spots is the Karakoy Waterfront. It’s here where you can eat fresh seafood straight off the boats and listen to the hum of the mosques across the other side of the Golden Horn waterway.
7. Vancouver, Canada
Surrounded by ocean and mountains, Vancouver is considered a nature lovers paradise. And it’s easy to see why. Downtown Stanley Park has over one thousand acres of waterfront and woodlands right in the heart of the city.
The Seawall, stretching over 14 miles, is an iconic stretch of land for cycling and walking. Granville Island is another waterside haven. It’s a vibrant hub of food and produce on the water’s edge. And, of course, we can’t leave out False Creek, the narrow inlet that divides the city into two. It’s this creek that makes the city center feel almost like an island.
6. Nice, France
Nice is at the very heart of the French Riviera, surrounded by other glamorous cities like Cannes, St. Tropez, and Monte Carlo. It’s here where you will find the bustling Promenade des Anglais, an icon of the Mediterranean.
You might be surprised by the soft pebbled beaches, but there are countless restaurants and beach clubs along the beach with day beds on the water’s edge. The promenade leads through the Old City and into the Nice harbor, which is equally popular with local fishing boats as it is multi-million-dollar yachts.
5. San Francisco, California
San Francisco and its Bay are an inseparable duo. Joined to the mainland by the Golden Gate Bridge to the north, the Bay Bridge to the east, and Palo Alto to the south, there is no U.S. city with a waterfront as celebrated as this one.
The bay includes plenty of little towns and neighborhoods, like Sausalito and Marin. But it also has a few islands, including the eerie prison of Alcatraz and the uninhabited Angel Island. But the heart and soul of San Francisco’s waterfront centers around Fisherman Wharf, the Ferry Building, and Pier 39.
4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Few cities radiate the vibrance and charisma that Rio de Janeiro does, and its waterfront is the beating heart of the electric energy that pulsates through the streets.
The golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are the center of it all, with a waterfront promenade featuring distinctive black and white patterned mosaic tiles. Here, locals play volleyball and lounge under colorful umbrellas on a Monday morning. The ocean is a huge part of Rio’s culture. In fact, this city has 23 beaches alone.
3. Sydney, Australia
The sea is like a religion in Australia. Sydney has around 70 beaches, numerous rock pools, and more than 1,509 miles worth of spectacular shoreline to its name. It’s a city where urban cosmopolitanism meets laid-back beach vibes, and the harbor is the glue that holds it all together.
Sydney’s waterfront is an architectural marvel famous for its Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s about as coastal as a city can get.
2. Bergen, Norway
With its fjords and inlets, Norway is pretty much one big waterfront. But the country’s second-largest city, Bergen, has a waterfront that truly steals the show. Set against a backdrop of picture-perfect mountains and lined with pastel wooden Hanseatic merchant houses, it’s no wonder the Bryggen Wharf is a listed UNESCO site.
The Bryggen looks just like it did during the Hanseatic League’s trading empire between the 14th and 16th centuries. In the 600-odd years since its founding, the city has been burnt down and rebuilt exactly as it was a handful of times.
1. Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong’s skyline is one of the most memorable in the modern world. It’s like a glittering mosaic of skyscrapers against jungle-clad hills that hug the edge of the Victoria Harbour.
Victoria Harbour is a hub of culture, cuisine, and lively energy that really capitalizes on its coastal location. The East Coast Park Precinct and Belcher Bay Promenade are at the center of it all.
For the best views of this harbor, hop on the famous Star Ferry, which transports passengers back-and-forth between Kowloon and Hong Kong.
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