When the pressures of modern life become overwhelming, perhaps there is no better salve for the soul than beautiful mountain cities. After all, they make it easy to reconnect with nature and the ancient enormity of miles-high peaks has a stunning way of making human problems feel small. Better yet, these locales provide the perfect climate and landscape for outdoor sports like skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.
To that end, we’ve gathered a list of the most exquisite alpine cities from every corner of the globe, offering not only picturesque peaks but also engaging architecture and unique cultural experiences worthy of the trip. One Swiss town features ski slopes so glorious they were honored with hosting the first Winter Olympics, while another is at the base of three Central American volcanoes and features pristine Spanish architecture. Below, discover AD’s short list of the most beautiful mountain cities in the world.
