From Australia to Croatia, Japan to Mexico, Condé Nast Traveller has provide you with an inventory of the 53 most beautiful small cities on this planet.
Introducing the checklist, the journey specialists mentioned: “Thanks to the rising demand for sluggish journey, it is no marvel so many people are searching for out the most beautiful small cities on this planet.
“Sometimes we need to skip the crowded landmarks and the sprawling resorts and spend some time in a place that feels more grounded, personal and mindful.”
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— Condé Nast Traveler (@CNTraveler) April 1, 2026
Condé Nast Traveler continued: “Small cities naturally lend themselves to this journey development – there’s much less strain to see and do the whole lot, and extra alternative to easily be current.
“There’s nonetheless lots to do in these small-town getaways, although – you may discover boutique resorts, family-run eating places, beautiful mountain climbing trails and good, old school attraction.
“You’re most likely already accustomed to a number of the best hits in Europe and the US, however just about each nation on the planet has a superb small city value searching for out, from historic villages in Japan to abandon oases in Egypt.
“To get you started on your next fairytale adventure, we’ve rounded up 53 of the most beautiful small towns in the world.”
The most beautiful small cities on this planet
The 53 most beautiful small cities on this planet, in accordance with Condé Nast Traveler, are:
What makes Castle Combe one of many most beautiful small towns/villages on this planet
The “fairytale” village of Castle Combe is regularly recognised as one of many UK’s most beautiful villages.
The pint-sized village, with a inhabitants of 356 individuals, comes extremely really useful by journey specialists and guests alike, described as like someplace “straight out of a postcard”.
Condé Nast Traveler mentioned: “Castle Combe is a quintessentially English village positioned within the southwest county of Wiltshire.
“No new homes have been constructed right here for the reason that 1600s, so the city is a well-preserved stretch of Cotswold stone cottages and outdated pubs and church buildings.
“For a real taste of the town, stop in for afternoon tea at The Old Rectory Pop-Up Tearoom.”
Condé Nast Traveler has additionally beforehand acknowledged that Castle Combe is a “charming” village, boasting “some of the region’s prettiest walks”.
The Wiltshire village has additionally been used to movie a number of Hollywood motion pictures, together with Stardust and War Horse.
What do guests consider Castle Combe?
Castle Combe comes extremely really useful by guests, boasting a near-perfect 4.7 (out of 5) ranking on Tripadvisor from 1,479 opinions (on the time of writing).
Tourists have described the village as “picturesque”, “a step back in time”, and “a must see”.
One individual, posting on Tripadvisor, mentioned: “Picturesque village. Castle Combe is a really fairly village with plenty of quaint cottages to take a look at.
“Be careful about when you visit though as the place can be over-run with tourists.”
Another customer added: “Castle Combe is a village that feels as if it has stepped straight out of a postcard.
“Bathed in sunshine, its honey-colored stone cottages and winding lanes create a picture-perfect attraction that lingers in reminiscence lengthy after visiting.
“The atmosphere is serene, unspoiled, and timeless, making it easy to see why it’s often called one of England’s prettiest villages.”
They continued: “The views listed below are merely splendid—whether or not you’re gazing throughout the rolling countryside, strolling beside the mild stream, or pausing on the historic market cross within the coronary heart of the village.
“Every angle feels like it belongs on a canvas. With its peaceful setting and classic beauty, Castle Combe is the kind of place that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak in the warmth of an idyllic English village.”
@solowithsav significantly appears like i stepped right into a fairytale ✨ #cotswolds #cotswoldstravel #castlecombe #uktravel #englandtravel #beautifuldestinations ♬ Fairytale – Harry Gregson-Williams & John Powell
While a vacationer on TikTookay mentioned visiting Castle Combe was like stepping “into a fairytale”.
What to do in Castle Combe
A go to to Castle Combe’s medieval Market Cross, which dates again to the 14th century, is a should for any customer.
While a photograph of Castle Combe from the stone bridge over the ByBrook (river) is “one of the most popular things to do” within the village, in accordance with Explore the Cotswolds .
This is Castle Combe’s “postcard shot”, the Cotswolds specialists clarify, including: “With the packhorse bridge and Water Lane weavers’ cottages in the foreground and the village stretching uphil behind them.”
You can try a number of the filming places, used for motion pictures together with Dr Dolittle (1967), Stardust (2007), The Wolfman (2010), and Steven Spielberg’s War Horse (2011).
St Andrew’s Church, initially constructed within the thirteenth century, and the Castle Combe Race Circuit must also be in your checklist of issues to do, in accordance with Explore the Cotswolds.
Venturing out of Castle Combe, there’s an array of walks via the “peaceful” Cotswold countryside close by.
Places to eat and drink
If you might be in search of some refreshments, there’s a vary of welcoming cafes to strive whereas in Castle Combe, Explore the Cotswolds writes.
These embody the Old Stables Coffee Shop and the Little Picnic Shop.
You may spot honesty packing containers outdoors properties, the place you’ll be able to assist your self to desserts, jam, eggs, or crops (simply depart some cash to say thanks).
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If you might be in search of one thing somewhat extra substantial, the Bybrook restaurant on the Manor House Hotel is a Michelin-starred restaurant.
The Castle Inn additionally comes really useful by Explore the Cotswolds, boasting 2 AA Rosettes and rated as one of many UK’s prime 50 Gastropubs.
Where to remain
The Manor House and Castle Inn, together with The Gates, are additionally nice locations to go if you’re in search of lodging.
