Even Venice and Rome turned out to be not as beautiful.
Chester, England, located in the county of Cheshire, has been named the most beautiful city in the world. It has surpassed such popular tourist destinations as Venice, Rome, and Barcelona, according to Mirror.
Chester received the highest score in the ranking of beauty of cities, compiled on the basis of the “golden ratio”. The study was conducted by Online Mortgage Advisor, which used Google Street View to analyze thousands of homes, streets, and landmarks in different cities around the world.
As the publication explained, the “golden ratio” has been used by artists and architects for centuries as a reference point for natural aesthetic proportions. Researchers applied this principle to buildings and urban landscapes to assess their visual appeal.
Chester scored 83.7% on the “beauty scale”, taking first place. Among the other British cities included in the rating were London and Belfast-they scored 83% and 82.9%, respectively. At the same time, Venice received 83.3%, Rome – 82%, Barcelona-81.9%.Read also:
What you can see in Chester
The publication reported that the city was founded as a Roman fortress around 79 AD. Today, traces of its Roman past still remain in the form of an amphitheater and parts of the fortress.
One of the main attractions in Chester is its well‑preserved city walls. The circular pedestrian path, which is more than 1 km long, allows you to see many historical sites.
The highlight of Chester is The Rows – two‑level covered pedestrian walkways along which shops, cafes and restaurants are located. The medieval buildings give the city centre its distinctive atmosphere.
Chester Cathedral is another landmark. Its history spans many centuries, and its architecture encompasses periods from the Norman era to the Victorian era.
The Eastgate Clock has also become one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It is located above a section of the city walls and is a particularly popular spot for taking photographs.
A city convenient for walking
Despite the fact that Chester is officially a city, its compact historic center has the characteristic atmosphere of a small town, the article notes. There are shops, pubs, cafes, and restaurants here, and the black-and-white half-timbered houses create an almost fairy‑tale-like appearance.
Not far away is the countryside of Cheshire, where you can go to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Chester is also convenient to use as a starting point for trips to North Wales; from here, it’s easy to get to Liverpool and Manchester.
As noted, it’s no surprise that Chester attracts visitors from all over the world, and many leave enthusiastic five‑star reviews on the Tripadvisor platform.
“Chester is truly a wonderful city. It’s The Rows that make it what it is. Beautiful old buildings that are in incredibly good condition. Walking around the area, taking in the history and beauty, is a great pleasure. I tried some delicious food and visited some cozy pubs,” wrote one of the tourists, John Jay.
Exploring more of England beyond this English city? See Canterbury, England’s romantic “mini-Paris” and Alnwick Castle, the real Hogwarts. Official planning starts at Visit England.
Frequently asked questions
Which English city was named the most beautiful in the world?
Chester in Cheshire, according to Mirror. It scored 83.7% in an Online Mortgage Advisor study based on the “golden ratio,” ahead of Venice (83.3%), London (83%), Rome (82%) and Barcelona (81.9%).
What are the main sights in Chester?
Its well-preserved city walls with a walking path of more than 1 km, The Rows two-level covered walkways, Chester Cathedral, the Eastgate Clock and the remains of a Roman amphitheater.
Why is Chester easy to explore on foot?
Its compact historic center feels like a small town, with shops, pubs, cafes and black-and-white half-timbered houses. It is also a good base for North Wales, Liverpool and Manchester.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.