Tourism, as an urban and architectural phenomenon, has grown to encompass more than just sightseeing; it engages visitors with the social, cultural, and economic narratives that cities tell through their built environments. In celebration of World Tourism Day 2024, this collection of city guides highlights the role of architecture in shaping the urban tourism experience. Today, cities around the world stand as testaments to human ingenuity, historical preservation, and modern innovation. In fact, each city's versatile architecture offers a window into a city's identity, drawing millions of visitors each year who seek to understand how these spaces shape everyday life and collective memory.
In 2024, many cities have seized the world's collective imagination, each with its unique narrative waiting to be uncovered. Whether one finds themselves meandering through London, admiring Paris, or immersing in the cultural treasures of Sharjah, the story is always there to be unraveled. From Amsterdam's canals to Cairo's rich historical layers, Barcelona's avant-garde architecture, the liveliness of Santiago to the ancient marvels of Rome, and the diverse Istanbul to the bustling Bangkok – each city serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of human civilization.
Read on to discover 30 architecture city guides in celebration of World Tourism Day 2024.
Abu Dhabi Architecture City Guide: 50 Years of City Making
Milan Architecture City Guide: 15 Must-See Landmarks and 20 Contemporary Attractions in Italy's Fashion Capital
San Diego City Guide: 12 Projects to Explore in the 2024 World Design Capital
Tegucigalpa Architecture City Guide: 18 Landmarks to Explore the Capital of Honduras
Vienna's Architectural Evolution: 21 Landmarks Spanning Baroque, Secession, and Contemporary Styles
Cairo Architecture City Guide: Exploring the Unique Architectural Blend of Historical and Contemporary in Egypt's Bustling Capital
Cologne Architecture City Guide: 16 Historical and Contemporary Projects to Discover in the City of Spires
Dakar Architecture City Guide: 10 Modern and Contemporary Works that Reflect the City's Evolving Identity
London Architecture City Guide: 20 Modern and Contemporary Attractions to Explore in UK's Cultural and Financial Powerhouse
Luxembourg Architecture City Guide: 23 Projects to Explore in the Grand Duchy
Paris 20th-Century Architecture City Guide: From Le Corbusier's Modern Villas to Brutalist Estates
Rotterdam City Guide: 20 Projects to Discover in Netherlands' Maritime Hub
Sharjah City Guide: 18 Contemporary and Historical Attractions to Discover in UAE's Cultural Hub
Porto Architecture City Guide: 24 Sites Showcasing the Essence of Portugal's Invincible City
Amsterdam City Guide: 25 Places to See in the Capital of The Netherlands
Rome Architecture City Guide: 30 Sites that Celebrate the City's Rich Culture and History
Lisbon City Guide: 24 Places to See in Portugal's Capital
Istanbul Architecture City Guide: 5 Historical and 20 Contemporary Projects to Explore in Türkiye's Largest City
Tijuana City Guide: 9 Projects to Explore in the 2024 World Design Capital
Bangkok Architecture City Guide: 23 Places to See in Thailand's Capital
Toronto Architecture City Guide: 25 Modern and Contemporary Landmarks in Canada's Largest City
Montreal Architecture City Guide: 15 Historic and Contemporary Landmarks in Canada's Cultural Capital
Copenhagen Architecture City Guide: 20 Projects to Discover in the 2023 UNESCO World Capital of Architecture
Tokyo Architecture City Guide: 30 Iconic Buildings to Visit in Japan's Capital City
Madrid Architecture City Guide: 27 Brutalist and Contemporary Attractions to Explore in the Spanish Capital
New York City Architecture Guide: Discover 10 Must-See Landmarks and 20 Contemporary Attractions
Mumbai Architecture City Guide: 20 Projects in One of India's Most Populous Cities
Barcelona City Guide: 23 Places to See in Gaudi's Birthplace
Santiago Architecture City Guide: 41 Buildings, Complexes, and Parks to Visit in the Chilean Capital
Prague Architecture City Guide: 25 Historical and Contemporary Attractions to Explore in Czechia's City of a Hundred Spires
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on September 27, 2023, and updated on September 27, 2024.
