Discover the Seven Wonder Cities of the World

The quest to identify the globe’s most remarkable urban centers culminated in the New7Wonders Cities campaign, an initiative launched by Swiss businessman Bernard Weber. This ambitious global poll aimed to pinpoint cities that best epitomize the achievements and diversity of urban civilization worldwide. Starting with an extensive list of 1,200 cities across 220 nations, the selection was first narrowed to 77 due to a one-city-per-country rule. Subsequently, a panel led by a former UNESCO director refined the list further to 28 finalists based on specific criteria. In 2011, global internet users cast their votes, and the results, announced in 2014, revealed the official Seven Wonder Cities Of The World: Beirut, Doha, Durban, Havana, Kuala Lumpur, La Paz, and Vigan. Let’s explore what makes each of these urban wonders unique.

Vigan, Philippines

Located on the Philippine island of Luzon, Vigan is a city with a population of about 53,879. It stands as one of the few remaining cities in the country showcasing a well-preserved Hispanic colonial history stretching back to the 16th century. Vigan is celebrated for its distinctive architecture, a fascinating fusion of colonial European, Philippine, and Oriental styles. This architectural heritage is complemented by charming cobblestone streets winding through the historic center. Interestingly, before Spanish colonization, Vigan served as a significant trading post established by the Chinese. Beyond its status as one of the new urban wonders, Vigan is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protecting its unique cultural landscape.

Cobblestone street lined with historic Spanish colonial buildings in Vigan, Philippines

La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz serves as Bolivia’s administrative capital and holds the distinction of being the world’s highest national capital, perched at an elevation of 11,975 feet above sea level. The city is dramatically situated within a canyon carved into the Altiplano plateau of the Andes mountain range. La Paz itself has a population of approximately 789,541, but its metropolitan area, encompassing El Alto and Viacha, swells to 2.3 million inhabitants. Founded by Spanish colonists in 1548 on the site of an existing Inca settlement, modern La Paz is the seat of the Bolivian government, housing the Presidential Palace and the Plurinational Legislative Assembly. Key landmarks include the historic San Francisco Church and the intriguing Witches’ Market. The city is a vital economic hub, contributing 25% of Bolivia’s GDP, primarily through manufacturing industries producing food, textiles, building materials, and tobacco products.

Panoramic view of La Paz, Bolivia nestled in a canyon within the Andes mountains

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, often called KL, is the vibrant capital and largest city of Malaysia, boasting a population of 1.7 million within the city limits. Its broader metropolitan area is home to 7.2 million people and ranks among Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing urban regions. The city is renowned for its modern architecture and impressive skyline, dominated by some of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers, including the Petronas Twin Towers, once the tallest buildings globally. While its exact founding date is uncertain, historical records from the early 19th century confirm its origins tied to a prosperous tin mining industry. Today, Kuala Lumpur stands as Malaysia’s primary center for finance, real estate, insurance, media, and the arts, reflecting its dynamic economic and cultural significance.

Night skyline of Kuala Lumpur featuring the illuminated Petronas Twin Towers

Havana, Cuba

Havana is the captivating capital city of Cuba. With a population of around 2.1 million spread across 281.18 square miles, it is the largest city in the country by both population and land area. Havana plays a crucial role in Cuba’s economy as a major commercial center and vital port city. Established by Spanish colonialists in the early 16th century, the city is famed for its rich history and vibrant, colorful architecture. Havana is typically divided into three distinct districts: the historic Old Havana (Habana Vieja), the central business district of Vedado, and the newer suburban areas. Old Havana, with its well-preserved colonial structures and atmospheric plazas, is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors from around the globe.

Classic vintage American car driving past colorful colonial architecture in Havana, Cuba

Durban, South Africa

Located on the coast of South Africa, Durban is the largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, with a metropolitan population of 3.5 million. Its strategic coastal position has made it the busiest seaport in the country. Durban is also a major tourist destination, favored for its pleasant subtropical climate, excellent surfing conditions, and expansive beaches. To enhance its appeal to visitors, the city has significantly developed the Golden Mile, a stretch of beachfront featuring apartments, hotels, entertainment venues like casinos, piers, a popular promenade, and numerous restaurants. The swimming areas along the Golden Mile are diligently protected by lifeguards and shark nets. Archaeological evidence suggests the Durban area has been an important site of human settlement for an incredibly long time, possibly dating back 100,000 years. The modern city began to take shape with the arrival of British settlers in the early 19th century.

Aerial view of Durban's Golden Mile beachfront with cityscape and ocean

Doha, Qatar

Doha, situated along the Persian Gulf on Qatar’s eastern coast, became the nation’s capital upon independence in 1971. Today, it houses nearly 1.5 million residents, representing over half of the country’s total population. Doha is Qatar’s undisputed economic engine and its fastest-growing city. It is rapidly ascending as a major financial center in the Middle East. The city is also home to Education City, an ambitious initiative by the Qatar Foundation focused on education, science, and community development. Qatar’s vast oil and natural gas reserves, largely managed through Doha, have propelled the nation to become one of the wealthiest in the world per capita. Doha has increasingly stepped onto the global stage, hosting major international events such as the 2006 Asian Games, the 2011 Pan Arab Games, the 20th World Petroleum Conference (2011), and the UNFCCC Climate Negotiations (2012), solidifying its reputation as a key global city.

Modern skyline of Doha, Qatar with futuristic architecture along the waterfront

Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut, the resilient capital of Lebanon, stands as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with evidence of human settlement dating back approximately 5,000 years. Positioned on a peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea, Beirut serves as Lebanon’s primary seaport and a crucial financial and legal hub, hosting numerous corporate headquarters. Throughout its long history, the city has faced periods of political unrest, including the devastating Lebanese Civil War, leading to multiple phases of reconstruction. This constant rebuilding has resulted in a unique and eclectic architectural landscape, blending Ottoman, French colonial, and modern styles. Often referred to as the “Paris of the Mediterranean,” Beirut continues to be a vibrant center of culture, commerce, and resilience in the region, earning its place among the Seven Wonder Cities Of The World.

View of Beirut, Lebanon showcasing a mix of modern and traditional buildings near the Mediterranean coast

These seven wonder cities of the world, selected through a global democratic process, showcase the incredible diversity and dynamism of urban life across continents. From the ancient historical layers of Beirut and Vigan to the modern skylines of Kuala Lumpur and Doha, and the unique cultural tapestries of Havana, La Paz, and Durban, each city offers a distinct window into human achievement and adaptation. They stand as testaments to history, culture, economic drive, and the enduring spirit of urban civilization, inviting exploration and appreciation from people worldwide.