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In its most basic sense, a city is nothing more than a collection of buildings and streets. But sometimes, when the architectural muse strikes, the buildings make a city much more than the sum of its parts. Whether looking to the future or standing silent tribute to the past, these buildings define their locales and create a sense of awe and wonder. To see these buildings tower above you is to be treated to a rare kind of art museum, one whose galleries form a living, breathing city.

Dubai

It doesn’t come as a surprise that Dubai loves to flaunt amazing architecture. After all, most of its skyscrapers perform other tricks instead of just rising to the sky.  Some like the Dynamic Tower spin or snake their way to the top like the Lagoon Hotel.  And with the tallest building in the world piercing the heavens, there’s no telling what other masterpieces this architecturally obsessed city has in store. 

Exploring the Arabian destination is definitely a treat for the eyes since each building speckled along its streets demonstrate the shinier; the bigger; the better. Even Dubai’s strong sandy winds and boiling temperatures are no match for towers like the Bahrain World Trade Center, which was built with wind turbines to resist the city's harsh temperatures.

Bibury, England

Bilbury might not have the newest architectural trends flowing through its landscape, but its quaint cottages are certainly enchanting. In fact, you may feel like you have somehow transported to the pages of your favorite fairytale by the way its picturesque architectonic structures line the River Coln that majestically flows through the town’s terrain.

Locations like Arlington Row provide a delight taste of the past with century-old buildings of the late 1300s as well as other historic elements rising out of its leafy passageways.  Bibury is a testament of England’s past with a rich antiquity mirrored through its array of timeless cottages.

Santorini, Greece

With whitewashed buildings set against the blue of the Aegean Sea, the beauty of Santorini stays with the traveler long after he has said goodbye. But this comes as no surprise, since the island is renowned for its impressive cluster of masterpieces clenching onto cliffs. Rising out of a turbulent volcanic past, many of its buildings can still be seen sheltering the crater that has left a huge scar on Santorini’s hills. 

Yet, just like its buildings soaring from its cliffs, the island continues to push forward, attracting a multitude of tourists along the way who’ve instantly become smitten the pale Cycladic gems that are so spectacular, even the impression captured by pictures are nothing compared to seeing them firsthand.

Toulouse, France

It is a medieval city that evokes unforgettable memories because of its artistic centerpieces.  But you won’t see super tall skyscrapers hovering over its terrain like silent giants.  Toulouse’s architectural charm is centered on the pink hue that decorates its ancient buildings. 

Justifiably dubbed the Pink City or La Ville Rose, this French town made an instant name for itself as a producer of blue pastel during the middles ages. Although its days producing the material may be over, its rosy décor remains a remnant of the past and through the years has never ceases to amaze. Toulouse may not be as popular as Paris or Cannes, but if you were in possession of a treasure chest filled with pink gems you’d want to keep them a secret too.

Barcelona, Spain

The more unique the architecture the better the impression may seem true when the Spanish city of Barcelona comes to mind.  That is mainly because the architect known as Gaudi has left his imprint in the destination by decorating its landscape with many of his timeless pieces. 

From the mosaic tiles decorating Guell Park to the striking Roman Catholic Church called Sagrada Família; if his intension was to wow everyone walking by his architectural masterpieces then he has certainly succeeded.  Another example of his creativity is also the La Pedrera, a giant grey building featuring wavy ridges throughout its façade. Gaudi single-handedly transformed Barcelona into an architectural beauty, and thanks to his efforts many other talented architects of the city have followed suit.