The World’s 20 Sexiest Cities

Like people, some cities just have that special something about them. But what makes a city sexy is all in the eye of the beholder. It could be the weather, the local nightlife, the scenery or the cultural scene. It could also be a piece of romantic history. Most importantly, a city’s sexiness often comes down to its people. Taking these different aspects into account, here are some of the world’s sexiest cities.

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1. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Probably the sexiest thing two people can do with all their clothes on is to tango, and Buenos Aires is synonymous with this ultra-sensual dance. You can do it in the streets against a backdrop of grand architecture that has earned the city the nickname 'The Paris of South America'.

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2. Austin, Texas

A Men’s Health study ranked Austin as the most sex-crazy city in the United States, based on factors such as condom and sex-toy sales and birth rates. Famous for its live music scene and independent spirit, Austin may be just the place for a holiday hook-up.

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3. Medellin, Colombia

Medellin is like the guy who used to cause trouble wherever he went, then grew up and mellowed out but still sports some symbol of his wild youth, like an unconventional tattoo. What was once one of the world’s most dangerous cities is now renowned for its innovation, public art, and progressive spirit.

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4. Shanghai, China

Shanghai is a brilliant mix of old and new, the exotic and the familiar. The shopping is fantastic and if you want to feel incredibly sexy, get yourself a silk cheongsam, the body-hugging Chinese dress that was born in Shanghai in the 1920s.

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5. Denver, Colorado

It’s not for nothing that Denver is also known as the 'Mile High City'. The elevation may make you feel a little light-headed already and to add to the fun, a Quality Health study rated Denver as the most sexually active city in the US.

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6. Vancouver, BC

Notable cites a study by online dating site EliteSingles which ranks Vancouver as the Canadian city where singles have the highest sex drive.

The beaches, spectacular scenery, sophisticated nightlife, ethnic diversity and many festivals and events add to Vancouver’s sexiness. Best of all, the mild climate means you’ll be able to find better uses for your time than shovelling snow.

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7. Melbourne, Australia

Sydney may be known for its bronzed beach bodies, but if you like sexy with sophistication, Melbourne is it. Australia’s cultural capital is known for its artsy vibe, coffee shops, colourful graffiti and live music scene. It’s a sports-mad city too, so you’ll find plenty of people who are in very good shape.

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8. Zurich, Switzerland

The country of cuckoo clocks and yodelling also ranks as the one with the most sexually satisfied population. According to a study cited by The Mirror, 2% of Swiss nationals admitted to having had sex in public places.

Zurich is a great place to join in the action, with Europe’s highest number of clubs per capita and one of the world’s largest techno parties, Street Parade.

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9. Havana, Cuba

The birthplace of the mojito also boasts a rich cultural heritage and lively nightlife. If you don’t feel like shaking your booty to Latin rhythms on a sultry Havana night, watching beautiful people do it at the famous Tropicana cabaret show will definitely get you in the mood.

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10. Moscow, Russia

Gone are the days when Moscow was a city of grey people among grey buildings. Especially in summer, the city comes alive with colour and everyone heads to the nearest park to soak up the sun. Among its many cultural attractions, Moscow is home to the Bolshoi Ballet with its very agile men in tights.

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11. Paris, France

According to a Conde Nast Traveler readers’ survey, Paris is the city with the world’s most beautiful people. Of course, it’s also associated with romance like no other city is, which makes it pretty sexy too.

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12. New York, New York

In 2015, Playboy Magazine conducted a survey and looked at the attitudes and lifestyles of people living in several American cities in order to rank them according to how sexy they were. New York came out on top, not only because of its excellent nightlife but also because it’s slightly kinky.

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13. Agra, India

A grand tribute to love can be incredibly sexy, and in Agra, you’ll find probably the grandest of them all. The city is home to the Taj Mahal, built in the 17th century to commemorate the wife and great love of Shah Jahan, Mumtaz Mahal.

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14. Cape Town, South Africa

Let’s face it: good food is really, really sexy. According to Conde Nast Traveler, Cape Town is the world’s best city for foodies, offering everything from simple fish and chips to upscale gourmet dining. The mountains and sea that make up the landscape also offer more than enough ways to work off those extra calories.

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15. Rome, Italy

One of the sexiest images in cinema history is that of Anita Ekberg wearing a strapless evening gown while wading in the Trevi Fountain. With its rich history, iconic landmarks, great food, and shopping, Rome is the perfect place to live La Dolce Vita, and the really sexy way to explore the city is while riding a Vespa.

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16. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik is like a pretty, wholesome girl who unleashes her wild side when you least expect it. The Icelandic capital has a vibrant nightlife, and the city’s inhabitants will embrace any and every opportunity to celebrate life with gusto. It’s also home to the Icelandic Phallological Museum, the world’s largest collection of male bits.

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17. Mexico City, Mexico

Imagine 18,000 people standing buck-naked in a city square, singing 'Cielito Lindo' as if what they’re doing is the most normal thing in the world. As the Washington Post reported at the time, this happened in Mexico City in 2007 for a Spencer Tunick photo shoot and shows just how liberal and passionate the city’s people are.

What could be sexier than a city where the inhabitants are truly comfortable in their own skin?

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18. Berlin, Germany

If your idea of a sexy city is one that’s avant-garde, sometimes a little gritty but always vibrant and tolerant, Berlin will definitely make your heart beat faster. The German capital is famous for its parties and club scene, its fashion and arts and its place at the forefront of the fight for LGBT rights.

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19. Tokyo, Japan

Whether you’re getting lost in the bright lights of its shopping districts, meditating in a tranquil park or garden, belting out your favourite song in a karaoke bar, eating exotic dishes or just admiring the weird and wonderful outfits in the Harajuku neighbourhood, Tokyo will never bore you. That makes the Japanese capital very sexy indeed.

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20. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

No list of sexy cities would be complete without Rio, where the inhabitants deal with the hot and humid climate by wearing as little as possible. Things reach a climax around February or March when the city’s samba dancers show off their moves during the Rio Carnival.