Skip to main content

Want to see the most beautiful sunrises? Here are the top 10 cities

Wake up early and enjoy the view

By Amanda Teague Published January 14, 2025

Sunrise — MabelAmber / Pixabay

If you’re a fan of stunning sunrises, a recent study by Heepsy has revealed the top 10 cities around the world to catch the most breathtaking morning views. The study ranked cities based on Instagram hashtags related to sunrises, annual sunshine hours, air quality, tourist arrivals, and popular sunrise spots, highlighting the best places to start your day.

Topping the list is New York City, with an impressive 685,000 sunrise-related hashtags. The city’s iconic locations, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park, offer perfect views for both locals and tourists eager to capture the early morning light.

Recommended Videos

In second place is Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with 254,000 sunrise-related hashtags. Known for its abundant sunshine, Dubai boasts the highest annual sunshine hours of any city, totaling a remarkable 3,509 hours per year. Whether you’re on a desert adventure or overlooking the city from one of its stunning skyscrapers, Dubai’s sunrises are always spectacular.

Seoul, South Korea, rounds out the top three with 75.6K sunrise-related hashtags. The city’s serene morning scenes from Namsan Tower and along the Han River have captivated Instagram users. With the sun rising at 7:47 a.m. and an Air Quality Index of 55, Seoul offers peaceful mornings and clean air.

Tabi Vicuña, Founder of Heepsy, commented on the study: “Sunrises provide an opportunity to see destinations in their most unfiltered state, offering moments of stillness and clarity that are rare in the hustle of daily life. The morning hours often reveal details of a city or landscape that might go unnoticed later in the day, making them a favorite for travelers and photographers.”

The cities with the most beautiful sunrises: The full list

Sunrise — orterrym / Pixabay

Here’s the full list of the best cities in the world to see the sunrise.

New York City, USA
Dubai, UAE
Seoul, South Korea
Sydney, Australia
Paris, France
Berlin, Germany
San Francisco, USA
Madrid, Spain
Maui, USA
Barcelona, Spain

Contributor

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word…

Topics

Destinations

Travel

This New Montana Hotel Captures the Poetry of the Open Road

Helena's newest boutique hotel revives the spirit of the classic roadside motel.

Corner, Home Decor, Bed

In case you need another excuse for a Montana getaway this summer, a quirky new boutique hotel has opened in Helena, the Treasure State's capital. The Bell Hotel occupies the site of the former Bell Motel, a classic 1950s roadside lodge thoughtfully reimagined by CWG Architecture. Each of its 14 rooms features locally made chocolates, coffee, and artwork. While in town, ask the front desk about the Bell's Picnic in the Park package. The hotel supplies a basket of local treats and a blanket; Montana provides the sublime scenery and glorious weather. You're on your own for companionship.

Hannah honey was a peachy kind of girl/Her eyes were hazel and her nose was slightly curved/We spent a lonely night at the Memory Motel - The Rolling Stones

Travel

Want to feel like a lad watching England vs. Norway in New York City? The London is where it’s at

The quarterfinals are here. The London's where you should be.

Flag, Plant, City

The last quarterfinal games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup are here. England-Norway kicks things off in Miami before Argentina-Switzerland caps the day's action in Kansas City. One of the best things to come out of the World Cup has been the atmosphere these fans have provided at each city they've visited. We saw the amazing vibes out of Mexico City last week when England fans visited. Before the game, England fans partied and went toe-to-toe with Mexicans at bars everywhere. I know because I was there at The Dog House Pub.

After England beat Mexico in a classic Round of 16 game, fans flooded the streets and partied. We celebrated with England fans until the wee hours of the morning. If you have a serious case of FOMO, you need not worry. You can still catch good vibes and feel like a lad watching England-Norway at The London, A Luxury Collection Hotel, in New York City.

Travel

There’s more to do in Napa Valley than just wine tasting

Silverado Resort is the ideal place to experience it all

Silverado Resort in Napa Valley

Tell someone you're going to Napa Valley, and it conjures images of rolling vineyards and wine tastings. Both are good things to be sure, but there's more to do in Napa than sample fermented grapes. And that's good news for travelers who don't drink, want to explore a different side of Napa, or simply prefer other pursuits.

Napa Valley's wine country reputation, while well-earned, can overshadow what is a legitimately diverse playground. There are championship golf courses, world-class spas, hiking trails, a walkable downtown, and some of the best dining in the country. And it's all easily accessible, whether these activities are the focus of your trip or something to squeeze in between tasting rooms.