The New7Wonders project was created by Bernard Weber to highlight some of the greatest natural and man-made wonders of the world.

The global competition began with more than 1,200 nominees from 220 countries. That list was reduced to 77 since there was a limit of one city per country. 

Then the 77 remaining cities were narrowed down by a panel of experts headed by Federico Mayor, former Director-General of UNESCO, to 28 suggestions.

From the 28 suggestions, seven cities were chosen by hundreds of millions of voters from around the world. 

Below are the seven cities that have been named the new urban wonders of the world. 

1. Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut is the capital and the largest city of Lebanon is located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon’s Mediterranean coast, Beirut is the country’s largest and main seaport.

The city is situated on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's Mediterranean coast. Beirut has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years.

Beirut's architecture is a stunning mix of modern right next to the Ottoman and colonial French buildings.

Beirut is ranked as a Beta World City by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. 

2. Doha, Qatar

Doha is the capital city and most populous city of the State of Qatar.


The city is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf in the east of the country. It is Qatar’s fastest-growing city, with over 50% of the nation’s population living in Doha or its surrounding suburbs, and it is also the economic centre of the country.

Doha, first gained prominence when it began tapping into its expansive natural gas reserves, which have contributed to Qatar’s growth as one of the wealthiest nations in the world.

Doha is home to Education City, a research and education project established by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. 


3. Durban, South Africa

Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. 

Durban’s metropolitan municipality ranks third among the most populous urban areas in South Africa after Johannesburg and Cape Town. It is also the second most important manufacturing hub in South Africa after Johannesburg. 

This city sits on the coast and has become the busiest seaport in the country. Additionally, Durban is a popular tourist destination, known for its subtropical weather, surfing, and beautiful beach.

To attract more tourists, the city has invested in developing the Golden Mile.

Golden mile -  is the popular stretch of beachfront in the city of Durban, which has a wide stretch of golden sands, artificially separated by various piers, provides excellent opportunities for sun-worshippers and swimmers to enjoy the sub-tropical sunshine and warm waters of the Indian Ocean.


4. Havana, Cuba

Havana is the capital city, largest city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba and making it the largest city by area, the most populous city, and the third-largest metropolitan area in the Caribbean region.

The city is also noted for its history, culture, architecture and monuments. As typical of Cuba, Havana also features a tropical climate.

Havana city was founded in the early 16th century by Spanish colonialists is known for its old architecture, vintage cars, beautiful beaches, and tasty Cuban cocktails.

It is divided into 3 sections: Old Havana, Vedado, and modern suburbs. Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur officially the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, is the national capital of Malaysia as well as its largest city. 

It is among the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in South-East Asia, in terms of population and economy.

The official residence of the Malaysian King, the Istana Negara, is also situated in Kuala Lumpur. 

Rated as an alpha world city, Kuala Lumpur is the cultural, financial and economic centre of Malaysia due to its position as the capital as well as being a key city.

This city is home to a wide variety of modern architecture and is well known for its skyscrapers. The iconic Petronas are the tallest twin buildings in the world are located in Kuala Lumpur.


6. La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz is the capital of Bolivia. It is located at 11,975 feet above sea level, making it the highest national capital in the world.

This city is settled in a canyon that runs through the Altiplano mountains of the Andes mountain range.

The city is towering triple-peaked Illimani (Illimani is the highest mountain in the Cordillera Real of western Bolivia.), which is always snow-covered and can be seen from many parts of the city.

This city is home to the Presidential Palace, Plurinational Legislative Assembly, San Francisco Church, and Witches’ Market (the market run with local witch doctors).

Witch doctors - A witch doctor (also spelt witch-doctor) was originally a type of healer who treated ailments believed to be caused by witchcraft.


7. Vigan, Philippines

Vigan, officially the City of Vigan is a fourth-class component city and capital of the province of Ilocos Sur in the Philippines. The city is located on the western coast of the large island of Luzon, facing the South China Sea. 

Vigan is unique for having preserved much of its Hispanic colonial character, particularly its grid street pattern and historic urban layout. Its significance also lies in how the different architectural influences are blended to create a homogenous townscape.


Its architecture is made even more interesting by the cobblestone streets that wind between the buildings.

Vigan is famous for its well-preserved Spanish Colonial town, historical Vigan tourist spots, and delicious food and delicacies.