Accra Outranks New York and Paris in Top 10 Most Attractive Cities From the Sky

A new global study has revealed the most eye-catching destinations from the air, and Accra ranks second in the world, making it one of the most visually captivating cities globally. 

The global study, conducted by Remitly, a trusted provider of financial services, used eye-tracking software to reveal which global destinations are the most appealing from the air and offer those arriving some of the most impressive views.

Prague topped the list in the study, holding participants’ gaze for an impressive  14 minutes and 8 seconds in total (out of a possible 16 minutes and 40 seconds). Accra, Ghana, was the second most alluring city from the skies, followed by Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

The top 10 most visually captivating cities from the air

Revealed:  The Most Alluring Destinations From The Air According To Eye-Tracking Study

• A new eye-tracking study from Remitly reveals the most visually appealing cities from the skies.

• Prague in the Czech Republic has the most ‘Air Appeal’, followed by Accra in Ghana and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

• London is the UK’s most captivating city, followed by the Welsh capital, Cardiff and Bristol in third.

A new global study from Remitly, a trusted provider of financial services that transcend borders, has revealed which popular international destinations have the most ‘air appeal’. Using the latest eye-tracking technology, the study unearths which cities capture people’s attention the most before they’ve even set foot on the ground.

The world’s most attractive cities from the skies

The Czech Republic’s capital, Prague, has the most air appeal, holding people’s attention for an impressive 14 minutes and 8 seconds (out of a possible 16 minutes and 40 seconds). The picturesque European city is known for its beautiful architecture, including the Charles Bridge and striking terracotta roof tiles that can be seen from the air.

In the second place, holding people’s attention for over 11 minutes, is Accra, Ghana’s capital, where visitors can take in views of Kokrobite and Laboma Beach stretching along the Atlantic coast as they fly into the land. Third is Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, famed for its network of canals and compact city layout, offering visitors incredible views from above.

Frankfurt and Vienna complete the top five. The German and Austrian cities are eye-catching in their own right, with Frankfurt home to some spectacular modern buildings that stand out along the city skyline. In contrast, Vienna is famed for its traditional, historic buildings such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna State Opera.

The top 20 global destinations that give the best first impressions

Over half of the top ten most eye-catching destinations are in Europe, but the USA also fares well, with a host of cities boasting great first impressions from the air.

The US city with the greatest air appeal is Indianapolis; it’s a must-visit city for motor racing fans who can even catch a glimpse of the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway from their seat in the skies. Boston, Austin, Washington D.C. and Las Vegas all make the global top 20.

The UK’s most alluring cities from the skies

Whilst they might not feature amongst the top 20 most attention-grabbing cities from the skies, the UK is home to some beautiful destinations filled with incredible historical monuments, buildings, and stunning structures that are sure to create a lasting first impression.

London tops the list of the UK’s most captivating cities from the skies, with the UK capital holding people’s attention for the longest. Home to several airports, including Heathrow and London City, plenty of flight paths allow passengers to soak up iconic views of the capital, including the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and the River Thames.

The Welsh capital, Cardiff, ranks second, capturing people’s gaze for just over four minutes. Cardiff has some standout sights, including the Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle and just across the border, in third, is Bristol, known for its colourful homes and the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which spans the Avon Gorge.

Rounding off the top five are Newquay in fourth and Manchester in fifth. On approach to the Cornish destination, travellers are treated to views of the gorgeous southern English coastline, giving them a taste of what they can expect to find as they explore more of the area.

Manchester, one of the biggest cities in the north of the UK, is surrounded by so much natural beauty, with passengers enjoying views of the Pennine and Rossendale ranges, framing the urban bustle of the city itself.

The UK cities that give the best first impressions from the air.

Ryan Riley, VP of Marketing for EMEA and APAC at Remitly, commented: “Your first view of the city you’re visiting or moving to can set the tone for your new adventure. It’s just one of many first impressions, coupled with the greeting you get from staff at the airport to the first coffee you buy, you start to build up an image of a destination pretty quickly before you’ve even put your bags down.

From the sky, we found that European cities with lots of standout architecture were the most common type of destination that participants found most alluring, specifically, historic features such as castles and waterways proved the most eye-catching.

Remember, first impressions will change dramatically once you uncover the hidden gems and local recommendations to get a real feel for your new destination. Wherever you decide to move to, there will be plenty to capture your attention.”

African Eye Report