11 beautiful places to watch the sunrise, from Cappadocia to Arizona

Rise above the 'fairy chimneys' of Turkey or see the sun come up over an Icelandic mountain 

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Margaret Abrams17 September 2019

Whether you're waking up early for early morning yoga on the beach or just so happen to still be awake from the night before (we don't judge) there’s nothing quite like catching a spectacular sunrise.

But where are the most spectacular places to watch the sun come up? We've rounded up some of the most breathtaking sunrises all over the world to add to your travel bucket list. From venturing to Kirkjufell Mountain in Iceland or hopping in a spectacular balloon ride over Cappadocia, trade your sunsets for sunrises - they're quiet, tranquil and best of all, free.

Cappadocia, Turkey

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With a dramatic landscape which tourists have compared to Mars, Cappadocia is one of the most popular places in the world to go for a hot air balloon ride. For a real treat, get up there first thing - you'd be hard pushed to beat a sunrise view from 3000 feet up above the 'fairy chimneys.'

The Grand Canyon, Arizona

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The Grand Canyon is famous for its stunning sunrises. The location is a family favorite but it has also become popular with celebrities over the years. The Beckhams, Beyonce, Oprah and US Presidents have all posed at its edge. For a true bucket list moment, book a sunrise helicopter ride and touch down in the spectacular scenery for a champagne breakfast.

Kirkjufell Mountain, Iceland

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There's nothing quite as breathtaking as the sunrise from Kirkjufell Mountain in Iceland - sometimes known as 'Iceland's Sugarloaf' - with stunning cascading waterfalls and a huge, ever-changing sky. Tourists flock there annually to experience the mountain in all its glory.

It's the perfect destination for Game of Thrones fans too, as it was used as a filming location in seasons six and seven. If it looks familiar, it's because it was the 'arrowhead mountain' that the Hound sees when he captures a wight. Your experience should be much more peaceful and White Walker-free.

Uluru (Ayer's Rock), Australia

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Watching the sun come up over Australia's Uluru or Ayer's Rock is a must-do for anyone visiting Australia's Northern Territory. Watch as the huge, red sandstone monolith is slowly lit by the rising sun as the Australian outback comes to life. Book a sunrise tour to find the best viewing spot.

Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy
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This historical Italian hotspot is beautiful but can get busy during the day, so early risers will be rewarded with a rare moment of calm. The best place to get a view of the city with its stunning Duomo and iconic terracotta rooftops is by climbing up to the Piazzale Michelangelo, a square with panoramic views of the city. Definitely worth setting your alarm for.

Paris, France

Paris, France
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There's not a city in the world that's quite as romantic as Paris. And while watching the sunset can be sweet, you're usually out to dinner or drinks with friends when the time comes - or cruising down the Seine if you want to create your own personal rom-com. But seeing the sunrise is even more romantic, especially since the city is so quiet. Grab a fresh croissant to truly make a morning of it (and a bottle of bubbly).

Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria
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Vienna has a history unlike any other city - and a sunrise that stands out. Just look at the movie Before Sunrise for proof. For a great morning view of the city, catch a taxi up to the green Kahlenberg, in Vienna's 19 district. Then, if you feel like heading a bit out of town, you can venture to nearby Salzburg, where The Sound of Music was filmed. It's a popular destination for tourists and fashion folks - Chanel famously hosted a fashion show there in 2014.

Palm Beach, Florida

Palm Beach, Florida
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If you want to capture an iconic Floridian landscape, try the Palm Beach clock tower at the entrance of Worth Avenue. It's also where all of the island's best shops begin, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Cartier, so getting to Worth Avenue early means you'll be able to get a head start on shopping. But if shopping's not your go-to vacation hobby, the beach is also nearby for some early morning sightseeing.

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Cape Elizabeth, Maine
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There's nothing as quintessentially Maine as the Cape Elizabeth lighthouse, making for memorable photos no matter what time of day it is. The town sits just outside of bustling Portland, so you can head to the hipster mecca after capturing the lighthouse in all its sun drenched glory. Put some butter on your lobster and indulge in the seafood, or stay on the lookout for one of the celebrities who call Maine home in the summertime. Anna Kendrick, Martha Stewart, Patrick Dempsey and John Travolta all favor its laid-back charm.

Castries, St. Lucia

Twin Pitons, St Lucia
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All of St Lucia looks like a computer screen saver, but the best part might be the Twin Pitons, which light up with a sunrise glow. For visitors who don't feel like hiking the mountains, snapping an early morning picture from a beachside balcony is just as exhilarating. If you're not one for cameras, get a boat out and watch the sunrise from the water.

Erg Chebbi, Morocco

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Whether you're in Marrakesh or visiting the sand dunes, Morocco is like nowhere else on earth. The Erg Chebbi sweeping sand dunes are one of the most spectacular places to see the sun come up. Take a camel ride to see the sunrise in all its glory. You'll probably be too busy marvelling at the natural beauty of the surroundings to even think of snapping a picture.

Born in 1960s Paris during an era of glamorous travel, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts continues to celebrate cultures around the world through the distinctly European spirit of savouring the good life.

With more than 100 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories, Le Méridien inspires creative-minded travellers to explore the world in style. Discover more at le-meridien.marriott.com

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