Time Out has released its highly anticipated Best Cities in the World 2025 ranking, based on insights from over 18,500 locals across the globe. The survey focused on livability, affordability, culture, nightlife, food, and happiness, highlighting cities that offer both an exceptional quality of life and a vibrant visitor experience.
This year’s top 10 cities reflect a diverse mix of cultural powerhouses, culinary hotspots, and destinations that are not just great to visit, but also fantastic places to live.
1. Cape Town, South Africa
Why It’s No. 1: Cape Town takes the top spot this year thanks to its unmatched natural beauty, affordable experiences, and world-class food scene. Locals love the city’s combination of stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history.
📌 Must-Do in 2025:
- Visit the Durbanville Wine Valley for the newly introduced wine safari.
- Explore the Time Out Market at V&A Waterfront, featuring some of South Africa’s best chefs.
- Go paragliding from Signal Hill for breathtaking city views.
Survey Highlights:
✔ 95% of locals praised Cape Town’s food scene.
✔ 97% of residents said the city makes them happy.
✔ 82% described the city as “beautiful.”
2. Bangkok, Thailand
Why It’s Great: Bangkok remains a global favorite, thanks to its incredible street food, affordability, and lively nightlife. The city is also known for its welcoming atmosphere, with Thailand often called the “Land of Smiles.”
📌 Must-Do in 2025:
- Visit the Bangkok Art Biennale, a citywide festival of contemporary art.
- Try authentic Thai street food at Yaowarat (Chinatown) or the Chatuchak Market.
- Experience Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife in Thonglor and Ekkamai, two of the world’s coolest neighborhoods.
Survey Highlights:
✔ 86% of locals rated Bangkok’s food scene as “amazing.”
✔ 84% said eating out remains affordable.
3. New York City, USA
Why It’s Thriving: NYC remains the world’s most exciting city, offering unparalleled arts, culture, and entertainment. The city is also embracing its role as a major sports hub, hosting multiple global events.
📌 Must-Do in 2025:
- Watch the FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
- See the latest public art installations along the High Line.
- Explore NYC’s Michelin-starred food pop-ups featuring international chefs.
Survey Highlights:
✔ 78% of locals said NYC is the most exciting city in the world.
✔ 92% praised its arts and culture scene.
4. Melbourne, Australia
Why It’s Special: Known as Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne excels in food, music, and nightlife. The city is also investing heavily in green spaces and public transport.
📌 Must-Do in 2025:
- Visit the NGV’s Yayoi Kusama retrospective, Australia’s largest Kusama exhibition.
- Take a stroll down High Street, Northcote, voted the coolest street in the world.
- Explore Melbourne’s hidden rooftop bars and laneways.
Survey Highlights:
✔ Ranked #2 for “best restaurants and eating out.”
✔ Fourth-best city for culture globally.5️⃣ London, UK 🇬🇧
5. London, UK
Why It’s a Classic: London remains an unbeatable global hub for theater, fashion, food, and nightlife. The city is also leading major museum expansions and new transport projects.
📌 Must-Do in 2025:
- Visit the new David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse.
- Check out London’s new Piccadilly Line trains.
- Experience revitalized nightlife, with new queer bars and underground clubs opening.
Survey Highlights:
✔ Named the most diverse and inclusive city.
✔ Ranked #3 globally for culture.
6. New Orleans, USA
Why It Stands Out: New Orleans is thriving again, with its resilient arts scene, vibrant food culture, and legendary music. The city is also hosting major events like Super Bowl LIX.
📌 Must-Do in 2025:
- Check out the new lights on the Mississippi River Bridge.
- Visit Nobu at Caesars Hotel, a new luxury dining hotspot.
- Experience live jazz in Frenchmen Street.
Survey Highlights:
✔ 72% said live music is affordable.
✔ 83% said grabbing a drink in the city is budget-friendly.
7. Mexico City, Mexico
Why It’s Booming: Mexico City is one of the happiest cities in the world, with thriving parks, art festivals, and a world-class culinary scene.
📌 Must-Do in 2025:
- Try artisanal pasta at Piazza Pasticcio, led by Michelin-starred chefs.
- Explore two new Cineteca film centers in Chapultepec and Cenart.
- Visit the Museum of Anthropology during May’s museum month.
Survey Highlights:
✔ 96% of locals said Mexico City makes them happy.
8. Porto, Portugal
Why It’s a Rising Star: Porto is gaining international recognition for its beaches, food scene, and cultural vibrancy.
📌 Must-Do in 2025:
- Visit the newly opened Time Out Market Porto in the iconic São Bento railway station.
- Explore Porto’s Michelin-starred restaurants.
Survey Highlights:
✔ Ranked #4 for beauty.
✔ 80% of locals say they wouldn’t live anywhere else.
9. Shanghai, China
Why It’s Thriving: Shanghai is Asia’s nightlife capital, with electric street life, modern infrastructure, and a strong cultural identity.
📌 Must-Do in 2025:
- Check out Raw Wine, China’s debut natural wine festival.
- See indie music legend Ginger Root perform in March.
Survey Highlights:
✔ 80% of locals say it’s easy to make friends in Shanghai.
10. Copenhagen, Denmark
Why It’s a Model City: Copenhagen is one of the world’s most sustainable and happiest cities, known for its bike-friendly streets and thriving cultural scene.
📌 Must-Do in 2025:
- Visit Opera Parken, the city’s newest green space.
- Try ice swimming, a winter tradition in Denmark.
Survey Highlights:
✔ Ranked #4 among Time Out’s editor picks.
The 2025 rankings highlight cities that balance culture, affordability, and quality of life. Whether you’re looking for exciting nightlife (Shanghai), incredible food (Mexico City), or breathtaking scenery (Cape Town), this list offers the ultimate global travel inspiration.
📌 Read the full ranking here: timeout.com/things-to-do/best-cities-in-the-world