The 50 best cities in the world in 2025

What makes us great: Where else in the world can you hang out with a colony of African penguins, taste some of the world’s finest wines, stroll along Blue Flag beaches, enjoy stunning views from atop one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and sample some of the most eclectic nightlife and vibes in the world… all in one day? That’s our Cape Town. Steeped in history and cultural significance, Cape Town provides visitors with a plethora of options to learn, explore, and have fun, all without breaking the bank. Immerse yourself in the fishing culture of the city in trendy Kalk Bay, head to East City for a dose of Capetonian food and design, or be one with the natural world at the majestic Cape Point Nature Reserve. You can even paraglide in the shadow of Table Mountain, which makes for a very different way to see the city.

Visit now because: You can go on a wine safari! While you won’t see any lions, this brand-new trip through the Durbanville Wine Valley makes for a proper foodie adventure. Once you’re back in town, head to the Time Out Market at the V&A Waterfront for a range of unique South African flavours.

The big numbers: Cape Town scored highly across the board. Ninety-five percent of Capetonians gave the city’s food scene a high rating, 82 percent would describe Cape Town as beautiful and a whopping 97 percent of locals said their city makes them happy.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Cape Town

What makes us great: If there was a list of criteria for what makes a city great, Bangkok would check every box. To start, it’s one of the world’s friendliest cities – a warm welcome is pretty much guaranteed in the capital of a country known as the ‘Land of Smiles’. Intricately designed temples like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace offer a glimpse into Bangkok’s rich culture and captivating history, while parks like Benjakitti Park provide vital green breathing space. And, of course, Bangkok’s food scene is second to none. Markets like Chatuchak showcase the city’s famous street eats, while tasty dishes that pack a punch can be found along the dining belt of Yaowarat. Bangkok’s at its liveliest when the sun goes down – follow the cool crowd to the trendy bars of Thonglor or neighbouring Ekkamai, named one of Time Out’s coolest neighbourhoods in the world. Thanks to the newly expanded BTS Skytrain and MRT systems, navigating all of that is now easier than ever.

Visit now because: Bangkok Art Biennale is on until February. This biennial international art fair brings workshops, exhibitions and thought-provoking talks to various venues all over the city. 

The big numbers: The Thai capital’s renowned food scene got a lot of love in our survey. 86 percent of locals would call food in Bangkok ‘good’ or ‘amazing’ and 84 percent said eating out is affordable. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Bangkok

What makes us great: New York City, the capital of hustle and bustle, is always changing – but that ephemerality is the city’s superpower, keeping New Yorkers on their toes and luring them out to play. FOMO is real here because the next exciting thing could be gone in the blink of an eye, from incredible public art displays like this giant pigeon on the Highline and limited edition foodie pop-ups from international and Michelin-starred chefs, not to mention surprise one-night-only concerts. It feels like anything is possible here because it has been! That’s the spirit that makes NYC one of the best cities in the world. People come here to do big things. No wonder we have some of the world’s coolest attractions (like the northern hemisphere’s highest observation deck, Edge) and vibrant neighbourhoods, from Riverdale to Coney Island and everywhere in between.

Visit now because: New York City is becoming a sports destination! Its WNBA team, the New York Liberty, just won the championship for the first time in its history, the Yankees made it into the World Series, and its New York Rangers hockey team made it to the Stanley Cup playoffs. This year, FIFA Club World Cup championship will be played at MetLife Stadium followed by the World Cup final there in 2026. It’s a great time to be a sports fan in NYC!

The big numbers: NYC is officially the most exciting city on the planet right now, with 78 percent of New Yorkers – the highest number on the list – describing it as such. That’s thanks in no small part to a world-class arts and culture scene, which got an impressive 92 percent approval rating. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in New York

What makes us great: Look, we could go on about Melbourne’s reputation as the culinary and cultural capital of Australia need more proof? These top dining spots and a world-class line-up of blockbuster stage productions should do it) or we could wax lyrical about the city being home to the coolest street in the world and the tenth coolest neighbourhood. But you already know about all of that. What makes Melbourne so special is how it continues to thrive and surprise. There’s plenty in the way of new green spaces, wellness hubs and swish cycling paths, and the city sure knows how to host a major music moment – Taylor Swift played her biggest-ever concert at the MCG, while Melbourne is the only Aussie location to score three huge Oasis gigs. In 2025 the much-hyped Metro Tunnel and its five state-of-the-art underground train stations will also finally open, providing a direct connection between the western and southeastern suburbs. Oh, and did we mention that Pesto the giant baby penguin lives here too?

Visit now because: The NGV is currently presenting the largest retrospective of Yayoi Kusama’s work ever seen in Australia. Taking over the entire ground floor, it’s a must-see for fans of the artist, who is best known for her unique use of dots. More than 180 works feature, and there’s a global premiere of a brand-new infinity room.

The big numbers: Our survey of Melbourne locals cemented its status as a culinary and cultural capital – the city came second overall in the ‘restaurants and eating out’ category and fourth in the ‘culture’ category.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Melbourne

What makes us great: London is always going to be one of the best cities in the world. That’s inarguable, thanks to the capital’s brilliant cuisine, unkillable pub culture, unrivalled shopping opportunities and (best of all) the all-encompassing range of its people. Whatever you’re into, London can provide. What’s that I can hear? ‘What about nightlife?’ you’re saying, ‘Everyone knows everything in London shuts at midnight and all the clubs shut down forever in 2016!’ Wrong! London’s nightlife scene has seen some serious investment in the last year or so, meaning now is exactly the right time to come if you want fun. Hoxton’s flat-roof-pub-turned-serious-club Lion and Lamb, the way-better-than-it-should-be Here at Outernet, Hackney Wick’s thriving Colour Factory, the grassroots-tastic Cause and the already legendary Fold in Canning Town. Plus there’s a host of new hype-y queer bars, including La Camionera, The Wing and a Prayer and The Divine (from the folks behind legendary nightspot The Glory). None of this existed just a few years ago. Does that sound like a moribund metropolis to you?

Visit now because: You’ll be among the first people to see the new trains on the Piccadilly line! Or, if that’s not exciting enough, how about a whole new branch of the world-class V&A museum? V&A East Storehouse will open in 2025, with the highlight being the David Bowie Centre: a chance to gawp at a rotating selection of 80,000 items from the rock star’s personal archive.

The big numbers: London topped the list of cities most-loved by Time Out staff and was named the most diverse and inclusive city by locals. The UK capital also came third in the ‘culture’ category and for ‘green spaces and access to nature’.

📍 Discover the best things to do in London

What makes us great: There are many reasons to fall in love with New Orleans, though its resilience is the first one that comes to mind. It’s been almost two decades since Hurricane Katrina, and this unshakeable city is now springing back following the recent New Year’s attack, rallying around its joyful hallmarks. From its unique history and architecture to its iconic restaurants and bars, the thriving arts community, south Louisiana landscape and a live music scene like no other, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There’s no better time to celebrate the city’s diverse influences – do so at New Orleans attractions like the Backstreet Cultural Museum, New Orleans African American Museum, Le Musée de f.p.c. and the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, alongside a slew of annual festivals let you experience firsthand the traditions that are still going strong today. And the food scene? The Creole classics still shine, but newcomers like Dakar, Queen Trini, Acamaya and Fritai are mixing things up like only New Orleans can.

Visit now because: New Orleans will host Super Bowl LIX and with it comes a citywide glow-up (check out the new lights on the Mississippi River Bridge). Prospect 6, the triennial art exhibition, is sure to dazzle, as will the city’s newest hospitality offerings like Nobu at Caesars Hotel and Big Freedia’s forthcoming hotel/restaurant/swim club/music venue.

The big numbers: New Orleans ranked as the third most affordable city on the list, with 72 percent of locals claiming that seeing live music is budget-friendly and 83 percent saying it doesn’t cost a lot to grab a drink at a bar. Cheers to that.

📍 Discover the best things to do in New Orleans

What makes us great: No matter the neighbourhood you’re in, there's something in the air that makes everyone feel at home in Mexico City. Hundreds bask in the sun at Parque México, meet up for a run in Chapultepec Forest, or enjoy open-air film screenings at the newly opened Cineteca. Free cultural offerings can be found throughout the city with events like Design Week, Jazz Festival Polanco and Mextropli. During museum month in May, iconic institutions like Munal, Jumex, Palacio de Bellas Artes and the Museum of Anthropology complete the lineup. Long story short, there’s always something to do here – whether you’re celebrating Chinese New Year or the Catrinas and Alebrijes parade, checking out Day of the Dead altars or watching racecars roar by during Formula 1. While festival season is officially November, all year round is a celebration in CDMX.

Visit now because: There’s a slew of exciting new openings: two new Cineteca locations in Chapultepec and Cenart, a new branch of HandShake (named the second-best bar in North America) and artisanal pasta at Piazza Pasticcio, made by Michelin-starred chefs.

The big numbers: Mexico City is the fourth-happiest city on the list, with 96 percent of locals saying their city makes them happy and the same percentage agreeing that they find joy in the everyday experiences their city offers. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Mexico City

What makes us great: The so-called ‘Invincible City’ is drop-dead gorgeous, and it's not just us locals who say so. Porto just keeps winning awards – in March, we were named Europe’s best beach city by the World Travel Awards, which praised the sandy shores of our urban beaches and our blue sea. Then in October, we were named Europe’s emerging culinary city at the World Culinary Awards. The city’s excellent restaurants – whether Michelin-starred, avant-garde, or offering great traditional food – and the significant gastronomic events it hosts (the second Portuguese Michelin Gala is coming in February) were decisive factors. The people of Porto, who bring the city to life, also deserve a prize. Masters in the art of hospitality, our many galleries keep the city interesting, our iconic cafés keep tourists and locals fed and watered, and our well-kept parks and gardens ensure the city remains beautiful.

Visit now because: Time Out Market Porto is finally open! The market (which is located in the south wing of the highly photogenic and tile-clad São Bento railway station, a UNESCO World Heritage site), was inaugurated in May, and some of the city's best restaurants and culinary offerings can be found there.

The big numbers: Portugal’s second city was named the fourth-most beautiful on the list, with 78 percent of locals describing it as such. People in Porto are also content with where they live – 80 percent said they’re happier in Porto than anywhere else.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Porto

What makes us great: There’s never, ever a dull moment in Shanghai, a cinematic city where everyone’s the main character. You only need to stand on a street corner before something happens that makes you want to pull your camera out: it could be stumbling upon a group of ayis (a respectful term for older women) effortlessly switching from taichi to hip-hop in one of the city’s many beautiful parks, or passing by and petting Fumin Lu’s famous alpaca on her morning walks. Shanghai is also a model city when it comes to convenience and cleanliness. Air and noise pollution are at a historic low because of electric vehicles, the cashless city offers e-bike rentals and portable power banks, and the streets are so clean that if you dropped your sheng jian bao on the ground, it might still be salvageable (we may or may not have done this).

Visit now because: There’s an onslaught of indie events in Shanghai this year. Raw Wine, the world’s largest network of organic, biodynamic and natural wines, has announced that Shanghai will be its debut destination in China, while cult musician Ginger Root will be bringing his ‘aggressive elevator soul’ to the the city in March.  

The big numbers: Shanghai knows how to have a good time. Its nightlife scene got the highest overall rating from locals, and 80 percent of respondents in Shanghai said it was easy to meet people and make friends in their city.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Shanghai

What makes us great: What makes Copenhagen really special is its culture and its pace of life. It’s not a restless city: it prioritises good food, good people, and looking after each other. You can see that community spirit in the city’s focus on communal dining, community sports initiatives like its many social running clubs and in the very concept of hygge. Wholesome, isn’t it? It’s one reason why so many visitors leave thinking they’d like to live here too. It’s also leading the way in sustainable tourism initiatives. Copenpay, which encouraged summer visitors to treat the city well and earn a reward for good behaviour, was such a success that it’s returning again in 2025 – and other cities want to do it too. The extended metro line means you can explore more of the city, including the new city centre green space Opera Parken and recently-opened cultural centre/communal dining spot Nordhus. But in keeping with the city’s ethos, there’s not too much change. We want to prioritise a pace of life that allows us to enjoy things, after all.

Visit now because: It’s peak hygge season. For brave adventurers, ice swimming season is in full swing; for foodies, winter menus are rolling out in the best restaurants; and for romantics, exhibitions like Flora Yukhnovich’s lush Into The Woods show at Ordrupgaard and the Louisiana’s OCEAN show are adding an extra serving of inspiration.

The big numbers: Copenhagen is a favourite among Time Out staff, whose votes landed the city fourth in our poll of editors and city experts. And the city’s investment in its local community is clear, as 59 percent of residents said that the sense of happiness in the Danish capital has grown recently.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Copenhagen

What makes us great: Chicago is known as the Second City, but it stands in the shadow of none. The world-class metropolis is home to renowned restaurants, iconic cultural institutions and endless things to do. Spanning 77 unique community areas, which are connected by a vast network of trains and buses, the city offers so much that one visit can hardly do it justice. In the summertime, catch top artists perform at massive music festivals like Lollapalooza and Riot Fest, or hear the roar of stock cars zooming around Grant Park during the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. As the temperatures dip, immerse yourself in the famed local comedy scene at the Second City or marvel at the Art Institute’s collection of more than 300,000 artworks. And the culinary landscape continues to thrive, spurred on by newcomers such as Maxwells Trading and Akahoshi Ramen.

Visit now because: There’s simply no better city in the world for music festivals. From free events like the Chicago Blues Fest and Chicago Jazz Festival to genre-spanning spectacles such as Lollapalooza, there’s something for every live music lover.

The big numbers: One thing’s clear: Chicagoans love their city. It got the highest overall rankings for food and drink, the second-highest for nightlife and it was crowned the most beautiful city on the list. Locals in Chicago were also most likely to say they loved their neighbourhood. What’s the secret, Chi-town?

📍 Discover the best things to do in Chicago

What makes us great: We could list the usual reasons, and they would already be excellent arguments for a visit. The River Tagus. The views over the city’s rooftops. The traditional tascas. The history told through monuments and museums. Fado music, sunshine, pastéis de nata. It’s all good! But there are many other reasons why we’re among the best – and the main one is the people. Lisbon is increasingly multicultural, the result of an intersection of work, creativity, genius, and talent from all over the world. It can be seen, tasted, and felt in the outdoor cafés at the end of the day, around the tables of trendy restaurants, on the walls of alternative galleries, or in the shop windows of the most stylish stores. Take Praça das Flores, in Príncipe Real, as an example: a melting pot of new trends with a great atmosphere, seven days a week.

Visit now because: The city is experiencing an art and culture boom. The last few months have seen the much-anticipated openings of the Gulbenkian Foundation’s Modern Art Centre (CAM) and the Design Museum (MUDE). More and more foreigners are arriving, eager to expand, diversify, and share their collections. And a new generation is emerging, hungry for the kind of art that doesn’t live in dusty museums or golden frames.

The big numbers: All that great art won’t cost you much – Lisbon was named the third-most affordable city to go out and see art. It also came fifth for safety, with 62 percent of locals saying they’d describe the city as safe.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Lisbon

What makes us great: Everything your capital can do, ours can do better. We’re the home of the world’s largest arts festival, we’ve got a food and drink scene you'll be hard pushed to beat, castles and cobbled streets with breathtaking gothic architecture (we’re not called the ‘Athens of the North’ for nothing) that has inspired authors, poets and musicians alike – and of course, the giant extinct volcano that overlooks it all, offering the best views of the city. Get the bus? We don’t think so – Edinburgh is a compact and walkable city and going by foot is the best way to soak it all in. Robert Louis Stevenson nailed it when he described Edinburgh as ‘half a capital and half a country town’. Oh, you’ve got better weather? We challenge anyone not to fall in love with Edinburgh when cosied up in one of our many historic pubs with a wee dram of whisky as the rain batters down outside – many a famous love story (most recently One Day) has kicked off with our city as the background and it’s easy to see why. We’ll take you for a tour of Leith – previously one of Time Out’s coolest neighbourhoods – before going dancing ‘til 3am at one of the UK’s most legendary clubs. 

Visit now because: There’s never been a better time to eat and drink your way around Edinburgh, whether it’s fine dining at the likes of Lyla, The Little Chartroom and Timberyard, or gorging on the city’s best cheap eats at Civerinos, Ting Thai Caravan and Chez Jules. Edinburgh is home to some of the UK’s (and in some cases, the world’s) best cocktail bars and no night out is complete without exploring the speakeasies stashed below the city’s streets.

The big numbers: Edinburgh was named the fifth-most beautiful city on the list and the fourth-best for green spaces and access to nature. Eighty-five percent of locals said it was easy to walk everywhere, too. How’s that for a winning combo?

📍 Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh

What makes us great: Our tightly packed city never fails to amaze. One moment you’re soaking in the incredible views of our famous skyline, and the next, you could be lounging on a sandy beach just minutes away. Anyone who’s been to Hong Kong will know that our MTR transport system is world-class, but the real insiders know that the best way to explore the city – including Hollywood Road, the second coolest street in the world – is by taking a ride on our historic trams, a network that recently celebrated its 120th anniversary. Our food scene is an international feast, from authentic local street food to Michelin-recommended restaurants. And Hong Kong is home to Bar Leone, currently crowned the best bar in Asia, a spot that was previously held by another Hong Kong bar, Coa, for the past three years. 

Visit now because: All eyes are on Go Park Sai Sha and Kai Tak Sports Park, two massive sports and entertainment complexes new to the city. Animal lover? Our beloved giant panda Ying Ying recently gave birth to two adorable cubs, and we’ve also just welcomed two more pandas to Ocean Park Hong Kong – bringing the total number of pandas in the city to six! They’re finally ready to meet the public, so now’s the perfect time to visit.

The big numbers: Not only was Hong Kong named the world’s safest city in our survey, but it also came first for convenience. That might explain why the city’s public transport network also got the highest ranking of all, with a whopping 98 percent of Hong Kongers giving it the thumbs up. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Hong Kong

What makes us great: It’s the Opera House and our beaches (especially Bondi) that get the attention (and yes, they deserve it!), but Sydney is a well-rounded city with one of the world’s most diverse culinary landscapes, an eclectic theatre scene, beautiful parks