The 50 best cities in the world in 2026

What makes us great: Where do we start? There’s the roll call of major sporting events – think the Australian Open (which broke all attendance records in 2026), the F1 Australian Grand Prix, AFL Grand Final and the Boxing Day Test. You can spotlight the city’s culinary prowess – people happily line up for over an hour for a burger with a cult following or celebrate special occasions at a beloved 100-year-old restaurant. Melbourne’s coolest streets and neighbourhoods are filled with gems, from indie cinemas and rooftop bars to vinyl shops and quirky galleries. And don’t let anyone tell you Melbourne is all personality over looks – we’ve got grand, heritage-listed buildings, laneways lined with colourful murals, world-class gardens and a river (the Yarra) that holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for local Indigenous communities. Plus, with the Metro Tunnel now open (a huge rail project that has overhauled Melbourne’s public transport network), it’s never been easier to get around the city that has it all.

Visit now because: With Mad March (as we locals like to call it) in full swing, you can touch down and immediately dive head first into the gastronomic delights of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, laugh ‘til your abs hurt at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival or turn into a floral fanatic at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. Come winter, the NGV will host the largest-ever exhibition of Cartier jewels in a Melbourne exclusive; while spring will feature the first-ever regular season NFL game to be played in Australia, with the San Francisco 49ers and the LA Rams going head to head at the MCG. In other words: you better book those flights, asap. 

The big numbers: Melbourne scored well across the board, particularly among its younger residents, whose positive responses landed the Victorian capital the third-best city in the world for Gen Z to live in. A whopping 94 percent of locals rate the city’s food scene highly, while 92 percent approve of its art and culture scene and 77 percent recommend its nightlife. Melbourne also received the joint-second highest number of votes from Time Out staff. What’s not to love?

📍 Discover the best things to do in Melbourne

What makes us great: Shanghai is a city rooted in history but always sprinting toward the next thing. Chinese and colonial-era architecture coexist with cross-disciplinary projects, like too-cool-for-school director Wong Kar Wai and Prada’s cinematic restaurant Mi Zhang, or the first China outposts of cult overseas brands; Kyoto’s ramen sensation Kiramekino Mirai, Seoul fashion label Ader Error, and Sydney’s Meraki Coffee are just a few that recently sprung up. Speaking of coffee, Shanghai’s claim to having the most cafés in the world is real: you’ll likely pass multiple specialty coffee counters on a single block, with each pushing increasingly creative concoctions. The same restless innovation defines the cocktail scene. Some of Asia’s most celebrated bars, including Coa and Bar Leone, have opened their second locations in Shanghai.

Visit now because:
Chances are high that you – yes, you – no longer need a visa to visit Shanghai, or China at large. Citizens of more than 50 countries can now enter visa-free for short stays, and the list keeps getting longer; Canada and the UK were officially approved on February 15. China is having a clear soft-power moment, as outdated perceptions give way to curiosity about its culture, cities and innovation – and Shanghai sits right at the centre of this shift. Come see it for yourself, and you might soon find yourself quoting the viral line: ‘You met me at a very Chinese time of my life.’

The big numbers: Shanghai received the highest overall affordability score, with 88 percent of locals agreeing that it’s cheap to eat out at a restaurant and 90 percent saying the same for grabbing a coffee and going to the cinema. It’s also one of the most cycling-friendly cities on the list, with 78 percent of locals saying it’s easy to get around on two wheels. 

📍 Discover our guides to China’s best cities

What makes us great: Edinburgh takes everything that makes life worth living and turns the dial up several notches: outstanding food, beautiful green spaces, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. This historic city, built around a towering castle and crowned by an extinct volcano, boasts cherry-blossom-lined parks, grand Georgian architecture and cobbled alleyways whose stories stretch back to the medieval period. You’ll find a range of distinct neighbourhoods here, all of which you could easily spend hours exploring: try Stockbridge for independent boutiques, Morningside for cute coffee shops, the Cowgate for late-night bars and clubs and Leith for trendy new restaurants (read all about it in our list of the best Edinburgh restaurants for 2026). One of the Scottish capital’s best qualities is how easy it is to get around on foot – you still feel the unmistakable thrum of a busy city, but there’s comfort in knowing you’re never too far from anywhere (perfect for speed-walking between comedy shows at the Fringe each August).

Visit now because: 2026 will see the city’s long-running arts scenes come to the fore. The ever-evolving Hidden Door festival returns with its cultural takeover of forgotten urban spaces, as does Edinburgh Art Festival, hosting a partner gallery programme at venues across the city including a sculptural commission from Glasgow-based drag artist Sgàire Wood at Jupiter Artland. Meanwhile, the astounding Berliner Philharmoniker will open the Edinburgh International Festival’s 2026 programme with a bang, with more acts to be announced in due course.

The big numbers: Locals piled on the praise for the Scottish capital in this year’s survey, giving it the joint-highest score for walkability, plus top marks for food (receiving a 94 percent approval rating), green spaces (91 percent) and culture (90 percent). It’s little wonder people living here are among the happiest of all cities surveyed this year, with 91 percent of respondents agreeing that they find joy in their everyday experiences.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh

What makes us great: London’s great because it’s still, objectively, the most London-y city in the world. You'd struggle to find a place more varied, idiosyncratic and exciting anywhere on earth. If you’re talking culture, food and fun, then nowhere else in the world can compete with the British capital’s free museums and galleries, infinite restaurant varieties and irrepressible pub culture. This year sees not one, not two, but three significant museum openings, a clutch of justifiably hyped restaurant launches, and a collection of extremely famous names coming to ply their trades in on the city’s theatre stages and gallery walls. Oh, and once the weather improves a bit (which does happen, eventually) you’ve also got our world-beating day festival season to look forward to.

Visit now because: You can be among the first people to experience the capital’s brand-new, all-singing, all-dancing London Museum in Smithfield, which opens in the autumn. And hey, maybe you’ll be able to travel there on one of the Piccadilly line’s new fleet of trains.

The big numbers: Alongside Tokyo, London received the highest number of votes from Time Out staff as the world’s greatest city right now. The UK capital got a near-perfect score for its art and culture scene, with 99 percent of Londoners agreeing it was ‘good’ or ‘amazing’. It’s also a haven for green space, according to 94 percent of locals, and, of course, it remains one of the world’s best places to eat out, with 96 percent of Londoners rating its restaurant scene highly.

📍 Discover the best things to do in London

What makes us great: Well, it’s New York, for crying out loud. We’re a cultural behemoth with swagger for days, an intoxicating blend of the hallowed old and the hyped new, a city that doesn’t chew you up and spit you out so much as it consumes your very being until no other place will ever quite satisfy the same. From pizza (NYC’s Mama Too just dominated Time Out’s global pizza rankings for 2026) to public art and performances (hello, Romeo & Juliet back at Shakespeare in the Park for the first time in two decades), New Yorkers strive for the best in, well, everything, and it’s those high standards that give the Big Apple its passion, its permanence and its perpetual cool. 

Visit now because: It’s never been easier to get around the five boroughs, thanks to the high-tech move from physical MetroCards to tappable OMNY fares, Amtrak rolling its fastest-ever trains out of Penn Station and JFK Airport debuting its massive new international terminal in phases beginning this year. 

The big numbers: New York is once again the most exciting place to be in the world, according to 78 percent of locals who describe it as such (the highest score, by a long shot, of all cities surveyed). According to our survey, that unstoppable buzz can be attributed to its electric art and culture scene, which received a huge 93 percent approval rating, plus its world-class restaurants, rated highly by 91 percent of New Yorkers.

📍 Discover the best things to do in New York

What makes us great: Cape Town wows you from the minute you land at its award-winning airport. This city has it all: pristine beaches, character-filled neighbourhoods and genuinely friendly locals, from the city centre flower sellers and the fishermen hauling in the daily catch in Kalk Bay to the creative excellence of its hospitality entrepreneurs. All of this plays out beneath Table Mountain, framed by the extraordinary Cape Floral Kingdom and the Cape Winelands. The food scene is better than it’s ever been, from Michelin-rated partnerships at Belmond Mount Nelson’s Amura, inventive plates that put locals first at the Hyatt’s Urchin to Time Out Market Cape Town showcasing pop-ups from the city’s best chefs. And if there’s one thing Cape Town does exceptionally well, it’s offer outstanding value for a world-class experience. 

Visit now because: Cape Town is firmly in the midst of a tourism reinvention boom. The city hosted the KNOX MMA fight series in February, headlined by former world champion Dricus du Plessis, and this month it debuts the brand-new Montreux Jazz Festival in Franschhoek. There’s also a wave of standout restaurant openings and hospitality investment, including a new Marriott EDITION set to open at the V&A Waterfront later this year. 

The big numbers: Cape Town can officially claim the title of the world’s most beautiful city, with 86 percent of locals – the highest of all cities surveyed – describing it as such. The same percentage rated Cape Town for its green spaces and nature, and a whopping 85 percent of Capetonians say their wellbeing and quality of life is ‘good’ or ‘amazing’.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Cape Town

What makes us great: Mexico City is a destination effortlessly blending Aztec heritage, contemporary art and a thriving gastronomic scene. Immerse yourself in the archaeological legacy of the Templo Mayor, admire Frida Kahlo’s works across three museums, get stuck into free art exhibitions or explore the newly opened Cuadra by Pritzker Prize winner Luis Barragán. Savour Asian, Italian, and authentic Mexican flavors all within a single neighbourhood, then wander through the newest section of Chapultepec Forest. From the outstanding nightlife of Álvaro Obregón and La Roma to the world-renowned mixology bars of Condesa, the atmosphere in this city is sophisticated yet laidback – ideal for making new friends. 

Visit now because: The world’s biggest sporting event is landing in Mexico City this summer as the city becomes a proud FIFA World Cup 2026 host. Football is the perfect excuse to experience the Mexican summer, and we’re ready to welcome the world with our incredible gastronomy, culture and nightlife. 

The big numbers: Mexico City’s food scene remains one of its biggest accolades, with 80 percent of locals rating the city’s dining scene highly. It’s also a fantastic shopping destination, with 85 percent of locals rating it highly for independent shops and local makers. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Mexico City

What makes us great: Bangkok is a city that thrives on beautiful chaos, where centuries-old temples like Wat Arun sit right alongside bold brutalist towers. Inclusive and open-minded – the recent legalisation of same-sex marriage cementing this status – the ‘Land of Smiles’ remains one of the world’s friendliest cities to get lost in. Though it’s hard to get lose these days, when you can hop between the clean, high-tech Skytrain network or catch one of the new eco-friendly electric buses. Whether you’re hunting down legendary street food in Yaowarat, exploring the reborn creative hubs of Talat Noi and Song Wat, or taking your pup for a stroll in Lumphini Park’s brand-new dog park, there’s a constant, electric sense of discovery here. 

Visit now because: Bangkok is getting a cultural glow-up. Thailand’s first-ever international contemporary art gallery opened in the city at the end of 2025, and in October, the Bangkok Art Biennale is back, turning the entire city into a giant, interactive gallery. If you’re after high-speed thrills, F1 officially races into town soon. Festival fans should take note of the iconic Tomorrowland festival, which lands in the region in December. While the main rave is in nearby Chonburi, Bangkok is the only place to be for the ultimate pre-festival warm-up.

The big numbers: People in Bangkok are a generally happy bunch, with 79 percent agreeing they find joy in the everyday experiences their city offers. There’s much happiness to be found in the city’s unparalleled food scene, which received rave reviews from 81 percent of locals. It’s also, again, one of the best cities in the world for Gen Z to live in, with 67 percent of those under 30 saying they feel a sense of community in Bangkok.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Bangkok

What makes us great: Seoul is a master of all trades. Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms in spring, reveling in high-octane music festivals during summer, camping along the Han River in autumn, or tackling the nearby slopes in winter, this city offers a multifaceted escape tailored to every traveller’s desires. Thanks to the smash-hit MBN show Bake Your Dream and Netflix's Culinary Class Wars, Korea’s baking scene is receiving well-deserved global attention, and you’ll find the very best of it in Seoul – we recommend Man Dong Bakeshop, Little Victory and Peterpan Bakery 1978. The city’s youth are leading the charge on obsessive ‘bakery-hopping’, turning the city into a global carb capital. 

Visit now because: We’re designating 2026 as the official Year of Art in South Korea, with seven significant new cultural landmarks set to debut – four of which are in the capital. The crown jewel is undoubtedly the much-anticipated Centre Pompidou, which will grace the iconic 63 Building this May. 

The big numbers: Locals feel good in Seoul, with 79 percent of respondents saying their city makes them happy. The South Korean capital has the Time Out stamp of approval, too, placing joint-third as the favourite city among Time Out city experts.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Seoul

What makes us great: Perpetual craze generator, patchwork of a million subcultures, the safest and most walkable megacity on the planet – Tokyo is all that and so much more. Ours is a city that takes a day to fall in love with and a lifetime to understand; a city that’s ceaselessly reinventing itself, all while centuries of history live on right beneath its streets. We’re home to the world’s coolest neighbourhood, Jimbocho, we have more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city, we boast a fashion scene that moves at bullet-train speed, and we’ve just opened the first-ever permanent open-air Pokémon theme park. With a record number of international tourists visiting in 2025, Tokyo’s secret may be out, but the city remains a truly singular experience.

Visit now because: Cherry blossom season in late March is the obvious answer, but far from the only one. Summer brings a packed line-up of traditional summer festivals, including the triennial, 400-year-old Fukagawa Matsuri, while the city’s many world-class museums are rolling out one of the most plentiful exhibition slates in recent memory.

The big numbers: Everyone loves Tokyo right now – Time Out staff included, who voted the Japanese capital their favourite city in 2026 (alongside London). Tokyo scored particularly well among its Gen Z inhabitants, with 91 percent of under-30s saying their city makes them happy and 82 percent saying that people in Tokyo seem positive. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Tokyo

What makes us great: With its walkable neighbourhoods and outstanding public transportation, Zürich is consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities. Few places can rival its year-round appeal: from spring, Zürich peels off its winter layers for cherry blossom-lined streets, outdoor brunches and rooftop cocktails. Summer means swimming in the Limmat river, weekly markets, festivals and ferry rides on Lake Zürich, while in autumn the Zürich Film Festival comes to town and you’ll find locals hiking up Uetliberg, Zürich’s closest mountain. Come winter, the city’s famous Christmas markets transform the place into a proper winter wonderland, best experienced at the ‘Wienachtsdorf’ (Christmas village) next to the Opera House. Warm up with traditional Swiss dishes including fondue, raclette or rösti.

Visit now because: Zürich’s summer concert season is right round the corner. Join in at Zürich Pride, the Caliente! Latin festival, the annual Street Parade and two consecutive weekends at Zürich OpenAir.

The big numbers: With a packed festival calendar, it’s not surprising that ‘lively’ is the word locals are most likely to use when describing the city. Zürich also has one of the best public transport systems on the planet, according to our survey, with 91 percent of locals rating it highly.  

📍 Discover the best things to do in Zurich

What makes us great: It’s hard to find anyone in the world who doesn’t dream of visiting Rio de Janeiro. Wedged between rainforest and ocean, Rio’s unique appeal is how it pairs its jaw-dropping scenery with a cultural life that’s lived intensely and out loud. Beaches double as open-air social clubs, while neighbourhoods like Botafogo and downtown Centro buzz with bars, galleries and late-night samba, especially around Rua do Senado, recently crowned the coolest street in the world by Time Out. Cariocas are famously welcoming, and that warmth sets the city’s pace: outdoor, musical and joy-driven; no better experienced than at impromptu street parties, particularly around carnival season. Over the past year, the city has seen a new wave of restaurants, from Michelin-starred kitchens to classic botequins serving feijoada, snacks and ice-cold caipirinhas. There’s also revitalised port-area spaces, expanded VLT connections, and of course cultural anchors like MAR (Museu de Arte do Rio) and MAM (Museu de Arte Moderna).

Visit now because: Rio’s festival scene is going from strength to strength. Rock in Rio returns in September with Elton John, Jamiroquai and Demi Lovato. In May, Copacabana hosts another free mega-show – after Madonna and Lady Gaga, who’s next? Meanwhile, ArtRio continues to grow, bringing global attention to the city’s art scene.

The big numbers: ‘Beautiful’ and ‘lively’ are the terms locals are most likely to use when describing Rio de Janeiro, according to our survey, while 79 percent of respondents say they feel a sense of community in their city.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro

What makes us great? Trend-setting Copenhagen has long had all the right ingredients for a city break: fantastic food, a walkable (and cycleable) city centre, great shopping and a relaxed pace of life. This year, it’s all kicked up a notch. New casual eating options from the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants – including Kong Hans Kælder’s new bakery – are helping budget-conscious travellers eat well for less, while new direct trains to Prague and Berlin make a multi-hop European tour possible. Best of all, a new architect-designed public swimming pool opens in autumn, promising accessible wellness in the heart of the happiest city in the world. The city’s pioneering CopenPay, a reward scheme that offers free coffees, meals and museum entry to thoughtful tourists, has seen huge success since launching in 2024 – and has become widely copied by other cities, too.

Visit now because: The city’s art scene is on fire. Marina Abramovic’s Seven Deaths takes over (literally) underground gallery Cisternene from March to November; Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Headstrong shows at Louisiana until May, and local hero Thomas Dambo gets his own show, The Garbage Man, from May at Arken.

The big numbers: Copenhagen is known as one of the world’s great cycling cities – and while a majority (79 percent) of locals agree it’s easy to get around on two wheels, the Danish capital received more praise for its walkability, with 90 percent saying the city is pedestrian-friendly. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Copenhagen

What makes us great: Brazil’s cultural and economic engine, São Paulo rewards curiosity with endless things to do and see. This is a place of world-class museums like MASP and Pinacoteca, cutting-edge galleries, legendary nightlife and one of the most exciting food scenes on the planet, from Michelin-starred fine dining (DOM and Tuju hold two Michelin stars) to unbeatable street food. Its neighbourhoods feel like cities within the city: Vila Madalena’s creative buzz, the elegance of Jardins, the energy of Centro and the culinary firepower of Liberdade, known for its Japanese food scene. Paulistanos are intense, opinionated and deeply proud of their city, and that drive fuels everything. Over the past year, new cultural venues, revitalised downtown spaces and a wave of chef-led openings have reinforced São Paulo’s reputation as a global capital of creativity, flavours and ideas.

Visit now because: 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for culture and music in São Paulo. The 28th São Paulo Art Biennial, in September, and SP–Arte, in April, set the pace for the city’s art calendar. On the music front, festivals like Primavera Sound, in December, and Lollapalooza, in March, turn the city into one of the most exciting festival hubs in the southern hemisphere.

The big numbers: According to locals, São Paulo’s strongest assets are its dining scene (with an 88 percent approval rating) and its green spaces (as per 76 percent of respondents). The city also scored highly in the love and romance category – on average, people in São Paulo reported seeing someone attractive 11.39 times per month, and locals are – ahem – ‘doing the deed’ an average of 9.24 times monthly.

📍 Discover the best things to do in São Paulo

What makes us great: Hong Kong has the very best of everything: buzzy nightlife and bars (Bar Leone is currently crowned the best bar in the world by World’s 50 Best), fantastic restaurants, and a host of top-notch hotels (with Rosewood Hong Kong having been recently crowned the best hotel in the world). Beyond all those glamorous accolades, you’ll discover a city that’s down-to-earth and distinctly local, unperturbed by modern homogeneity. There’s currently a wave of nostalgia sweeping Hong Kong, from a retro supermarket to an old police station paying tribute to classic cop vs triad films. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the neon-drenched melancholy and gritty appeal of Wong Kar-wai or John Woo’s cinematic worlds, we’ve got you covered. 

Visit now because: Fresh off the excitement of the Lunar New Year, the city is in the swing of Arts Month in March, with a host of events lined up from Art Basel Hong Kong and Art Central to the Hong Kong International Literary Festival. We’re also getting up to 1,000 restaurants approved for dog-friendly dining towards the middle of the year, so prepare to see way more pups out and about.

The big numbers: Hong Kong’s art scene is world-class – and affordable, too, with 76 percent of locals saying it’s cheap or free to go and see art. The city also received the joint-highest score for public transport, with a whopping 93 percent of locals rating it ‘good’ or ‘amazing’.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Hong Kong

What makes us great: A real-life fairytale awaits visitors in UNESCO-protected Kraków. Known as Poland's cultural capital, this city has one of Europe's most splendid historic cores. From the multicoloured Baroque houses on Rynek Square to the imposing Renaissance architecture of Wawel Castle, the spectacular interior of central St. Mary's Church, the trendy coffee shops of Kazimierz neighborhood and panoramic Vistula River walks, Kraków is made for a stroll. Check out the newly reopened Forum Fun & Food, a local go-to evening hangout next to the river with a food court, bowling, a scenic restaurant, a Ferris wheel and an observation balloon. Be sure to visit Plac Nowy and try the local street-food staple, zapiekanka (an oven-baked, open-faced sandwich); and get a taste of New Polish cuisine at the elegant Bottiglieria 1881, the country’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant. 

Visit now because: In June, Kraków kicks off the unique Big Dragon Parade weekend, which culminates in an explosive theatrical show with fireworks on the Vistula River. And don't miss the Christmas Market in December – it's among Europe's most magical. 

The big numbers: Locals in Kraków rated the city highly across several factors – its dining scene got an 87 percent approval score, art and culture received an 86 percent rating, and 83 percent of residents said it was easy to walk everywhere.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Kraków

What makes us great: It’s no wonder that people from Porto swear they live in the best city in the world. Let’s start with the food: there are countless restaurants serving the very best traditional cuisine, alongside new avant-garde projects and Michelin-starred establishments. The city’s strong connection to wine – especially Port wine – can be tasted at the table and in wine cellars, shops and bars scattered throughout the city. And then there are the many parks and gardens for strolling, the Douro River right at your feet, influential contemporary art museums such as the Museu de Serralves, and legendary cafés, where you can take a break between walks along streets so beautiful they’re protected by UNESCO. 

Visit now because: This year, one of Porto’s most important projects will finally be inaugurated. The former slaughterhouse (Antigo Matadouro), in Campanhã, is expected to open this year as M-ODU, a business, cultural, and social hub designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The 26,000-square-meter space will house offices, restaurants, art galleries, museums, and more.

The big numbers: People living in Porto were the most likely of all cities surveyed to describe their city as ‘historic’, with 86 percent agreeing with this statement, as well as ‘welcoming and friendly’, which 80 percent of respondents agreed with. It’s also one of the more affordable cities on the list, according to locals – particularly for grabbing a coffee, which 99 percent of respondents said was cheap. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Porto

What makes us great: Beyond Guadalajara’s magnificent cultural institutions – the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Hospicio Cabañas, and the Laboratorio de Artes y Variedades included – you’ll find culture of all shapes and sizes in this city, from free chamber concerts at the Teatro Alarife Martín Casillas to music festivals in the middle of the agave fields, such as Akamba. Trendy bars such as De la O, Gallo Altanero, and Mecenas are as good as the food at Turbio, Salon Candela, and Xokol, and the parties at Polifonic, showcasing the city’s up-and-coming electro music scene, aren’t to be missed. Just outside the city, you can escape to the agave fields in Tequila to learn about the process of making this national spirit, or head to Costa Alegre for a beach day. 

Visit now because: Football fever is hitting the city this summer – a perfect excuse to try the torta ahogada and sing with mariachis downtown. In the run up to the FIFA World Cup 2026, there will be free public swimming pools every weekend in the city. 

The big numbers: Guadalajara is one of the happiest cities in this year’s ranking. Ninety-two percent of locals say their city makes them happy, and 91 percent say they find joy in their daily lives. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Mexico

What makes us great: Madrid is undoubtedly one of the most welcoming cities in the world, and while housing is getting more expensive, it’s still relatively affordable compared to other European capitals. And for food, nightlife, and culture, you certainly get your money’s worth in the Spanish capital. Every week, locals flock to charming natural wine bars like Bar-Vi and cool restaurants such us Ome, as well as art galleries in old mechanic workshops in neighbourhoods far from the city centre. It’s also one of the best cities for walking, and projects such as the undergrounding of the A-5 motorway and the creation of the Castellana Park will help to make it even greener. 

Visit now because: The summer festival season is more exciting than ever, with mega-concerts by big stars such as Bad Bunny (with no fewer than 10 performances in the city). A huge open-air food festival, the Ñam Ñam Festival, will make its debut in May. But without a doubt, the star event this year is the return of Formula 1 to the city after more than 40 years, with a new circuit that will run through some public streets.

The big numbers: Locals’ responses solidified Madrid as Spain’s art capital, with a whopping 91 percent saying the city’s culture scene is ‘good’ or ‘amazing’. Eating out in the city received the thumbs up from 86 percent of respondents, while 79 percent rated Madrid’s nightlife highly. Safe to say Madrid is a master of all trades. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Madrid

What makes us great: Everyone falls in love with Valencia’s butter-yellow beaches, time-warp old town, world-famous paella and, more recently, its blossoming food and drink scene. A fresh troupe of chefs and baristas have set up in charming little venues across the city, like Masa, the cortado pit stop opposite Mercado Central, and the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it bistro Bar Bera in the tangled streets of El Carmen. Nightlife is booming, too. In the evening, find a table on Plaza del Negrito and chat into the small hours with a bottle of Estrella Galicia and the leathery smell of ciggies, dance to electro at Jardí Electrònic’s open-air raves in Parque Central, or watch an edgy art performance at Pluto, the countercultural warehouse surrounded by allotments.   

Visit now because: 2026 promises an art renaissance. The new Sorolla Museum should be finished soon, filled with Valencian painter Joaquín Sorolla’s most vibrant, light-filled seascapes, while neo-expressionist Anselm Kiefer will exhibit solo for the first time in Valencia at Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero in April.

The big numbers: Valencians are a happy bunch – the happiest in Spain, in fact. Sixty-nine percent of locals rated their quality of life as ‘good’ or ‘amazing’, while 86 percent said they felt joy in the everyday experiences their city offers.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Valencia

What makes us great: Sydney is renowned for its natural beauty, but if you peel back the layers that make it one of the prettiest cities in the world – the harbour, beaches, bushwalks – you’ll find a trove of qualities that cement Sydney as one of the most exciting places, too. With about 40 per cent of the city’s population having been born overseas, restaurants span every cuisine and meals are executed with finesse. Hop from Thaitown to Chinatown to Koreatown in a single night. Or head to cool inner-west ’hood Marrickville, which is home to both Little Greece and Little Vietnam (as well as craft brewery and distillery trails). Sydney’s diversity makes for a culturally rich city, too – one where Lunar New Year street parties spill through Haymarket and Burwood, Ramadan markets light up Lakemba, and Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tours help you see our Botanic Gardens in a new light. Our cultural mix shapes everything from art gallery walls to live music stages.

Visit now because: Any time’s good! While you may think of Sydney as a summer destination, the city is happening year-round. Massive art festival the Biennale of Sydney – named the best exhibition in the world for 2026 – runs from this month until June. Winter kicks off with Vivid Sydney, one of the world’s largest light festivals. And in spring, the Sculpture by the Sea and Cherry Blossom festivals are colourful spectacles.  

The big numbers: Green spaces and great food are Sydney’s best assets, according to 85 and 86 percent of locals, respectively. Sydneysiders are also third-most likely to call their city ‘beautiful’, with 78 percent of locals describing it as such. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Sydney

What makes us great: Like an old lady doing kickflips, Paris still effortlessly masters its mix of generations and energies. On the heritage side, the city has recently reopened the Musée de la Vie romantique, the Palais de la Découverte, and the towers of Notre-Dame, which has already regained its status as the most visited monument in France. As for new attractions, there’s the new Fondation Cartier at Place du Palais-Royal, in the heart of Paris, or the modernist Altaviarama in Saint-Ouen. Paris is breathing like never before: bicycles continue to gain ground (the capital was recently crowned Europe’s cycling capital), urban forests are springing up, and in summer, the newly clean Seine is now swimming-friendly. The French capital remains the nexus of European cuisine, with the same fiery energy fueling both street food spots and fine dining restaurants.

Visit now because: Art in Paris never sleeps. A monumental Matisse retrospective is lighting up the Grand Palais, while in June, Paris’s oldest bridge the Pont-Neuf will temporarily transform into the largest immersive artwork in the world. Foodies can dive into the hottest trend of the moment – wood-fired cuisine – at Orson, Cypsèle, Marie Akaneya or Oh My Jerk.

The big numbers: Paris is another Time Out favourite; the French capital placed joint-third in our survey of city experts. It’s the only city that received a perfect score for its art and culture scene, with 100 percent of Parisians saying culture in the city was ‘good’ or ‘amazing’, while 97 percent rated its restaurant scene highly.  

📍 Discover the best things to do in Paris

What makes us great: Singapore works, really works. But in 2026, the city’s draw isn’t just its frictionless efficiency, the wonders at the newly-expanded Mandai Wildlife Reserve, or the high-concept digital art at the new IMBA Theatre. Instead, the real story is in the tension between these blockbuster spectacles and a growing, neighbourhood-scale intimacy. You’ll feel it at KADA, a 100-year-old heritage site now home to independent cafés and wellness studios; at the daytime parties, matcha raves, and singalong clubs increasingly fronted by local collectives like Wild Pearl, GrooveTop, and Culture. Even heartland malls like Lentor Modern are opening with buzzy concepts Bunny’s, a wagyu burger joint that’s become an instant local favourite. 

Why visit now: There’s no glossing over rising costs in Singapore, but it’s sparked a survival-driven creativity. Local founders are launching lean concepts in unexpected places, from the inclusive Postboy Coffee at Redhill’s Enabling Village to home-based cafés and bakeries. It’s a grounded, scrappy energy that cuts against Singapore's polished reputation – and feels more honest for it.

The big numbers: Singapore’s public transport received a 93 percent approval score from locals – the joint-highest score of all cities on this list – and the city received a high walkability rating at 86 percent. Locals here are most likely to describe their city as ‘modern’ and ‘safe’. Frictionless efficiency, indeed. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Singapore

What makes us great: Marrakech is a millennium-old city and a place where cultures naturally converge. Here, inspiration beckons down every medina derb (alley) – naturally, couturier Amine Bendrouich staged a midnight catwalk down one of them at this year’s 1-54 African Art Fair. This annual February fair is the perfect embodiment of the city’s fizzing energy and creativity. Hop from serious exhibits at La Mamounia, the newly reopened MACAAL, the Montresso Art Foundation and Comptoir des Mines to rural ateliers like Al Maqam, democratic downtown art spaces like L’Blassa, garden parties in palmeraie mansions like Jnane Rumi, art salons in historic riads like IZZA, and gnaoua jam sessions at Jajjah in the evolving design district of Sidi Ghanem. Culture isn’t consigned to a museum here, it is the lived reality of a city of a million creative souls who’ll be happy to brainstorm on the bus, in the souk or across the weekly shared table of chef’s kitchen, Um Mami.

Visit now because: Hot off the heels of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations – the most-watched continental football competition ever – and Madonna’s cinematic New Year’s party at Le Bedouin camp in the Agafay desert, Marrakech is in a buoyant mood. Farmers made the list of the top 50 restaurants in the MENA region and there are gorgeous new riads to try like Palais Beit al Noor, plus a new rural ranch house at Faracha Farmhouse, a secret speakeasy at Mizaan, a new LRNCE Éditions design showroom, and a hotly anticipated restaurant opening at Jnane Rumi. 

The big numbers: If our survey’s anything to go by, Marrakech is a city that’ll make you feel right at home – 82 percent of locals said they feel a sense of community in the city, while 74 percent said people in Marrakech seem positive.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Marrakech

What makes us great: Every Asian city with a growing middle class has inevitably been called ‘an intoxicating blend of the old and new’. Hanoi still – just – favours the former, but is also in the grip of a staggering transformation. A brand-new opera house with a mother-of-pearl dome is rising from West Lake and opening in 2027. In December, ground was broken on the Trống Đồng Stadium, a 135,000-seat colossus set to be the world’s largest football stadium. None of this would matter if the city were stagnating at street level – luckily, it isn’t. While backpackers nurse bia hơi, young Vietnamese entrepreneurs are building a bar scene that’s cracking Asia’s 50 Best: Workshop14 on West Lake, The Haflington off Hàng Mã, and Nê Cocktail Bar on Tống Duy Tân. All are Vietnamese-led, Vietnamese-staffed, and with a predominantly Vietnamese clientele. It’s remarkable for a city whose night-time entertainment was essentially cat-and-mouse curfew enforcement just a decade ago. 

Visit now because: From July, petrol motorbikes make way for electric across central Hanoi as the city takes aim at tackling air pollution. It’s divisive, but the Hanoi of 2027 will sound, smell and feel fundamentally different to today’s. With a floating opera house, the world’s largest stadium and three new metro lines all under construction, now is the time to visit, before the city finishes reinventing itself.

The big numbers: Locals scored Hanoi favourably across the board. The city received a high affordability rating, with 62 percent of Hanoi residents saying it was cheap to eat out and 80 percent saying the same for grabbing a coffee. Seventy-three percent of locals in Hanoi recommend the food scene, 67 percent rate nightlife highly and 72 percent say it’s easy to make friends in the city.  

📍 Discover the best things to do in Hanoi

What makes us great: Bath has long been a magnet for history-lovers, including the Austenites who flocked here to celebrate Queen Jane’s 250th anniversary in 2025. But those who come for the history and the architecture will find themselves staying for the burgeoning food scene, sophisticated nightlife and soul-soothing hidden parks. Like Bridgerton, which is filmed here, Bath eschews the fustiness of a history lesson in favour of a playful and fun blend of the old and the new. So, yes, check out the Abbey, the Roman Baths and No.1 Royal Crescent, but make sure to get dinner Oak, drink at The Beckford Bottle Shop, walk the Skyline, and do a crawl of some of the best indie book shops around: Topping, Mr B’s and Persephone Books. And eat lots and lots of scones. 

Visit now because: This year, Thermae Bath Spa turns 20 years old. Visit late evening for an unhurried rooftop dip or indulge at one of the other, more exclusive, spas. The Gainsborough Hotel and Royal Crescent Hotel make watery decadence an artform, while The Francis Hotel – home to wonderful Emberwood – opens brand-new facilities in March 2026. 

The big numbers: Bath topped several categories in this year’s survey. It received the highest score for community feel, with 86 percent of locals saying they feel a sense of belonging in the city. It’s the easiest place to make friends and meet new people out of all cities surveyed, according to 76 percent of locals. And, with a huge 94 percent approval score, it’s the best city on the list for green space and nature.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Bath

What makes us great: Bilbao ticks all the boxes of a great city. A diverse eating and nightlife scene? With bar tops laid out with pintxos (tapas) and a clutch of Michelin star restaurants, Bilbao has that covered. Interesting shopping? The Casco Viejo (Old Town) is full of one-of-a-kind boutiques. Art and culture? There’s live music, an above-par selection of art galleries, and museums that cover everything from stone age tools to Basque lifestyles. But, what truly makes Bilbao special is that this is one of those rare cities that encourages you to head out into the countryside. Almost everywhere you look there are views of green hills and mountains, and you can step off the metro system straight onto sandy beaches blessed with world class surf.

Visit now because: At 6.27pm on August 12, Bilbao will be plunged into darkness as a total solar eclipse of the sun sweeps across northern and central Spain. Totality will last 37 seconds. For a spellbinding viewpoint take the vintage funicular train up to the Artxanda park.

The big numbers: Bilbao’s renowned food scene got the biggest shoutout from locals, with 75 percent scoring it highly. Locals also commend the Basque city for how easy it is to get around, with 75 percent rating the public transport highly and 74 percent deeming it walkable.  

📍 Discover the best things to do in Bilbao

What makes us great: It’s famous for its all-night techno, but clubbing is only the beginning in Berlin. In winter, locals swap smoke machines for hot Glühwein at queer-friendly Christmas markets and screenings at eclectic cinemas – from Babylon Mitte’s 1920s orchestra setup to the newly reopened GDR-era Kino International – before holing up at wine bars like Freundschaft (Mitte), the bookshop-meets-bar sum wine + books (Neukölln), or for speakeasy-style cocktails at Green Door (Schöneberg). Art is everywhere: in abandoned bathhouses for Stadtbad RELOADED: BEYOND, inside world-famous clubs for CTM Festival and at Cirque du Soleil’s first permanent European residency. In summer, Berlin loosens its leathers: cycling from Tiergarten to Treptower Park, picnicking on Tempelhofer Feld’s runway and dancing through Christopher Street Day (Pride) and Karneval der Kulturen. 

Visit now because: In 2026, Berlin spotlights its long tradition of rule-breaking, with major exhibitions confronting Nazi-era ‘degenerate art’: thousands of confiscated works revisited at Schönhausen Palace, modernist sculptures unearthed from bomb rubble at PETRI, and abstraction reframed as resistance at the Neue Nationalgalerie.

The big numbers: Perhaps unsurprisingly, Berlin’s food and culture scenes got the most praise in our survey, with respective approval scores of 85 and 82 percent. Tied with London, it’s the second-most likely city to be described as ‘lively’ by locals, and 64 percent of Berliners describe the German capital as ‘diverse and inclusive’.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Berlin

What makes us great: Tucked between vine-laced hills and a wild stretch of coastline, this compact capital delivers big on dining, culture and pretty landscapes. Within 20 minutes of the city, you can be sipping your way through the cellar doors of Adelaide Hills or strolling on the shores of Glenelg – and still make it back in time for dinner at one of the country’s most exciting restaurants, including the beloved South African-style barbecue restaurant, Africola. This is Australia’s festival capital, it’s our country’s only ‘UNESCO City of Music’, and its produce-driven food culture has been shaped by diverse migrant communities who made Adelaide home post-WWII. Top tip: No trip to Adelaide is complete without a foodie adventure at Central Market.

Visit now because: Festival season here is a full-blown takeover. Adelaide Fringe transforms the city each February-March with thousands of shows, running alongside Adelaide Festival and WOMADelaide. The events calendar is stacked, but the crowds are still manageable, and the experiences feel intimate. Come before the rest of the world fully catches on.

The big numbers: With beaches, hiking trails, wildlife parks and gardens, accessing nature is easy in Adelaide, according to 77 percent of locals. Seventy-three percent rated the city highly for walkability, too. Who are we to argue with that sweet, sweet combo? 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Adelaide

What makes us great: Beijing balances imperial grandeur with an increasingly playful urban pulse. Nights out happen in hutong speakeasies, live houses and thriving riverside bars along the Liangma River. Motel 106 is a treasure of a bar with modern Hong Kong vibes and a touch of Southeast Asian island flair, where you’ll often find DJs who’ve graced the decks at underground favourites like Dada and Zhao Dai. Retail remains world-class at SKP and Taikoo Li Sanlitun, and new subway extensions on Lines 6, 17 and 18 make zipping around the city simpler and cheaper than ever. It’s buzzing, but there are plenty of pockets of calm to be found in the city’s parks and spiritual sites like Zhihua Temple.

Visit now because: Autumn 2026 sees Golden Eagle Luxury Trains return to the Silk Road for the first time since 2019, rolling through Beijing in serious old-world style. Add to that a booming sober-curious coffee rave scene with RAVE.AM landing at Hi Dive, plus newly introduced visa-free policies for travellers from the UK, Canada, and many more. There’s never been a smoother time to plan a trip.

The big numbers: After Shanghai, Beijing received the second-best affordability score of all cities in the ranking this year. A huge 86 percent of locals say it’s inexpensive to eat out at a restaurant, while 79 percent say the same for going out to see art. 

📍 Discover all our guides to China’s best cities

What makes us great: While Brussels is Belgium’s capital, Antwerp is undeniably its urban darling. Long established as a global fashion powerhouse thanks to the legendary Antwerp Six, the city today is a compact, walkable playground for creatives and bons vivants. It’s a place where sixteenth-century Renaissance architecture meets the gritty, industrial energy of one of Europe’s largest ports. You can spend your morning browsing Rubens masterpieces at the KMSKA (Royal Museum of Fine Arts) and your afternoon getting lost in the ‘BoHo’ (Borgerhout) neighborhood – recently named one of Time Out’s coolest neighborhoods in the world – where Turkish bakeries and Moroccan grocers sit alongside natural wine bars and avant-garde galleries.

Visit now because: From the triple-starred technical perfection of ‘t Zilte (with amazing sky-high vistas over the old docks) to the Italian-inflected glamour of Le Pristine, Antwerp’s food scene is at its all-time best. Plus, the city’s summer festival circuit is unbeatable, from world-famous techno at Tomorrowland to the cosy and intimate Jazz At Middelheim, both hosting some of the most eclectic lineups on the continent.

The big numbers: Antwerp locals sung the praises of the city’s food scene, with 77 percent saying the city’s restaurants are ‘good’ or ‘amazing’. The city also received a 69 percent approval rating for both its culture scene and for its walkability.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Antwerp

What makes us great: Chiang Mai is Thailand’s creative north star. Founded more than 700 years ago, the former Lanna capital balances gilded temples and teak wood architecture with a restless, modern energy built around culture, art and music. You’ll find everything here in just the right proportions: third-wave coffee labs beside centuries-old stupas, experimental breweries and artistic performance spaces, critically-acclaimed cocktail bars and a thriving vinyl and festival scene that’s reshaping the city after dark. Old Volkswagens still trundle down potholed lanes leading to once-sleepy neighbourhoods now alive with galleries, cafes and curious discoveries. And while there’s endless adventure beyond the city – think trekking, elephants, mountains and waterfalls – the food scene alone is reason enough to stay, stretching from smoky farm-to-table grills to boundary-pushing fine dining that champion both northern Thai flavours and global ideas.

Visit now because: 2026 is a landmark year for Chiang Mai’s cultural momentum. The Chiang Mai Festival City initiative is packing the year with music festivals, art weeks and city-wide food events that populate almost every weekend, while the city’s recent UNESCO World Heritage bid shines new light on its historic core. Add a growing wave of creative entrepreneurs and wellness-led innovators, and there’s never been a better time to visit.

The big numbers: Chiang Mai scored well for community feel, with 76 percent of locals saying they felt a sense of belonging in the city. No wonder, then, locals are most likely to describe their city as ‘welcoming and friendly’ (followed by ‘lively’ and ‘relaxing’).

📍 Discover the best things to do in Chiang Mai

What makes us great: Situated next to the Sorrento Peninsula and the islands of Capri, Procida and Ischia, Naples is the energetic soul of Italy, vibrating with life as it just celebrated its 2,500th birthday. A seamless blend of charm and chaos, the best way to understand the city is to get lost in it. Walk through the UNESCO Historic Center and the bustling Quartieri Spagnoli, and experience beloved traditions that unite Neapolitans: a piping-hot plate of Genovese pasta, cheering on SSC Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium, or strolling along the waterfront before a dip in the bay. The city recently welcomed a new metro line (Linea 6), connecting seaside shopping district Chiaia to the Mergellina waterfront with striking architectural details, while locals and visitors flock to La Santissima, a former military hospital reopened as a vibrant community hub hosting markets, events and a city retreat.

Visit now because: Despite the energetically bustling ambience that defines Naples, the city is embracing a more relaxed, restful mood. A new wave of design-led, style-forward boutique hotels is sparking a hospitality renaissance. For a seaside escape with views of both Vesuvius and Capri, there’s newly opened Casa Miranapoli, while Artemisia Domus Giardino near Piazza del Plebiscito offers a lush garden retreat and Artemisia Domus Centro Storico is perfectly placed in the heart of the historic centre.

The big numbers: Neapolitans are the second-most likely of all cities on the ranking to report a strong sense of community, with 83 percent saying they feel connected to others in the city, while 63 percent say it’s easy to make friends. It’s also the best city in Europe for love and romance: on a monthly basis, Neapolitans average around 6.7 date nights and report seeing someone attractive 10.34 times.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Naples

What makes us great: Amsterdam has always been open-minded, but in 2026, it feels positively self-aware. This is a city that has drawn firmer lines around bad behaviour while doubling down on what really matters: tolerance, curiosity and community. Recent efforts to curb rowdy tourism have made the centre somewhat calmer and more liveable, and that shift is palpable; terraces feel more local, and neighbourhood markets more intimate. Overall, it feels like priorities have shifted to focus on those who call the city home – and who have made it what it is. Of course, the canals and crooked gabled houses remain postcard-perfect, and the culture is as vibrant as ever. But explore beyond the well-known attractions and institutions, and you’ll be richly rewarded. Wander without a plan, and you’ll stumble on micro-galleries, cool indie boutiques, incredible food and cocktails, and fun late-night revellery – proof that some of Amsterdam’s greatest jewels are found far from the beaten path.

Visit now because: Fresh from celebrating its 750th anniversary in 2025, Amsterdam is stepping confidently into another landmark year. The city is hosting WorldPride for the first time, while this autumn, the 30th edition of Amsterdam Dance Event brings five days of cutting-edge electronic music to clubs and warehouses across the city. Add in new major exhibits, including Metamorphoses at the Rijksmuseum, and the city feels celebratory, thoughtful and full of momentum.

The big numbers: Known for its trams and pedestrian-friendly canal network, it’s little surprise that 77 percent of Amsterdam locals rated public transport highly and 81 percent deemed the city walkable. It was the food scene, however, that received the strongest applause from locals, with 84 percent saying restaurants in Amsterdam are ‘good’ or ‘amazing’. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Amsterdam

What makes us great: Medellín is no longer a hidden gem – it’s now a bona fide travel hotspot. The nightlife in the Provenza area is a playground for Latin music stars; some own clubs there (such as El Callejón del Gato owner Karol G) and a few have performed outdoors on Belisario’s balcony. Another reason for Medellín’s newfound popularity: people like a good comeback story. Medellín turned the formerly dangerous shantytown Comuna 13 into a massively popular street art attraction with outdoor escalators. And it converted the industrial area Perpetuo Socorro into a creative district that made Time Out’s coolest neighborhoods list. Next up: transforming airport-adjacent land into a man-made beach (Mar Medellin is scheduled to open in 2027).

Visit now because: The concert scene is booming. Electric Daisy Carnival is scheduled to come to Medellín for the first time in October and the 16,500-seat Arena Primavera is expected to open in nearby Sabaneta in November.

The big numbers: Of all cities surveyed, Medellín locals are most likely to say they liked their local neighbourhood, with 91 percent of respondents agreeing with this statement. They’re also fifth-most likely to rate the restaurant scene highly, with a whopping 94 percent of respondents saying the food in Medellín is top-tier. 

📍 Discover our guide to Colombia

What makes us great: We have the world’s greatest cuisine and we know it. While Peru’s incredibly rich culinary diversity – hundreds and hundreds of registered historic recipes! Thousands and thousands of varieties of quinua and potatoes alone! – is by no means confined to its gorgeously chaotic capital, it's in Lima where these vastly different gastronomic traditions converge, as people arrive here from all the country's provincias. Yes, Lima has the breathtaking cliff of the Costa Verde overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and it boasts (to little knowledge outside the country) around 400 huacas, ancient temple sites that play no second fiddle to Egypt's pyramids in terms of cultural importance. But, really, this city is all about food.

Visit now because: The Puente de los Suspiros, the most picturesque attraction to visit in Lima's boho district of Barranco, is set for a major renovation for its 150th anniversary. From the bridge it's just about a 10-minute stroll to Central, widely considered one of the world's best restaurants.

The big numbers: The food isn’t just good in Lima (so say 80 percent of locals), but it’s also pleasingly easy on the wallet. The Peruvian capital received an overall 85 percent affordability score for food and drink, with the majority of locals saying it’s cheap to eat out at a restaurant, grab a coffee and go for a drink in bar.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Peru

What makes us great: Three words: the great outdoors. Vancouver is one of the rare spots on the planet where you can swim, cycle and ski all in a single day – outdoor adventures are on the table year-round, and you’re just a short drive from the Canadian Rockies. Head to Jericho beach for a picnic, pedal Stanley Park’s scenic seawall, soar through the treetops at Capilano Suspension Bridge, or chase fresh powder on Grouse, Seymour, or Cypress Mountains – they’re all close enough to squeeze in a run or two after work. Locally sourced produce, and a high concentration of award-winning chefs and restaurateurs, also put Vancouver on the culinary (and Michelin) map. 

Why visit now: Vancouver’s stepping into spring with the hotly anticipated opening of Time Out Market Vancouver and the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to roll into town. The city’s racking up cool points too: Cambie Street and Commercial Drive both recently ranked among the world’s coolest streets, with Cambie snagging the 20th spot on the lauded list.

The big numbers: Locals’ reponses cemented Vancouver as one of the world’s great green cities – 87 percent say the city’s green spaces are its biggest accolade. Closely following is Vancouver’s restaurant scene, which received a very respectable 85 percent approval rating.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Vancouver

What makes us great: You only have to watch a Saigon intersection to know this city refuses to sit still. And in 2026, a new burst of creativity is defining the city. Late last year, UNESCO designated it a Creative City of Cinema – Southeast Asia’s first. To experience why firsthand, visit the Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival, which returns in 2026 after an inaugural edition that drew 280,000 visitors. In the city’s kitchens, young chefs are also finally cooking their own story. CieL, in Thảo Điện, earned its star on debut under chef Việt Hồng Lê, who won the Michelin Young Chef Award the same night. Chef Thanh Vương Võ's Coco Dining is also newly starred. Both draw on their own culture rather than performing someone else’s. Tales by Chapter opened in 2025 as HCMC's first plant-based, zero-waste fine dining concept, and Med, Vietnam's first dedicated non-alcoholic bar, serves 30-plus mocktails to a city that just introduced zero-tolerance drink-driving enforcement. 

Visit now because: The city is easier to reach than ever. Long Thành International Airport, Southeast Asia’s largest, opens for commercial flights in mid-2026, unlocking direct long-haul routes from Europe and North America. If you've been putting off visiting the continent’s next great creative capital, you just ran out of excuses.

The big numbers: Ho Chi Minh scored exceptionally well for food (with 75 percent of locals rating it highly) and nightlife (with a 70 percent approval score). And it’s no doubt a feel-good city, with locals reporting a 75 percent overall happiness score and the same percentage saying it’s easy to make friends.

📍 Discover our guides to the best things to do in Vietnam

What makes us great: The Japanese term kuchisabishii, which describes the need to eat and snack because the mouth feels ‘lonely’, is perhaps the best encapsulation of the Osaka lifestyle. The city is the undisputed street food capital of Japan, but Osaka will leave you with more than just a full stomach. This well-rounded cosmopolis has world-class shopping (Shinsaibashi), an island (Nakanoshima) dedicated to museums and culture, and lush nature just a short train ride away. Plus, with its strategic location at the heart of the diverse Kansai region, Osaka also serves as the ideal base for exploring nearby destinations including Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Wakayama.

Visit now because: The Osaka Expo may have concluded last October, but the city is keeping the momentum alive with a year of legacy events in 2026. The Expo’s beloved mascot, Myaku-Myaku, will embark on a prefecture-wide tour, while the grand Expo fireworks are set to be restaged in April. Selected installations from the Expo site will also be showcased at venues across the region.

The big numbers: Tying with a handful of other cities, Osaka came joint-fourth in our Time Out staff survey. Locals praised the city’s public transport, with 82 percent saying it’s ‘good’ or ‘amazing’, while 70 percent of Osaka respondents say they feel happier in the city than anywhere else. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Osaka

What makes us great: Imagine a city where you can stand in the shadow of the 2,500-year-old Acropolis, swim in the crystal-clear waters of a Blue Flag beach in the Athenian Riviera, hike through pine-scented hills like Lycabettus and Philopappos, immerse yourself in the flavours of a Michelin-starred restaurant such as Delta and Makris, and dance until the morning light at a techno party… all in one day. That’s Athens! The Greek capital has reinvented herself as a city that perfectly balances the weight of its past with a modern soul. With a surge of new green spaces, including the ongoing revitalisation of Pedion tou Areos and the Ellinikon Park facilities set to open in 2026, Athens is undergoing a historic urban renewal.

Visit now because: There are plenty of things to do in Athens this year. The Goulandris Foundation presents From Monet to Warhol, while the Athens Epidaurus Festival brings world-class performances to historic and contemporary venues. SNFCC and Onassis Stegi are packed with events, and the brand-new National Museum of Underwater Antiquities debuts in Piraeus, showcasing 2,500 artifacts recovered from the Greek seas.

The big numbers: Athens is another Time Out favourite, receiving enough votes in our staff survey to land the city joint-third among our panel of experts. Ask the locals, and the city’s best assets are its restaurants and nightlife (according to 78 and 75 percent of respondents, respectively). 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Athens

What makes us great: Over the past year, Chicago has showcased a fierce neighbourhood pride alongside a deep-rooted loyalty to the arts. Grassroots activism spurred by 2025 ICE raids has been vital in protecting the city’s communities, and in spite of challenging times, new cultural spaces and places to eat continue to open and infuse the city’s storied neighbourhoods with a new vitality. Despite being erroneously labelled a ‘hellhole’ by President Trump last year, Chicago’s spirit remains unyielding, with a booming 2025 tourist economy and another Best Big City in the US title from Condé Nast Traveler. 

Visit now because: There’s an influx of exciting new cultural spaces to visit this year, including the Field Museum’s upcoming Pokémon Fossil Museum, The Hand & The Eye magic house and, of course, the Obama Presidential Center. 

The big numbers: Community is indeed one of Chicago’s biggest draws. Seventy percent of locals say they feel a sense of belonging in the city, while 68 percent described the city as both ‘diverse and inclusive’ and ‘welcoming and friendly’. Chicago also received a 94 percent approval rating for its food and art scenes – the third-highest of all cities surveyed.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Chicago

What makes us great: Fifth-century-BCE Greek historian Herodotus called Egypt ‘the gift of the Nile’, and Egypt’s history has wowed travellers ever since. Nowhere displays the immense scale of the past better than Cairo, the country’s chaotic but beguiling capital city. The Grand Egyptian Museum, more than a decade in the making, finally opened in November 2025, displaying the entirety of Tutankhamun’s collection in one place for the first time – and much more besides. The Pyramids of Giza loom large just 2km away, easier than ever to visit thanks to the new hop-on-hop-off electric buses that shuttle visitors around the three pyramids and the Sphinx.

Visit now because: Cairo’s accommodation scene has seen a huge boost, and properties are now properly showing off the city’s playful personality. Book into Hyatt Centric Cairo West, Egypt’s first ‘art hotel’; Mazeej Balad for a boutique downtown stay in a restored 1896 building; or Immobilia, uber-glam apartments in the city’s first skyscraper.

The big numbers: Seventy-two percent of locals in Cairo commended the city’s food scene, with the same percentage saying they felt a strong sense of community in Cairo. The Egyptian capital scored highly for nightlife (with a 66 percent approval rating) and culture (62 percent). And, despite being packed with ancient history, locals here are much more likely to describe the city as ‘lively’ than they would ‘historic’.

📍 Discover the best things to do in Africa

What makes us great: Simply put, Buenos Aires has it all. When it’s time to eat, you can bounce between Michelin-starred restaurants, classic neighbourhood parrillas and bodegones serving generous, top-quality Argentine fare. Culture runs deep: Avenida Corrientes is packed with theatres, while the alternative scene thrives in intimate, independent venues. In 2026, big-budget musicals like Charlie & The Chocolate Factory and Annie headline a standout theatre season. Art fans should head to MALBA, celebrating its 25th anniversary in September, and to arteba, Latin America’s leading contemporary art fair, in November. The city’s 48 barrios each have their own identity: leafy Villa Devoto, named one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2025, and historic San Telmo, home to the city’s coolest street, Defensa, are musts. Add euphoric live concerts, walkable streets, free bike rentals and sprawling green parks, and you have one of South America’s most vibrant capitals.

Visit now because: As the FIFA World Cup unfolds in June and July, Buenos Aires transforms into a sea of blue and white. With Argentina defending its world-champion title, watching matches in packed neighbourhood bars becomes a citywide ritual, and one of the most electric cultural experiences you can have here.

The big numbers: Buenos Aires scored well for walkability, with 61 percent saying it’s easy to get around on foot, and green spaces, which received a 70 percent approval score in our survey.  

📍 Discover the best things to do in Buenos Aires

What makes us great: Let’s start with its staggering cultural heritage. The Austrian capital is Europe’s ‘City of Music’, thanks to its lengthy history of harbouring some of the world’s most famous composers, but the visual arts here are just as impressive (Belvedere Museum is home to one of the world’s most famous paintings in Klimt's The Kiss). Simply taking a walk through the city centre, with its density of monuments and sights, feels like exploring an open-air museum. To really experience local life in Vienna, though, you have to take a break in a traditional coffee house, such as Café Sperl. Viennese café culture is so ingrained in the city’s DNA that it’s recognised by UNESCO; a leisurely tradition that might well be one of the reasons the Austrian capital has been ranked the most liveable city in the world three times by The Economist. 

Visit now because: Vienna will host the Eurovision Song Contest this year, which will take place from May 10-17 at Wiener Stadthalle. If that’s not your thing (or you can’t get tickets), this year will also see the second edition of Klima Biennale, a festival where art addresses climate issues, from April 9-May 10.

The big numbers: It’s no surprise that 92 percent of locals scored Vienna highly for its art and culture scene (the joint-fifth highest culture rating across all surveyed cities). The Austrian capital’s public transport received the second-highest approval score at 90 percent, followed by green spaces and walkability, which both received an 83 percent score. 

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What makes us great: Dublin may technically be a city, but really it feels like one big village. Scratch that – it feels like a gaggle of little villages, each with its own set of quirks. You can pop into micro bakeries and battered old boozers in the Liberties, head to Grand Canal for a sauna ritual and reformer Pilates in a newly converted flour mill, or eat your fill in one of the numerous new restaurants popping up every week, selling everything from doorstep sandwiches to aioli-slathered tortilla. And in recent years, Dubliners have embraced the great outdoors (dodgy weather and all) – now, weekends are all about hikes up the coastal trails or mountain biking in Glencullen. 

Visit now because: If you want to visit the epic Long Room library in Trinity College (complete with its Instagrammable giant installation of the earth) now is the time – it’ll be closing for restoration for three years at the end of 2027.

The big numbers: The best thing about Dublin, according to locals? Its greenery and nature – 73 percent of respondents rated the city’s green spaces highly. That was closely followed by the restaurant scene, which received a 72 percent score, and walkability, rated highly by 69 percent of Dubliners.

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What makes us great: San Francisco is a good-looking city, characterised by a compact outcropping of skyscrapers and distinct neighbourhoods (including Glen Park, one of Time Out’s coolest neighborhoods in 2025) that follow the curves of its seven hills. It’s nearly encircled by water, with two architecturally lovely bridges across San Francisco Bay, including the instantly recognisable Golden Gate Bridge. Green space abounds; it’s the first US city where every resident is within a ten-minute walk of a park. It’s a fascinating cultural mash-up where tech innovators live alongside Beat poets, and it doesn’t hurt that the wider San Francisco region is currently basking in global attention after Bad Bunny ruled the Super Bowl halftime show in nearby Levi’s Stadium. 

Visit now because: Come for FIFA World Cup action this summer and bring a blanket to Stern Grove to hear music in a forest setting – it’s the country’s longest-running free music festival. There’s always something going down at Golden Gate Park; in August it’s Outside Lands.

The big numbers: Locals in San Francisco are generally cheerful, according to our survey. The city received an overall happiness score of 67 percent, with 74 percent agreeing their city makes them happy and 68 percent saying they feel better in San Francisco than anywhere else. 

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What makes us great: Nothing in Lagos is done quietly. Africa’s third-biggest city is home to more than 500 languages, and life in Nigeria’s entertainment capital is exactly what it sounds like: chaotic, overwhelming, but completely electric. First-timers may experience sensory overload, but lean into the energy and you’ll soon get happily swept up in the city’s nightlife, art and food, with Victoria Island being at the centre of it all. New restaurants like Nómaada and Rora join longer-standing favourites Brisk, Shiro and SLoW Lagos, while Kyma Lagos is the newest beach club on the scene. Culture-heads get their fix at the Nike Art Gallery and Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, while annual fixtures like Lagos Fashion Week and the Detty December period – including Tape London’s recent Lagos takeover – keep the calendar full.

Visit now because: The city’s art scene is having a major moment. DADA Gallery has opened a permanent physical home in Ikoyi, where its first exhibition explored diaspora and belonging. Nightlife is taking off, too: Casa 45 opened in Victoria Island in December to become the newest, largest entertainment space in the city, reaffirming the area’s buzzing reputation.

The big numbers: Of all cities surveyed, Lagos is one of the easiest places to make friends, according to 75 percent of locals. Lagosians are also the third-most likely group on the ranking to regularly see someone attractive, with locals reporting doing so an average of 13.04 times a month. 

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What makes us great: New Zealand has been named the most beautiful country on Earth countless times, and as the island nation’s largest city, Auckland demonstrates exactly why. Nicknamed the ‘City of Sails’, it sits between two large harbours, offering endless waterside walks and lookouts. In the CBD, world-class attractions like the Art Gallery, Sky Tower and All Blacks Experience are within walking distance to inner-city beaches, trendy markets and top-tier restaurants. Foodies should work their way through the city’s renowned annual 100 Iconic Eats, like Depot’s fish sliders and Giapo’s hokey-pokey gelato. Explore the trendy waterfront precincts around Britomart and Viaduct Harbour, or wander down vibrant Ponsonby Road and its eclectic sister, K’Road. Wine lovers: a ferry ride to the island paradise of Waiheke is a must.

Visit now because: In mid-2026, the prestigious Michelin Guide is making its Oceania debut in New Zealand, shining a light on the country’s underrated dining scene. We expect to see chef Josh Emett’s Onslow, along with other esteemed venues like Ahi and Metita, earning recognition.

The big numbers: According to Time Out’s survey, 78 percent of Aucklanders rate their wellbeing and quality of life highly, 73 percent said they like their local neighbourhood and 81 percent rate the food scene. The city didn’t do too well for making friends – only 35 percent agree it’s easy to make new connections in Auckland.

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What makes us great: People come to Lisbon for its beauty – the scenic miradouros, blue-and-white tiled streets and the glittering River Tagus – and, simply, because there’s so much to do and see. And while the big-ticket attractions are worth a visit, it’s the slices of local life that make this city unique. Look no further than the tasca: a traditional style of restaurant with no direct translation (perhaps ‘tavern’ comes closest). More than typical dishes served on stainless-steel platters, they offer the the true experience of Portugal at the heart of the country’s most touristy city. While the oldest and most authentic are gradually disappearing, a new generation of chefs is swapping the formality of fine dining for neo-tascas – informal, homely restaurants with technical precision and creative menus. The first to do so, and still standing out today, is Velho Eurico, near São Jorge Castle. If you get a table, it pays to keep an open mind to try specialities such as pastéis de massa tenra filled with suckling pig, duck rice or chicken hearts with grapes. In recent months, others have followed: Gancho in Alfama, Mesa at Casa Capitão and Polémico in Rato.

Visit now because: Two of Lisbon’s biggest attractions – the Calouste Gulbenkian and the Belém Tower – will re-open this spring. After that, there’s a trio of stellar summer festivals: Rock in Rio Lisboa in June, NOS Alive in July and MEO Kalorama in August.

The big numbers: Lisbon’s food and culture scenes received the most praise from locals, with an 86 and 77 percent approval rating, respectively. Better yet, Lisbon is the second-most affordable city on the list to see art, with 90 percent of locals saying it’s inexpensive to do so. 

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