As Bangkokians, we’ve always known that our city is one of the world’s most beloved tourist destinations. Time and again, we hear visitors rave about our vibrant street food and buzzing nightlife. But Bangkok is so much more than that. The City of Angels is busting with exciting things to do, incredible restaurants, fabulous bars and unmissable art festivals. All of these contribute to the charm of the city, securing us a prestigious place in Time Out’s 50 Best Cities for 2025.
In news that will make locals beam with pride, Bangkok has been crowned the second-best city in the world, beaten only by Cape Town. This places us ahead of iconic destinations such as New York (No. 3), Melbourne (No. 4) and London (No. 5). Notably, we’re the best metropolis on the continent, outshining cities such as Shanghai (No. 9), Hong Kong (No. 14) and Hanoi (No.21)
The list is based on a survey of more than 18,500 city-dwellers, who shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness, and the overall city vibe. Liveability played a central role in this year’s ranking, with an emphasis on understanding what truly makes a city feel like home. Alongside the thousands of responses from locals, Time Out’s global network of city experts also voted on the places they find particularly exciting right now.
In the rankings, Bangkok excelled in Happiness, with residents finding joy in their everyday experiences. Another standout was Affordability, with activities like dining out, grabbing coffee and watching a movie all being budget-friendly.
Reflecting on Bangkok’s outstanding placement, Time Out Bangkok publisher Nigel Oakins said: ‘From sizzling street food to elegant fine dining, Bangkok's range is incomparable. The Chao Phraya River glides past some of the planet’s most iconic hotels, while new parks energise a city that is no longer a stopover before the beach.’
In fact, Bangkok isn’t the only Thai city on the list – Chiang Mai also makes an appearance at No. 28. This further highlights Thailand’s growing reputation, not just as a top tourism destination but also as a place that offers a great quality of life. And with the country being the first in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, it’s clear the nation is leading the way in inclusivity as well.