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Chicago has been rated the most beautiful city in the world

Time Out readers agree: The Windy City's beauty is unmatched.

Jeffy Mai
Written by
Jeffy Mai
Editor, Time Out Chicago
Chicago skyline
Photograph: Shutterstock
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Last week, Chicago was named one of the best cities in the world for 2025 in a list released by Time Out. To determine the rankings, we asked over 18,500 locals around the globe about life in their city, touching on everything from food and culture to happiness and affordability.

As it turns out, Chicagoans think the Windy City is a looker, and who can blame them? A whopping 83% of respondents described Chicago as “beautiful”—more than any other city surveyed.

It’s easy to see why. Chicago’s majestic skyline is filled with more than 120 towering skyscrapers, which offer stunning views. There are also 8,800 acres of green space and over 600 gorgeous parks. And don’t forget about the waterfronts—the sweeping sights across Lake Michigan and the Chicago River are, quite simply, unparalleled.

Chicago just edged Cape Town, South Africa (82%) in the ranking. The top five is rounded out by Sydney, Australia (79%), Porto, Portugal (78%), Edinburgh, Scotland (74%) and Tbilisi, Georgia (74%).

Beauty wasn’t the only category Chicago had high marks in. The city’s culture scored a 98% satisfaction rating, while the dining scene was right behind it at 97%. Clearly, our world-class attractions and amazing restaurants are things residents are proud of.

Best of all, you can experience all of this under one roof at Time Out Market Chicago. We’ve gathered the city’s top chefs and restaurants together, and there are always a host of exciting events going on, including live music, parties and trending pop-ups. And for beautiful views, head upstairs to Tony’s Rooftop Bar for a drink on the outdoor terrace. See you there!

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