Leyla Rose

Asia offers secluded islands, mirrored waters, and year-round sun – all the ingredients for a perfect scuba dive. It's really no wonder that this continent is home to some of the best scuba diving in the world. We're talking incredible wreck dives, vibrant and teeming coral reefs, and depending on the season, pelagics like sharks, whales, and manta rays. So, dive in with us to some of the most prestigious destinations of the underwater world.  READ MORE: The most incredible road trips in Asia and One month in Southeast Asia: The ultimate itinerary    

In January, we published our annual ranking of the world’s best cities. To create the list, we quizzed city-dwellers on everything from happiness and nightlife to walkability – and while all these factors are important in making a city great, let’s face it: a city is nothing without its food. From street eats to fine dining, family-run taverns to cutting-edge kitchens, eating and drinking is the backbone of local culture in our cities and the reason many of us choose to travel.  So, in order to figure out the great culinary metropolises of today, we surveyed thousands of people around the world about food in their city. We asked locals to rate their city’s food scene across 18 different criteria, including quality, affordability and attributes from ‘family-friendly’ to ‘experimental’.  Each city was ranked according to quality and affordability ratings, alongside a score from a panel of Time Out food experts – editors, food critics and Time Out Market chefs – who were asked to share their insights into the most exciting cities for food right now. To create the final ranking, we included only the highest-scoring city for each country to ensure the list reflects culinary cities globally. We then asked our global network of food writers to tell us exactly what makes their city such an exciting place to eat right now. The result? A very tasty list indeed. In each of these 20 cities, you’ll find the best of the old-school and the new. There are long-standing street food stalls and

People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now🌎 The best things to do in the

Just east of Bali is Lombok, an island often described as a glimpse of what Bali was like 20 years ago. With its spectacular beaches, waterfalls, rainforests and wildlife (not to mention the impressive volcano watching over the island), Lombok’s natural beauty is its main appeal. But that’s not all – you can also expect colourful Sasak culture, delicious cuisine, and action-packed activities. Whether you’re hoping to relax and unwind or fill your days with exciting adventures, here are the best activities to add to your Lombok itinerary.  READ MORE: Which Gili Island is best for you? and The best things to do in Bali

Let’s be real: Life in Jakarta can get pretty hectic. Trying to beat traffic or stay on top of your day-to-day tasks can leave you exhausted. In times like this, a healing massage can do wonders for your weary soul – and you don’t need to splurge to enjoy a glorious reset. We rounded up the best massage spots that cater to every budget, from luxe spas to pocket-friendly family reflexology centres. Here’s where to go for some delicious self-care. READ MORE: How to spend 48 hours in Jakarta and The best luxury hotels in Jakarta

When it comes to eating out in Indonesia, you’re spoiled for choice with everything from casual eateries to fine dining. And it’s not just Indonesian cuisine that you’ll find, with international chefs bringing new and innovative flavours while making the most of the country’s native herbs and spices, fresh seafood, and tropical produce. Hungry? These are Indonesia’s top restaurants to eat at right now.  READ MORE: The best bars in Indonesia and The best hotels in Indonesia

Indonesia isn’t just beaches and nature – it has plenty of fascinating museums, too. With most of them located in Java and Bali, there’s something that covers every interest – from ancient artefacts to fashion and textiles, you’ll always have plenty to see and do. So, whether you’re interested in local art, brushing up on your history or learning how the country’s most impressive natural features were formed, these are the best museums to visit. READ MORE: The most remarkable temples in Indonesia and The most gorgeous architecture in Indonesia

Whether it’s the food, landscapes, languages or cultures, Indonesia is one of the most diverse countries in the world. This can also be seen in its architecture – from ancient archaeological sites to sleek and shiny skyscrapers, the range of styles vary greatly as you travel through the country. Some take influence from religions like Hinduism and Islam, while some have been shaped by European colonists. Below are some of the most impressive examples of architecture that you can check out on your next visit to Indonesia. READ MORE: The best places to visit in Indonesia and The most epic volcanoes in Indonesia to hike

For the intrepid traveller, Indonesia is the gift that keeps on giving. Home to more than 17,000 islands, the country offers up a diversity of breathtaking landscapes. From gleaming, isolated beaches to lush tropical rainforests, there's always a corner to escape to. For this reason, the country is a resort haven, with some truly stunning sanctuaries packed with all the amenities you can dream of (and a side of top-notch Indonesian hospitality). From wellness getaways to countryside escapes, this is our pick of the best resorts you can find on the archipelago.  RECOMMENDED: The best places to visit in Indonesia and The best islands in Indonesia

If you’re a foodie, Indonesia is one of the best places to travel. The cuisine is incredibly diverse, with each island boasting its specialities. Along with indigenous culinary traditions, many Indonesian dishes are influenced by Indian, Chinese, and Arabic cuisine, using the many herbs and spices the archipelago is known for. As well as an abundance of seafood, meat, and chicken, a wide variety of fresh vegetables, rice dishes, noodles, tofu, and tempe means there’s plenty of choice for vegetarians and vegans too. Ready to whet your appetite? These are some of the best Indonesian dishes to try. READ MORE: The best things to do in Indonesia and The best bars in Indonesia

Whether your tipple of choice is tequila or rum, craft beer or wine, Indonesia’s bars have just what you’re looking for, with everything from speakeasies to sophisticated bars and snug lounges. As well as all the classic beverages, many of these establishments serve innovative drinks which make the most of Indonesia’s diverse ingredients, including fresh fruit, heady spices, and fragrant herbs. Ready to (responsibly) head out for a drink? These are Indonesia’s hottest bars.RECOMMENDED: Best fine dining in Jakarta and The best beach clubs in Bali for epic parties by the sea

As the capital of a food-loving nation, you won’t be surprised to hear that Jakarta is inundated with places to eat. Street food may be king, but the city is also a huge fan of fine dining, thanks to its growing economy and spending power. As one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia, chefs from around the world have converged here to bring European, American, and Asian flavours to the hungry masses. Whether you’re in the mood for fusion dishes or tasting menus, an intimate space or a venue to impress, these are the best fine dining spots in Jakarta. RECOMMENDED: Best things to do in Jakarta and Best places to stay in Jakarta

Sitting above the treetops in the Four Seasons Resort, Ayung Terrace is the spot for long, lazy lunches overlooking Ubud’s rainforest.

Casual fine dining specialising in globally-inspired tapas, cocktails, and desserts by award-winning chef and co-founder Kevin Cherkas. 

Latin-American fusion food with a rooftop tapas bar for sundowners by Colombian chefs Andres Beccera and German Rincon. 

Want to eat the whole of Indonesia? Kaum is a one-stop for authentic dishes from around the archipelago. Housed in a Dutch colonial bungalow, seating includes a bright and airy dining hall, cosy private rooms, and al fresco tables. 

Agung Rai Museum of Art is one of Bali’s best fine arts museums located in Ubud, a town widely known as Bali’s centre for arts and culture. The museum is home to an impressive collection of artwork, covering everything from local painters in the 1930s to contemporary Balinese and international artists. 

This museum in Nusa Dua showcases artwork from various Pacific Ocean cultures over the centuries. Find work from pioneering Indonesian artists like Raden Saleh to European artists like Willem Hofker and Miguel Covarrubias, who made Bali their home. There is also art from Oceania, including Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu, as well as more famous works from Matisse and Gauguin. 

House of Danar Hadi is a museum dedicated to batik, Indonesia’s ancient art form. One of the country’s most established batik companies, founded in 1967, Danar Hadi opened this cultural complex in 2008. It has the country’s most extensive batik collection, with over 700 curated pieces.

It’s one of the oldest museums in Indonesia, established during the Dutch colonial era. Once used as a research centre for Dutch geologists, today it’s home to an impressive collection of fossils, rocks, and minerals from around the archipelago.

Indonesia’s one-stop destination for modern and contemporary art from Indonesian and international artists. Here, you can see pieces from internationally-renowned artists like Yayoi Kusama and Indonesia’s pioneering Romantic painter Raden Saleh, and an ever-changing roster of installation art. 

Museum Sonobudoyo is a sprawling museum of Javanese history and culture. Encompassing human history, natural history, and art, this is one of the most complete collections of Javanese artefacts, which include ceremonial daggers, musical instruments, and traditional costumes and masks.

Nestled alongside a handful of other bars on Jalan Gunawarman, this speakeasy draws in Jakarta’s most stylish crowds. Experimental cocktails are the name of the game here, with an emphasis on aromatic, herbal, and floral flavours with ingredients like fig, coriander, and chamomile. You can’t help but feel relaxed amongst the sumptuous interiors, made homely by its wood features and warm lighting. And did we mention that A/A Bar regularly hosts live music sessions, whether with DJs, bands or jazz groups? 

You'll find this bar and dance club located in the G88 Building (an abandoned plane converted into a lifestyle hub). 1959 was a huge year, from NASA’s launch of Pioneer 4 (the first US spacecraft to leave Earth’s gravitational field), to the release of Marilyn Monroe’s Some Like It Hot. The cocktails in 1959 are themed around the events that took place during this time. At the helm is head mixologist Dimas Mahendra, who concocts elixirs like the Monroe-inspired Incurably Romantic (Rp 160,000), a combination of tequila, spice syrup, lemon, basil jalapeño, and frothy albumen. Or try Viva La Revolucion (Rp 150,000), a nod to Fidel Castro, with spiced rum, banana, jackfruit, and lemon. Catching up with a big group? Book the VIP room – complete with comfy sofas – for an intimate space away from the crowds.