THE world’s best 50 cities to visit in 2025 have been revealed and six in the UK have managed to squeeze onto the list.
The annual Time Out list looks at a number of different criteria to name the very best each year.
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Speaking to 18,5000 people living in cities, the study included “everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe”.
They added: “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?”
Coming in first place was Cape Town, which is not only often named one of the best value long-haul destinations, but recently welcomed new UK flights.
Norse Airways’ London Gatwick to Cape Town route started back in October 2024, with return fares for £499.
But the top UK city was, perhaps unsurprisingly, London.
Coming in fifth place, Time Out said: “[It’s] inarguable, thanks to the capital’s brilliant cuisine, unkillable pub culture, unrivalled shopping opportunities and (best of all) the all-encompassing range of its people.”
New additions to the city this year include the V&A East Storehouse, with the biggest exhibit being one on the list of David Bowie.
The Sun Travel team – who either live or work in the city – recently shared their very best tips with their favourite pubs, bars and restaurants as well as attractions and hotels.
It was even named the top destination by TripAdvisor this year too.
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Another high-ranking UK city was Edinburgh, which came in 13th place and was praised for its “gothic architecture, cheap eat and some of the world’s best bars”.
A seaside city made the list too – Brighton came in 34th.
According to Time Out: “Brighton has essentially plucked all the important parts of a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis and paired it with the easy-breezy beachy attitude to life that makes you feel welcome in an instant.”
Sophie Swietochowski, The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor, has raved about the city (and given her top recommendations).
Glasgow came in 36th while Belfast came in at 47th.
The Sun’s Steve Corbett visited Belfast – here is how to do a weekend here.
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World’s Best Cities 2025
- Cape Town
- Bangkok
- New York
- Melbourne
- London
- New Orleans
- Mexico City
- Porto
- Shanghai
- Copenhagen
- Chicago
- Lisbon
- Edinburgh
- Hong Kong
- Sydney
- Amsterdam
- Barcelona
- Seville
- Paris
- Medellin
- Hanoi
- Madrid
- Berlin
- Dubai
- Singapore
- Rio de Janeiro
- Beijing
- Chiang Mai
- Jakarta
- Vienna
- Tokyo
- Marrakech
- Perth
- Brighton
- Prague
- Glasgow
- Brisbane
- Marseille
- Budapest
- Los Angeles
- Lagos
- Seoul
- Valencia
- Montreal
- Bilbao
- Abu Dhabi
- Belfast
- Bristol
- Mumbai
- Warsaw
And just squeezing in at 48th was Bristol, which has exciting openings for 2025 as well.
Not only is it hosting the Rugby World Cup this year, but it is also getting its first five-star hotel, Hotel Gotham.
Time Out said: “Street art on every corner, plus a lively mix of protests, raves, mega festivals and DIY gigs – Bristol‘s long been known for its rebellious and creative streak, but the city is now moving out of its underground phase and going global.”
The Sun’s Leah Milner recently visited Bristol – here’s everything you need to do when there.
If you’re wanting to head to Europe, Porto was the highest on the list (8th) followed by Copenhagen (10th), Lisbon (12th) and Amsterdam (16th).
ABTA also revealed their seven ‘destinations to watch’ this year.
And here are Lonely Planet’s top 2025 destinations.
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