HomeWorldThe world's best 50 cities in 2025 ranked by Time Out: Cape...

The world’s best 50 cities in 2025 ranked by Time Out: Cape Town is No.1, SIX cities in the UK make the list and New York is top in the USA. Where does YOUR favourite city come?

Date:

Related stories

spot_imgspot_img

Cape Town is the best city in the world right now, according to Time Out.

The renowned guide’s 50 Best Cities in the World for 2025 index says that it earned the coveted top spot thanks to its ‘beauty, historic sites and cultural hubs’.

The top five in the ranking is completed by Bangkok (second), New York (third), Melbourne (fourth) and London (fifth).

The ranking was produced by a survey of more than 18,500 city-dwellers who ‘shared their thoughts on their city’, with questions covering ‘everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall vibe’.

A panel of more than 100 city experts, drawn from Time Out’s global network, was also asked to name the most exciting cities in the world ‘right now’. Time Out then combined all the data – across 44 different criteria – to rank the best cities in the world for 2025.

Grace Beard, Travel Editor at Time Out, says: ‘Our annual list of Time Out’s Best Cities in the World right now proves that if you want to know what makes a city truly great, ask a local. Thousands of city-dwellers worldwide responded to our survey this year.

‘This list not only showcases the world’s most exciting cities to visit in 2025, where world-class culture, great food and exciting nightlife can be found on every corner, but also reflects the places where locals feel most at home.’

Scroll down to discover more about the top 10 and for the full ranking…

1. CAPE TOWN

Cape Town has been declared the best city in the world for 2025 by Time Out

The overall winner ‘scored highly across the board’, reveals Time Out, with 82 per cent of Capetonians describing their city as ‘beautiful’ and 97 per cent saying it ‘makes them happy’.

Time Out adds: ‘Where else can you visit a colony of African penguins, taste world-class wines, stroll Blue Flag beaches, enjoy views from one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and experience vibrant nightlife – all in a day?

‘Cape Town offers this and more, from historic sites to cultural hubs: whether that’s Kalk Bay’s fishing heritage, East City’s food scene, Time Out Market Cape Town, or Cape Point’s natural beauty.’

2. BANGKOK

Yum's the word: Second-place Bangkok has a 'world-renowned food scene'

Yum’s the word: Second-place Bangkok has a ‘world-renowned food scene’

‘Bangkok checks every box for a great city.’

So declares Time Out of the Thailand capital, which it says is ‘famously friendly, culturally rich, and packed with iconic sites like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace’.

The guide adds: ‘The Thai capital’s world-renowned food scene – ranging from Chatuchak Market street eats to Yaowarat’s bold flavours – ranked highly, with 86 per cent of locals declaring food in Bangkok “good” or “amazing”, and 84 per cent saying eating out is affordable. With the expanded BTS Skytrain and MRT, exploring Bangkok has never been easier.’

3. NEW YORK

New York takes bronze. It's a city where FOMO is real, says Time Out, explaining: 'Blink, and you might miss incredible public art, Michelin-starred pop-ups, or surprise concerts'

New York takes bronze. It’s a city where FOMO is real, says Time Out, explaining: ‘Blink, and you might miss incredible public art, Michelin-starred pop-ups, or surprise concerts’

‘New York is an ever-evolving capital of hustle and bustle, creating a constant buzz that keeps locals and visitors on their toes,’ says Time Out.

It continues: ‘FOMO is real here – blink, and you might miss incredible public art, Michelin-starred pop-ups, or surprise concerts. Seventy-eight per cent of New Yorkers described the city as exciting, the highest percentage of all cities surveyed – and an impressive 92 per cent approved of its world-class arts and culture scene.

‘From iconic attractions like Edge, the northern hemisphere’s highest observation deck, to vibrant neighbourhoods like Riverdale and Coney Island, the city truly has it all.’

4. MELBOURNE

Melbourne's food and culture scenes helped it secure fourth place on the index

Melbourne’s food and culture scenes helped it secure fourth place on the index

Fourth-place Melbourne ranks highly in large part thanks to its red-hot eating-out scene, and its cultural pedigree.

Time Out says: ‘Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s culinary and cultural capital speaks for itself: the city is home to top dining spots, blockbuster shows, and Time Out’s World’s Coolest Street in 2024.’

The guide notes that Melbourne comes second in the ‘restaurants and eating out’ category and fourth in ‘culture’.

5. LONDON

London comes fifth but was voted the most-loved city by Time Out experts

London comes fifth but was voted the most-loved city by Time Out experts

The UK capital ‘remains one of the world’s best cities’, declares Time Out, thanks to ‘its vibrant cuisine, iconic pubs, unparalleled shopping, and diverse communities’.

The guide continues: ‘London was voted the most-loved city by Time Out experts, and locals recognised it as the most diverse and inclusive.

‘London’s nightlife scene is booming once again, thanks to exciting venues like Hoxton’s pub-turned-club Lion and Lamb, Outernet’s Here, and Hackney Wick’s Colour Factory, plus new queer bars like La Camionera and The Divine.

‘London is anything but a sleepy city – it’s buzzing with life and culture.’

6. NEW ORLEANS

In New Orleans (sixth), 'there's always something to love, celebrate, and savour'

In New Orleans (sixth), ‘there’s always something to love, celebrate, and savour’

‘New Orleans captivates for many reasons, not least its resilience,’ says Time Out. ‘It’s been almost two decades since Hurricane Katrina and the city is springing back again following the recent New Year’s attack.

‘Its rich history, stunning architecture, legendary restaurants, unique music scene and diverse culture – African-American, Caribbean, French, Vietnamese, and more – has shaped the city, influencing venues such as the Backstreet Cultural Museum as well as NoLA’s many annual festivals.

‘New Orleans ranked as the third most affordable city on the list, with 72 per cent of locals claiming that seeing live music is budget-friendly and 83 per cent saying it doesn’t cost a lot to grab a drink at a bar. In New Orleans, there’s always something to love, celebrate, and savour.’

7. MEXICO CITY

Mexico City comes seventh, with 96 per cent of locals saying their city makes them happy

Mexico City comes seventh, with 96 per cent of locals saying their city makes them happy

In Mexico City, ‘every neighbourhood feels like home’.

That’s the conclusion from the Time Out 2025 city index, which reveals that ‘locals gather at spots like Parque México or Chapultepec Forest and enjoy open-air events such as Cineteca screenings’.

The guide adds: ‘Free cultural highlights like Design Week and Jazz Festival Polanco keep the city vibrant, especially during “Museum Month” in May, featuring icons like Munal and Palacio de Bellas Artes.

‘From Day of the Dead parades to Formula 1, CDMX offers year-round festivities and endless things to do – it’s only fitting that 96 per cent of locals say their city makes them happy, and the same percentage agree that they find joy in the everyday experiences their city offers.’

8. PORTO, PORTUGAL

Eighth-place Porto has 'welcoming locals, charming galleries, iconic cafés, and well-kept parks'

Eighth-place Porto has ‘welcoming locals, charming galleries, iconic cafés, and well-kept parks’

Porto ‘dazzles locals and visitors alike’, says Time Out, with 80 per cent of Porto-dwellers saying they’re happier in Porto than anywhere else.

The guide adds: ‘It’s not just Time Out who rates Portugal’s “second city”: Porto was recently named Europe’s best beach city and emerging culinary city. It boasts stunning urban beaches, Michelin-starred dining, a newly opened Time Out Market and vibrant food events like the Portuguese Michelin Gala.

‘The city’s welcoming locals, charming galleries, iconic cafés, and well-kept parks make it a gem of hospitality and beauty, consistently living up to its celebrated reputation.’

9. SHANGHAI, CHINA

'Shanghai [ninth] knows how to have a good time - its nightlife scene received the highest overall rating from locals,' says Time Out

‘Shanghai [ninth] knows how to have a good time – its nightlife scene received the highest overall rating from locals,’ says Time Out

Time Out says: ‘There’s never a dull moment in Shanghai, a vibrant city where everyone feels like the main character.

‘Shanghai knows how to have a good time – its nightlife scene received the highest overall rating from locals, and 80 per cent of respondents said it’s easy to meet people and make friends.

‘Whether you’re watching a group of locals seamlessly transitioning from tai chi to hip-hop in a beautiful park, or meeting Fumin Lu’s famous alpaca, there’s always something to see.

‘The city also excels in convenience and cleanliness according to locals, making Shanghai a joy to explore.’

10. COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

Copenhagen (10th) is a city 'many visitors dream of calling home'

Copenhagen (10th) is a city ‘many visitors dream of calling home’

Pay a visit to Copenhagen and you’ll discover a ‘relaxed pace and community-focused culture’.

And you may want to stay forever.

Time Out says: ‘It’s a place many visitors dream of calling home (in fact, it was the fourth-favourite city amongst Time Out editors and city experts).

‘Initiatives like CopenPay, rewarding respectful tourism, and the extended metro (connecting more of the city like new green space Operaparken and recently-opened cultural centre/communal dining spot Nordhus) support a balanced, sustainable lifestyle.

‘Copenhagen’s ethos is clear: enjoy a slower pace that values well-being and connection, a vision that inspires cities worldwide.’

For more visit www.timeout.com/things-to-do/best-cities-in-the-world

THE BEST CITIES IN THE WORLD FOR 2025, ACCORDING TO TIME OUT, FROM BRIGHTON TO SYDNEY

1. Cape Town, South Africa

2. Bangkok, Thailand

3. New York, USA

4. Melbourne, Australia

5. London, UK

6. New Orleans, USA

7. Mexico City, Mexico

8. Porto, Portugal

9. Shanghai, China

10. Copenhagen, Denmark

11. Chicago, USA

12. Lisbon, Portugal

13. Edinburgh, UK

14. Hong Kong

15. Sydney, Australia

16. Amsterdam, Netherlands

17. Barcelona, Spain

18. Seville, Spain

19. Paris, France

20. Medellín, Columbia

21. Hanoi, Vietnam

22. Madrid, Spain

23. Berlin, Germany

24. Dubai, UAE

25. Singapore

26. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

27. Beijing, China

28. Chiang Mai, Thailand

29. Jakarta, Indonesia

30. Vienna, Austria

31. Tokyo, Japan

32. Marrakech, Morocco

33. Perth, Australia

34. Brighton, UK

35. Prague, Czech Republic

36. Glasgow, UK

37. Brisbane, Australia

38. Marseille, France

39. Budapest, Hungary

40. Los Angeles, USA

41. Lagos, Nigeria

42. Seoul, South Korea

43. Valencia, Spain

44. Montreal, Canada

45. Bilbao, Spain

46. Abu Dhabi, UAE

47. Belfast, UK

48. Bristol, UK

49. Mumbai, India

50. Warsaw, Poland

Source: Time Out 

- Never miss a story with notifications

- Gain full access to our premium content

- Browse free from up to 5 devices at once

Latest stories

spot_img