- The ranking is generated based on the results of a worldwide survey conducted among thousands of urban residents
Cape Town has been named the top destination globally by Time Out.
The highly respected guide's Top 50 Cities in the World for 2025 list reports that it secured the top position due to its 'beauty, historic sites and cultural centers'.
(fifth).
The ranking was generated through a survey of over 18,500 urban residents who "shared their opinions about their city", including questions on topics such as "everything from food, nightlife, and culture to the cost of living, overall satisfaction, and the city's overall atmosphere".
A panel of over 100 city experts, selected from Time Out's worldwide network, was also surveyed to select the most thrilling cities globally 'at this time'. Time Out synthesized all the data – across 44 distinct criteria – to rank the top cities worldwide for 2025.
Assistant Statement: "Our Best Cities in the World listing for the year shows that to truly understand what makes a city special, it's best to get insights from the people who call it home. This year, numerous city residents worldwide shared their opinions with us in our survey.
'This list not only highlights the world's most captivating cities to visit in 2025, where exceptional culture, exceptional cuisine, and thrilling nightlife can be discovered at every turn, but also reveals the destinations where locals feel the most comfortable and at home.'
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1. CAPE TOWN
According to Time Out, the overall winner scored high across all categories, with 82 percent of Capetonians describing their city as "beautiful" and 97 percent saying it "makes them happy".
Time Out says: "Where else can you visit an African penguin colony, taste top-rated wines, walk along Blue Flag beaches, see breathtaking views from one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World, and have a lively nightlife – all in just one day?"
'Cape Town offers a multitude of experiences, spanning historical landmarks to cultural hotspots: Kalk Bay's legacy of fishing, East City's culinary delights, Time Out Market Cape Town, or Cape Point's breathtaking natural surroundings.'
2. BANGKOK
'Bangkok fully meets all the criteria for a fantastic city.'
As per Time Out's Thailand capital report, "famously friendly, culturally rich, and packed with iconic sites like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace."
This guide notes: 'Bangkok's globally recognized culinary scene – spanning from street food at Chatuchak Market to Yaowarat's distinctive flavors – is a major hit, with 86% of locals rating Bangkok's food as "good" or "amazing," and 84% considering eating out to be affordable. Thanks to the extended BTS Skytrain and MRT network, getting around Bangkok has never been simpler.'
3. NEW YORK
'New York is a city that's constantly changing and full of energy, keeping residents and visitors alike engaged and active,' says Time Out.
IF YOU'VE EVER WANTED TO EXPERIENCE THE MOST EXHILARATING CITIES ON EARTH, I'VE GOT TICKETS. FOMO IS REAL HERE – BLINK, AND YOU MIGHT MISS INCREDIBLE PUBLIC ART, MICHELIN-STARRED POP-UP RESTAURANTS, OR SURPRISE CONCERTS. SEVENTY-EIGHT PER CENT OF NEW YORKERS DESCRIBE THE CITY AS EXCITING, THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF ALL CITIES SURVEYED – AND AN IMPRESSIVE 92 PER CENT APPROVE OF ITS WORLD-CLASS ARTS AND CULTURE SCENE.
'The city boasts iconic landmarks like the northern hemisphere's highest observation deck, Edge, along with lively neighbourhoods such as Riverdale and Coney Island.'
4. MELBOURNE
Melbourne ranks fourth in large part due to its vibrant dining scene and rich cultural heritage.
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The guide ranks Melbourne second in the "restaurants and eating out" category and fourth in "culture".
5. LONDON
The UK capital "remains one of the world's best cities", according to Time Out, thanks to "its vibrant cuisine, iconic pubs, unparalleled shopping, and diverse communities".
The guide points out, "London was voted the most-loved city by Time Out experts and is also seen by locals as the most diverse and inclusive."
London's nightlife scene is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to places like Hoxton's Lion and Lamb, a pub that has turned into a club, Outernet's Here, and Colour Factory in Hackney Wick, as well as new queer bars such as La Camionera and The Divine.
'London is anything but a quiet city - it vibrates with vitality and culture.'
6. NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans is captivating for many reasons, including its resilience," says Time Out. "It's been nearly two decades since Hurricane Katrina and the city is now recovering after the recent New Year's attack.
Its rich history, impressive architecture, iconic restaurants, distinctive music scene and eclectic culture - African American, Caribbean, French, Vietnamese and much more – has moulded the city, impacting venues like the Backstreet Cultural Museum, as well as NoLA's numerous annual celebrations.
New Orleans takes the third spot in being the most affordable city on the list, with approximately 72% of locals affirming that experiencing live music is within budget-friendly parameters, and around 83% stating that acquiring a drink at a bar does not involve significant expense. In New Orleans, occasion always arises to experience love, celebration, and pleasure.
7. MEXICO CITY
In Mexico City, 'every neighborhood feels like home'.
That is the conclusion from the Time Out 2025 city index, which reveals that 'locals gather at spots like Parque Mexico or Chapultepec Forest and enjoy outdoor events such as Cineteca screenings'.
The guide says: "Free cultural highlights such as Design Week and Jazz Festival Polanco keep the city lively, particularly during 'Museum Month' in May, which showcases notable venues like Munal and Palacio de Bellas Artes."
'Mexico City delights in non-stop celebrations, from its vibrant Day of the Dead processions to its high-octane Formula 1 events – it's little wonder that a staggering 96 per cent of locals report feeling happy in their city, with the same percentage also agreeing that they find joy in daily life.'
8. PORTO, PORTUGAL
Porto 'thrills locals and tourists alike,' says Time Out, with 80 percent of Porto residents saying they're happier in Porto than anywhere else.
This guide notes: 'Portugal's "second city" is also ranked highly by other reputable sources': Porto has been named Europe's top beach city and its culinary scene is gaining international recognition. It features beautiful urban beaches, restaurants with Michelin stars, the recently opened Time Out Market, and lively food festivals like the Portuguese Michelin Gala.
'The city's affable locals, captivating galleries, iconic cafes, and immaculately maintained parks make it a haven of hospitality and beauty, consistently justifying its esteemed reputation.'
9. SHANGHAI, CHINA
According to Time Out, there's never a dull moment in Shanghai, a lively city where everyone seems to feel like the star of the show.
Shanghai knows how to have a good time. Its nightlife scene has the highest overall rating from locals, with 80% of respondents saying it's easy to meet people and make friends.
Whether you're watching a group of locals effortlessly switch between tai chi and hip-hop in a stunning park, or visiting Fumin Lu's renowned alpaca, there's always something worth seeing.
Residents praise the city for its ease of navigation and cleanliness, making Shanghai a pleasure to discover.
10. COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
You can experience a 'relaxed pace and community-driven lifestyle' after paying a visit to Copenhagen.
You might find it tempting to stay here forever.
Time Out says, "It's a place that many visitors dream of making their home (in fact, it was the fourth-favored city among Time Out editors and city experts)."
'Initiatives such as CopenPay, encouraging responsible tourism, and the expanded metro system (connecting more areas of the city including new green spaces like Operaparken and the recently-opened cultural venue and communal dining area Nordhus) promote a balanced and sustainable way of life.'
'Denmark's Copenhagen embodies a philosophy that advocates for a calmer tempo, prioritizing personal well-being and communal ties, a concept that serves as a blueprint for cities globally.'
For more visit www.timeout.com/things-to-do/best-cities-in-the-world .
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