Call it the Bronze Apple.
Time Out has published a list of the 50 best cities in the world to visit in 2025 — and New York will be forced to content itself with third place, behind two unexpected competitors.
The global travel authority surveyed more than 18,500 people around the world to analyze their opinions of their hometown, regarding everything including food, nightlife, culture, affordability, happiness and the overall vibe.
Time Out then had a panel of experts vote to determine the best burgs to visit this year.
While 78% of New Yorkers ranked the city that never sleeps as “exciting” on the survey, Gotham couldn’t quite make it to the top — but was the highest-ranked US locale.
Here, a closer look at the top 10.
1. Cape Town
The majority of Cape Town residents (97%) of locals said their city makes them happy — so maybe it will perk you up too?
Ninety-five percent gave the city’s food scene a high rating and 82% said they would describe the place as “beautiful.”
2. Bangkok
Bangkok’s Ekkamai neighborhood was named one of Time Out’s coolest in the world.
Eighty-six percent of locals would call food in Bangkok “good” or “amazing” and 84% said eating out is affordable.
3. New York
A whopping 78% of New Yorkers find the city “exciting” — the highest percentage of any city on the list.
The Big Apple also received a 92% approval rating for the world-class arts and culture scene.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne came second overall in the “restaurants and eating out” category.
But that’s not all it has to offer, it was also ranked fourth for its “culture.”
London
London is the city most loved by Time Out staff.
Residents especially highlight its diversity and inclusivity.
New Orleans
New Orleans was the third most affordable city on the list. Seventy-two percent of residents claim that seeing live music is budget-friendly and 83% said it doesn’t break the bank to go out for a cocktail.
Mexico City
The Mexican capital was ranked the fourth-happiest city on the list.
An overwhelming 96% of locals say their city makes them happy and the same percentage agree that they find joy in the everyday experiences their city offers.
Porto, Portugal
Porto was named the fourth-most beautiful on the list — 78% of locals describe it as such.
And locals aren’t likely going anywhere. A gleeful 80% said they’re happier in Porto than anywhere else in the world.
Shanghai
Shanghai’s nightlife scene got the highest overall rating from locals.
This likely influenced why 80% of respondents in Shanghai said it was easy to meet people and make friends.
Copenhagen
Residents said the city’s investment in itself has paid off.
About 59% of residents said that the sense of happiness in the Danish capital has recently increased.
The 50 best cities in the world in 2025
- Cape Town
- Bangkok
- New York
- Melbourne, Australia
- London
- New Orleans
- Mexico City
- Porto, Portugal
- Shanghai
- Copenhagen
- Chicago
- Lisbon
- Edinburg
- Hong Kong
- Sydney
- Amsterdam
- Barcelona
- Seville
- Paris
- Medellín
- Hanoi
- Madrid
- Berlin
- Dubai
- Singapore
- Rio de Janeiro
- Beijing
- Chiang Mai
- Jakarta
- Vienna
- Tokyo
- Marrakech
- Perth
- Brighton
- Prague
- Glasgow
- Brisbane
- Marseille
- Budapest
- Los Angles
- Lagos
- Seoul
- Valencia
- Montreal
- Bilbao
- Abu Dhabi
- Belfast
- Bristol
- Mumbai
- Warsaw
