Best Cities In The World: Every year, Time Out surveys thousands of locals across the globe to rank the best cities to live in. The 2025 list highlights the top destinations based on factors like food, culture, nightlife, affordability, and livability.
Conclusion Time Out’s ranking for 2025 showcases cities that are not just great places to visit, but also to live in. From cultural hubs like New York and London to the vibrant food scenes of Cape Town and Mexico City, these cities offer a blend of excitement, comfort, and livability that makes them stand out as the best in the world.
Highlights
- Top Ranked Best Cities In The World in 2025
- 1. Cape Town, South Africa
- 2. Bangkok, Thailand
- 3. New York City
- 4. Melbourne, Australia
- 5. London, UK
- 6. New Orleans
- 7. Mexico City, Mexico
- 8. Porto, Portugal
- 9. Shanghai, China
- 10. Copenhagen, Denmark
- 49. Mumbai, india
- Ranked: Time Out’s 50 Best Cities In The World
- FAQ for Best Cities In The World
- What is the best city to live in the world 2025?
- Which city is safe for girls in India?
Top Ranked Best Cities In The World in 2025
1. Cape Town, South Africa
Why it’s special: Known for its stunning natural beauty, Cape Town offers visitors the chance to explore everything from Blue Flag beaches to vineyards, all while enjoying vibrant nightlife and history. The city has become a major foodie destination and is considered one of the happiest cities in the world.
Visit now because: Don’t miss the brand-new wine safari in the Durbanville Wine Valley, followed by a culinary adventure at the V&A Waterfront’s Time Out Market.
Local insights: 95% of locals rated Cape Town’s food scene highly, with 97% of residents claiming the city makes them happy.
Also Read: Top 10 Cleanest Cities In The World in 2025
2. Bangkok, Thailand
Why it’s special: Bangkok offers a perfect blend of rich culture, incredible food, and a lively atmosphere. From the grand temples to vibrant street markets, the city’s warmth and hospitality are unmatched. It’s one of the best places in the world for affordable and delicious eats.
Visit now because: The Bangkok Art Biennale, running until February, brings cutting-edge art exhibitions and workshops throughout the city.
Local insights: 86% of locals consider Bangkok’s food scene amazing, and 84% find dining out to be affordable.
3. New York City
Why it’s special: Known for its hustle and bustle, New York City is always changing and evolving, making it an exciting place to live and visit. With world-class attractions, a thriving arts scene, and exciting nightlife, it never fails to deliver.
Visit now because: NYC is quickly becoming a top sports destination, with major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a surge in local teams’ success.
Local insights: 92% of New Yorkers approve of the city’s arts and culture, and 78% consider it the most exciting city.
4. Melbourne, Australia
Why it’s special: Melbourne continues to thrive, known for its culinary scene, street culture, and live music venues. The city has been investing in green spaces, wellness hubs, and major infrastructure projects to keep it fresh and exciting.
Visit now because: The NGV is hosting the largest retrospective of Yayoi Kusama’s works ever seen in Australia, including a new infinity room.
Local insights: Melbourne is ranked second for restaurants and eating out and fourth in the culture category.
5. London, UK
Why it’s special: London is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, offering a diverse food scene, historic landmarks, and exciting nightlife. It’s constantly evolving, with new venues and experiences popping up regularly, from trendy clubs to museum openings.
Visit now because: You can be among the first to experience the new trains on the Piccadilly line and visit the new V&A East Storehouse, including the David Bowie Centre.
Local insights: London ranks highly for diversity and inclusivity, with 92% of locals happy with the city’s cultural offerings.
6. New Orleans
Why it’s special: A city with rich history, diverse culture, and an unbeatable live music scene, New Orleans is known for its resilience. The city is bouncing back stronger than ever, with annual festivals and an evolving food scene that combines the old and the new.
Visit now because: New Orleans will host Super Bowl LIX, alongside exciting art exhibitions and new hospitality spots like Nobu at Caesars Hotel.
Local insights: New Orleans ranks as one of the most affordable cities, with 83% of locals saying drinks are reasonably priced at bars.
7. Mexico City, Mexico
Why it’s special: Mexico City is a hub for art, culture, and food. With year-round festivals, open-air film screenings, and vibrant markets, there’s always something happening. The city continues to grow with exciting new openings in art, bars, and dining.
Visit now because: The city is home to new spots like HandShake bar and artisanal pasta at Piazza Pasticcio by Michelin-starred chefs.
Local insights: 96% of residents say they’re happy in Mexico City, citing its everyday joys and cultural experiences.
8. Porto, Portugal
Why it’s special: Porto is a charming city that’s earned international recognition for its beauty and culture. Known for its excellent restaurants, the city continues to impress with its scenic urban beaches, Michelin-starred eateries, and cultural events.
Visit now because: Time Out Market Porto is now open, offering a collection of the city’s top culinary experiences in a stunning railway station.
Local insights: 78% of locals say Porto is beautiful, and 80% are happy living there.
9. Shanghai, China
Why it’s special: Shanghai is a dynamic city where old meets new. With its clean streets, innovative events, and unique mix of traditions, Shanghai is a place where you never know what might happen next. The city is a hub for indie culture and electric nightlife.
Visit now because: Shanghai is the debut destination for Raw Wine, the world’s largest network of organic wines, and cult musician Ginger Root will perform in March.
Local insights: Shanghai’s nightlife received top ratings, with 80% of locals finding it easy to make friends.
10. Copenhagen, Denmark
Why it’s special: Copenhagen is all about balance — good food, great people, and a slower pace of life. It’s a city focused on sustainability, community, and culture, with a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a desirable place to visit or live.
Visit now because: Copenhagen is at its best in the winter, with exhibitions like Flora Yukhnovich’s show at Ordrupgaard and the OCEAN exhibition at Louisiana.
Local insights: 59% of locals say happiness has grown in the city, making it one of the happiest places to live.
49. Mumbai, india
Why it’s special: Mumbai is described as an emotion, blending the glamour of stars with the serenity of the sea. Despite its chaotic nature, Mumbai is known for its warm, welcoming people.
The city combines the old and new, from the historic Worli Koliwada fishing village to the artistic Kala Ghoda district. New infrastructure projects like the Coastal Road and the first underground metro line are improving accessibility, though traffic remains a challenge.
Midnight cycling clubs such as Wandering Souls and Mischief Treks are becoming popular, offering rides along the coastline from Marine Drive to Colaba Causeway when the streets are empty.
Visit now because: Mumbai is famous for its street food, particularly vada pav (potato fritters).
The city now offers regional fine dining experiences that allow visitors to sample the country’s flavors, such as cocktails and chakna at Bombay Daak.
Fine dining experiences like the ten-course tasting menu at Masque and the Supper Clubs of India series add to the city’s appeal.
Local insights: Mumbai is ranked as the best city for romance, with 72% of locals saying it’s easy to find love. The city is also the third-happiest in the world, according to recent rankings.
Also Read: Top 20 Cleanest Cities in India 2025
Ranked: Time Out’s 50 Best Cities In The World
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Bangkok, Thailand
- New York City
- Melbourne, Australia
- London, UK
- New Orleans
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Porto, Portugal
- Shanghai, China
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Chicago
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Edinburgh, UK
- Hong Kong, China
- Sydney, Australia
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Barcelona, Spain
- Seville, Spain
- Paris, France
- Medellín, Colombia
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Madrid, Spain
- Berlin, Germany
- Dubai, UAE
- Singapore
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Beijing, China
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- Vienna, Austria
- Tokyo, Japan
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Perth, Australia
- Brighton, UK
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Glasgow, UK
- Brisbane, Australia
- Marseille, France
- Budapest, Hungary
- Los Angeles
- Lagos, Nigeria
- Seoul, South Korea
- Valencia, Spain
- Montreal, Canada
- Bilbao, Spain
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Belfast, UK
- Bristol, UK
- Mumbai, India
- Warsaw, Poland
FAQ for Best Cities In The World
What is the best city to live in the world 2025?
Which city is safe for girls in India?
Ahmedabad, renowned as the Manchester of India for its textile industry, is also remarkably impressive in terms of women’s safety. This city consists of a rich cultural heritage and an engaged and action-oriented law enforcement, ensuring a reliable and guarded environment for the female community.
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