What makes a city great? The answer may differ for everyone, and that's where Time Out's survey comes in. Based on the views of thousands of locals and inputs from city experts, these are the top 10 best cities in the world.
Which are the best cities in the world? Some cities are known for their museums, some for their beauty, some for their rich history, and others simply for their beauty. However, no single criterion determines what makes a city great. A noisy, busy and chaotic city can make you want to stay longer than a slow-paced, quiet one. There's no universal formula. As such, Time Out surveys city-dwellers worldwide every year to make a ranking of the best cities in the world. Here's what the 2026 survey has to say about the best cities in the world.
How does the best cities survey work?
According to Time Out, the survey isn't a generic "do you like your city?" questionnaire; rather, it quizzes people on what they love about their city, from the food scene and nightlife to shops and museums, and also how they feel about living in their city. Happiness quotient, affordability, quality of life, love, romance and community feel everything was taken into account for this year's survey. Insights from over 24,000 people across 150 cities were taken into account and combined with the votes of over 100 Time Out city experts. The result was a wholesome list of the best cities in the world.
Top 10 best cities in the world
From Melbourne to Tokyo, these are the 10 cities that topped Time Out's 2026 ranking, listed from first to tenth.
1. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne tops the chart, and it's easy to see why. It has sports, food, art, laneway culture and a strong local identity. Add to it major events like the Australian Open, a buzzing restaurant scene that locals are proud of, and streets filled with indie cinemas, rooftop bars, vinyl shops, and quirky galleries. It also scores well for public transport, making it easier to move through the city.
2. Shanghai, China
Shanghai always keeps moving, yet it's rooted in history and tradition. It blends historic architecture with new ideas. There are tons of cool cafés, growing cocktail bars and a clear sense of ambition. Its affordability makes it more appealing.
3. Edinburgh, Scotland
It's like a city with everything you love dialled up several notches. With green spaces throughout the city, cobbled streets, grand buildings, and outstanding food and art, it ranks third on the list. The city's mix of history and culture is hard to ignore. It's also one of the easiest cities to walk around and has a calm, lived-in charm.
4. London, United Kingdom
One of the most layered cities in the world, London has a lot that puts it in this list of the best cities in the world. There are free museums, endless food choices, excellent pubs and a cultural calendar that never really slows down. The museum openings, theatre buzz and strong green space score make it large, lively and still capable of surprising people.
5. New York City, United States
You cannot talk about the best cities in the world without mentioning New York. It's loud and fast but also creative, full of confidence and opportunities. One of the most exciting cities in the world, it has world-class art, food and the kind of magic that makes you feel anything is possible.
6. Cape Town, South Africa
It's beautiful, yes, but there's more to it. Beaches, Table Mountain, good food and friendly locals all help give the city its edge. It offers a strong value for a world-class experience and feels relaxed, scenic and full of possibilities.
7. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City brings together heritage, food and nightlife in a way few cities can. There is deep history here, but there's also modern art. Add a mix of great restaurants and neighbourhoods to it, and you've a city that has hope and momentum. Also, 2026 is a big year for Mexico with the FIFA World Cup.
8. Bangkok, Thailand
It's not easy describing Bangkok in words. It is colourful, lively and always in motion. Temples stand beside towers, street food sits near sleek new transport links, and the whole city feels wonderfully alive. It's super warm and welcoming for tourists, with something different for everyone to explore.
9. Seoul, South Korea
One of the most versatile cities, Seoul is an all-rounder. It works in every season, from cherry blossoms in spring to winter slopes nearby. The city's bakery culture is getting the most global attention right now, and, thanks to K-dramas, the Korean food scene has become a trend that doesn't seem to be going away.
10. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo closes the top 10 and rightly so. It is safe, walkable, and endlessly inventive, with a deep history running beneath a very modern surface. Its neighbourhoods, restaurants, fashion scene and first permanent open-air Pokémon theme park are its top attractions.
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