Travel enthusiasts finally have a new destination guide to obsess over, as the official ranking of the world’s best cities for 2026 has been unveiled. The global list, which this year marks its tenth anniversary, was put together by Time Out and Intrepid Travel based on a survey of more than 24,000 city residents and Time Out experts from around the globe. Grace Beard, Time Out’s travel editor, explained the philosophy behind the project. “The Best Cities list, which we produce in partnership with Intrepid Travel, is not just a snapshot of global urban life, but a celebration of the fun, culture and community that shapes it,” she said.
For 2026, the survey was expanded to cover 150 cities, and several new categories were introduced, including questions about love, romance, and sense of community. Beard noted that the final result is shaped equally by local knowledge and editorial expertise. “The result is a diverse and exciting list of destinations based on the experiences of local residents and Time Out’s expertise, featuring not only the world’s largest metropolises but also smaller cities,” she added. Here is the full top ten.
Coming in at number ten is Tokyo, Japan, a sprawling mosaic of subcultures and one of the most visited cities on the planet. It holds more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world and boasts one of the coolest neighborhoods globally in Jimbocho. Time Out’s own editors named it their personal favorite city for 2026, and strong scores from Gen Z travelers confirm its broad appeal across generations. Spring brings the iconic cherry blossom season while summer is marked by traditional festivals like the Fukagawa Matsuri, which has been celebrated for over 400 years.
@connoisseurofluxury How about a trip to Tokyo? 🇯🇵✨ Here’s a list of fun things to add to your Tokyo itinerary 👀👇 1️⃣ Sensō-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest temple 🏮 Perfect for culture, photos & street snacks on Nakamise Street 2️⃣ Shibuya Sky – Iconic rooftop views 🌆 Sunset & night views are unreal 3️⃣ Harry Potter Studio Tour – Step into Hogwarts ⚡️ Behind-the-scenes magic for true fans 4️⃣ Shibuya Crossing – The world’s busiest crossing 🚶♀️ A must-see Tokyo moment 5️⃣ Tokyo Disney – Disney magic, Tokyo style 🏰 Unique rides you won’t find anywhere else 6️⃣ Micropig Café – Tiny pigs + coffee 🐷☕️ Cute, cozy & viral-worthy 7️⃣ Mario Kart Experience – Dress up & drive through Tokyo 🏎️🍄 Iconic city views, unforgettable fun 8️⃣ Yomiuri Land – Thrill rides + seasonal illuminations 🎢✨ Would you add this to your Tokyo bucket list? 👀 #creatorsearchinsights #Tokyo #japantravel #explorejapan #bucketlist ♬ TOKYO HEAT (Tokyo Drift) – C.H.A.Y.
Seoul, South Korea lands at number nine, proving that it genuinely has something to offer in every season. Spring blooms with cherry blossoms, summer pulses with music festivals, autumn invites camping along the Han River, and winter draws crowds to nearby ski resorts. A booming bakery scene, fueled in part by TV shows like ‘Bake Your Dream,’ has given rise to a popular trend of “bakery hopping” among young locals. Seven new cultural institutions are set to open this year, among them the long-awaited Centre Pompidou, and an impressive 79 percent of Seoul’s residents say that living in the city makes them happy.
@lizeandtom 20 Must-Do Things in Seoul, South Korea 🇰🇷 From palaces & temples to K-pop vibes & street food heaven, here’s your ultimate Seoul travel guide ⛩️🍜 Heritage, foodie heaven, street style & city lights – Seoul has it all! The perfect bucket list city! 💫 #seoul #seoulkorea #southkorea #southkoreatravel #traveltips #travelinspo #traveltok #backpacking #budgettravel #travelvibes #creatorsearchinsights ♬ Girl, so confusing featuring lorde – Charli xcx & Lorde
At number eight is Bangkok, Thailand, a city where centuries-old temples like Wat Arun stand side by side with bold brutalist towers, yet the modern Skytrain elevated rail network makes getting around surprisingly easy. From legendary street food in Yaowarat to creative spaces in Talat Noi and a new dog park in Lumphini Park, the city constantly offers fresh discoveries. The first international contemporary art gallery in Thailand opened in late 2025, the Bangkok Art Biennale returns in October, and the Tomorrowland music festival is heading to the region in December.
@lizeandtom The 11 BEST things to do in Bangkok (with prices!) ✨🇹🇭 Explore Bangkok’s top temples & markets – from the stunning Wat Arun 🌅 to the iconic Grand Palace 👑 and the legendary Wat Pho 🛕! Wander through the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 🚣♂️, experience the unreal Maeklong Railway Market🚆, and dive into the vibrant streets of Bangkok Chinatown 🍜 Catch a dreamy Sunset Boat ride along the Chao Phraya River 🚤, shop & snack at the mega-mall ICON Siam 🛍️, and unwind at peaceful Lumpini Park 🌿 Don’t miss a Bangkok classic – Khao San Road 🍻 – and finish your day with the perfect Before Sunset viewpoint 🌇. Bangkok is filled with temples, night markets, street food, river views, culture, and unforgettable adventures & a bucket list destination on your next South East Asia Backpacking Itinerary! 🇹🇭✨ #bangkok #thailandtravel #southeastasiatravel #travelinspo #creatorsearchinsights ♬ The Fate of Ophelia – Taylor Swift
Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico ranks seventh, blending Aztec heritage, contemporary art, and world-class gastronomy into one vibrant and layered experience. Visitors can explore the ancient Templo Mayor, take in works across three dedicated Frida Kahlo museums, or sample cuisines from across the world all within a single neighborhood. The nightlife thrives on streets like Álvaro Obregón and through the cocktail bar culture of Condesa and La Roma. A remarkable 80 percent of residents praised the city’s food and drink scene, while 85 percent highlighted the quality of its independent shops.
@lifebeyondhome The list is much longer…but these are some spots to not miss when visiting México City. #mexicocity #ciudaddemexico #lifeinmexico #mexicotravel #df #visitmexico ♬ Le Monde – From Talk to Me – Richard Carter
Cape Town, South Africa comes in at number six, impressing even before you leave its award-winning airport. Pristine beaches, the iconic Table Mountain, and the unique natural landscape of the Cape region all set the scene, while the dining world continues to evolve with highlights like the Time Out Market showcasing the city’s best culinary talent. Some 86 percent of Cape Town residents consider it the most beautiful city on earth, the same share love its green spaces, and 85 percent rate their overall quality of life highly.
@shetravelledtheworld Some of the BEST things to do in Cape Town 🇿🇦🌸⛰️ #shetravelledtheworld #capetown #capetowntravel #capetownitinerary #capetownlife ♬ Ouda – Hamid El Shaeri
New York City holds the fifth spot, still delivering on its reputation as a cultural powerhouse that seamlessly bridges its storied past and its forward-looking present. Legendary pizza, world-renowned restaurants, public art, and a theater scene that includes the return of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ through the Shakespeare in the Park program all contribute to the city’s enduring energy. Faster Amtrak train connections and the gradual opening of a new international terminal at JFK airport are making travel in and out of the city even more convenient throughout 2026.
@dens_destinations If you’re visiting New York for the first time, here are the top 10 things you NEED to tick off! How many of these have you done? #newyork #newyorkcity #ny #nyc #thingstodoinnyc #nycthingstodo #nycitinerary #nyctravel #visitnyc #travel ♬ Welcome To New York (Taylor's Version) – Taylor Swift
London, United Kingdom takes fourth place, offering an almost overwhelming variety of culture, dining, and city character at every turn. Free world-class museums and galleries, acclaimed restaurants, historic pubs, and a thriving theater district mean there is always something new to experience. This year brings the opening of the new London Museum in Smithfield, along with a packed summer schedule of outdoor festivals. Residents gave the city outstanding marks, with 99 percent praising the arts and culture scene, 96 percent the food offerings, and 94 percent the parks and green spaces.
@lifeonmyplate_ ✨ 10 Things to Do in London in March 🗓️ I’ve been living in London for over 5 years, and after all this time, these are some of my favourite things to do in March 💝 1️⃣ Welcome the first spring blossoms and pops of colour bursting out all over the city. Daffodils in St. James’s Park, Magnolia trees in Chelsea and Kensington, Cherry Blossoms in Notting Hill 🌼 🌸 🌺🌷 🗓️ All month 2️⃣ Pop by the Affordable Art Fair’s new Spring show at Battersea featuring a wide range of original contemporary paintings, sculptures, and photographs. 🎨🖌️ 🗓️ March 04 – March 08, 2026 3️⃣ Visit a new Ancient Egyptian exhibition – Ramses and the Pharaohs’ Gold – to see a priceless collection of original treasures for the first time in the UK, directly from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. 📜 🗓️ Now Open at Neon Battersea 4️⃣ Attend the International Women’s Day concert at The Royal Albert Hall, hosted by their official organist Anna Lapwood MBE along with a number of special guests, honouring creativity, collaboration, and the remarkable women shaping the future of music. 🎼🎫 🗓️ Sunday, March 08 2026 5️⃣ Attend events, talks, exhibitions and panels on account of Women’s History Month all over the city. 🎤🎙️ 🗓️ March 01 – March 31, 2026 6️⃣ Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in London and enjoy a free parade, Irish marching bands, dance troupes, food and other festivities in Trafalgar Square. ☘️ 🗓️ Sunday, March 15 2026 7️⃣ Spend a night at the theatre and see the new play ‘Blink’ at Kings Head Theatre in Islington, a bittersweet romcom about parasocial relationships. 🎭 🗓️ Until March 22, 2026 8️⃣ With days getting longer, enjoy an evening at one of London’s many rooftop bars and restaurants like @aviary @savagegarden @florattica @vufromthetower 🌇🥂🍸 🗓️ All month 9️⃣ Treat your mum to something special for Mother’s Day, an indulgent meal at one of London’s many amazing restaurants, a relaxing spa-day or a themed Afternoon Tea. 🧑🧒 💆♀️🤱 🗓️ All month 🔟 Take Slow Spring Walks Through London’s Prettiest Corners like Hampstead Heath, Regents Park, the South Bank, or hidden mews streets – London reveals itself most beautifully when you’re not rushing. 🚶🏽♀️ March in London is magical, make the most of it. 💝 #thingstodoinlondon #marchinlondon #springinlondon #visitlondon ♬ suono originale – sardiniaworld
Edinburgh, United Kingdom earned the third-place spot on the strength of its rare combination of historic grandeur and modern vibrancy. The city is built around an imposing castle and shadowed by an ancient extinct volcano, while its medieval cobblestone streets and neighborhoods like Stockbridge and the trendy restaurant quarter of Leith offer hours of exploration. Edinburgh tied for first place this year in pedestrian walkability, a particularly welcome quality during the legendary Fringe Festival each August when the city fills with comedy and theater performances.
@aureliestoryy Best spots in Edinburgh 🏴🍃 Check my story highlights for the best things to do and my itinerary 🫶
♬ Ocean – Darren Kiely
Shanghai, China ranks second, drawing visitors with its dramatic contrasts of traditional Chinese architecture, colonial-era buildings, and daring contemporary projects, including acclaimed filmmaker Wong Kar-wai’s Mi Zhang restaurant. A thriving scene of specialty coffee shops and innovative cocktail bars, including the renowned Coa and a new outpost of Leone, keeps the city at the cutting edge of global nightlife. Visa-free entry to China is now available to citizens of more than 50 countries, making it easier than ever to experience Shanghai firsthand. A full 88 percent of local residents say restaurants are affordable, 90 percent praise the low cost of coffee and cinema tickets, and 78 percent enjoy cycling around the city.
@acasainlume Shanghai bucket list: 10 MUST- DOs you will thank us for later 🏙️🇨🇳 1. Take a walk at the NORTH BUND promenade 🍵 2. Take a train to SUZHOU 🛶 3. Go to CITY GOD TEMPLE of Shanghai 🪷 4. Then head to YUYUAN garden 🐉 5. Must try theme coffee place – 13DE MARZO 🧸🧸 6. Take a walk through 1000 TREES buildings 🌳 7. Dinner at No3 WAREHOUSE restaurant for a cyber feast experience ( checkout our reel about it ) 🥘 🍸 8. Wander around TIANZIFANG street 💈🍭 9. Go Shopping on NANJING ROAD 🛍️ 10. HUANGPU RIVER CRUISE at night ✨ #travelchina #asiatravel #shanghaicity #thebund #shanghai ♬ Originalton – Sab
Taking the top spot for 2026 is Melbourne, Australia, a city whose status as the country’s sports and cultural capital is virtually impossible to challenge. Its annual calendar of major international events includes the Australian Open tennis tournament, the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, the AFL Grand Final, and the Boxing Day Test cricket match, making it a constant fixture on the world stage. The food scene is equally impressive, from iconic burger bars to restaurants with over a century of history, while the city’s neighborhoods are packed with independent cinemas, rooftop bars, and colorful street murals. An outstanding 94 percent of those surveyed praised Melbourne’s dining offerings, 92 percent highlighted arts and culture, and strong enthusiasm from younger travelers helped cement its ranking as the third-best city in the world for Gen Z.
@lizeandtom 15 Things to Do in Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺 1, Visit the Shrine of Remembrance – A moving tribute with panoramic city views from the top 🌆 2, Relax at the Botanical Gardens – A peaceful escape filled with greenery, lakes, and local wildlife 🌿 3, Take a Yarra Valley Wine Tour – Enjoy wine and scenery in this beautiful region; we booked ours with @Rick’s Tours Australia 🍷 4, Lune Croissants – Iconic pastries that truly live up to the hype 🥐 5, Walk Around Albert Park – Scenic trails and lake views in the heart of Melbourne’s Grand Prix track 🚶 6, Catch a Comedy Show – A fantastic night out, with plenty of options & some free around the city 🎭 7, Try a Vintage Photo Booth – We visited the 60s booth at Flinders Street Station! 📸 8, Wander the Lanes – Discover street art, hidden cafes, and Melbourne charm at every turn 🎨 9, Shop at Queen Victoria Market – Fresh produce, local goods, and delicious eats all in one place 🛒 10, Visit St Kilda Beach & Pier – Sun, sand, and a chance to spot penguins at sunset 🐧 11, Explore the State Library – Beautiful architecture and an iconic domed reading room 📚 12, Get Yo-Chi – Some of Melbourne’s best frozen yogurt and a must visit🍦 13, Stroll through Fitzroy Gardens – Tranquil paths, floral displays, and an authentic Yorkshire cottage 🌸 14, Enjoy the Docks – Waterfront perfect for golden hour strolls and dinner by the water ⛵ 15, See St Paul’s Cathedral – A stunning Gothic landmark right across from Federation Square ⛪ #melbourne #australia #austrliatravel #traveltips #travelinspo #whv #whvaustralia #travel #traveltok #backpacking #melbourneaustralia #thingstodoinmelbourne ♬ Rock and Roll Session – Canal Records JP
It is worth knowing that the Time Out brand, originally founded in London in 1968, began as a listings magazine before expanding into a global media and hospitality company operating Time Out Markets in cities across the world. Intrepid Travel, its partner on this list, is one of the world’s largest adventure travel companies, headquartered in Melbourne and known for its focus on sustainable and responsible tourism. Rankings like this one are typically compiled through a combination of resident satisfaction surveys and editorial expertise, and they have grown into an influential tool for travelers seeking an insider-driven perspective rather than traditional tourism board recommendations. The methodology behind such lists continues to evolve, with increasing weight being given to livability, community, affordability, and cultural richness rather than just landmark attractions.
Whether you are already booking flights or simply daydreaming from your couch, share which of these cities you would most want to visit in the comments!
