The world of travel in 2026 offers new highlights, ranging from affordability and comfort to the cultural richness of cities. This ranking features destinations that combine memorable experiences, modern infrastructure, and a high quality of life. Learn more about the best cities to visit in 2026

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Every year, Time Out publishes a ranking of the world’s best cities, based on a large-scale survey of residents and urban experts. In 2026, more than 24,000 people from 150 cities, as well as over 100 editorial experts, took part in the survey. They evaluated the quality of food, culture, nightlife, green spaces, accessibility, transportation convenience, and residents’ happiness levels.

Who topped this year’s ranking, which cities made it into the top ten, and why these destinations are worth travelers’ attention—we’ll tell you more in this article.

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Melbourne — Top of the 2026 Best Cities Ranking

The capital of Victoria took first place thanks to high ratings in virtually every category. 94% of residents highly rate the city’s culinary scene, 92% are satisfied with the arts and culture, and 77% recommend the nightlife. Melbourne stood out for its robust festival calendar—from the Australian leg of Formula 1 to the Australian Open, which broke attendance records in 2026. The city also ranked third among the best cities for Gen Z to live in.

Experts also singled out Melbourne’s transportation infrastructure. The opening of the Metro Tunnel has significantly simplified getting around the city, while the well-developed cycling infrastructure and green spaces provide a high level of comfort for residents and tourists. In the fall of 2026, the city will host Australia’s first-ever NFL regular-season game, and large-scale exhibitions and food festivals are planned throughout the year.

European cities in the top 10: Edinburgh and London

Edinburgh took third place in the ranking, receiving the highest score for pedestrian-friendliness among all participating cities. 94% of locals highly rate the food, 91%—the green spaces, and 90%—the cultural scene. The capital of Scotland, with its Georgian architecture, cobblestone medieval alleys, and parks with cherry blossoms, also stood out for having one of the highest levels of resident happiness—91% of respondents said they find joy in everyday life. In 2026, Edinburgh is set to host a series of cultural events: the return of the Hidden Door Festival, a performance by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra at the opening of the Edinburgh International Festival, and new gallery projects.

London came in fourth place, receiving a nearly perfect score for arts and culture—99% of Londoners rate this area as “good” or “amazing.” 96% of residents highly rate the restaurant scene, and 94% are satisfied with the city’s green spaces.

The British capital also received the highest number of votes from Time Out staff, tied with Tokyo. In 2026, London will see the opening of the new London Museum in Smithfield, the launch of refurbished trains on the Piccadilly line, and three major museum openings.

Asia in the ranking: Shanghai, Bangkok, Seoul, and Tokyo

Shanghai rose to second place in the ranking, earning the highest overall score for affordability. 88% of locals believe that dining out here is inexpensive, and 90% say the same about coffee and movies. The city is known for having the largest number of coffee shops in the world, and its cocktail scene includes the second locations of the renowned Asian bars Coa and Bar Leone. An additional draw for tourists is the visa-free regime for citizens of over 50 countries, a list that is constantly expanding.

Bangkok ranked eighth—79% of residents find joy in the city’s daily life, and 81% highly rate the culinary scene. The city is experiencing a cultural renaissance: Thailand’s first international contemporary art gallery opened here in 2025, and the Bangkok Art Biennale returns in October 2026. Upcoming events include the arrival of Formula 1 and the Tomorrowland festival in the region.

Seoul took ninth place. 79% of local residents confirmed that the city makes them happy, and Time Out experts ranked the Korean capital third among their favorites. In 2026, seven major cultural venues will open in South Korea, four of them in Seoul. The highlight will be the opening of the Pompidou Center in the iconic “63” building in May.

Tokyo rounds out the top ten and shares first place with London as the favorite city of Time Out staff. The Japanese capital received particularly high marks among Generation Z: 91% of residents under 30 said the city makes them happy. Tokyo remains the safest and one of the most pedestrian-friendly megacities, and among the new attractions for 2026 is the world’s first permanent open-air Pokémon theme park.

New York, Mexico City, and Cape Town: America and Africa in the ranking

New York took fifth place and the title of the most interesting city in the world—78% of residents describe it that way, the highest percentage among all cities in the ranking. 93% of residents highly rate the arts and culture scene, and 91% rate the restaurants. In 2026, the city is improving transportation accessibility by transitioning to the contactless OMNY payment system, launching the fastest Amtrak trains, and gradually opening the new international terminal at JFK Airport.

Mexico City ranked seventh. 80% of local residents highly rate the city’s restaurant scene, and 85%—independent shops and local producers. The main event of 2026 will be the FIFA World Cup, with the city hosting matches. Mexico City offers a blend of archaeological heritage, contemporary art, and diverse cuisine—ranging from Mexican to Asian and Italian.

Cape Town ranks sixth and can officially claim the title of the world’s most beautiful city—86% of residents describe it that way, the highest percentage among all surveyed cities. The same percentage rated the city’s green spaces and nature, and 85% of residents consider their quality of life to be “good” or “excellent.” The city is experiencing a tourism boom with the opening of new restaurants and hotels (including the Marriott EDITION at the V&A Waterfront) and the hosting of international sporting and cultural events.

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Reminder! The world is becoming increasingly unpredictable, and more and more people are thinking about a “Plan B” in case of global conflict. Recently, experts named the 6 safest countries to move to in the event of a Third World War.

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