SA city ranked best city in the world
Thousands of locals were asked to rank the best cities in the world right now. Here's the verdict.
In a recent survey, Time Out magazine asked more than 18,500 city-dwellers to rank their cities among the best in the world.
They also invited their global network of city experts to vote for the cities they find particularly exciting at the moment.
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Respondents were asked to rate their cities based on food, nightlife and culture, affordability, happiness, and overall city vibe.
In its survey, Time Out sought not only to highlight cities with the best vibe and nightlife but also posed questions such as:
Is the city safe and walkable?
Is good-quality food and art available at a reasonable price?
Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?
This approach was based on the belief that a city that's great for locals to live in is also a fantastic destination for tourists.
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Using data from thousands of locals and its global network of city experts, Time Out declared South Africa’s very own Cape Town as the best city in the world right now.
On Thursday, January 16, Martin Bester spoke to Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to congratulate him on the city's ranking – though not before having some playful banter.
Here is the full top 10 ranking:
1. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town scored highly across the board, and it’s no surprise: 82% of Capetonians would describe their city as beautiful, and 97% of locals say it makes them happy. Where else can you visit a colony of African penguins, taste world-class wines, stroll Blue Flag beaches, enjoy views from one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and experience vibrant nightlife – all in a day?
Cape Town offers this and more, from historic sites to cultural hubs: whether that’s Kalk Bay’s fishing heritage, East City’s food scene, or Cape Point’s natural beauty.
2. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok checks every box for a great city: famously friendly, culturally rich, and packed with iconic sites like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. The Thai capital’s world-renowned food scene – ranging from Chatuchak Market street eats to Yaowarat’s bold flavours – ranked highly, with 86% of locals declaring food in Bangkok "good" or "amazing", and 84% saying eating out is affordable.
With the expanded BTS Skytrain and MRT, exploring Bangkok has never been easier.
3. New York, USA
New York City, the ever-evolving capital of hustle and bustle, thrives on change, creating a constant buzz that keeps locals and visitors on their toes. FOMO is real here – blink, and you might miss incredible public art, Michelin-starred pop-ups, or surprise concerts. Seventy-eight percent of New Yorkers described the city as exciting, the highest percentage of all cities surveyed – and an impressive 92% approved of its world-class arts and culture scene.
From iconic attractions like Edge, the northern hemisphere’s highest observation deck, to vibrant neighbourhoods like Riverdale and Coney Island, the city truly has it all.
4. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s culinary and cultural capital speaks for itself: the city is home to top dining spots, blockbuster shows, and the world’s coolest street in 2024 – according to Time Out. What truly sets it apart is that it continues to surprise, with new green spaces, wellness hubs and cycling paths. Time Out’s survey of locals reinforced this status, placing Melbourne second in the restaurants and eating out category and fourth in culture.
In 2025, the new Metro Tunnel will link the western and southeastern suburbs, making it easier than ever to explore the whole city.
5. London, UK
London remains one of the world’s best cities, thanks to its vibrant cuisine, iconic pubs, unparalleled shopping, and diverse communities. London was voted the most-loved city by Time Out staff, and locals recognised it as the most diverse and inclusive. London’s nightlife scene is booming once again, thanks to exciting venues like Hoxton’s pub-turned-club Lion and Lamb, Outernet’s Here, and Hackney Wick’s Colour Factory, plus new queer bars like La Camionera and The Divine.
London is anything but a sleepy city; it’s buzzing with life and culture.
6. New Orleans, USA
New Orleans captivates for many reasons, not least its resilience – it’s been almost two decades since Hurricane Katrina and the city is springing back again following the recent New Year’s attack. Its rich history, stunning architecture, legendary restaurants, unique music scene and diverse culture – African-American, Caribbean, French, Vietnamese, and more – has shaped the city, influencing venues such as the Backstreet Cultural Museum as well as NoLA’s many annual festivals.
The food scene is just as vibrant. Creole classics thrive alongside fresh spots like Dakar, Queen Trini, and Fritai. New Orleans ranked as the third most affordable city on the list, with 72% of locals claiming that seeing live music is budget-friendly and 83% saying it doesn’t cost a lot to grab a drink at a bar.
In New Orleans, there’s always something to love, celebrate, and savour.
7. Mexico City, Mexico
In Mexico City, every neighbourhood feels like home. Locals gather at spots like Parque México or Chapultepec Forest and enjoy open-air events such as Cineteca screenings. Free cultural highlights like Design Week and Jazz Festival Polanco keep the city vibrant, especially during "Museum Month" in May, featuring icons like Munal and Palacio de Bellas Artes.
From Day of the Dead parades to Formula 1, CDMX offers year-round festivities and endless things to do – it’s only fitting that 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.
8. Porto, Portugal
Porto, the "Invincible City", dazzles locals and visitors alike – 80% of Porto-dwellers said they’re happier in Porto than anywhere else. It’s not just Time Out who rates Portugal’s "second city": Porto was recently named Europe’s best beach city and emerging culinary city. It boasts stunning urban beaches, Michelin-starred dining, a newly opened Time Out Market and vibrant food events like the Portuguese Michelin Gala.
The city's welcoming locals, charming galleries, iconic cafés, and well-kept parks make it a gem of hospitality and beauty, consistently living up to its celebrated reputation.
9. Shanghai, China
There’s never a dull moment in Shanghai, a vibrant city where everyone feels like the main character. Shanghai knows how to have a good time; its nightlife scene received the highest overall rating from locals, and 80% of respondents said it’s easy to meet people and make friends. Whether you’re watching a group of ayis (a respectful term for older women) seamlessly transitioning from tai chi to hip-hop in a beautiful park, or petting Fumin Lu’s famous alpaca, there’s always something to see.
The city also excels in convenience and cleanliness – air and noise pollution are at an all-time low because of electric vehicles, making Shanghai a joy to explore.
10. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen stands out for its relaxed pace and community-focused culture. Prioritising good food and community spirit, it’s a place many visitors dream of calling home (in fact, it was the fourth favourite city among Time Out editors and city experts). Initiatives like CopenPay, rewarding respectful tourism, and the extended metro (connecting more of the city like new green space Operaparken and recently-opened cultural centre/communal dining spot Nordhus) support a balanced, sustainable lifestyle.
Copenhagen’s ethos is clear: enjoy a slower pace that values well-being and connection, a vision that inspires cities worldwide.
11. Chicago, USA
12. Lisbon, Portugal
13. Edinburgh, UK
14. Hong Kong, China
15. Sydney, Australia
16. Amsterdam, Netherlands
17. Barcelona, Spain
18. Seville, Spain
19. Paris, France
20. Medellín, Colombia
21. Hanoi, Vietnam
22. Madrid, Spain
23. Berlin, Germany
24. Dubai, UAE
25. Singapore
26. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
27. Beijing, China
28. Chiang Mai, Thailand
29. Jakarta, Indonesia
30. Vienna, Austria
31. Tokyo, Japan
32. Marrakech, Morocco
33. Perth, Australia
34. Brighton, UK
35. Prague, Czech Republic
36. Glasgow, UK
37. Brisbane, Australia
38. Marseille, France
39. Budapest, Hungary
40. Los Angeles, USA
41. Lagos, Nigeria
42. Seoul, South Korea
43. Valencia, Spain
44. Montreal, Canada
45. Bilbao, Spain
46. Abu Dhabi, UAE
47. Belfast, UK
48. Bristol, UK
49. Mumbai, India
50. Warsaw, Poland
More about Time Out
Time Out is a global brand that inspires and enables people to experience the best of the city through Time Out Media and Time Out Market.
Time Out launched in London in 1968 to help people discover the exciting new urban cultures that had started up all over the city – today it is the only global brand dedicated to city life.
Expert journalists curate and create content about the best things to do, see and eat across 333 cities in 59 countries, and across a unique multi-platform model spanning both digital and physical channels.
Rooted in the Time Out brand, Time Out Market is the world's first editorially curated food and cultural market, bringing a city's best chefs, restaurateurs and cultural experiences together under one roof.
The portfolio includes 10 markets in cities such as Lisbon, New York and Dubai, and several new locations with expected opening dates in 2025 and beyond, in addition to a pipeline of further locations in advanced discussions.
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