Time Out has published a ranking of the world’s best cities for 2026, based on a survey of over 24,000 residents and expert evaluations. The list includes both major cities and lesser-known destinations that are rapidly gaining popularity. Find out which cities made the Top 10 and why they are the best places to travel in 2026

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By 2026, the concept of the ideal travel destination had changed: tourists were increasingly choosing not just popular destinations, but places with a unique atmosphere, local culture, and a high quality of life. It is precisely these cities that have made it onto the new global ranking by Time Out, which annually analyzes the world’s best urban destinations.

This time, tens of thousands of residents from various countries and travel experts were involved in the evaluation to determine where gastronomy, entertainment, safety, and overall quality of life are best combined today. The result is a list of cities that are setting tourism trends for 2026 and offer travelers much more than standard tourist itineraries.

In our previous article, we wrote about 5 European countries that tourists are hardly visiting in 2026.

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How was the ranking of the world’s best cities in 2026 compiled?

To determine the world’s best cities, Time Out used a comprehensive approach that combines the opinions of local residents with expert assessments. This provides a more objective picture—not only from the perspective of tourists but also of those who live in these cities every day.

The ranking is based on a large-scale survey of over 24,000 residents from various countries, as well as the participation of over 100 city experts and editors. This approach makes it possible to assess not only a destination’s popularity but also its actual level of comfort, safety, and quality of life.

Key criteria considered in compiling the ranking:

- Gastronomy and the quality of local cuisine

- Cultural life, events, and the arts

- Nightlife and entertainment

- Affordability and cost of living

- The city’s overall atmosphere (“vibe”)

- Residents’ sense of happiness and satisfaction

As a result, the list includes cities that are not only popular among tourists but also offer a balanced experience: from exciting leisure activities to a comfortable everyday life.

1. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne topped the ranking thanks to high ratings from residents for quality of life, food, and the cultural environment. It is one of the few cities where all key indicators are equally strong: from gastronomy to infrastructure.

The city stands out for its consistently high level of safety, well-developed public transportation, and a wealth of events throughout the year. Its coffee culture and diverse cuisine are particularly noted: from local spots to world-class restaurants.

Melbourne’s key advantages:

- Strong gastronomy and one of the best coffee scenes in the world

- A vibrant cultural life: festivals, exhibitions, events

- Convenient infrastructure and transportation

- High level of safety

In our previous article, we wrote about the TOP 5 uncrowded Mediterranean resorts where you can relax without lines or noise.

2. Shanghai, China

Shanghai made the list thanks to its combination of modern infrastructure, an active nightlife, and a strong culinary scene.

Residents highly rated the city for its variety of entertainment and dynamic atmosphere—new venues, restaurants, and cultural events are constantly popping up here.

A separate plus is the scale and speed of development. Shanghai offers a world-class metropolis experience: from futuristic architecture to one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes in Asia.

Key advantages of Shanghai:

- Vibrant nightlife and entertainment

- Modern infrastructure and transportation

- Wide variety of cuisines and street food

- Rapid urban development and new venues

- Blend of traditional culture and modernity

3. Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh combines medieval architecture with a modern cultural scene—this is precisely what has made it one of the most attractive cities of 2026. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Edinburgh Castle attracts over 2 million visitors annually. Yet the city doesn’t feel like a museum—it buzzes with activity all year round.

One of the main reasons for its popularity is its festivals. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world: thousands of performances take place here every year, ranging from theater to stand-up comedy. In August, the city’s population effectively doubles due to tourists and artists.

The food scene has also changed: alongside traditional pubs, modern restaurants and cafes are opening up. The city has become much more accessible to tourists thanks to its compact size—most key locations can be explored on foot.

Edinburgh’s key advantages:

- A historic center protected by UNESCO

- The world’s largest arts festival

- A compact city, ideal for walking

- A blend of historic charm and modern culture

- A vibrant cultural scene year-round

Learn more about the 3 cheapest European resorts for a seaside vacation in 2026 by following the link.

4. London, United Kingdom

London remains one of the world’s most dynamic cities: it has over 170 museums, and a significant portion of them are free, including the British Museum and Tate Modern. This makes the city accessible even for budget travelers, despite generally high prices.

The city consistently ranks among the top destinations for gastronomy: London has over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants, and markets like Borough Market have become tourist attractions in their own right. The nightlife is also among the liveliest in Europe—the Soho and Shoreditch neighborhoods are practically non-stop.

Another major strength is transportation. The London Underground (the oldest in the world, operating since 1863) covers nearly all parts of the city, making travel fast even over long distances.

Key advantages of London:

- A large number of free world-class museums

- Over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants

- A vibrant nightlife (Soho, Shoreditch)

- One of the most convenient transportation systems in the world

- A multicultural environment and diverse cuisines

5. New York, USA

New York is a city that never “sleeps”: over 8 million residents, 24/7 public transit, and one of the most intense paces of life in the world. It is home to more than 28,000 restaurants, making its culinary scene one of the most diverse: from street food for a few dollars to Michelin-starred restaurants.

The cultural component is another key factor. Broadway attracts millions of spectators every year, and places like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art are among the most visited museums in the world. At the same time, the city is constantly evolving: new public spaces, parks, and art venues are opening.

New York also leads the way in the diversity of its neighborhoods: each one is essentially a separate city with its own style, from the business hub of Manhattan to the creative hub of Brooklyn.

Key advantages of New York:

- Over 28,000 restaurants and a vast selection of cuisines

- Iconic Broadway theaters and world-class museums

- A vibrant 24/7 lifestyle

- Diverse neighborhoods and leisure options

- Constant development and new urban spaces

Learn more about the best Mediterranean islands for a vacation without crowds of tourists by following the link.

6. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town stands out for its unique blend of city and nature: the ocean, beaches, and mountains are just 10–20 minutes from the city center. The city’s symbol, Table Mountain, is listed among the New Seven Wonders of Nature and attracts millions of tourists every year.

The city is also actively developing as a culinary destination: local restaurants consistently rank in international guides, and the wine-growing regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are less than an hour’s drive away. This makes Cape Town one of the few cities where you can combine an urban getaway with wine tourism.

An important factor is its relative affordability. Compared to European or American metropolises, prices for housing, food, and entertainment are lower here, making the city popular among digital nomads and long-term travelers.

Key advantages of Cape Town:

- A combination of the ocean, mountains, and urban infrastructure

- Table Mountain — one of the world’s major natural landmarks

- Proximity to wine-producing regions

- More affordable prices compared to Europe and the U.S.

- Popularity among digital nomads

7. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is one of the world’s largest metropolises with a population of over 20 million, yet the city remains welcoming to tourists thanks to its diverse neighborhoods and affordable prices. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Zócalo square is one of the largest in the world.

Gastronomy is a key reason for its popularity. Street food here is considered among the best in the world: tacos al pastor, tamales, and other local dishes can be found literally at every turn. At the same time, the city boasts dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants—a rare combination of street food and haute cuisine in one place.

The cultural scene deserves special mention: over 150 museums (one of the highest numbers in the world), galleries, and ongoing events in the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods. It is here that the city’s modern image as a creative hub of Latin America is taking shape.

Key advantages of Mexico City:

- Over 150 museums and a vibrant cultural scene

- One of the world’s best street food scenes

- A combination of affordability and high-quality service

- UNESCO World Heritage historic center

- Popular creative neighborhoods (Roma, Condesa)

In the previous article, we talked about 3 underrated European destinations for summer vacations.

8. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is one of the world’s most visited cities: before the pandemic, it consistently ranked among the top destinations by tourist numbers, and by 2026, it is rapidly regaining its position. The city is known for its nightlife and gastronomy—there are thousands of street food stalls here, and some have even received Michelin Guide stars.

The city runs almost non-stop: night markets, rooftop bars, and clubs stay open until morning. At the same time, Bangkok remains relatively affordable—prices for food, transportation, and accommodation are significantly lower than in most major cities in Europe or the U.S.

Another plus is the contrast. In a single day, you can visit temples like Wat Phra Kaew, modern shopping malls, and night markets. This makes the city ideal for various types of travel.

Key advantages of Bangkok:

- One of the best street food scenes in the world

- Vibrant nightlife and rooftop bars

- Affordable prices for tourists

- A blend of traditional culture and a modern city

- A wealth of markets and entertainment

9. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is one of the world’s most technologically advanced metropolises, where internet speeds and digital services rank among the top globally. The city operates almost 24/7: shops, cafes, and even beauty salons are often open late into the night.

Gastronomy is another major draw. From street food at Myeongdong markets to modern restaurants, the cuisine here is diverse and affordable. At the same time, Korean culture is actively spreading worldwide through K-pop, film, and fashion, making Seoul one of Asia’s leading cultural hubs.

The city also blends modernity with tradition: alongside skyscrapers, historic landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is over 600 years old, have been preserved.

Key advantages of Seoul:

- One of the most technologically advanced cities in the world

- A vibrant 24/7 lifestyle

- A thriving food scene and street food

- Global cultural influence (K-pop, film, fashion)

- A blend of modern architecture and history

10. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is the world’s largest metropolis with a metropolitan area of over 37 million people, yet it is considered one of the safest cities. Public transportation runs on the dot, and the railway network is one of the most efficient in the world.

The city has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world—over 200—making it a global gastronomic hub. At the same time, it’s not just the expensive establishments that are popular, but also small local restaurants and sushi bars.

Tokyo is known for its contrasts: ultra-modern districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku blend with tranquil temples and traditional neighborhoods. It is this diversity that makes the city a must-visit for tourists.

Key advantages of Tokyo:

- One of the safest megacities in the world

- Over 200 Michelin-starred restaurants

- Extremely efficient public transportation

- A blend of technology and tradition

- A variety of neighborhoods and leisure options

Are you planning a trip and want to prepare without unnecessary stress? Visit World's travel guide contains key tips for travelers: rules of entry and stay, current requirements for tourists, basic safety, transportation and accommodation. Such a guide will help you quickly navigate a new country, avoid common mistakes during your trip, and plan your route taking into account practical nuances that often go unnoticed by tourists.

We remind you! Popular tourist destinations can be a trap. We have already told you which 8 places in the world Fodor’s advises to avoid in 2026 due to overtourism, environmental risks and social tension – and what alternatives to choose instead.