What are the best cities in the world? Time Out has just released its latest report of the world’s 20 best cities, which is based on the Time Out Index, created from a survey of more than 20,000 city dwellers around the world, along with its own network of editors.
Criteria on the Time Out Index includes food (both quality and affordability), culture, nightlife, how the city makes people feel and more. The list reflects cities that are great places to visit—but also to live.
“As our global ranking shows, cities haven’t just pulled together through the pandemic—they’ve come out reborn and are back, better than ever when it comes to going out and experiencing great things to do,” Time Out’s travel editor Grace Beard told me in an interview. “Time Out’s 2024 list of the world’s best cities is not only an essential travel guide for the coming year, spotlighting the most exciting places on earth right now for food, nightlife and culture, but it’s also a global snapshot of city living.”
New York City has been named the best city in the world in a new Time Out list.
This year, New York City tops the list as the best city in the world, followed by Cape Town, Berlin, London and Madrid.
New York City earned top honors thanks to several factors, including its food scene, culture, beauty and happy residents. Plus, the rest of the world wants to live in New York: In the survey, 15% of respondents said they would like to relocate to the Big Apple.
“Locals know how great New York City is with its historic beauty, welcoming nature and its never-ending list of things to do, from cutting-edge theater and art to innovative culinary experiences,” Shaye Weaver, editor of Time Out New York, told me in an interview. “Its top spot in Time Out’s ranking is a reminder that people still hold NYC in high regard and see it as the place they want to be—despite the challenges it faces. It is always adapting, always trendsetting and always pushing the boundaries. That’s what makes people return time and time again.”
Second on the Time Out list is Cape Town, South Africa
Two other U.S. cities are in the list of the top 20, including Chicago (at number 14), which was at the top of the list in 2018 and 2016. Los Angeles comes in at number 17.
"Chicago is a world-class city with a rich history, an expansive culinary scene and vibrant culture,” Jeffy Mai, editor of Time Out Chicago, told me in an interview. “Whatever your interests, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do—at any time of the year—across the city’s diverse neighborhoods."
The top international city is Cape Town, South Africa. According to the survey, the city’s ranks highly due in large part to its vibrant culture scene. It is home to many galleries, studios and public events, including the Cape Town Art Fair, the largest art fair in Africa.
Continue on to see the list of the world’s top 20 cities; you can read more about the world’s 50 best cities on TimeOut.com.
New York City was named the place that other city-dwellers around the world most want to live.
The World’s 20 Best Cities In 2024
- New York City
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Berlin, Germany
- London, U.K.
- Madrid, Spain
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Liverpool, U.K.
- Tokyo, Japan
- Rome, Italy
- Porto, Portugal
- Paris, France
- Mumbai, India
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Chicago
- Manchester, U.K.
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Los Angeles
- Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Lagos
- Melbourne, Australia
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