NYC Was Just Named One of the Best Cities in the World for 2026

We can’t say we’re shocked (we really love the place, after all): New York was yet again ranked as one of the best cities in the world. 

New York City had a strong showing on the annual list of the “Best Cities in the World,” released by Time Out today. the Big Apple came in at No. 5, joining top global contenders like London, UK (No. 4); Edinburgh, UK (No. 3); Shanghai, China (No. 2); and this year’s big winner, Melbourne, Australia.  

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Why was NYC included among those major megalopolises? “Well, it’s New York, for crying out loud. We’re a cultural behemoth with swagger for days, an intoxicating blend of the hallowed old and the hyped new, a city that doesn’t chew you up and spit you out so much as it consumes your very being until no other place will ever quite satisfy the same,” yours truly wrote in the rankings. And data-wise, 78-percent of locals dubbed the five boroughs the most exciting place to be in the world, the highest score, by a long shot, of all cities surveyed. And from our world-class restaurants (rated highly by 91 percent of New Yorkers) to our stunning museums and cultural attractions (which received a huge 93 percent approval rating), the proof is in the proverbial pudding. 

To determine the 2026 Best Cities ranking, we surveyed more than 24,000 residents across 150 global destinations, evaluating metrics like affordability, food scene, livability and overall vibe. We then combined these insights with the expertise of over 100 Time Out city experts, resulting in a ranking that not only provides inspiration for travel but also gives a global snapshot of city living, with an emphasis on the factors which Time Out believes make cities great places to live and visit. 

This isn’t the only recent global Time Out list that has honored New York: Red Hook, Brooklyn was named one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world in 2025. See Time Out’s top ten Best Cities of 2026 below and find the full list here. 

Time Out’s Best Cities 2026: The top 10