Time Out ranks the best cities for 2025
Every year Time Out sets out to find the best cities in the world, by quizzing thousands of locals about life in their hometowns.
In 2025, more than 18 500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, culture, and nightlife to affordability, and happiness.
Besides locals, Time Out also used its global network of experts to vote on the places they think are vibing right now. And after all of this research, the global ranking of the best spots in 2025 was formed.
Coming in at number one this year was our very own beautiful Cape Town, scoring highly on all fronts.
“Where else in the world can you hang out with a colony of African penguins, taste some of the world’s finest wines, stroll along Blue Flag beaches, enjoy stunning views from atop one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and sample some of the most eclectic nightlife and vibes in the world… all in one day? That’s our Cape Town.” Time Out said.
The top 20
Here are the top 20 cities according to the ranking:
| Rank | City |
| 1 | Cape Town |
| 2 | Bangkok |
| 3 | Ney York City |
| 4 | Melbourne |
| 5 | London |
| 6 | New Orleans |
| 7 | Mexico City |
| 8 | Porto |
| 9 | Shanghai |
| 10 | Copenhagen |
| 11 | Chicago |
| 12 | Lisbon |
| 13 | Edinburgh |
| 14 | Hong Kong |
| 15 | Sydney |
| 16 | Amsterdam |
| 17 | Barcelona |
| 18 | Seville |
| 19 | Paris |
| 20 | Medellín |
Find the complete list of Time Out’s 50 Best Cities in the World for 2025 here.
Do you think Cape Town is deserving of this title?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
