The “greatest” cities in the world are subjective and cannot be judged by measurements. As a result, the Time Out Index polled 34,000 people in 48 locations across the globe, as well as travel experts and editors.
Some individuals feel that their home city is the finest in the world, while others say that there is no such thing as a “best city” since it all depends on what a person seeks in an ideal metropolis.
Some people believe the best city has historic sites and world-famous landmarks, while others believe the best city has a large number of world-famous restaurants, and still others consider other factors like affordability, people’s friendliness, and shopping.
The Time Out Index teamed up with Tapestry Research to poll 34,000 anonymous city people on their cities’ cuisine, drink, nightlife, neighborhoods, community, affordability, safety, diversity, and general happiness, among other things.
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What is the world’s best city?

1. New York City
The top city in the world was named New York City. New Yorkers placed it first in terms of culture and variety, second in terms of dining and third in terms of drinking. New York was also rated highly for convenience, nightlife, diversity, enjoyment, and happiness by residents.
2. Melbourne
Melbourne was named the world’s second-best city. This Australian city boasts the most live music venues per capita than any other, with 25% of inhabitants reporting that they attended a performance in the previous week. Melbourne was also named the second most creative and happy city in the world.
3. Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, is the world’s third-best city. Chicago was named top in the world for food and drink, thanks to its deep-dish pizza. Despite this, inhabitants of this Midwestern city are among the most active, with 52 percent indicating that they do not spend a week without exercising.
Furthermore, Chicago inhabitants are among the world’s happiest city dwellers and the proudest of their hometowns.
4. London
London was named the world’s fourth-best city. Despite the present political instability, 80% of Londoners stated they are satisfied in their city, ranking it as one of the most vibrant, varied, and innovative cities in the world.
Residents also appreciated their city’s culture, gastronomy, and live music scene, and stated they felt secure in general.
5. Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California is the world’s fifth finest city. Residents of the city of angels gave it excellent marks for mindfulness and happiness, as well as for diversity, dynamism, and creativity.
Los Angeles’ incredible cuisine and restaurant industry have lately gained international notice, and people eat out more often than residents of any other US city.
Also See: 15 Best Countries in the World
The following cities round up the top 20 worldwide:
- Montreal
- Berlin
- Glasgow
- Paris
- Tokyo
- Madrid
- Cape Town
- Las Vegas
- Mexico City
- Manchester
- Philadelphia
- Barcelona
- Buenos Aires
- Lisbon
- Washington, D.C.
Best Cities in the World by Population 2022
Rank | City | Country |
---|---|---|
1 | New York City | United States |
2 | Melbourne | Australia |
3 | Chicago | United States |
4 | London | England |
5 | Los Angeles | United States |
6 | Montreal | Canada |
7 | Berlin | Germany |
8 | Glasgow | Scotland |
9 | Paris | France |
10 | Tokyo | Japan |
11 | Madrid | Spain |
12 | Cape Town | South Africa |
13 | Las Vegas | United States |
14 | Mexico City | Mexico |
15 | Manchester | England |
16 | Philadelphia | United States |
17 | Barcelona | Spain |
18 | Buenos Aires | Argentina |
19 | Lisbon | Portugal |
20 | Washington | United States |
21 | Tel Aviv | Israel |
22 | Mumbai | India |
23 | Toronto | Canada |
24 | Birmingham | England |
25 | Dublin | Ireland |
26 | Sao Paulo | Brazil |
27 | Miami | United States |
28 | Porto | Portugal |
29 | Singapore | Singapore |
30 | Edinburgh | Scotland |
31 | San Francisco | United States |
32 | Dubai | United Arab Emirates |
33 | Munich | Germany |
34 | Vienna | Austria |
35 | Shanghai | China |
36 | Moscow | Russia |
37 | Delhi | India |
38 | Seattle | United States |
39 | Sydney | Australia |
40 | Abu Dhabi | United Arab Emirates |
41 | Hong Kong | China |
42 | Boston | United States |
43 | Rio de Janeiro | Brazil |
44 | Marseille | France |
45 | Bangkok | Thailand |
46 | Kuala Lumpur | Malaysia |
47 | Beijing | China |
48 | Instanbul | Turkey |