In the Middle East they may be fighting, but that does not stop the world from preparing for the warming spring and the scorching summer that follows around the globe: The ranking of the best cities in the world by Time Out in collaboration with Intrepid Travel has been published, presenting destinations that offer the best combination between an exciting visitor experience and a homely, pleasant feeling. These are cities that on the one hand offer countless reasons to visit them – culture, food, nightlife and attractions – and on the other hand also provide everything that makes a place pleasant and comfortable to live in.
The list this year includes 50 cities, selected based on insights from more than 24,000 people in 150 cities around the world. To determine the final ranking for 2026, Time Out combined thousands of responses from the survey with votes from more than 100 of the magazine’s city experts.
They then also turned to their network of local writers, who were asked to explain what exactly makes their city a destination worth visiting right now. The result is an up-to-date list of the most exciting places to live in and discover in 2026. This year the ranking marks a decade since its creation, and it includes new cities alongside cities that returned to the list – while among the world’s major metropolises there are also smaller cities and “second cities” that offer unique experiences.
Cities from Israel are of course not on the prestigious list this year, but our neighbor Cairo, of all places, was ranked 42nd and is the only representative from the entire Middle East. So when we can return to flying like human beings, here are the “fifty best” to include in your AI vacation planning.
A bit more detail about the top ten
1. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne ranked first thanks to the combination of a rich cultural life, one of the best food scenes in the world and an open, creative atmosphere. The city is known for its high-quality cafés, colorful street art and the many cultural events that take place there throughout the year.
2. Shanghai, China
The enormous Chinese metropolis continues to attract attention thanks to a fascinating combination between ancient tradition and technological advancement. The impressive skyscrapers, diverse cuisine and intense urban energy make it one of the most intriguing cities in the world.
3. Edinburgh, Scotland
Scotland’s capital combines fascinating history with a vibrant contemporary culture. The famous castle, the ancient streets and the major cultural and arts festivals held in the city every year attract visitors from all over the world.
4. London, Britain
London continues to prove that it is one of the most dynamic cities in the world – with leading museums, world-class theater, rich nightlife and countless restaurants and bars of all kinds.
5. New York, USA
The city that never sleeps remains a global attraction thanks to its culture, art, fashion and cuisine. Every neighborhood in the city offers a different experience – from leading museums to iconic parks such as Central Park.
6. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town stands out thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, with Table Mountain rising above the city and stunning beaches all around. Alongside the amazing nature, the city also offers a developing food scene and a young, vibrant atmosphere.
10. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo continues to be one of the most intriguing cities in the world. It offers a unique combination between ancient Japanese tradition, technological innovation, some of the best food in the world and neighborhoods that feel like small cities within the enormous metropolis.
<br>The best cities in the world in 2026
Melbourne (Australia)
Shanghai (China)
Edinburgh (Britain)
London (Britain)
New York (USA)
Cape Town (South Africa)
Mexico City (Mexico)
Bangkok (Thailand)
Seoul (South Korea)
Tokyo (Japan)
Zurich (Switzerland)
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Copenhagen (Denmark)
São Paulo (Brazil)
Hong Kong
Krakow (Poland)
Porto (Portugal)
Guadalajara (Mexico)
Madrid (Spain)
Valencia (Spain)
Sydney (Australia)
Paris (France)
Singapore
Marrakesh (Morocco)
Hanoi (Vietnam)
Bath (Britain)
Bilbao (Spain)
Berlin (Germany)
Adelaide (Australia)
Beijing (China)
Antwerp (Belgium)
Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Naples (Italy)
Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Medellín (Colombia)
Lima (Peru)
Vancouver (Canada)
Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
Osaka (Japan)
Athens (Greece)
Chicago (USA)
Cairo (Egypt)
Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Vienna (Austria)
Dublin (Ireland)
San Francisco (USA)
Lagos (Nigeria)
Auckland (New Zealand)
Lisbon (Portugal)
Bogotá (Colombia)