Top 15 Best Cities 2026 According to Time Out

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Every traveller knows the feeling. You open a new tab, start searching, and suddenly you are lost in a world of possibilities. With so many places to discover, choosing where to go next is never easy. That is why lists like Time Out's Best Cities ranking matter. Each year, Time Out surveys thousands of locals worldwide to find out which cities truly deliver, and the best cities 2026 edition is one of the most exciting yet, with a mix of familiar favourites and fresh surprises.So if you are ready to start planning, this is a great place to begin.

From the southern coast of Australia to the lively streets of Latin America, here are the top fifteen best cities 2026 according to Time Out has on offer.

With a relaxed but buzzing energy, Melbourne is the kind of city that is easy to fall in love with. The streets are full of character, with hidden laneways covered in murals, neighbourhood cafés with long queues, and rooftop bars that come alive at night. For sports fans, there is almost always a major event in the calendar. The Royal Botanic Gardens and the Yarra River are also great spots to slow down and take it all in.

Few cities in the world move as fast as Shanghai, and that energy is part of what makes it so compelling to visit. The contrast here is striking, with centuries-old water towns sitting just outside a skyline of glass towers. Along the Bund, you can walk beside grand colonial buildings while looking out at one of the most futuristic city views on earth. The former French Concession, with its tree-lined streets and independent shops, is also well worth your time.

Sitting on a landscape of ancient volcanoes and rocky hills, Edinburgh has a dramatic setting that few cities can match. The city feels like it belongs to another era, with its stone buildings, winding closes, and a castle perched high above the rooftops. Arthur's Seat gives you a sweeping view of it all without needing to go far. If you time your visit for August, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe turns the whole city into one giant stage.

There is a reason London keeps appearing on lists like this year after year. It simply has more to offer than most cities can keep up with. The mix of neighbourhoods alone is enough to keep you exploring for weeks, each one with its own distinct character. Iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace sit alongside world-class galleries such as the National Gallery and the Tate Modern, many of which are free. Whatever you are into, London tends to have it.

Bold, loud, and full of life, New York is a city that grabs you from the moment you arrive. The skyline from the Brooklyn Bridge, the organised chaos of Times Square, and the calm of Central Park are all within easy reach of each other. Each neighbourhood tells a different story, from the galleries of Chelsea to the bustling streets of the Lower East Side. If you enjoy feeling like you are right at the centre of things, few cities do that better.

Nature plays a big role in what makes Cape Town so special. Table Mountain rises dramatically above the city and is one of the most recognisable natural landmarks in the world. The cable car ride to the top is an experience in itself. Below, the city spreads out between the mountain and the ocean, with beaches, vineyards, and colourful neighbourhoods like Bo-Kaap all within easy reach. The V&A Waterfront is also a lively spot to spend an afternoon by the harbour.

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas, Mexico City carries its history proudly while staying deeply modern. The historic centre, or Zócalo, is one of the largest city squares in the world and a great starting point for exploring. Nearby, the ancient ruins of Tlatelolco sit right in the middle of the urban landscape. The neighbourhoods of Condesa and Roma are full of art deco buildings, tree-lined parks, and some of the most creative restaurants in the country.

Bangkok moves at its own pace, fast, warm, and full of unexpected moments. Grand temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun rise up between busy market streets and modern malls, creating a city where old and new are always side by side. A boat ride along the Chao Phraya River gives you a completely different view of the city, passing golden spires and riverside communities. After dark, the night markets and rooftop bars keep things going well into the early hours.

A city that balances tradition and innovation better than almost anywhere else, Seoul is endlessly interesting to explore. The five grand palaces, including Gyeongbokgung, give the city a powerful sense of history, while districts like Hongdae and Gangnam show how forward-looking Seoul can be. Bukchon Hanok Village, with its preserved traditional homes on a hillside, is one of the most photogenic spots in the city. Korean barbecue and street food from Gwangjang Market are also well worth adding to your plans.

Orderly, fascinating, and unlike any other city on earth, Tokyo rewards the curious traveller at every turn. Each district has its own identity, with Shibuya known for its famous crossing, Asakusa for the historic Senso-ji Temple, and Shimokitazawa for its vintage shops and live music venues. The city is also incredibly easy to navigate, with one of the most efficient public transport networks in the world. On top of that, the food scene here is among the best anywhere, from quiet ramen stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Clean, calm, and quietly beautiful, Zurich has a quality of life that is hard to beat. The old town, or Altstadt, is compact and walkable, with medieval towers, cobbled lanes, and views over the Limmat River. Lake Zurich stretches out from the city's edge, and on a clear day the Alps are visible on the horizon. The Kunsthaus Zürich is one of the best art museums in the country, while the Langstrasse district offers a livelier, more alternative side of the city.

Few cities have a setting as dramatic as Rio de Janeiro, built between jungle-covered mountains and a long stretch of South Atlantic coastline. The Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado mountain is one of the most iconic images in the world, and the view from the top covers the entire city in one sweeping panorama. Copacabana and Ipanema are two of the most famous urban beaches on earth, each with its own distinct crowd and energy. The Santa Teresa neighbourhood, with its hillside trams and art studios, is another side of the city worth exploring.

There is something quietly confident about Copenhagen, a city that does things well without making a big fuss about it. The waterfront district of Nyhavn, lined with colourful townhouses and old wooden boats, is one of the most charming city scenes in northern Europe. The Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks, is a surprisingly delightful stop regardless of your age. For design lovers, the city is full of thoughtfully made spaces, from the Copenhagen Opera House to the small independent shops of the Vesterbro district.

The sheer scale of São Paulo takes most visitors by surprise. This is one of the largest cities in the world, and it buzzes with a creative energy that is hard to ignore. The Paulista Avenue is the city's main artery, lined with cultural centres, museums, and the famous MASP art museum, whose glass-and-concrete design is a landmark in itself. The neighbourhood of Vila Madalena draws artists and creatives from across the country. If you enjoy live music, theatre, or contemporary art, São Paulo gives you more options than you could fit into one trip.

Compact, vertical, and always in motion, Hong Kong is one of the most stimulating cities in the world to spend time in. The Star Ferry ride across Victoria Harbour, with the skyline rising on both sides, is one of those travel moments that stays with you. The Peak Tram takes you up above the towers for a full panoramic view of the city and the surrounding islands. If you enjoy food, the dim sum culture here is something special, from traditional teahouses in Sheung Wan to bustling dai pai dong street stalls.