NYC makes the cut on new 50 best cities in the world list — Apple squeezed out of top spot by unusual picks

Call it the Bronze Apple.

Time Out has published a list of the 50 best cities in the world to visit in 2025 — and New York will be forced to content itself with third place, behind two unexpected competitors.

The global travel authority surveyed more than 18,500 people around the world to analyze their opinions of their hometown, regarding everything including food, nightlife, culture, affordability, happiness and the overall vibe.

Time Out then had a panel of experts vote to determine the best burgs to visit this year.

While 78% of New Yorkers ranked the city that never sleeps as “exciting” on the survey, Gotham couldn’t quite make it to the top — but was the highest-ranked US locale.

Here, a closer look at the top 10.

1. Cape Town

The majority of Cape Town residents (97%) of locals said their city makes them happy — so maybe it will perk you up too?

Ninety-five percent gave the city’s food scene a high rating and 82% said they would describe the place as “beautiful.”

2. Bangkok

Bangkok’s Ekkamai neighborhood was named one of Time Out’s coolest in the world.

Eighty-six percent of locals would call food in Bangkok “good” or “amazing” and 84% said eating out is affordable.

3. New York

A whopping 78% of New Yorkers find the city “exciting” — the highest percentage of any city on the list.

The Big Apple also received a 92% approval rating for the world-class arts and culture scene.

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne came second overall in the “restaurants and eating out” category.

But that’s not all it has to offer, it was also ranked fourth for its “culture.”

London

London is the city most loved by Time Out staff.

Residents especially highlight its diversity and inclusivity.

New Orleans

New Orleans was the third most affordable city on the list. Seventy-two percent of residents claim that seeing live music is budget-friendly and 83% said it doesn’t break the bank to go out for a cocktail.

Mexico City

The Mexican capital was ranked the fourth-happiest city on the list.

An overwhelming 96% of locals say their city makes them happy and the same percentage agree that they find joy in the everyday experiences their city offers.

Porto, Portugal

Porto was named the fourth-most beautiful on the list — 78% of locals describe it as such.

And locals aren’t likely going anywhere. A gleeful 80% said they’re happier in Porto than anywhere else in the world.

Shanghai

Shanghai’s nightlife scene got the highest overall rating from locals.

This likely influenced why 80% of respondents in Shanghai said it was easy to meet people and make friends.

Copenhagen

Residents said the city’s investment in itself has paid off.

About 59% of residents said that the sense of happiness in the Danish capital has recently increased.

The 50 best cities in the world in 2025

1. Cape Town
2. Bangkok
3. New York
4. Melbourne, Australia
5. London
6. New Orleans
7. Mexico City
8. Porto, Portugal
9. Shanghai
10. Copenhagen
11. Chicago
12. Lisbon
13. Edinburg
14. Hong Kong
15. Sydney
16. Amsterdam
17. Barcelona
18. Seville
19. Paris
20. Medellín
21. Hanoi
22. Madrid
23. Berlin
24. Dubai
25. Singapore
26. Rio de Janeiro
27. Beijing
28. Chiang Mai
29. Jakarta
30. Vienna
31. Tokyo
32. Marrakech
33. Perth
34. Brighton
35. Prague
36. Glasgow
37. Brisbane
38. Marseille
39. Budapest
40. Los Angles
41. Lagos
42. Seoul
43. Valencia
44. Montreal
45. Bilbao
46. Abu Dhabi
47. Belfast
48. Bristol
49. Mumbai
50. Warsaw