The list, released as part of the publication’s 10th annual Best Cities ranking, highlights destinations that locals say offer the most exciting urban experiences today.
To compile the ranking, Time Out surveyed more than 24,000 residents across 150 cities worldwide, asking people about factors shaping everyday urban life, including food, nightlife, culture, affordability, happiness and overall city vibe.
The responses were collected in 42 languages and combined with insights from the publication’s global network of more than 100 city experts.
“The big thing that unites our top cities this year is community,” Grace Beard, travel editor at Time Out, said in an interview. “In every city on the ranking, the majority of locals we surveyed reported a strong sense of belonging and connection in their cities. It’s that crucial aspect of city life, co-existence and the meeting of cultures, that feels so important to celebrate right now.”
The ranking places Melbourne, Shanghai, Edinburgh, London and New York City among the top five destinations globally.
Cape Town remains Africa’s highest-ranked city
South Africa’s Cape Town emerged as the highest-ranked African city, placing sixth globally after topping the list last year.
The city’s appeal continues to be driven by its natural landscape, lifestyle and growing tourism sector.
Survey findings show that 86% of residents describe Cape Town as the most beautiful city in the world, the highest score recorded among cities surveyed.
The same percentage praised the city’s green spaces and natural surroundings, while 85% of residents said their wellbeing and quality of life are “good” or “amazing.”
“Cape Town wows you from the minute you land,” Time Out wrote, pointing to its pristine beaches and the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain.
Tourism momentum in the city is also building. Cape Town recently hosted the KNOX MMA fight series in February, headlined by former world champion Dricus du Plessis, while the Montreux Jazz Festival is set to debut in nearby Franschhoek.
Investment in hospitality is also accelerating, with a Marriott Edition hotel expected to open later this year at the V&A Waterfront, alongside a wave of new restaurant openings and culinary collaborations across the city.
Lagos makes the global list
Nigeria’s commercial hub Lagos also made the ranking, placing 47th globally.
Time Out described Lagos, Africa’s third-largest city by population, as a place where energy, culture and creativity converge.
“Nothing in Lagos is done quietly,” the publication wrote, noting that the city’s nightlife, art scene and food culture continue to attract global attention.
It added that life in Nigeria’s entertainment capital is “chaotic, overwhelming, but completely electric.”
Victoria Island remains a focal point for entertainment and hospitality, with new restaurants such as Nómaada and Rora joining established venues including Brisk, Shiro and SLoW Lagos. The city’s beach club scene is also expanding with the opening of Kyma Lagos.
Cultural institutions such as the Nike Art Gallery and the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, alongside major events like Lagos Fashion Week and the annual Detty December celebrations, continue to reinforce the city’s reputation as one of Africa’s cultural capitals.
The survey also highlighted Lagos’s strong social energy. Seventy-five percent of locals said the city is one of the easiest places to make friends, reflecting its reputation for openness and community.
African cities gaining global recognition
Although only two African cities made the global top 50 this year, the ranking reflects the growing international visibility of the continent’s major urban centres.
With expanding tourism investment, vibrant cultural industries and dynamic local communities, cities such as Cape Town and Lagos are increasingly positioning themselves as global destinations for travel, creativity and cultural exchange.
