50 Best Cities in the World to Visit in 2025 🌍✈️

People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighborhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.

Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?

Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared…

🌟 Top 10 Must-Visit Cities for 2025

1. Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵

A dynamic mix of ancient temples and cutting-edge technology, Tokyo will amaze you with its neon-lit streets, Michelin-starred dining, and futuristic attractions like TeamLab Planets.

2. Paris, France 🇫🇷

The City of Light never goes out of style. With the 2024 Olympics leaving a fresh glow, Paris is set to be even more magical in 2025—new restaurants, museums, and revitalized streetscapes await.

3. Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦

Stunning landscapes, rich history, and world-class wine country make Cape Town an irresistible destination. Don’t miss Table Mountain views and safari day trips!

4. New York City, USA 🇺🇸

The Big Apple is back and buzzing with Broadway shows, gourmet dining, and the vibrant cultural scene of new museums and rooftop bars.

5. Rome, Italy 🇮🇹

Step into history in the Eternal City. With the Colosseum, Vatican City, and endless pasta, Rome is a dream destination that never fades.

6. Seoul, South Korea 🇰🇷

With K-pop, high-tech innovations, and rich traditions, Seoul offers an exciting fusion of the past and future. Plus, the street food is next level!

7. Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸

Stunning architecture, tapas, and sun-drenched beaches—Barcelona remains a top European escape for culture and relaxation.

8. Dubai, UAE 🇦🇪

From the world’s tallest building to man-made islands and luxury shopping, Dubai continues to push boundaries in travel experiences.

9. Bangkok, Thailand 🇹🇭

An explosion of street food, temples, and nightlife, Bangkok is an electrifying destination for travelers craving adventure.

10. Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺

With beautiful beaches, a buzzing nightlife, and the iconic Opera House, Sydney is a paradise for sun-seekers and city lovers alike.

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🌍 The Ultimate Travel Bucket List – 40 More Cities to Explore!

🌆 Europe’s Timeless Gems

11. London, UK 🇬🇧 – Royal history meets modern luxury.
12. Amsterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱 – Canals, tulips, and vibrant nightlife.
13. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹 – Colorful streets and amazing seafood.
14. Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿 – A fairytale city with medieval charm.
15. Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹 – Classical music, imperial palaces, and café culture.
16. Edinburgh, Scotland 🏴 – Castles, festivals, and whiskey tasting.
17. Santorini, Greece 🇬🇷 – White-washed paradise with stunning sunsets.
18. Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪 – Trendy, historic, and full of street art.
19. Istanbul, Turkey 🇹🇷 – Where Europe meets Asia in a cultural explosion.
20. Reykjavik, Iceland 🇮🇸 – Northern Lights, volcanoes, and hot springs.

🏝 Asia’s Top Hotspots

21. Bali, Indonesia 🇮🇩 – A tropical haven for yoga lovers and surfers.
22. Kyoto, Japan 🇯🇵 – Traditional temples and cherry blossoms.
23. Mumbai, India 🇮🇳 – A city of contrasts, from Bollywood glam to street food delights.
24. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 🇻🇳 – A mix of French colonial charm and bustling energy.
25. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 🇲🇾 – Skyscrapers meet rich heritage and street markets.

🌎 North & South America’s Best Cities

26. Los Angeles, USA 🇺🇸 – Hollywood, beaches, and endless sunshine.
27. San Francisco, USA 🇺🇸 – Golden Gate vibes and tech innovation.
28. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 🇧🇷 – Carnival spirit, beaches, and mountains.
29. Buenos Aires, Argentina 🇦🇷 – Tango, steak, and European elegance.
30. Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦 – A multicultural hub with a thriving arts scene.
31. Mexico City, Mexico 🇲🇽 – Historic charm meets modern creativity.

🏜 Middle East & Africa’s Hidden Gems

32. Marrakech, Morocco 🇲🇦 – Exotic souks and desert adventures.
33. Petra, Jordan 🇯🇴 – The lost city of the Nabataeans.
34. Tel Aviv, Israel 🇮🇱 – A modern city with a thriving nightlife scene.
35. Cairo, Egypt 🇪🇬 – Home to the Great Pyramids and the Nile.
36. Zanzibar, Tanzania 🇹🇿 – White sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.

🌏 Oceania’s Must-See Cities

37. Auckland, New Zealand 🇳🇿 – A gateway to adventure and stunning landscapes.
38. Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺 – Coffee culture, art, and great sports vibes.

🚀 Up-and-Coming Travel Hotspots for 2025

39. Tbilisi, Georgia 🇬🇪 – A hidden gem with unique history and wine culture.
40. Ljubljana, Slovenia 🇸🇮 – A fairytale town with green spaces.
41. Medellín, Colombia 🇨🇴 – Transformed into a vibrant cultural hub.
42. Hanoi, Vietnam 🇻🇳 – A fascinating blend of old and new.
43. Lima, Peru 🇵🇪 – Home to one of the world’s best food scenes.
44. Havana, Cuba 🇨🇺 – Timeless charm with classic cars and salsa beats.
45. Santiago, Chile 🇨🇱 – A gateway to Patagonia and the Andes.
46. Oslo, Norway 🇳🇴 – A sustainable, nature-filled city.
47. Riga, Latvia 🇱🇻 – A Baltic beauty with stunning architecture.
48. Bucharest, Romania 🇷🇴 – An underrated European treasure.
49. Beirut, Lebanon 🇱🇧 – A city of resilience, history, and vibrant nightlife.
50. Dakar, Senegal 🇸🇳 – A West African cultural powerhouse.