NATIONAL, INDIA – The other cities to land in the top five were Shanghai, Edinburgh, London and New York. Melbourne previously peaked at number two a decade ago in 2016 and, this year, Melbourne has climbed three places, from fourth place in 2025. Sydney also made the list, ranking number 21, and Adelaide came in at number 29.
Time Out surveyed more than 24,000 locals in 42 languages about where they live. Questions covered topics including food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. A panel of more than 100 Time Out city experts from around the world were also asked to name the most exciting cities in the world right now. All data from 44 different criteria was combined to create the ranking.
Melbourne locals gave their hometown a strong overall ‘city rating’ as well as high ‘happiness scores’. The city ranked particularly high in local responses to statements including, ‘My city makes me happy’ and ‘I find joy in the everyday experiences where I live’. It also scored very highly for criteria including diversity, liveliness, cultural activities, affordability of going out and how well it caters to Gen Z.
A huge 94% of Melburnians rate their food scene highly, 92% praise its arts and culture, and strong approval from the younger generations helped rank the Victorian capital the third-best city in the world for Gen Z.
“This is recognition that Melbourne has so much going for it, especially when it comes to our food scene, arts and culture, sport and other events, nightlife, free things to do, access to nature and transport,” said Time Out Melbourne Managing Editor, Leah Glynn. “While we know no place is perfect, we’re happy to see that Melbourne locals’ experiences of their home are positive overall.”
“Melbourne has a roll-call of major sporting events, a huge range of dining and nightlife options, some of our country’s best galleries and cultural festivals, cool neighbourhoods filled with hidden gems, heritage-listed buildings, laneways lined with colourful murals, and beautiful natural landscapes just a stone’s throw away,” she added.
Sydney was recognised for its diversity, excellent food and cultural scenes, ever-expanding public transport system and easy access to adventures in nature. Adelaide was recognised for being one of the world’s best festival cities, as well as boasting excellent dining and drinking options, walkability and beautiful day trips.
Time Out Managing Director APAC Kaylie Smith is really pleased with the result. “We’re thrilled that Melbourne has outshone the world’s biggest urban centres, and it’s inspiring to see locals themselves backing where they live,” she said.
“Australia having three cities in the 2026 list is a reminder that although the world is going through challenging times, this country is an exceptional place to live and visit,” she added. “Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide are places where you can experience extraordinary food, festivals and culture, but also find joy in everyday life. That’s something you can’t take for granted.”
Here’s the list of Time Out’s best cities in the world for 2026:
- Melbourne, Australia
- Shanghai, China
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- London, United Kingdom
- New York, United States
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Seoul, South Korea
- Tokyo, Japan
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Sao Paolo, Brazil
- Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Krakow, Poland
- Porto, Portugal
- Guadalajara, Mexico
- Madrid, Spain
- Valencia, Spain
- Sydney, Australia
- Paris, France
- Singapore, Singapore
- Marrakesh, Morocco
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Bath, United Kingdom
- Bilbao, Spain
- Berlin, Germany
- Adelaide, Australia
- Beijing, China
The full list of Time Out’s 50 Best Cities 2026 can be found over at www.timeout.com
Methodology
For the 10th anniversary of the Best Cities series, Time Out surveyed more than 24,000 locals about their city, including Time Out’s regular readers. In 42 languages, they were asked about everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. A panel of more than 100 Time Out city experts from around the world were also asked to name the most exciting cities in the world right now. All data from 44 different criteria was combined to create a comprehensive ranking that reflects the very best cities in the world for 2026.
