Share the article
Last updated
With so many great cities in the world to explore, it can be difficult for travelers to narrow down their options. Often the way to discover the best (and worst) parts of a destination is to ask the locals themselves.
Time-out recently brought together thousands of residents and travelers to find the top 50 cities in the world.
This research highlights what each city is best at and ranks them based on quality and popularity.
Some cities are known as cultural capitals and historic centers, while others are known for their friendliness, vibrant nightlife or overall livability score.
Here are seven of the best cities to visit around the world. Take a look and decide which one is right for your next city trip.
1. New York: most popular
New York City is the ‘city that never sleeps’. Liza Minelli and Frank Sinatra sang that iconic phrase almost 40 years ago and it’s still true. There is always something to do, at any time of the day or night, in this vibrant city.
New York is full of bright lights, top-notch entertainment, delicious food and many historic sites and monuments. In addition to iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Central Park, New York City is also home to Edgar Allen Poe’s cottagea National Jazz Museum and Trinity Church.
By Broadway musicals to world famous Clubsart galleries, museums and various community eventsthere’s always a party going on.
When asked where they would most like to move to in Time Out’s survey, the largest percentage of respondents voted for New York City.
2. Cape Town: Best culture scene
For those looking for a cultural escape, Cape Town is worth putting on the itinerary. This diverse South African city has influences from Dutch, English, French, Afrikaner, Malay and Xhosa. The cultural scene is currently ranked the highest in the world.
A stroll through the colorful Bo Kaap district and the poignant District Six Museum can give you insight into the rich history of Africa’s ‘Mother City’. Cape Town also hosts the Investec Art Fair Cape Town which attracts artists from all over the world.
Cape Town’s natural beauty is also worth exploring. You can take a safari to see wildlife, ride a cable car to Table Mountain for panoramic views, or soak up the sun on the coast. In January, Cape Town is at the height of the hottest summer days. So now is the perfect time to enjoy the sun!
One hundred percent of locals in Time Out’s survey agree that Cape Town is breathtakingly beautiful and a great place to be.
3. Berlin: vibrant nightlife
Berlin got high marks for being the center of the party when the sun goes down. More than 80 percent of respondents were positive about the nightlife in Berlin. The locals may not be as warm or exuberant as other cultures. Still, it seems Berliners know how to have fun.
This city is full of trendy European pubs, dance halls and karaoke bars. Although Berlin has over 3.5 million inhabitants, the city is still pedestrian-friendly. You can explore the city’s sights on foot, or rent a bicycle to cover more ground.
Berlin also has a strong cultural appeal with UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Museum Island and the palaces and parks of Potsdam and Berlin. There is plenty to do in this city day and night.
4. London: best city in the world
London is a diverse city that attracts and connects internationals from all over the world. This capital has been ranked as ‘the best city in the world’ so many times that we feel like we just have to believe it.
London has so many iconic symbols, including Big Ben, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, Tower Bridge, double-decker buses and more.
You can also enjoy the free art galleries, traditional pubs and lush green parks. The once stale nightlife has also seen recent improvements.
The birthplace of Queen Elizabeth (and Harry Potter) is rated as a beautiful, happy place by more than 90% of residents. Even if you regularly have to deal with bad weather, there is no cozier place to spend a rainy day than a London pub.
5. Madrid: A foodie favorite
Madrid lives up to its warm, Latin culture and is a friendly city that welcomes its guests. However, you may need a few days to take in all that this capital has to offer. The museums include famous pieces by Goya, Velazquez, Picasso and Dali, while the beautifully manicured parks are perfect for relaxing.
Madrid is also a great stop for foodies with an incredible number of restaurants featuring world-renowned chefs. The food scene is known as one of the best in all of Spain, receiving a 94% approval rating from locals.
If you visit Madrid this year, you can even catch a show by international sensations like Taylor Swift, Luis Miguel or Bruce Springsteen.
6. Mexico City: Best livability score
Mexico City stays up to date when it comes to art and culture with an abundance of museums, international exhibitions and several open-air festivals throughout the year.
In March, Mexico City will host its 30th edition Festival del Centro Histórico where the rich cultural heritage is showcased.
The Palace of Fine Arts and the Frida Kahlo Museum are also must-see stops for art lovers. Locals whisper that you can visit many museums in Mexico City for free on Sundays.
Mexico City has a great atmosphere and most residents consider it beautiful, friendly and cheerful.
7. Liverpool: affordable arts and culture
Liverpool was the birthplace of the popular rock group Beatles, and it is still known for its art and music. The vibrant city hosted Eurovision last year and is known for hosting some of the largest art fairs in the region.
According to Time Out research, Liverpool is the cheapest of the fifty major cities when it comes to arts and cultural experiences. In fact, a lot of them are museums and galleries are accessible for free!
In Liverpool the people are friendly, the nightlife is vibrant and housing costs are lower than many other cities in Britain. This destination is perfect for a city trip.
Read more:
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans from $10 per week
How to easily earn points for free travel
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
