Time Out reveals the world’s 50 best cities for 2025: Budapest shines at prestigious place
The Time Out magazine has unveiled its much-anticipated list of the world’s 50 best cities for 2025, offering inspiration to travellers planning their next urban adventure. This annual ranking, based on extensive surveys and expert evaluations, highlights cities that excel in culture, gastronomy, nightlife, affordability, and overall livability.
The methodology behind the list
To compile the list, Time Out surveyed over 18,500 city residents and consulted 100 urban experts. The evaluation encompassed 44 criteria, including walkability, public transportation, safety, food and drink options, cultural vibrancy, and general atmosphere. Grace Beard, editor at Time Out, emphasised that the list not only showcases cities with world-class attractions but also those where locals feel most at home.
Top five cities of 2025
- Cape Town, South Africa: Praised for its vibrant fishing culture in Kalk Bay and local gastronomy in East City, Cape Town also offers breathtaking natural escapes like Cape Point Nature Reserve.
- Bangkok, Thailand: Known for its rich culture and iconic landmarks such as Wat Arun and the Grand Palace.
- New York City, USA: Despite dropping from last year’s top spot, NYC remains a cultural powerhouse with an unmatched arts scene.
- Melbourne, Australia: Renowned for its culinary scene and cultural offerings.
- London, United Kingdom: A perennial favourite thanks to its diverse communities, iconic pubs, and unparalleled shopping experiences.
Budapest’s place on the list
Budapest secured the 39th spot on the list, earning recognition for its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The city’s blend of Gothic, Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Neoclassical styles creates a unique visual identity that captivates visitors. Time Out highlighted Budapest’s elegant bridges, rooftop cocktail bars, thermal baths, and Népsziget (People’s Island) as must-visit spots. An exciting development for 2025 is the opening of the Time Out Market in Budapest’s Corvin Palace later this year. This gastronomic hub will offer tourists a curated selection of dishes from the city’s top restaurants under one roof.
Other notable rankings
European cities featured prominently on the list. Vienna ranked 30th, Prague came in at 25th, while Warsaw rounded out the list at 50th place. The top ten also included New Orleans (6th), Mexico City (7th), Porto (8th), Shanghai (9th), and Copenhagen (10th).
A celebration of urban excellence
This year’s list celebrates cities that combine excitement with livability—places where both locals and visitors can thrive. Whether you’re drawn to Cape Town’s natural beauty or Budapest’s architectural charm, Time Out’s rankings provide a roadmap for unforgettable urban experiences in 2025.
Read also:
- Time Out Market: Budapest to host Central and Eastern Europe’s most outstanding gastronomy market in 2025
- Culinary triumph: Michelin Guide acknowledges an unprecedented number of Hungarian restaurants
Featured image: depositphotos.com