7 best cities in the world for 2026

A new ranking by Time Out highlights the world’s best cities for 2026 based on surveys of thousands of residents and travel experts. The list evaluates cities on food, culture, nightlife, affordability and overall quality of life. Melbourne takes the top spot, followed by Shanghai and Edinburgh. Other cities featured among the top include London, New York City and Cape Town. The ranking reflects cities where locals report strong cultural scenes, diverse food options and vibrant everyday life.