With so many amazing cities in the world to explore, it can be hard for travelers to narrow down their options. The way to find out the best (and worst) parts of a destination is often to ask the locals themselves.
Time Out recently rounded up thousands of locals and travelers to find the top 50 cities in the world.
This survey highlights what each city does best and ranks them according to quality and popularity.
Some cities are known for being cultural capitals and historic hubs, while others are famous for their friendliness, lively nightlife, or overall livability score.
Here are seven of the top cities to visit around the world. Take a look and decide which one is right for your next city break.
1. New York: Most Popular
New York City is the “city that never sleeps.” Liza Minelli and Frank Sinatra sang that iconic line almost 40 years ago and it’s still true today. You can always find 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 historical sites and monuments. Besides iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Central Park, New York City is also home to Edgar Allen Poe’s cottage, a National Jazz Museum, and Trinity Church.
From Broadway musicals to world-renowned clubs, art galleries, museums, and diverse community events, there’s simply always a party going on.
When asked where they would most want to move to in Time Out’s survey, the greatest percentage of responders 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. Its cultural scene currently ranks highest in the world.
A stroll through the colorful Bo Kaap neighborhood and poignant District Six Museum can give you insight into the rich history of Africa’s “Mother City.” Also, every February, Cape Town hosts the Investec Cape Town Art Fair which draws in 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 a panoramic view, or enjoy the sunshine on the coast. In January, Cape Town is at the peak of its hottest summer days. So, right now is a perfect time to soak up the sun!
One hundred percent of the locals in Time Out’s survey agree that Cape Town is breathtakingly beautiful and a happy place to be.
3. Berlin: Vibrant Nightlife
Berlin got high marks for being the life of the party when the sun goes down. Over 80 percent of survey responders approved of the nightlife scene in Berlin. The locals may not be as warm or effusive as other cultures. Still, it seems that Berliners know how to have a good time.
This city is full of trendy European pubs, dance halls, and karaoke bars. Although Berlin has a population of over 3.5 million residents, the city is still pedestrian-friendly. You can explore the city sights on foot, or rent a bike to cover more ground.
Berlin also has a strong cultural draw with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Museum Island and the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin. This city has plenty to do day or night.
4. London: Best City in the World
London is a diverse city that draws in internationals from all around the world and connects them. This capital has ranked so many times as “the best city in the world” that we feel like we just have to believe it.
London has so many iconic symbols including Big Ben, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, the Tower Bridge, double-decker buses, and more.
You can also enjoy the free art galleries, traditional pubs, and luscious green parks. The once-stale nightlife is also seeing recent improvements.
The birthplace of Queen Elizabeth (and Harry Potter) is rated by over 90% of residents as a beautiful, happy place. Even if you get caught in the frequent bad weather, there’s no cozier place to while away 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. You may need a few days to take in all this capital city has to offer, though. Its museums include famous pieces by Goya, Velazquez, Picasso, and Dali while its beautiful manicured parks are perfect for relaxing.
Madrid is also a great stop for foodies with an incredible number of restaurants with world-renowned chefs. The food scene is known as one of the best in all of Spain and gets a 94% approval rating from the locals.
If you visit Madrid this year, you may even catch a show from an international sensation such as 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 a plethora of museums, international exhibits, and several outdoor festivals throughout the year.
This March, Mexico City will host its 30th annual Festival del Centro Histórico which showcases its rich cultural heritage.
The Palace of Fine Arts and the Frida Kahlo Museum are also must-see stops for art lovers. Locals whisper that you can get into many of Mexico City’s museums for free on Sundays.
Mexico City has a great vibe to it, with most of its locals rating it as beautiful, friendly, and happy.
7. Liverpool: Affordable Art and Culture
Liverpool was where the popular rock group Beatles formed, and it is still known for its arts and music. The vibrant city hosted Eurovision just last year and is known for holding some of the largest art fairs in the region.
According to Time Out’s survey, Liverpool is the cheapest out of 50 major cities for art and cultural experiences. In fact, many of its museums and galleries are free to enter!
In Liverpool, the people are friendly, the nightlife is bustling, and the cost of housing is lower than many other cities in the UK. This destination is perfect for a city break.
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