The Aussie city named the fourth best in the world, according to Time Out

Several Australian cities were included in Time Out magazine's annual list of the 50 best cities in the world, with Brisbane ranking 37th thanks to its sunny weather and green spaces. Perth, representing the west coast, secured 33rd place with its "thriving arts scene" and seaside lifestyle.

Sydney claimed the 15th spot with its striking beaches. However, one Australian city experienced a significant rise in the rankings, reaching fourth place globally.

In the top ten, Copenhagen secured 10th place with its relaxed atmosphere and commitment to sustainability. Locals believe that Copenhagen's embrace of "hygge" (a lifestyle that values the present and comfort) is why they love the city so much. Shared dining and eco-friendly initiatives are also central to the spirit of this bike-friendly city.

Shanghai ranked ninth. As a bustling international metropolis, Shanghai leads the way in modernization. Here, snack stalls compete for street space with retirees practicing Tai Chi, and Shanghai is a city that never does anything halfway. The surge in electric vehicles has brought air and noise pollution levels to historic lows, and the city is moving towards being completely cashless.

The Portuguese seaside town of Porto, a gem of the Iberian Peninsula, was named the eighth best city in the world. Charming cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic churches are enough to draw you in, and the food scene throughout the city is the icing on the cake. Fresh seafood and unique Portuguese dishes recently earned Porto the title of "Emerging Culinary Destination in Europe" at the World Culinary Awards.

A series of exciting new experiences in Mexico City propelled it into the top ten of the world's best cities. Two new National Film Archive venues have opened, and a new branch of North America's best bar, Handshake, has brought vibrancy to the local community. Whether it's Museum Month in May or the festival season in November, Mexico's largest city has exciting events all year round.

With its unparalleled live music scene, rich cultural history, and vibrant art landscape, New Orleans is a hotbed for creativity, ranking sixth on the list. Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, New Orleans showcases its diversity through a rich food culture, including Creole dishes like jambalaya, po'boys, and gumbo. As the city prepares to welcome visitors for the Super Bowl next month, New Orleans looks better than ever, with new lights installed on the river bridges and a triennial art exhibition.

London slipped one spot to fifth place this year, but locals still consider it the best place to be. The pub culture, shopping, and the upcoming new branch of the renowned Victoria and Albert Museum, which will house 80,000 pieces from David Bowie's collection, solidify the British capital's world-class status.

Melbourne climbed 16 places on the list this year, reaching fourth place globally. Earlier this year, Time Out magazine named High Street in Northcote as the coolest street in the world. World-class food and culture are the main reasons for Melbourne's fourth-place ranking, particularly the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which hosted Taylor Swift's largest-ever concert in February last year. Australia's largest exhibition of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama's work is currently on display at the NGV, which is also a major factor in its fourth-place ranking.

New York City is usually a must-see destination for avid travelers, so it's no surprise that it earned a podium position in Time Out magazine's ranking of the world's best cities. The city's vibrant neighborhoods, world-class art and culture scene, and diverse attractions secured it third place in the 2025 rankings.

Blending tradition with urban flair, the Southeast Asian metropolis of Bangkok was named the second-best city in the world. Known for its cheap and delicious food and bustling markets, Bangkok is also home to one of Time Out magazine's coolest neighborhoods in the world, Ekkamai, which is lined with cafes and vintage boutiques. Additionally, the city's public transportation system has just been expanded, making getting around easier than ever.

Surrounded by pristine waters and steeped in significant history, South Africa's second-largest city, Cape Town, topped this year's list of the best cities in the world. The stunning views from Table Mountain and new wine tours through the Durbanville Wine Valley are favorite attractions for Cape Town locals. The port city's charm is so strong that 97% of Capetonians say their city makes them happy.