Melbourne is the best city in the world for 2026, on Time Out’s annual list of the 50 top cities
For the first time ever, an Australian city has taken the top spot on Time Out’s annual list of the 50 best cities. Melbourne has been crowned the best city in the world for 2026, with locals highly rating their hometown’s food, culture and art scenes, as well as its green spaces, neighbourhood communities, walkability, public transport and more Historic First: Melbourne is the first Australian city ever to take the #1 spot on Time Out’s annual list of the 50 best cities. Survey Scale: Over 24,000 locals in 42 languages were surveyed, alongside input from 100 global experts, across 44 criteria. Why Melbourne Won: - 94% of locals praised its food scene. - 92% rated arts and culture highly. - Strong scores for diversity, liveliness, affordability of going out, and catering to Gen Z. - High “happiness” ratings — locals said their city makes them happy and brings joy in everyday experiences. Other Australian Cities: Sydney ranked #21 and Adelaide #29, giving Australia three spots in the top 50. Top 5 Cities: 1. Melbourne 2. Shanghai 3. Edinburgh 4. London 5. New York This recognition emphasizes Melbourne’s balance of world-class culture, food, and events with everyday livability and community spirit.
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