Melbourne has made history as the first Australian city to be named the best in the world in Time Out’s annual list of the top 50 cities. The Victorian capital finished ahead of Shanghai, Edinburgh, London and New York in the rankings released late Wednesday.
It is a major leap for the city, which reached number two in 2016 and was ranked fourth in 2025, when Cape Town took the top spot. Australia also had two other cities included this year, with Sydney at number 21 and Adelaide at number 29.
Time Out’s annual list is based on a survey of more than 24,000 locals, conducted in 42 languages, asking people to rate what it is like to live where they do. The survey assessed 44 criteria spanning food, nightlife and culture, as well as affordability, happiness and overall “vibe”. An international panel of more than 100 Time Out “city experts” also weighed in, nominating the world’s most exciting cities.
Locals helped push Melbourne to the top with a strong overall “city rating” and high “happiness scores”. Melburnians rated their home city highly in response to statements such as, “My city makes me happy” and “I find joy in the everyday experiences where I live”, while 94 per cent gave the food scene a strong tick. Melbourne also rated highly for diversity, liveliness, cultural activities, the affordability of going out, and how well it caters to Gen Z.
Time Out Asia-Pacific managing director Kaylie Smith said, “We’re thrilled that Melbourne has outshone the world’s biggest urban centres, and it’s inspiring to see locals themselves backing where they live.” She added, “Australia having three cities in the 2026 list is a reminder that although the world is going through challenging times, this country is an exceptional place to live and visit.” Smith said the result reflects what the city offers visitors and residents alike: “This is recognition that Melbourne has so much going for it, especially when it comes to our food scene, arts and culture, sport and other events, nightlife, free things to do, access to nature and transport.”
Sydney’s place in the top 50 was attributed to its diversity, strong food and cultural scenes, an ever-expanding public transport network and its easy access to outdoor adventures. Adelaide was praised as one of the world’s best festival cities, with excellent dining and drinking, walkability and day trips that showcase the region.
Time Out Melbourne’s Leah Glynn said that while no city is flawless, “we’re happy to see that Melbourne locals’ experiences of their home are positive overall”. She pointed to the breadth of what the city offers, saying, “Melbourne has a roll-call of major sporting events, a huge range of dining and nightlife options, some of [Australia’s] best galleries and cultural festivals, cool neighbourhoods filled with hidden gems, heritage-listed buildings, laneways lined with colourful murals, and beautiful natural landscapes just a stone’s throw away.”
Time Out’s top 30 best cities
1. Melbourne, Australia
2. Shanghai, China
3. Edinburgh, Britain
4. London, Britain
5. New York, United States
6. Cape Town, South Africa
7. Mexico City, Mexico
8. Bangkok, Thailand
9. Seoul, South Korea
10. Tokyo, Japan
11. Zurich, Switzerland
12. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
13. Copenhagen, Denmark
14. Sao Paolo, Brazil
15. Hong Kong, Hong Kong
16. Krakow, Poland
17. Porto, Portugal
18. Guadalajara, Mexico
19. Madrid, Spain
20. Valencia, Spain
21. Sydney, Australia
22. Paris, France
23. Singapore, Singapore
24. Marrakesh, Morocco
25. Hanoi, Vietnam
26. Bath, Britain
27. Bilbao, Spain
28. Berlin, Germany
29. Adelaide, Australia
30. Beijing, China
