From ancient Jericho to Tokyo today, cities are critical centers of commerce and culture. Our 10 great cities are built for people, offering safety, utility and a respect for diversity.
America’s San Francisco, with its undulating hills and chilled-out vibe, is a city-within-a-city. Its big-city attractions and small-town charm have endeared it to T+L readers for years.
1. London
London’s rich history and strong financial services industry make it a desirable place for people from around the world to live, work and play. Its squares, markets, cathedrals and castles, entertainment options, cocktail bars and countless pubs make it one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
In addition to its historic and cultural attractions, the city is famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, supporting education, sports, entrepreneurship and much more. It also demonstrates impressive environmental sustainability measures, such as expanding cycle routes and reducing city speed limits.
Despite its renowned beauty and rich heritage, the city is not without its challenges. During the Great Smog of 1952, it was plagued by air pollution that killed thousands, and in World War II, its citizens endured extensive aerial bombing from the Luftwaffe. These events have helped to shape the enduringly resilient and tolerant character of this great city.
2. Tokyo
Tokyo is Japan’s busy capital. It mixes the ultramodern with the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. The opulent Meiji Shinto Shrine has rows of red vermillion torii gates, while Senso-ji Temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo and has a large gate and imposing temple buildings.
Tokyo's parks are popular with locals and tourists. Ueno Park is one of the city’s largest and features museums, a zoo, and a wide range of shrines and temples. It’s also a great place to experience hanami, the practice of enjoying cherry blossom (sakura) blooming in spring.
A visit to Akihabara is a must for anyone interested in anime and video games. This area is home to Yodobashi Camera, a 9-story electronics department store, as well as secondhand shops selling everything from anime figurines to vintage toys.
3. New York
From the soaring elms of Central Park to boundary-pushing cuisine, this urban colossus is a world unto itself. It's the most-visited city in the country with an iconic skyline, a massive selection of museums, and an endless supply of entertainment options.
Its storied history plays a big part in its appeal, too, so take a guided tour of Federal Hall or visit Fraunces Tavern to learn about the first American Congress and the Revolutionary War. Check out Brooklyn's Astoria neighborhood, where scenes from Orange Is the New Black were filmed, and Greenwich Village for intimate restaurants and one-of-a-kind boutiques.
Summer is an especially lively time to visit NYC, with outdoor concerts and theater shows in full swing. But winter is also magical, when department store windows are decked out and Rockefeller Center is lit up with a giant Christmas tree.
4. Paris
The French capital has a long history of supporting the arts—literary, musical, and visual. Whether you're gazing up at Sainte-Chapelle or admiring the immaculate auditorium of the Opera Garnier (famed as the setting for Gaston Leroux’s original Phantom of the Opera novel), this city oozes culture.
It also oozes charm, from its leafy parks (the Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes are among the most famous) to the lively Passage Jouffroy, lined with mosaic-paved passageways and brimming with boutiques. And when it comes to food, Paris has no equal: savor imaginative platefuls paired with France’s finest wines.
Beat the mob at the Mona Lisa by visiting on an evening, and explore the outsized dimensions of the Musee d'Orsay (originally the Gare d'Orsay railway station). It holds Impressionist masterpieces from Renoir, Monet, and Van Gogh.
5. San Francisco
A city of iconic landmarks, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco has an unmistakably American spirit while aesthetically resembling European cities. It’s big, bustling and friendly all at once, and boasts a wide range of attractions, from SFMOMA to the Mission District’s street art and nearby Muir Woods.
Its community spirit was especially apparent during the pandemic, when residents hung sourdough starters from telephone poles and helped each other through mutual aid networks. The city is also praised for its progressiveness and acceptance of the cannabis industry.
It seems that this year, T+L readers are particularly interested in welcoming locals, great food and safe and affordable prices. This year’s list is dominated by cities that offer all of these things, while also offering plenty of entertainment and sightseeing options. The ranking was based on Facebook check-ins, Google searches, TripAdvisor reviews and social media popularity.
6. Barcelona
The almost ideal European city boasts "miles of beaches and iconic parks, Gaudi's architectural landmarks, and colorful neighborhoods that march to their own beat — artistic, sophisticated, bohemian," Resonance says. And, thanks to mayor Ada Colau's "superblock" program, which has replaced parking and roads with playgrounds and public seating, it's becoming more pedestrian-friendly.
Berlin's frenetic nightlife, fascinating history, and abundance of creativity are enough to lure people in droves — who also appreciate its generous feeling of physical space and cutting-edge culture.
Istanbul's historic mosques and palaces surrounded by cafes, shops, and boutique hotels attract visitors who enjoy uncovering the old-meets-new mix in local neighborhoods like the Sultanahmet District and Istiklal Caddesi.
7. Rome
The third Italian city to make the list, Rome is both Italy’s capital and a special comune. It is also the center of culture, religion, business, academia and travel.
Stendhal staggered around its streets in awe and Brownings sighed over it, but it’s not all that the city has to offer. From the soaring architecture of the Baths of Caracalla to the leafy splendor of Aventine Hill, there is much more to discover in this fascinating city.
The Pantheon is one of the greatest architectural achievements of Roman civilization. The architects were able to create this enormous semisphere by using a variety of materials including tufa, brick and Pozzolana (volcano ash) mixtures. This incredible feat of engineering inspired many architects down the centuries, including Brunelleschi, who built the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence.
8. Madrid
The Spanish capital's enduring appeal comes from its rich culture and history, whose splendors are on full display in the city center. Its green spaces like the tree-lined Buen Retiro park and Prado museum complex have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Madrid slid down the rankings early on in the pandemic, but its leaders are deftly doubling down on modern reinvention focused on the city's citizens. An overhaul of the city's parking system will create more public space and encourage walking, while Madrid's rethinking of its streetscapes is transforming the urban landscape.
AFAR's author visited Madrid in 2019, and she loved strolling the wide boulevards, soaking up a siesta, then indulging in a night of flamenco dancing. She recommends getting a 10-journey ticket for Zone A that includes most of the city's attractions. Depending on the day and time of your trip, you may also want to consider adding on a prepaid taxi ride from the airport.
9. Mexico City
A city of extremes, Mexico City is home to 22 million people. Some observers focus on its horrors and tragedies, but others see it as a vibrant metropolis that celebrates its proud history and future aspirations.
One of the best ways to get around is on the city's subway system, which you can access for just a few pesos with a reloadable card. Just avoid peak rush hours when the subway is crammed to capacity.
Chapultepec Park is often called "the lungs of Mexico City" and offers an escape from the concrete jungle of Mexico's capital. This huge park is also home to the country's zoo and numerous museums. In addition, it contains a statue that locals call the "suavicrema," or wafer cookie. Another must-see is Frida Kahlo's house and museum. This iconic Mexican artist is known for her colorful, surreal self-portraits.
10. Singapore
The global cities in the top 10 offer visitors a range of experiences and are ranked high on various factors, including a thriving business scene, large population, cultural influence, international links and transportation infrastructure. They also attract major companies and serve as hubs for financial markets, and boast a high level of education, research and development.
New York, London and Tokyo hold their top positions, but this year’s rankings saw some big changes. The biggest movers are Bangkok, which leapt from 24th last year to become Asia’s highest-ranked city. Its pulsating streets are filled with shimmering temples, tuk-tuk drivers and delicious street food.
Other highlights include Moscow, which climbs to sixth place despite being hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, and Mumbai, India’s super-smart commercial capital, which is the first city in our ranking to offer a digital identity system for citizens. Its hyper-efficient transport system and stunning museums help to keep the city on the rise.
