Every great city has a soul, a rhythm that pulses through its streets, a flavor that lingers in its food, and a story etched into every corner.
In 2025, the world’s top cities aren’t just defined by population or skyscrapers, but by how deeply they connect with those who visit or call them home.

Best Cities in the World
Whether you’re seeking timeless architecture, buzzing markets, local legends, or pockets of peace hidden from the tourist crowds, this list reveals the cities that stand out not just on the map, but in memory.
Let’s take a journey through the top 10 best cities in the world, where every turn offers something extraordinary, as flagged by World’s Best Cities.
1. London, United Kingdom

London tops the list as a cultural, historical, and economic powerhouse that continues to charm visitors year after year.
Hidden Gems: Explore the Kyffin Williams gallery tucked behind Piccadilly, walk through the peaceful Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, or find micro‑pubs hidden in old East London alleys.
Lesser Known Facts: The city once hosted an underground postman service by boat on canals, and old Network Rail tunnels hold secret street art shows behind locked gates.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring and early autumn, think May to June or September, when parks bloom and the city hums without the heavy summer tourist crowds.
Food & Culture: From curry and pie shops in Brick Lane to fine dining tasting menus in Mayfair, London’s food scene is diverse. Add West End theatre, late‑night jazz in Soho, and weekend art markets like Camden or Portobello for a full cultural palette.
2. New York City, USA

The city that never sleeps remains at the top for diversity, energy, and endless opportunity.
Hidden Gems: Paddle in the East River at dusk with free kayak rentals, discover rooftop gardens above converted warehouses in Brooklyn, or find pop‑up supper clubs hidden behind old warehouse doors.
Lesser Known Facts: There are intact abandoned subway stations that host creative performances, and a private museum of letters and manuscripts owned by collectors that occasionally opens by invitation only.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring and early fall are ideal, when Central Park bursts with color and the city avoids snow or blistering heat.
Food & Culture: Grab a classic slice of pizza or street vendor falafel, stroll through immigrant food stalls in Queens, then enjoy Broadway shows, jazz in the Village, or avant‑garde art installations in Chelsea.
3. Paris, France

Paris remains romantic, aesthetic and timelessly chic, a favorite city for artists, lovers, and dreamers.
Hidden Gems: Stroll the covered arcades like Galerie Vero‑Dodat, relax in the quiet Viaduc des Arts market under the old railway vaults, or visit hidden vineyards in Montmartre.
Lesser Known Facts: A preserved vineyard still produces wine within city limits. A secret rooftop art studio overlooks the Seine and is open to occasional visitors.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) or fall (September–November) when gardens bloom and pavement cafés feel magical without summer bustle.
Food & Culture: From bistros in the Latin Quarter to candlelit dinners in Old Tuileries, and from freshly‑baked croissants to gourmet Michelin experiences, Paris feeds every palate. Must‑see museums include the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and modern art shows emerging in repurposed warehouses.
4. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo masterfully blends ancient tradition with neon futurism, and offers both peace and late-night pulse.
The city’s reaction to disasters, innovation in smart transit, and commitment to art and garden design solidify its global reputation.
Hidden Gems: Experience the peaceful cherry tree‑lined side streets of Kagurazaka, find tiny jazz bars in Golden Gai, or enjoy traditional tea ceremony in the alleys of Yanaka.
Seek out upstairs temples in the Sakai area and tranquil koi ponds in shrine grounds. Unique izakayas move inside old libraries.
Lesser Known Facts: Quiet gardens open at dawn where local retirees practice tai chi. Some roof terraces above Shibuya offer views and live music during festivals.
There’s an annual lantern floating ritual on the Sumida River that few foreign visitors see. Underground Buddhist chant choirs sometimes perform in station tunnels.
Best Time to Visit: Cherry blossom season in March–April or brilliant foliage season in October–November. Guam Bound flights are quieter and hotels more available. Early spring for festivals or fall for cooler festivals and harvest events.
Food & Culture: Begin with sushi at dawn markets, sample street ramen in Tsukishima, and conclude with kaiseki meals in dimly lit ryotei dining rooms. Japanese culture shines in shrine visits, manga cafés, and seasonal festivals like Sumo in autumn.
Try street‑style izakaya in Asakusa, high‑end dinners in Ginza, and midnight vending‑machine ramen after karaoke sessions. Japanese pop culture meets centuries of ceremony.
5. Singapore

This city-state ranks high for innovation, sustainability, and cosmopolitan ease.
Hidden Gems: Meander through restored shophouses in Tiong Bahru for boutique cafés, stroll Sungei Buloh mangrove boardwalks, or attend secret supper clubs in hidden rooftop gardens.
Lesser Known Facts: Singapore has transformed a former railway corridor into a lush green belt with food stalls and art installations. There’s also a tropical butterfly garden inside the airport accessible to neighboring residents.
Best Time to Visit: February–April to avoid monsoon rains while gardens bloom vibrantly.
Food & Culture: Start from hawker center meals like chili crab or Hainanese chicken rice, explore Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam’s diverse offerings, then unwind in a chic rooftop lounge overlooking Marina Bay.
6. Rome, Italy

Rome’s allure springs from its tempo: ancient ruins on every corner, candlelit piazzas at night, and modern eateries in atmospheric alleyways.
Hidden gems: Climb Capitoline Hill at dawn for quiet views, wander Testaccio food market at lunchtime, or glimpse secret keyhole views at Piazza dei Cavalieri.
Best time to visit: March–May or September–October; avoid sweltering peak summer and flooded Vatican crowds.
Food & culture: Daily culture of espresso stands, cacio e pepe dinners in Trastevere, gelato after strolls by the Pantheon, and a late evening passeggiata tradition.
7. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona charms with sunlit architecture, beach access, and Catalan spirit.
Hidden Gems: Explore peaceful Luis Companys gardens atop Montjuïc, indulge in art galleries in restored factory spaces in Poblenou, and kayak past hidden beach coves.
Lesser Known Facts: Every neighborhood holds its own pet‑anque pitch or sardana dancing spot. You can join nightly gin tastings at hidden bars in Gràcia squares.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall when beaches are still warm and neighborhoods feel relaxed.
Food & Culture: Tapas in Born, seafood paella near the Barceloneta coast, vermut at local squares, and nightly street music echoing Gaudí’s curves.
8. Madrid, Spain

Madrid wins hearts with wide boulevards, tapas culture, and endless energy.
Hidden Gems: Visit literary cafés near Huertas, dance in the Plaza del Dos de Mayo during neighborhood festivals, and explore mini markets hidden in Lavapiés.
Lesser Known Facts: During local festivals, neighborhood plazas feature pop‑up choriceros (chorizo‑grilling stalls) and amateur theatre.
Best Time to Visit: April–June or September–early October, when the weather feels like a warm hug and streets thrive with outdoor culture.
Food & Culture: Churros and chocolate for breakfast and midday tapas at tabernas. Wine at sunset on rooftop terraces, and late-night flamenco around Retiro Park.
9. Berlin, Germany

Once known for its gritty edge and underground charm, Berlin is evolving into a cosmopolitan hub that perfectly balances creativity, rejuvenation, and culture.
Its street art, thoughtful architecture, and community spaces lend it a dynamic, evolving spirit.
Hidden Gems You Shouldn’t Miss
Teufelsberg – Graffiti-covered Cold War listening post with haunting city views.
Prinzessinnengärten – Urban garden café oasis in Kreuzberg.
Liquidrom – Saltwater spa with music-lit ambience.
Clärchens Ballhaus – 1913 dance hall hosting tango & swing nights.
Spreepark – Abandoned amusement park with eerie charm.
Street Food & Markets – Markthalle Neun, Thai Park, vintage finds.
Viktoriapark – Peaceful waterfall with city views.
Lesser-known Facts: Begin with brunch in the vintage cafes of Neukölln, spend afternoons browsing street art in Friedrichshain, wind down with a dip at the Badeschiff, a floating pool on the Spree, and conclude with a live concert or design-forward dinner in Mitte.
Best time to Visit: Berlin shines in late spring to early autumn when the city’s parks and open-air venues are alive, and cultural festivals thrive. The weather’s just right for long walks, flea markets, and open-air performances.
Food and Culture: Attend a free lunchtime concert at the Philharmonie, happening every Wednesday between September and June, a live classical performance in a grand setting.
History enthusiasts can tour secret storied sites like the Gesundbrunnen bunker, a piece of Cold War legacy.
Culture seekers should stop by the Meistersaal, where David Bowie recorded “Heroes,” now available through guided tours.
10. Sydney, Australia

Sydney joins the top ten for its harbor beauty, climate, and balanced lifestyle.
Hidden Gems: Walk the secret Goat Island in the harbor, kayak under the Harbour Bridge at sunrise, or catch experimental theatre in Potts Point‘s laneways.
Lesser Known Facts: There is an annual secret outdoor cinema that plays Australian classics on an abandoned ferry dock.
Best Time to Visit: September–November or March–April, when the days are sunny. Crowds are lighter before the summer beach season.
Food & Culture: Beachside seafood in Bondi, multicultural offerings in Spice Alley. Evening rooftop drinks in The Rocks, and ballet or indie music festivals at the Opera House.
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Why These Cities Earned Their Place
These cities were officially ranked the best in the world according to the Resonance & Ipsos “World’s Best Cities 2025” list. It surveys more than 22,000 people across 30 countries.
These cities were evaluated based on three core pillars:
Prosperity: Economic activity, job market, business opportunities
Livability: Quality of life, including safety, infrastructure, healthcare, and environment
Lovability: Culture, hospitality, attractions, and photography appeal
The methodology balances objective measures such as infrastructure, public transit, safety, healthcare, economic opportunity, and job growth, with subjective factors like cultural vitality, visual appeal, walkability, culinary diversity, and emotional connection.
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Final Thoughts
From London’s enduring romance to Tokyo’s poised innovation, each of these cities offers more than sightseeing; it offers stories.
Hidden gardens, secret portraits, rooftop bars, weekend street festivals, and lingering local rituals. Food markets define these places, long after guidebooks list their surface highlights.
Whether you’re planning your next trip or dreaming of a place to put down roots, these cities show that the best destinations are those that feed both ambition and a sense of wonder.
Editor’s Note: Kruti Raj is a guest writer for Aviation A2Z. She has a travel blog site named Bag Pack and Go. Check out her website for more such travel insights, luxury on a budget, and soulful itineraries. Follow Bagpackandgo.
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