53 best cities in the world in 2022 according to TimeOut
Every year, TimeOut quizzes thousands of city-dwellers worldwide about life in their hometown right now.
“We want to know about the restaurant scene and the bar circuit. The theatre and the art galleries. The nightlife and the dating apps. What the neighbours are like and which neighbourhoods are actually cool. The idea is to create a global snapshot of city living, and point people in the direction of the places locals are really raving about.
And now… the results of the Time Out Index 2022 are in! As ever, we’ve crunched all that data and used it to come up with our annual ranking of the world’s greatest cities. For the past two years, the list has focused on how cities pulled together through the pandemic and made life (just about) tolerable during lockdowns. But now, after two years of travel curbs, the world is opening up again, and we – like you – are itching to get back out there.
So while things like community spirit and resilience were two of the most important factors last year, in 2022 we’ve added extra weight to the things that make cities great places to visit as well as to live. Our top cities this year are the ones with thriving nightlife, amazing food and drink, and art, culture and museums galore. We’ve highlighted places that aren’t boring or overly expensive or overrated, and we’ve ensured that our top picks also score well for practical stuff like walkability, good public transport and safety, as well as sustainability.
We’ve also tapped into our global network of expert editors and contributors for the inside scoop on what’s making each city tick right now, what’s new and what’s generally popping off. All of which means that if you are planning a city break this year (especially if it’s your first in a long, long time) then these are the places to go. Catch you out there.”
1. Edinburgh
What makes us great: We all know what Edinburgh is best known for. But year round, the Scottish capital is hard to beat, with landmarks, architecture and scenic hotspots that make it one of the most beautiful cities to explore on foot, as well as a food and drink scene that has an ever-evolving selection of forward-thinking bars and eateries, from new Leith restaurant and wine bar Eleanore to Bonnie & Wild’s Scottish Marketplace at the St James Quarter. This is a city full of warmth that encourages self-expression across communities via its art, culture and nightlife. It’s progressive and forever welcoming of all groups (no wonder 88 percent of locals told us it was easy to ‘express who you are’ in the city). Plus, there’s the small matter of those festivals returning this August…
Visit now because: There are some terrific new openings worth checking out, including Glasgow Asian-inspired favourite Ka Pao, Stockbridge chocolate café Ocelot and Leith neighbourhood gem Cocorico. The city is also about to get Scotland’s first ‘vertical distillery’ in the form of the Port of Leith Distillery on the waterfront.
The big numbers: Edinburgh ranked highly in the Index across the board, coming top for both the number of residents who thought the city was beautiful (95 percent) and those who deemed it walkable (93 percent). And who would we be to argue with that very, very sweet combo? —Arusa Qureshi
2. Chicago
What makes us great: It may have been a tough week for our city, but we know Chicago will pull through: a massive 55 percent of locals described it as resilient in this year’s Index (the fourth highest in the world), and we’d be inclined to agree. After two years of on-off restrictions, we’ve come out stronger and more united, and now our beloved Midwest metropolis is thriving again – so much so, it was voted the funnest city in the world this year, too. Whether you want to try world-class dining, party until 4am at historic clubs, spend a day soaking up the sun along Lake Michigan, see iconic artworks or just wander among different neighbourhoods, there’s never a dull moment to be had (yes, even when winter rolls around).
Visit now because: The food scene is popping off. We’re talking everything from sleek, high-end restaurants on Randolph Street and the country’s first-ever Michelin-starred Filipino tasting menuto some of the best mom-and-pop Mexican joints you’ll find in a big US city.
The big numbers: A whopping 96 percent of locals rate Chicago highly for its food and drink – the second highest in the world – with 95 percent saying the same about the city’s art and culture scene. —Emma Krupp
3. Medellín
What makes us great: Known as the City of Eternal Spring, Medellín offers more than just good weather year round. Fervently proud of their city (this being the only one in Colombia to have a metro system), the Paisa people are brimming with energy, entrepreneurship and curiosity; it’s really hard not to make good friends here. In this year’s survey, Medellín’s nightlife was voted the world’s best, though that’s perhaps not all that surprising given this is the city that gave us reggaeton artists J Balvin, Maluma and Karol G. El Social, Salón Amador, Vintrash or any bar along La 70 will show you a good time.
Visit now because: Design-forward boutique hotels, like Quinta Ladera and Landmark, are popping up all over the city, showcasing impressive Colombian craftsmanship. Meanwhile, suave cocktail bar Casa El Ramal just opened in Manila and Mad Radio in Provenza hosts sets by DJs from Medellín and beyond.
The big numbers: This city sure likes to indulge itself. Medellín was voted the best in the world for eating and drinking (with 97 percent of Medellinenses saying the food and booze here is good), and the same goes for nightlife (90 percent) and community spirit (94 percent). —Laura Field
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4. Glasgow
What makes us great: Casual kindness and good humour prevail in the city voted friendliest in this year’s Index. Glasgow excels at being outgoing and at going out. At SWG3, the world’s first body-heated club, dancing literally helps keep the lights on. There are now two Michelin-star restaurants after a long drought (Cail Bruich and Unalome), yet a burgeoning dining scene is best characterised by friendly informality and good value for money (Glasgow was the city second least likely to be described as expensive). The dusty Barrowland Ballroom remains the reassuringly unchanging temple to live music you and your favourite band deserve.
Visit now because: Glasgow was doing quality meat-free dining way before it was fashionable and natural wine bar and vegetarian/vegan restaurant Sylvan continues the trend. Other top-tier recent openings include Crabshakk (for excellent seafood and cocktails) and Big Counter (uncategorisable, in the best way possible).
The big numbers: An enormous 78 percent of Glaswegians described their city as friendly, pipping last year’s winner Manchester to the top spot. The city also ranked well overall thanks to its vast amount of green space and the variety of things to do. —Malcolm Jack
5. Amsterdam
What makes us great: In many ways, Amsterdam is the perfect destination. It brims with great places to see art and pick up jazzy gifts, but is also damn chilled out; it’s large enough to reward exploration yet still eminently walkable (or cyclable!) The city combines a buzzy social scene and vibrant nightlife with tolerance and diversity – Index respondents named their city the easiest place in the world to ‘express who you are’, and also voted it the second most progressive in the world. No wonder so many commentators say this is the model twenty-first-century metropolis.
Visit now because: The city’s festival circuit is finally back in action – go for Pride (August 5 to 7), when flotillas of boats will turn the inner canal ring into party central, or the notoriously wild (and very fun) Amsterdam Dance Event (October 19 to 23).
The big numbers: In news that will surprise absolutely no one, 100 percent of Amsterdammers said they could easily navigate the city on two wheels – making it the best place in the world for cyclists. One hundred percent! —Derek Robertson
6. Prague
What makes us great: Few capitals look so good, so it’s no surprise that Prague was voted the world’s third most beautiful city in this year’s Index. But it isn’t just a pretty face. Visitors are discovering an increasingly attractive quality of life, demonstrated by a huge number of galleries and museums, and quality, affordable dining all over the shop. Locals stress it’s easy to ‘get around on public transport’ too. For some peace and quiet, take their advice and get back to nature, notably at Divoká Šárka Valley, which you can reach without even having to leave the city.
Visit now because: Revamped public spaces have much to offer. The recently completed riverbank at Náplavka has been nominated for a prestigious architecture award. Downstream, leafy Střelecký ostrov island offers timeless views.
The big numbers: A good 90 percent percent of Praguers said their city was beautiful, and even more – 96 percent – said they rated the city’s public transport system. Trams, they rule, y’know. —David Creighton
7. Marrakech
What makes us great: Community, creativity and faith in the future have seen Marrakech come roaring out of the pandemic with a new lease of life. The city has long been famous as an international melting pot, but lockdown created space for local entrepreneurs to flex their muscles opening cool new boutiques like Moro and restaurants such as Mouton Noir. A new international storytelling festival greeted the city’s first post-pandemic visitors in February, while big players like La Mamounia are sporting sassy new looks and El Fenn launched the hottest Sunday music nights in town. No wonder visitors can’t wait to return.
Visit now because: Morocco’s cultural capital is thriving right now. Those sessions on El Fenn’s rooftop are not to be missed, while MACAAL and MCC Gallery host brilliant modern African art exhibitions.
The big numbers: Think of Marrakech and you’ve almost certainly got the city’s packed, buzzing medina in mind, so it’s no wonder the city ranked so highly for getting to know your neighbours (68 percent of respondents said this was easy – the highest in the world) and making new friends (70 percent). —Paula Hardy
8. Berlin
What makes us great: There is truly something for every kind of visitor in Berlin. The city’s infamous weekend-long parties are in full force, and when it comes to fine dining, the German capital has never been more minted. From revolutionary walking tours to cutting-edge contemporary art shows, smaller budgets are very well catered for (just 10 percent of respondents described the city as expensive, in fact, which is the lowest anywhere in the world). Relax at one of the city’s beloved spas, or get your heart pumping at an all-night rave in one of Berlin’s world-renowned clubs – you’ll go away reinvigorated either way.
Visit now because: Travelling within the city has never been cheaper: between June and August, a pass that covers trains, trams and buses will set you back just €9 per month.
The big numbers: When it comes to transport, in fact, Berliners consider themselves very, very fortunate indeed. An incredible 97 percent praised the city’s public transit system – the highest in any city in the world. —Nathan Ma
9. Montreal
What makes us great: There’s never been a more exciting time to visit Montreal. The city has bounced back post-pandemic, with a crop of new restaurants, bars and some seriously positive energy. Montreal’s awe-inspiring architecture, friendly vibes and legendary hospitality hasn’t changed – and that mix of European culture and Québécois joie de vivre is still alive and well – but you’ll discover fresh new stuff, whether it’s Michelin-calibre meals or mind-blowing budget food.
Visit now because: It’s prime festival season, with the whole city coming together to celebrate art and culture on every corner. We’re talking free concerts, waterfront festivals and a nightlife scene on steroids.
The big numbers: Montreal boasts solid results across the board: 93 percent of locals rate the city’s food and drink scene, while 82 percent praised its art and museums, and 80 percent said it’s easy to take a walk in nature. A true all-rounder. —Laura Osborne
10. Copenhagen
What makes us great: The Danish capital is much more than bakeries and hot people on bikes. Enjoy these (and then some) by enjoying the city on foot (something 86 percent of Copenhageners said is easy, according to our survey). Dip into markets like Torvehallerne, Broens Gadekøkken, Banegaarden and Reffen, before hiring an electric GoBoat and chatting to other amateur cruisers when you dock for a beer in the sun. Come evening, explore the city’s world-beating nightlife and stay out until late – this really is a city that likes to party (and all the more so post-Covid).
Visit now because: Few cities have embraced their waterways quite like Copenhagen. Hydrofoil bikes, floating saunas, jacuzzis and even kayak bars will all be giving CPH life this summer.
The big numbers: Copenhagen is still one of the world’s great green cities, ranking second in the world for sustainability (with 75 percent of positive responses), walkability (86 percent) and ease of getting around by bike (97 percent). —Alex Hayward
11. Cape Town
What makes us great: Good food, culture, mountains, beaches, nightlife – you can do it all in Cape Town. Few cities are better for outdoorsy types, what with all the excellent swimming spots, from Clifton and Camps Bay on the Atlantic side to Muizenberg and Simon’s Town on the Indian. Not to mention all the hiking opportunities offered up by the likes of Newlands Forest, Cecilia Forest and Kirstenbosch Garden (93 percent of locals described their city as beautiful, the second highest in the world, and for good reason). Head back into town, order a boerewors (hot dog) roll and you’ll basically be in heaven.
Visit now because: Cape Town nurtures theatre-making, and it shows. The city is known for its dance and experimental works – hit up the Baxter Theatre or Artscape.
The big numbers: Eighty-seven percent of those polled in Cape Town said it was easy to relax – more than anywhere else in the world. Meanwhile, 93 percent said they rated the city highly for the variety of things to do. —Yazeed Kamaldien
12. Madrid
What makes us great: Madrid isn’t how it used to be – very much in a good way. It’s just as fun and welcoming as it has been in years gone by, but each day, you’ll find more to do, see and – crucially – eat than ever before. No wonder a whopping 94 percent of people praised the Spanish capital for its food and drink. And with high-calibre museums including the Prado, the Reina Sofíaand the Thyssen-Bornemisza, it’s no surprise 95 percent of locals rate its art and culture, too.
Visit now because: Stroll through the recently renovated Plaza de España and dive into one of the area’s many brilliant restaurants (our fave is RavioXO by Michelin-star chef Dabiz Muñoz).
The big numbers: There’s never a dull moment in the Spanish capital – only 1 percent of Madrileños would describe their city as boring. And on top of those high food and culture ratings, 86 percent of locals say the city’s nightlife is excellent too. —Noelia Santos
13. Manchester
What makes us great: Voted the second friendliest city in the world this year, Manchester will always make you feel at home, with its ever-welcoming landscape of restaurants, bars and top-notch culture (feline-themed eateries Neon Tiger and Kitten are two formidable recent additions). A true melting pot, Manchester is a resilient, progressive city, appreciative of its history but always looking ahead. Right now we’re in amazing shape, with expanding neighbourhoods like Ancoats and Prestwich surely among the best and easiest places to live in the world.
Visit now because: Well, perhaps wait until early next year, when Factory, one of Europe’s biggest and most exciting new arts venues, opens its doors. Nearby, the Victorian Castlefield Viaduct will also be turned into the city’s very own highline-style park.
The big numbers: Despite losing the top spot to Glasgow, a huge proportion of Mancunians (74 percent) still vouch for their city’s friendliness. On the flipside, just 11 percent said they thought Manchester was a beautiful city – the lowest in the world. Come on, guys – where’s the love for Manny’s post-industrial chic? —Rob Martin
14. Mumbai
What makes us great: From the corporate giants to the glitzy film industry and the always-buzzing food and nightlife scenes, Mumbai offers a space for those who dream big. Pandemic or not, the city’s spirit is defined by the way its citizens bond in times of celebration as well as crisis. From helping those in need to creating opportunities for those who dare to try, this city attracts people like bees to honey. And the nightlife doesn’t just stop at the clubs – great food can be found 24/7, with a front row seat by the bay if you so wish.
Visit now because: Lately, the city seems smitten by Japanese flavours, with swanky new restaurants including Akina, Koishii, Wakai and, the current talk-of-the-town, Neuma by Bollywood stalwart Karan Johar.
The big numbers: Eighty-nine percent of locals rated Mumbai’s nightlife highly – the third best in the entire world. It was also third for community spirit (with 81 percent of positive responses) and scored very highly for its food and drink (94 percent). —Kasturi Gadge
15. Melbourne
What makes us great: Keeping up with the latest bar, café and restaurant openings in Melbourne has always felt like a sport – but now it’s reached Olympic levels. After two years of lockdowns, the Melbourne restaurant renaissance is blessing us with a plethora of bucket-list drinking and dining experiences. And it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say every corner of the state is currently lit up and illuminated with arts festivals. Think live music, outdoor installations and stunning semi-permanent exhibitions. Truly, the city has never felt more alive.
Visit now because: As Melbourne temperatures plummet, head inside cosy new venues like Otōto, Serai and Parcs – all mirroring a prominent culinary trend of charry, caramelised dishes made with a waste-not approach to produce.
The big numbers: That blizzard of new post-pandemic openings has certainly boosted Melbourne’s position in the Index. Of those surveyed, a staggering 92 percent said the city’s food and drink scene is currently on point. —Eliza Campbell
16. Taipei
What makes us great: We kept Covid out for more than two years without any lockdown – something that embodies Taiwan’s fantastic community spirit and resilience. Taipei is also Asia’s top queer destination, having legalised gay marriage in 2019. Transport is efficient and super-affordable and you’ll never go hungry, thanks to our night markets, stacked with sweet and savoury local treats. The messy urban landscape hides mysterious centuries-old temples, picnic-perfect parks and a Japanese-era police station with walk-in cell exhibits.
Visit now because: The pandemic taught subtropical Taipei the joy of partying outdoors, whether it’s a chilled craft beer from a riverside bar or a brand-new rooftop club with an astonishing citywide vista.
The big numbers: An impressive 86 percent of Taipei residents described their city as safe and 58 percent as sustainable, with 92 percent lauding its public transport system. —Dinah Gardner
17. London
What makes us great: London is properly fun again. While it’s true the cost-of-living crisis has seriously affected our ability to have a good time on the cheap, our city has a better vibe currently than you might reasonably expect. Having all of our free galleries and museums open up again (no need to book slots any more) was a great reminder of quite how democratised culture is here. Meanwhile, nightlife has experienced an unforeseen (by me, anyway) resurgence, with new club nights appearing, often jumping from venue to venue like glitter-and-baggie-strewn pop-ups. London gets a bad rap for catering exclusively to the moneyed and middle-aged, so it’s great to see something genuinely transgressive bubbling up again.
Visit now because: We’ve got All Points East and Field Day coming up in August. Two exceptionally fun, very credible, London festivals that take place in one of my favourite parks.
The big numbers: When it comes to the sheer amount of stuff to see and do, nowhere is better than London. Ninety-four percent of Londoners rate the city’s variety of things to do – the highest in the world – with the same proportion saying the arts scene here is particularly decent. —Joe Mackertich
18. Porto
What makes us great: Portuenses like few things better than a drink at the end of the day – especially if you manage to bag a table somewhere with views over the Douro River. The people of Portugal’s second city are also generally open-minded, albeit very particular about what they eat. Perhaps that’s why there are so many good restaurants in this city, serving everything from trad tripe dishes and sarrabulho porridge to avant-garde Michelin-star cuisine. Little wonder, in other words, that 96 percent of Porto locals rate the city’s food scene highly, according to this year’s Index. Bom apetite!
Visit now because: Two of the city’s most iconic restaurateurs have launched excellent new projects. Vasco Coelho Santos (owner of Euskalduna Studio) has opened a ‘slow fermentation’ bakery, while Ricardo Rodrigues (Fava Tonka, Terminal 4450) now runs a magical Mexican restaurant called La Dolorosa.
The big numbers: Aside from its extraordinary food and drink culture, Portugal’s second city was described as being pretty chill all-round. Seventy-five percent said it’s easy to relax in the city and 76 percent said it was easy to ‘express who you are’. —Mariana Morais Pinheiro
19. Lyon
What makes us great: Boy does Lyon look good. With its two major rivers, an immense urban park (with resident giraffes) and a new outdoor art gallery comprising 150 public murals, France’s second city is as attractive as they come. But it’s wine rather than water that flows through the city’s veins; the riverbanks are lined with floating bars and the city is sandwiched between the Rhône Valley and Beaujolais winegrowing regions (no doubt a contributing factor in a good 71 percent of locals saying they find their city relaxing). And ditch the car, why don’t you? Lyon has a whopping 540km of cycle lanes.
Visit now because: All sorts of incredible cultural events are hosted here year round, from concerts in Roman amphitheatres to the celebrated Fête des Lumières in winter. Stay for the food: artisanal food markets and new vegan restaurants are reinvigorating France’s gastronomic capital.
The big numbers: Lyonnais are famously proud of their own city and that’s certainly still the case in 2022. Ninety-five percent of residents tooted the horn of their city’s food and drink culture, while 88 percent described their city as beautiful. —Anna Richards
20. New York
What makes us great: New York feels more vibrant than ever. What could have destroyed the Big Apple over the past couple of years has just made it stronger – in fact, NYC was voted the most resilient city in the world this year. Our city has bounced back back with even more creative exhibitions and the best theatre we’ve seen in decades (we know, because NYC was also voted the third best in the world for art, culture and museums).
Visit now because: NYC’s rebirth has brought creativity to the forefront. At bars, you’ll find dedicated martini menus and more speakeasy concepts than you can handle. The fun and funk of roller discos is now at Rockefeller Center and Central Park. There are Pulitzer Prize-winning shows on Broadway and highly anticipated exhibition openings happening this year, from a Basquiat retrospective to an entire show on the Tudors at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The big numbers: NYC topped both of the ‘international’ categories in this year’s Index. It was far and away the most popular city that Time Out readers wanted to visit in 2022 and also the place the most people actually wanted to move. —Shaye Weaver
21. Buenos Aires
What makes us great: South America’s most culturally exciting city, Buenos Aires is a magnet for cocktail aficionados, gourmands and culture vultures, thanks to its abundance of award-winning bars and restaurants, and a buzzing arts scene with free museums, art galleries and cultural festivals that keep porteños (the Argentinian capital’s residents) entertained long into the night. Chacarita is BA’s latest foodie hub – order haute cuisine or ramen, a slice of muza pizza or Filipino tapas, a late-night Negroni or a Malbec round the clock. A wave of indoor and outdoor food-hall openings is also satisfying porteño appetites, including freshly refurbished Mercado de los Carruajes, Bocha by Narda Lepes at the Palermo polo grounds and Mercat Caballito.
Visit now because: While BA retains its title as the world’s meat mecca, a dynamic plant-based food movement is now in full swing. Hot veggie restaurant openings include Chui, Marti and Amador Cantina over the past year.
The big numbers: This city sure likes to go out. With 92 percent of locals raving about BA’s food and drink, 88 percent lauding its arts scene and 86 percent celebrating its nightlife, BA remains a resolutely buzzy place to be. —Sorrel Moseley-Williams
22. Birmingham
What makes us great: Diverse and dynamic, Birmingham never stands still. The host of this year’s Commonwealth Games takes gold when it comes to buzzing bars, Michelin-star restaurants, world-class museums, top shopping, meandering canals, green spaces, groundbreaking music, elite sport and vibrant culture. From the graffiti-strewn streets of Digbeth (once the stomping ground of the infamous Peaky Blinders), to the hive of creativity that is the Jewellery Quarter, this former workshop of the world has reinvented itself as a global city, where people of all cultures flock to thrive and flourish. ‘Mek yerself at home, bab,’ as the Brummies say.
Visit now because: The 2022 Commonwealth Games will herald a colourful collision of top-tier sport and diverse cultures, and Birmingham is banging it out the park with festivals, live performances and exciting cultural events.
The big numbers: A whopping 92 percent of Brummies described their city as diverse – the third highest in the world. Birmingham is also a great city for expressing who you are (78 percent said so) and ranks among the UK cities least likely to be described as expensive. —James Brennan
23. Stockholm
What makes us great: History oozes from the Swedish capital’s postcard-perfect cobbled medieval squares, spice-hued Art Deco apartment blocks, and former factories converted into music and arts venues. But Stockholm is also a fast-growing cosmopolitan metropolis with a strong economy and a vision for a high-tech eco-friendly future (little wonder it was the city most likely to be described as sustainable in this year’s Index). You can enjoy a rooftop cocktail, sample the latest fusion food trends or take one of the city’s public e-bikes for a spin. Or slow down with a waterfront stroll, a smooth ferry trip out to the archipelago or a picnic in one of Stockholm’s ample green spaces.
Visit now because: The co-owner of legendary Stockholm open-air club Trädgården has just launched Eden, a new alfresco DJs-and-dining concept in the Kungsholmen district. You can’t beat the view at the top of the 102-metre-high Sjöstaden Skybar, which opened at the top of the city’s latest glass-fronted landmark Sthlm 01 last year. Meanwhile, the new Avicii Experienceoffers an interactive exhibition that celebrates one of Sweden’s biggest music icons.
The big numbers: Seventy-eight percent of Stockholmers told us they considered their city sustainable – the highest in the world. It also came top for green space (with 95 percent saying they’ve got easy access) and was the city least likely to be described as dirty. —Maddy Savage
24. Tokyo
What makes us great: Tokyo is very much an all-rounder. Having the most Michelin stars in the world means it’s great for food and drink (something 91 percent of locals highlighted in this year’s survey). Plus, with its vibrant bar and nightlife scene, Tokyo will give you a serious case of out-out fomo. It came as no surprise to us that the city was named the second most popular travel destination for 2022, with 12 percent of all those surveyed saying the Japanese capital is number one on their bucket list.
Visit now because: Tokyo’s traditional yokocho (alleyways crammed with tiny restaurants and bars) culture is going through a renaissance, with the concept being reimagined as contemporary food halls – one of the city’s best even houses a small-batch gin distillery in a business-district skyscraper.
The big numbers: Tokyo’s public transport network might seem like a bit of a maze to outsiders, but it suits Tokyoites just fine – 94 percent said it’s easy to get around the city, the third best in the world. —Lim Chee Wah
25. San Francisco
What makes us great: After a long two years of closures, San Francisco is pretty much back to normal – it even has some upgrades, like an abundance of outdoor seating options built during the pandemic. Visiting SF not only means killer dining spots, from hole-in-the-wall joints to some of the best Michelin-star restaurants in the world, but also endless options for hiking, wine tasting, beach hangs, day trips and dispensary shopping. And with its reputation of being a welcoming place for all, it’s no surprise SF was voted the most progressive city in the world in this year’s survey (and also scored highly for ease of ’expressing who you are’).
Visit now because: Don’t miss brand-new national park destination, the Presidio Tunnel Tops, comprising 14 acres of parkland overlooking both the city and Golden Gate Bridge. The project opens on July 17.
The big numbers: Seventy-three percent of San Franciscans described their city progressive – more than anywhere else in the world. This was backed up by huge numbers also saying the Golden City has plenty of green space (83 percent said so) and that it’s easy to express who you are (also 83 percent). —Clara Hogan
This article was written by Huw Oliver for TimeOut. View the full list of cities on TimeOut.