No one knows a city better than the people who live there, which is why Time Out surveys city-dwellers from across the world every year to create its Time Out Index poll. This year it has compiled the data findings to rank the most exciting, on-trend cities in the world to visit in 2022. How many of these destinations have you yet to explore?
Istanbul has long been a favourite among travellers thanks to its beguiling mix of history, art, architecture and standout food. Culture vultures should head to the reopened Ataturk Cultural Center for opera, film and workshops; or take a stroll along the city's Galataport waterfront, which has been redeveloped and is home to many restaurants and cafés. The city will also get its first-ever Michelin Guide this year, with the initial restaurant selection unveiled on 11 October 2022.
Everything from cool clothing to organic produce can be found at Johannesburg's many excellent outdoor markets, and it's the city's newfound love for these spots that's placed it on the Time Out Index. Locals also love the city's diversity and lively nightlife.
COVID-19 restrictions left the citizens of Rio de Janeiro champing at the bit to get back onto the city's famous party scene – and now they can celebrate harder than ever thanks to a club industry that rejuvenated itself during the pandemic. The city scored highly for 'making new friends' thanks to its beach clubs, rooftop bars and street parties. Start practising your Samba now.
Auckland's culinary scene has been championing New Zealand’s Māori and Pacific heritage recently, and its use of native ingredients has caught the attention of foodies and secured its place as one of the world's most exciting gastronomic destinations. The city also scored highly for its natural beauty and adventurous experiences, such as volcano hiking.
Sydney is an enticing location with picturesque views of everything from national parklands and beaches to its iconic harbour and architecture. However, it’s the city's latest crop of eating and drinking complexes that have really caught the attention of Time Out, solidifying the Australian city’s place within its rankings.
The capital of the UAE is home to culture aplenty, with much-anticipated new museums including Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the National History Museum Abu Dhabi coming soon. The foodies among us also won’t be disappointed as the restaurant scene continues to experience a growth spurt. Plus, residents deem the city incredibly safe – music to any traveller's ears.
Singapore might be small, but it packs a big punch when it comes to culture. A host of exciting new restaurant openings are sure to get travellers salivating, while the city's thriving wellbeing movement is yet another reason to visit. The destination also ranks highly on safety and offers reliable public transport, making it ideal for solo travel.
If you’re looking for a good time, then Accra is the place to come. The Ghanian capital is home to a multitude of new and established club nights. Shake your tail feather at lively Afrobeat sessions, after dining on classic Ghanian dishes in one of the many traditional restaurants that celebrates seasonal cooking.
Movie-ready Los Angeles never fails to present residents and travellers with new reasons to visit, from hot new Mediterranean restaurants to cultural draws such as the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which opened last year and currently features an exhibition on pre-1970s Black cinema (running until 9 April, 2023).
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Few cities champion art, culture and history more than Italy's chic, ancient wonder-filled capital. The city's natural wine scene is also currently capturing the attention of residents and travellers alike – check out the new Vinificio in Testaccio to pick from more than 500 international labels. There’s so much on offer here, you'll be planning your next Roman trip before you even leave.
Impressive skyscrapers, futuristic museums, celebrity chef-owned restaurants, shopping malls and 5-star hotels all jostle for attention in glistening Dubai. While more obvious pastimes for tourists might include heading to the Burj – the world’s tallest building – or to one of the city's many infinity pools, don't miss a trip to the new Museum of the Future, with its hidden viewing deck.
We’ve all heard of Spain's famous sangria, but the innovative cocktail menus in Barcelona’s bars go way beyond the expected. Thanks to its sun-dappled beach, excellent nightlife, Catalan culture and great food scene, this city was voted one of the most desirable locations in the world to move to, according to Time Out's poll.
The Michelin Guide has arrived in Florida for the first time ever this year, gravitating towards the restaurants of Miami – making an already exciting dining destination even more desirable. When you're not eating, expect to enjoy the thrill of a city that’s known for its hedonistic nightlife and its many beaches – and expect even more buzz now that Miami is gearing up to host major sporting events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
São Paulo has long been a city that celebrates diversity, in everything from its cuisine to its clubs, and it also welcomes LGBTQ+ travellers with open arms. This year, São Paulo hosted the world’s largest Pride parade – that's a serious party.
Dublin might be famed for its lively pubs but it's the city's thriving food scene that has secured it a place on Time Out's rankings this year, with new Michelin-star restaurants including Liath and Variety Jones both must-visits. If you needed another reason to visit, more than 70% of residents said the city is friendly, too.
In Athens, ancient history exists alongside hip rooftop bars and street-art lined corners. The city is welcoming travellers and residents back to its vibrant social scene with free movie nights at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and new hotels such as The Modernist Athens. It’s the energy of this city, and its affordability, that helped this city make the list.
The Philippines capital bustles with art, culture, cocktail-filled rooftop bars and shiny shopping malls. After a difficult couple of pandemic years which saw tough restrictions for residents, Manila has swung the doors wide open to welcome (fully vaccinated) travellers back once more.
There’s a lot to get excited about when it comes to Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian city scored highly for eating and drinking, offering up an eclectic array of options, from fine dining restaurants featuring experimental menus to budget eats. Also worth noting is the up-and-coming arts scene, which is booming post-lockdown.
Culture hub Paris is becoming more diverse in its arty offering, with its feminist art movement piquing interests globally. However, it’s the buzzing nightclub scene that's capturing the attention of Paris' residents and visitors alike, earning it a place on this list.
Tel Aviv's residents know how to have a good time, and Time Out's index named it the second funnest city in the world. When they're not enjoying some of the city's excellent bars or tucking into mouth-watering Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, travellers can join free yoga sessions at Gordon Pool or on the marina, or visit the city's many pop-up shops, bars and art galleries.
It’s the sheer diversity of activities available in Mexico City that’s placed the Mexican capital on this year's ranking. With many new art galleries and museums to explore, live music events to join and a huge new aquarium launching soon, there's plenty to keep tourists busy in this vast city. Don't forget to wash it all down with a cocktail or two – the bar scene is also a highlight.
Visitors to cool Boston can expect vintage markets, tasty and unusual dishes from a thriving dining scene, as well as scenic boat tours and museums. More than 79% of respondents said this US city was walkable, too.
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With its many alfresco bars and restaurants, Lisbon is loved by residents and tourists alike for its delicious Portuguese cuisine, as well as for its party-loving night-time atmosphere. Recently, ‘hybrid venues’ have been cropping up offering guests the chance to have a bite and a boogie all in one place. If that isn't reason enough to pack your bags immediately, we don't know what is.
Toronto's friendly and progressive spirit, combined with its ever-evolving dining scene, is what clinched its place in Time Out’s ranking. A whopping 95% of Toronto residents described their city as diverse – the highest in the world.
Delhi has been full steam ahead in creating contemporary experiences in historical settings, so next time you visit, expect Sunday farmers' markets and creative cocktails served on bar rooftops, overlooking the city's incredible historic buildings. Travellers can also expect to get around on the best transport network in India.
The alluring outdoor spaces of San Francisco have enticed travellers for a while, more so now the city has recently opened a brand-new park, the 14-acre Presidio Tunnel Tops, with great views over the city. Travellers can expect to enjoy hiking, day trips to the beach and wine tasting from Frisco, plus the city's award-winning restaurants and progressive attitude offer even more reasons to visit.
If you’re looking for good food, Tokyo – which holds the most Michelin stars in the world – seems like a great choice. Its traditional yokocho – alleyways of small restaurants and bars – are evolving, with new food halls housing exciting options. While discovering this sprawling city might initially seem tricky, Tokyo's public transport network has been named the third best in the world.
It’s Stockholm’s care for its surroundings that makes the city an attractive place to visit in 2022. Hop on an e-bike in one of the world’s most sustainable cities and explore some of its green spaces from the ground, or check things out from above in one of the Swedish capital's sky bars. Electronic music fans must check out the new Avicii experience too.
Birmingham has long been a city that celebrates and embodies diversity, and the Commonwealth Games recently hosted there has shone a light on its many draws, from cultural festivals and music to shopping. There's certainly something for everyone in the City of a Thousand Trades.
You won’t ever get bored in Buenos Aires – 92% percent of locals rave about the city's food and drink, while 88% love its arts scene and 86% are fans of the nightlife. While meat might still be the order of the day in the city's many restaurants (and, more recently, food halls), there's a dynamic plant-based food movement currently building momentum too.
Since the pandemic restrictions have been lifted, New York City has really pulled out all the stops to draw visitors back in, with more exhibitions and theatre shows than ever before. The city also came out on top in the Time Out poll as the location most travellers want to visit this year.
France's gastronomic capital is getting a refresh of its culinary scene, with new vegan restaurants and food markets thrown into the mix in recent years. Also new for this year is an outdoor gallery with over 150 public murals.
Sit back with a glass of wine at one of Porto’s relaxed eateries overlooking the Douro River. It’s the food and drink culture that continues to make this Portuguese city a brilliant place for a short getaway. Whatever your taste buds, the expanding and experimental culinary scene can offer everything from Michelin-star restaurants to delicious budget bites.
London offers an incredible amount to see and do, from world-class theatre to live music, exhibitions and restaurants. Although some activities are on the expensive side, the English capital also comes up trumps when it comes to cheap and free things to do, offering free entry to many galleries and museums.
This Taiwanese city has used the past two years to improve its outdoor experiences – think rooftop clubs and riverside bars. It also ranks highly as a destination for LGBTQ+ travellers. Don't forget to check out the night markets for some tasty street food.
From its cosy new indoor bars and restaurants to its impressive array of arts festivals, live music and outdoor exhibitions, Melbourne's got it going on. Food and drink is a big source of pride for the city's residents, with 92% saying they are fans of the culinary and bar scene.
The home of Bollywood has always been abuzz with great restaurants and nightlife. Perhaps less expected is the avalanche of Japanese restaurants that have been making their way onto the culinary scene here.
Manchester’s neighbourhoods are expanding rapidly, making space for new restaurants and a vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere. There’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to upcoming developments, including Factory, Europe’s biggest arts venue; and the arrival of a highline-style park at the Victorian Castlefield Viaduct.
The Spanish capital charms with plenty of world-class museums, thrilling nightlife options and the recently renovated Plaza de España, which brims with great restaurants. And while there are many reasons why Madrid remains a European hotspot, art and culture are top of the list, with 95% of locals holding museums such as the Prado and the Reina Sofía in high esteem.
Cape Town has been nurturing its experimental drama and dance offering in recent years, making it a must-visit for theatre lovers. It's also an ideal spot for outdoor and adventure lovers, with an impressive range of beautiful swimming spots and forests for scenic hikes.
You must take to the water in Copenhagen – the Danish city has had a big push on sustainability and, as a result, you can see innovations such as hydrofoil bikes, floating saunas, kayak bars and Jacuzzis floating on its waterways. These unique urban experiences, plus lively nightlife, make it a top place to visit this year and beyond.
You'll want to tuck into some classic Montreal dishes here, regardless of your budget – the city has benefitted from a wave of new eateries and bars which include fine dining and street food offerings. In fact, it’s the culinary scene that’s secured Montreal a spot on the rankings. The city also scored highly on culture thanks to its many free concerts, outdoor festivals and art galleries.
It’s hard to list everything that Berlin has on offer because this historic city is thriving in many ways. For partygoers, try one of Berlin’s underground clubs. For those of you taking things at a slower pace, indulge in fine dining, walking tours and art shows, before taking a trip to one of the many high-end spas.
Peruse African art exhibitions and Moroccan craftsmanship thanks to Marrakech's buzzy art scene, which has boomed since the pandemic. It’s this, combined with the friendly atmosphere, that makes this vibrant Moroccan city such an exciting destination to visit.
Prague has long been a city of beauty, but its recent revamp has taken the urban landscape to new heights. The Czech capital has plenty of green spots, a renovated riverbank and easy-to-navigate public transport. There’s much to experience too whether you're a visitor or local, from art galleries and museums to modern and traditional dining.
Get on your bike and whizz your way around Amsterdam because the city’s focus on cycling has curated an urban landscape that’s easy to navigate. With its progressive social vibe, rich art world and some very exciting upcoming events, it's easy for any visitor to feel at home. Plus, the city is well known for its abundance of festivals, which are now back with full force after a brief COVID-19 hiatus.
While you may be expecting haggis when visiting a Scottish city, it's well worth exploring the meat-free options on offer in Glasgow. The city’s dining scene has recently experienced a growth spurt – including two new Michelin restaurants. It's also great for live music fans with a number of excellent venues across the city to suit every taste. In addition, Glaswegian hospitality has been ranked the friendliest in the world, so expect a warm welcome.
It’s the vibrant and friendly culture in Medellín that pushes this Colombian city high up the ranking. There are plenty of options for visitors looking to dive into the nightlife here, before retreating into one of the many boutique hotels that celebrate Colombian craftsmanship. Plus, with good weather all year round, there's never a bad time of year to visit.
Many famous restaurants reside in Chicago, attracting plenty of foodies, and new Michelin star additions this year mean this city has even more to shout about. Aside from dining, there's a rich art world to discover and, of course, scenic views of Lake Michigan.
It’s Edinburgh’s walkability and scenic landscapes, as well as the historic architecture, that’s secured it the top spot on Time Out’s list. This progressive city is forward-thinking when it comes to eating and drinking, with a host of innovative new eateries to check out. Plus, the city scores highly when it comes to arts, comedy and culture thanks to its famous Fringe. What's not to love here?