In short:
Melbourne has been named the best city in the world for 2026 by Time Out, topping a global ranking based on surveys of 24,000 people and votes from city experts. The Victorian capital beat global heavyweights including London, New York and Tokyo thanks to its sport, food, culture and festivals.
Melbourne Ranked Best in World
Melbourne has been named the best city in the world for 2026, topping Time Out’s global Best Cities list in partnership with Intrepid Travel.
The ranking is based on insights from more than 24,000 people across 150 cities worldwide, combined with votes from more than 100 Time Out city experts and analysis from local writers about what makes each destination worth visiting right now.
Time Out says Melbourne stood out for its mix of world-class events, food, culture and neighbourhood charm.
The city’s major sporting calendar played a key role in the ranking, with events including the Australian Open, the Formula One Australian Grand Prix, the AFL Grand Final and the Boxing Day Test drawing global attention.
Melbourne’s culinary scene also helped secure the top spot, with Time Out highlighting how locals happily queue for cult burgers while also celebrating special occasions at restaurants that have served diners for more than a century.
Beyond food and sport, the city’s neighbourhood culture was singled out as a major strength.
Time Out pointed to Melbourne’s indie cinemas, rooftop bars, vinyl stores and quirky galleries, along with heritage-listed buildings, mural-covered laneways and world-class gardens along the Yarra River.
The opening of the Metro Tunnel was also highlighted as a major milestone, improving how residents and visitors move around the city.
Melbourne scored strongly in the survey results, particularly among younger residents.
Ninety-four percent of locals rated the food scene highly, while 92 percent praised the arts and culture offering and 77 percent recommended the nightlife.
The Victorian capital also ranked the third-best city globally for Gen Z to live in.
Time Out said the city’s festival calendar also makes it an ideal place to visit right now.
March features major events including the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
Later in the year, the National Gallery of Victoria will host a major Cartier exhibition, while spring will see the first regular season NFL game played in Australia when the San Francisco 49ers face the LA Rams at the MCG.
Rounding out the top ten cities for 2026 were Shanghai in second place, followed by Edinburgh, London, New York, Cape Town, Mexico City, Bangkok, Seoul and Tokyo.
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