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There’s nothing better than the buzz and excitement of a busy city!
Cities serve an important role as the cultural heart of a country, offering everything from world-class museums to high-octane nightlife and incredible dining experiences.

But not all cities are created equal. The best cities are safe to explore solo, easy to navigate, and packed full of fun things to see and do.
So which cities are the best cities?
Timeout has conducted extensive research and found that these are the top 5 cities to visit in 2025. Some of these choices may surprise you!
5. London
In 5th place is London, a place I lived and loved for decades.
It’s no surprise to see London listed as one of the best cities to visit in 2025.

Of course, London’s main attractions need no real introduction.
If you’re a first-time visitor, then you’ll have to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, take a river cruise along the River Thames, and pose for pictures in front of Big Ben.
There’s no shortage of iconic cultural and historical attractions here, either.
Why not see the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London? Tickets cost £34.80 ($42.35) per person.
Many of the city's best museums and galleries are free to enter, including the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the National Gallery.

But actually, it’s the smaller details that make London such a unique and special city.
Visit one of the Royal parks to enjoy green space and some people watching.
Or embrace the city’s excellent pub culture.
The nightlife in London is worth taking time out for, too: head east to Hackney, where the Colour Factory is considered one of the city’s best nightclubs.
4. Melbourne
It will take a very long flight to visit the city that took 4th place on this list: Melbourne, Australia.
Melbourne might not be the official capital city of Australia, but it is considered the country’s cultural and culinary capital. And an amazing place to visit!

Some of the top attractions in the city include the beauty of the Victoria Botanical Gardens and the fascinating history in the Melbourne Museum.
If you’ve never visited Melbourne before, then book tickets for the Melbourne Skydeck.
This gives amazing panoramic views of the city, helping you to appreciate its scale. Tickets cost AUS$30.60 ($18.94) per person.
At the top of the building, you’ll find Bar 88, which is a great place to stop for their signature cocktails.
You’ll immediately notice that Melbourne is bursting with attractions for all ages, from zoos to chic street cafes. This is a great destination for multigenerational exploration.
3. New York
Closer to home and taking the 3rd place position is New York, New York: So good they named it twice!
As the highest-rated city in the U.S, New York is an incredibly busy and often overwhelming city. 78% of New Yorkers currently consider New York the most exciting city on the planet, which is no small compliment.
Like London, if you’re visiting New York for the first time, then there are some well-known and iconic attractions that you shouldn’t miss out on.
These include visiting the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and strolling around Central Park.

If you’re interested in art then the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) is widely considered one of the best modern art museums in the world (and my first stop on my first visit to NYC!).
Ready for something to eat? Head to Chinatown! This is one of the largest, original Chinatowns in America and is packed full of amazing restaurants and bars, creating a bustling nightlife scene.
2. Bangkok
The most affordable of the destinations on this list sits in 2nd place: Bangkok, Thailand.
Bangkok is widely considered one of the friendliest cities in the world (no surprise in a country called the ‘land of smiles’), and it ranks highly on safety lists, too.
Bangkok is a bustling, 24-hour city, but the best time to explore this metropolis is at night. Make the most of the city by exploring its vibrant street life and visiting its incredible night markets.

Bangkok has a lot to offer to culture vultures too, thanks to its abundance of Buddhist temples.
Visit Wat Phra Chetuphon or Wat Pho Temple with an enormous reclining Buddha. And don’t miss the opulent and golden Grand Palace.
You can experience these temples from a whole new perspective by taking a Cruise along the Chao Phraya River. You can book this with Bangkok River Cruise, with prices starting from B769.15 ($22.41) per person.
1. Cape Town
Finally, and perhaps surprisingly, the number one city in the world to visit in 2025 is Cape Town.
What makes Cape Town such an incredible city to visit is, ironically, that it isn’t a conventional city. As well as offering museums, cultural attractions, and excellent nightlife vibes (like almost all cities), Cape Town is also surrounded by outstanding natural attractions.

Cape Town boasts its own Blue Flag beaches so you can combine a morning in the city with an afternoon by the shore.
Don't miss Boulders Beach, which has its own colony of African penguins, one of only a few in the world.
Table Mountain provides a stunning backdrop to Cape Town and is also easily accessible from the city. This is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and provides incredible views of the city.
Back in the heart of the city, you can visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, wander along the V&A waterfront, or visit the fascinating District Six Museum.
This is a somber museum dedicated to the memories of District Six and other communities affected by forced removals. Entry costs R60 ($3.20) per person.
Interested in learning more about South African history? Why not take a boat ride to Robben Island, the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela?
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.