This city is the best in the world - Melbourne Crowned the World's Best City for 2026 in Surprising Global Survey
Melbourne has been named the world's best city for 2026 in a new global survey. The Australian city topped the list after receiving high praise from younger residents across all measured categories. This year's rankings also highlight unexpected favourites, with no overlap from previous top-ten lists in the last five years.
Second place went to Shanghai, where affordability stood out as a key strength. A striking 90% of those surveyed found coffee or cinema tickets reasonably priced, while 88% said dining out remained budget-friendly. Edinburgh secured third, earning recognition for its food, culture, and green spaces, as well as being the most walkable city in the study.
London took fourth, with its arts and culture scene nearly unmatched—99% of participants rated it as 'good' or 'incredible'. New York City followed in fifth, with 78% of residents calling it 'the most exciting place in the world'. Cape Town ranked sixth, where 86% frequently described it as 'the most beautiful city in the world'.
Mexico City came seventh, with 85% of locals praising independent shops and producers. Bangkok claimed eighth, as over 80% reported enjoying daily interactions and experiences. Seoul sat in ninth, where 79% said the city made them happy. Tokyo rounded out the top ten, also proving popular among Generation Z, much like Melbourne.
Berlin was the only German entry in the top 50, placing 28th. The city tied with London as the second-most 'lively', celebrated for its vibrant culture and food scene.
The 2026 rankings reveal a shift in global preferences, with cities like Melbourne and Shanghai leading despite not appearing in previous top-ten lists. Each location earned its spot through distinct strengths, from affordability and walkability to cultural vibrancy and resident happiness. None of the top ten had featured in comparable rankings over the past five years.
