In compiling this year's list, Time Out used two data sources. First, more than 18,500 people around the world were surveyed about culture in their city. Each city was then ranked according to how locals rated the quality and affordability of its culture scene.
They were also asked about the cultural venues, events and festivals they love the most in their hometown. This data was then combined with scores from a panel of Time Out culture experts – Time Out’s global network of city editors and culture experts – who voted for their favourite destinations. To ensure the list reflects cultural cities globally, only the highest-scoring cities for each country were included on the longlist.
Grace Beard, Travel Editor at Time Out, said: “Time Out’s annual ranking of the world’s best cities for culture is the definitive travel guide for those seeking a cultural city break where experiencing art in all its forms is affordable and accessible. Informed by the insights of 18,500 city-dwellers and a panel of Time Out experts, this list reflects the global destinations where art and culture isn’t confined to mammoth museums and major arts venues (though there are plenty of those).
“Think pop-up festivals in unlikely locations, late-night museum parties, and a new class of creatives pushing the boundaries of performing arts. Each of these 20 cities has a lively programme of cultural events alongside legacy institutions for the arts – that’s why they’re the cultural capitals of today.”
Take a look through our gallery to see the top 10 of Time Out’s Best Cities for Culture in 2025 – and find the full list of 20 here: timeout.com/travel/worlds-best-cities-for-culture
5. 4. Mexico City, Mexico
Time Out says: Mexico City blends old and new like nowhere else, with free festivals filling up the calendar almost every weekend, alongside long-standing traditions like Dia De Los Muertos. From Museums Month to the Open House fiesta in May, plus contemporary dance at UNAM and the Zócalo Book Fair in October, CDMX is a culture lover’s dream. Photo: Pixabay
6. 5. Sydney, Australia
Time Out says: Sydney might be well known for its harbours and beaches, but it also has a thriving arts scene, featuring everything from world-class exhibitions, dazzling musicals and blockbuster exhibitions to drag shows on bartops and indie theatre in pub basements - all of which impressed Time Out’s culture experts, who gave it top marks alongside Paris. The Sydney Theatre Company was the birthplace of the current Broadway hit The Picture of Dorian Gray, whilst smaller, indie venues like the Old Fitz are busy producing the next generation. Photo: Pixabay
7. 6. Barcelona, Spain
Time Out says: Barcelona’s culture scene is vibrant and loud, featuring festivals with a global audience like Sónar and Primavera Sound to intimate performances at smaller venues like the recently revived El Molino. Whilst only 50% of respondents said the culture scene was always affordable, there are a number of inspiring free cultural events year-round, including free-to-enter galleries like Chiquita Room, Bombon Projects and FUGA and events like Llum BCN, the 48H Open House and Architecture Weeks. Photo: Pixabay
8. 7. Chicago, USA
Time Out says: Chicago’s skyline is iconic, but its streets are where the real art show happens. From ART on the MART’s dazzling building projections to Carmen Winant’s moving montages in bus shelters and on newsstands, as part of the Public Art Fund, the city itself becomes the canvas. Music festivals take on all shapes and sizes in the city, from neighbourhood hangouts to the world-famous Lollapalooza. Photo: Pixabay