Introduction

Time Out, a renowned global magazine, collaborated with research firm Potentia Insight to survey 20,000 city dwellers worldwide, as well as its network of editors, to compile its most recent round-up of the best cities in the world in terms of food, drink, art galleries, museums, live music, theatres, nightlife, green spaces, architecture, the happiness of locals, and community vibes (Beard et al., 2024; Street, 2024). Time Out’s annual ranking of the world’s best cities aims to inspire travel and provide a global snapshot of city living (Bloom, 2024; Street, 2024). Four UK cities made the top 50 this year: London (4), Liverpool (7), Manchester (15), and Glasgow (30).

Rank #4: London

It is no surprise that London has again been named one of the world’s best urban hubs. London has just been placed fourth in Time Out’s list of the world’s best cities for 2024, after only New York, Cape Town, and Berlin. London offers so much cultural richness, so many fantastic restaurants, fabulous bars, must-see museums and galleries, massive parks, and cutting-edge nightclubs. Despite the misery and rain, 94% of Londoners expressed happiness, and 95% thought the city was beautiful (Beard et al., 2024).

Universities in London: Imperial College London, University College London, King’s College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, Queen Mary University of London, City, University of London, and Brunel University London.

Rank #7: Liverpool

Aside from Beatles tours and football matches, Liverpool is a city that never sleeps, offering plenty of possibilities for late evenings with the best DJs and dive bars and daylight with Michelin-starred restaurants, art, and music events like Eurovision. Liverpool received an 89% rating for the affordability of its cultural scene, making it the least expensive city on the list for art and culture (Beard et al., 2024).

Universities in Liverpool: The University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Hope University, and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

Rank #15: Manchester

Manchester shines due to its dynamic blend of history, culture, sports, and entertainment. It has numerous amazing bands, two world-conquering football teams and one world boxing champ. Moreover, Manchester has world-class food, a vibrant club scene, and live comedy shows, among other things. 96% of Mancunians reported that clubbing and comedy make them happy (Beard et al., 2024).

Universities in Manchester: The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Salford, and the University of Bolton.

Rank #30: Glasgow

Glasgow, unlike any other city, thrives on the spirit of its people, the Glaswegians. Glasgow’s identity and sense of community are deeply ingrained in its soul, and no newcomer is left out. Glasgow scored 92% for food quality and the happiness of the locals (Beard et al., 2024).

Universities in Glasgow: The University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde, and Glasgow Caledonian University.

The complete list of Time Out’s 50 best cities in 2024

1. New York City

2. Cape Town

3. Berlin

4. London

5. Madrid

6. Mexico City

7. Liverpool

8. Tokyo

9. Rome

10. Porto

11. Paris

12. Mumbai

13. Lisbon

14. Chicago

15. Manchester

16. Sao Paulo

17. Los Angeles

18. Amsterdam

19. Lagos

20. Melbourne

21. Naples

22. Singapore

23. Miami

24. Bangkok

25. Lima

26. Budapest

27. Beijing

28. Dubai

29. Montreal

30. Glasgow

31. Sydney

32. Buenos Aires

33. Kuala Lumpur

34. Manila

35. Seoul

36. Hanoi

37. San Francisco

38. Barcelona

39. Abu Dhabi

40. New Orleans

41. Philadelphia

42. Austin

43. Boston

44. Accra

45. Marseille

46. Taipei

47. Istanbul

48. Osaka

49. Hong Kong

50. Vancouver

Source: Beard et al. (2024).

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References:

Beard, G. et al. (2024) ‘The 50 best cities in the world in 2024’, Time Out, 23 January. Available at: https://www.timeout.com/things-to-do/best-cities-in-the-world (Accessed: 3 February 2024).

Bloom, L. B. (2024) ‘Ranked: The 20 best cities in the world, according to Time Out’, Forbes, 23 January. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2024/01/23/ranked-the-20-best-cities-in-the-world-according-to-time-out/ (Accessed: 3 February 2024).

Cunningham, E. (2024) ‘London is officially one of Time Out’s best cities in the world right now’, Time Out, 23 January. Available at: https://www.timeout.com/london/news/london-is-officially-one-of-time-outs-best-cities-in-the-world-right-now-012324 (Accessed: 3 February 2024).

Street, F. (2024) ‘Time Out reveals world’s best cities for 2024’, CNN Travel, 23 January. Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/23/travel/time-out-reveals-worlds-best-cities-for-2024/index.html (Accessed: 3 February 2024).