Time Out lists the ‘world’s best’ cities for 2021 | CNN (2024)

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Francesca Street, CNN

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Updated 12:06 PM EDT, Mon September 20, 2021

Time Out lists the ‘world’s best’ cities for 2021 | CNN (1)

The world's best cities: Time Out surveyed city residents from across the world to put together its 2021 round-up of the world's best urban hubs. Tokyo, Japan came in at number 10. Pictured here: people visiting Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo, Japan in August 2021.

Time Out lists the ‘world’s best’ cities for 2021 | CNN (2)

9. Porto, Portugal: The coastal city of Porto in Portugal gained a spot in the top 10 thanks to its friendly vibe, according to Time Out. Pictured here: the city's Dom Luís I Bridge

Time Out lists the ‘world’s best’ cities for 2021 | CNN (3)

8. Tel Aviv, Israel: The city of Tel Aviv is number eight on Time Out's list. Pictured here: Dizengoff Square in March 2021.

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7. Prague, Czech Republic: The eastern European city of Prague was also crowned the most beautiful in the world, says Time Out. Pictured here: people drinking on a terrace in the city in May 2021.

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6. Montreal, Canada: Residents surveyed said Montreal was a city in which it was "easy to express who you are." Pictured here: the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood of Montreal in May 2021.

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5. New York, USA: New York was commended for its resilience by Time Out and was also named the "most exciting" city in the world. Pictured here: the Manhattan skyline from the Edge viewing deck in June 2021.

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4. Copenhagen, Denmark: The Danish city of Copenhagen was praised for being an easy city to relax in. Pictured here: the Nyhavn, a 17th-century waterfront, canal and tourist attraction in Copenhagen in June 2021.

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3. Manchester, UK: The northern English city of Manchester was ranked best for "community spirit" and praised for its friendly vibe. Pictured here: customers outside the city's Velvet Hotel in April 2021.

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2. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Known for its bike paths and canals, Amsterdam was praised for its sustainability and green space. Pictured here: Amsterdam canals in August 2021.

Time Out lists the ‘world’s best’ cities for 2021 | CNN (10)

1. San Francisco, USA: San Francisco's response to the pandemic was one of the reasons the city was crowned the best in the world by Time Out. Pictured here: Social distancing in San Francisco in May 2020.

Photos: Time Out lists the 'world's best' cities for 2021

CNN

It was already world-famous thanks to its striking red-hued bridge, drool-worthy restaurant scene and booming tech industry – and now San Francisco has been crowned the “world’s best” city, according to Time Out.

The international media brand deployed its network of editors from across the world – as well as surveying some 27,000 global city dwellers – to narrow down its list of the best cities on the planet.

Each city’s nightlife, restaurants and cultural highlights were considered, as well as the city’s sense of community, which in the wake of Covid-19 is perhaps more important than ever.

Cities’ environmental initiatives were also examined, as well as their commitment to activism, and general friendliness.

Time Out says San Francisco’s “unbeatable combination of progressiveness, acceptance and sustainability” clinched it the top spot.

Community spirit

San Francisco was also applauded by Time Out for its response to the pandemic, and for boasting one of the highest vaccination rates in the US.

Even amid strict shutdowns, San Franciscans found ways to support one another, says Time Out, recalling when residents hung sourdough starters from telephone poles for neighbors to pick up.

The city’s pivot to outdoor dining in the wake of the pandemic is set to remain permanent – and this was also praised by Time Out, who said the result is the city’s streets resembling “one big outdoor party.”

The city’s green spaces were also commended, as was its equality-focused embrace of the cannabis industry.

“This year’s list of the best cities in the world shines a spotlight on cities that adapted during a time where the key factors that make these metropolises the place to be – fun, culture and socializing – were largely off the table,” said Caroline McGinn, Time Out’s global editor in chief, in a statement.

“You’d think a pandemic might defeat the point of living in a city, but the results show that community spirit is higher than ever, people are supporting each other as well as local business and initiatives, and many of us are even having some fun.”

The Dutch metropolis of Amsterdam, the northern English city of Manchester, the Danish cycling haven of Copenhagen and the cultural hub of New York City round out the top five on Time Out’s list.

Check out the top 10 below and explore Time Out’s full list of its top cities for 2021 here.

The world's 'coolest' street revealed by Time Out

Time Out’s top 10 coolest cities

1. San Francisco, California, USA

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

3. Manchester, UK

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

5. New York, USA

6. Montreal, Canada

7. Prague, Czech Republic

8. Tel Aviv, Israel

9. Porto, Portugal

10. Tokyo, Japan

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Time Out lists the ‘world’s best’ cities for 2021 | CNN (2024)
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