Time Out has released its World’s Best Cities for Culture in 2025 list, with Paris, Florence, Edinburgh, Mexico City and Sydney featuring in the top five.

To compile the 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.

Sydney took out fifth place on the annual list.

Time Out's editors said: "Sydney might be well known for its harbours and beaches, but it also has a thriving arts scene, featuring everything from world-class exhibitions and dazzling musicals 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."

Time Out Travel Editor Grace Beard 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 program of cultural events alongside legacy institutions for the arts – that’s why they’re the cultural capitals of today.”

The top 20

1. Paris, France

2. Florence, Italy

3. Edinburgh, UK

4. Mexico City, Mexico

5. Sydney, Australia

6. Barcelona, Spain

7. Chicago, United States

8. Lisbon, Portugal

9. Hanoi, Vietnam

10. Cape Town, South Africa

11. Beijing, China

12. Tblisi, Georgia

13. Jakarta, Indonesia

14. Delhi, India

15. Medellin, Colombia

16. Amsterdam, Netherlands

17. Marrakech, Morocco

18. Vienna, Austria

19. Prague, Czech Republic

20. Abu Dhabi, UAE