The British-founded culture and lifestyle magazine Time Out released its annual list of the 50 best cities in the world on March 11, with Shanghai ranking second overall and first among Asian cities.

Founded in 1968, Time Out is a renowned guide to urban life. This year marks the 10th anniversary of its best cities list, which has evolved into a definitive look at where people most want to live, work, and explore.

A city built for living

Unlike traditional rankings that focus mainly on economic scale or business influence, this list is based on the real experiences of residents. The ranking draws on 44 indicators, including food, nightlife, culture, affordability, happiness, and overall quality of life.

The 2026 results came from a survey of more than 24,000 people across 150 cities, combined with votes from over 100 experts. In other words, the ranking is designed to measure not which city is the most powerful, but which residents and experts feel is the best to live in and visit.

Shanghai has steadily climbed up the list in recent years, rising from 17th in 2021 to ninth in 2025, and now to second place this year. The upward trend suggests that the city's international appeal is growing as it focuses more on the everyday experiences of its people.

Where history meets the future

Time Out describes Shanghai as a city "rooted in history but always sprinting toward the next thing". Walking down a single street, you might see historic architecture right next to futuristic "cross-disciplinary projects".

Examples cited by the magazine include director Wong Kar-wai and Prada's cinematic restaurant Mi Shang Prada Rong Zhai, as well as the first China outposts of cult overseas brands such as Kyoto's ramen brand Kiramekino Mirai, Seoul's fashion label Ader Error, and Sydney's Meraki Coffee.

Shanghai's coffee culture also stands out. Time Out notes that the city's claim to having the most cafes in the world is very real, with specialty cafes on almost every block and constantly pushing new ideas in drinks and hospitality.

High quality at an affordable price

Another highlight is that Shanghai received the highest overall score for affordability in this year's ranking. According to the survey, 88 percent of local respondents find it affordable to eat out at restaurants, while 90 percent feel the same about grabbing a coffee and going to the cinema.

The city is also one of the most cycling-friendly cities on the list, with 78 percent of locals saying it is easy to get around by bicycle.

A global window to China

International accessibility also played a major role in Shanghai's high ranking. With China's sustained efforts to expand visa-free policies and facilitate inbound travel, visiting has become easier for global travelers.

At the same time, social media is helping reshape overseas perceptions of China. As more foreign visitors and bloggers share their experiences of urban transport, digital payments, and everyday life, curiosity about the country's culture, cities, and innovation is growing. As the magazine notes, "China is having a clear soft-power moment … and Shanghai sits right at the center of this shift."

The new global standard

This year's list was topped by Melbourne, with Edinburgh in third place. The rest of the top 10 included London, New York, Cape Town, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Shanghai's performance reflects a shift in how global cities are evaluated. While economic strength still matters, the focus is increasingly moving toward culture, street-level vitality, and life satisfaction. For Shanghai to be recognized as the second best city in the world is a testament to its vibrant, welcoming, and ever-changing spirit.

Sources: Shanghai Observer, Time Out