British media group Time Out has released its annual list of the world’s best cities for 2026, and Melbourne, Australia, has claimed the top spot. The survey, which gathered responses from 24,000 people across 150 cities, highlights a strong showing for Asia-Pacific destinations, with five of the top 10 located in the region.
Here is the full top 10 list according to Time Out:
- Melbourne, Australia
- Shanghai, China
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- London, England
- New York, United States
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Seoul, South Korea
- Tokyo, Japan
CNN Travel notes that Melbourne is a global food and drink powerhouse with easy access to nature, while Shanghai offers an exhilarating urban experience coupled with China’s high-speed rail network. Edinburgh is praised for its rich history, from medieval Old Town to Georgian New Town.
In other travel news, the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran has caused major disruptions to air travel across the Gulf region, with airspace closures and skyrocketing private jet prices. Travelers are advised to check safety considerations, fuel shortages, and flight booking timelines before planning trips.
On a more positive note, the Menai Strait Bridge in Wales celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2026. When it opened in 1826, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, thanks to the innovative engineering of Thomas Telford. The bridge remains in use today.
Additionally, CNN’s aviation expert Richard Quest has shared his personal list of the top five passenger aircraft of all time, spanning from the BAC 1-11 to the Airbus A380 superjumbo.
