Bangkok named the world’s best city by Condé Nast Traveller (they said it, not us)

Bangkok has been named the world’s best city in Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, scoring 97.68 out of 100 and beating some of the world’s most celebrated destinations.

And it’s quite the comeback. Bangkok didn’t make the magazine’s top 20 last year, when Tokyo, Japan, took first place. This year, the Thai capital has claimed the crown, with Paris in second place, followed by Istanbul, Rome, Valletta, Shanghai, Tokyo and Seoul.

But what makes Bangkok the best city in the world? Is it the fact that you can find a Michelin-recommended meal on one street and a ridiculously good plate of pad kra pao from a-hole-in-the wall on the next, without breaking the bank? The Grab bike riders you’d trust with your life? Or the 7-Eleven on practically every corner, ready with unlimited toasties, snacks and everything you need to satisfy those midnight cravings? 

Of course, Bangkok’s charm goes beyond its food and convenience stores. This is a city where golden temples stand alongside glass skyscrapers, rooftop bars overlook tangled streets, and a quick coffee can turn into an entire afternoon adventure. There’s always something happening, somewhere to go and something new to eat.

But it’s not all sunshine and smooth pavements. The traffic tests your patience, the heat can turn your mood in seconds, and the pavement you’re walking on can quite literally disappear without warning. Somehow, though, the city makes it work. Somewhere between the chaos and the convenience, Bangkok keeps you on your toes while making you feel right at home.

And perhaps that’s why Suvarnabhumi Airport’s departure escalator feels so particularly heartbreaking. There’s a reason it’s earned a reputation as one of the saddest escalators in the world.

The world’s 10 best cities in 2026, according to Condé Nast Traveller:

1. Bangkok, Thailand (97.68)
2. Paris, France (97.14)
3. Istanbul, Turkey (96.67)
4. Rome, Italy (95.96)
5. Valletta, Malta (95.76)
6. Shanghai, China (95.19)
7. Tokyo, Japan (94.76)
8. Seoul, South Korea (93.76)
9. Sydney, Australia (92.72)
10. Amsterdam, Netherlands (92.44)