Only one Canadian city ranked among the best places for Gen Z to live

The world’s best cities aren’t just destinations for groundbreaking art, world-class restaurants, lively nightlife and beautiful parks—they’re also great places to live.

But what makes a city truly liveable can look very different depending on your generation.

Time Out’s annual ranking of the world’s best cities draws on a global survey of people living in cities around the world, evaluating what makes each destination exciting, accessible, enjoyable and a great place to call home. While some qualities—like reliable public transit, beautiful scenery and plenty of things to do—appeal to almost everyone, priorities can shift significantly among different generations.

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To create Time Out’s Best Cities for Gen Z, in partnership with Intrepid Travel, we looked at responses from our 2026 global survey specifically from people under 30. The ranking features the highest-scoring city in each country, highlighting the places that young people say offer the best combination of lifestyle, culture and liveability.

For many Gen Zers, staying active is a major priority—so it’s no surprise that walkability and access to nature can play an important role in a city’s overall liveability. Having plenty of exciting things to do matters, too, but so does affordability. And when it comes to building a social life, being able to meet new people can be just as important as having great bars, restaurants and cultural venues to meet them in.

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What are the world’s best cities for Gen Z in 2026?

Check out Time Out’s ranking of the best cities in the world for Gen Z to live in, based on what young people themselves had to say about life in their cities.

1. Tokyo, Japan — The No. 1 city for Gen Z, praised for its walkability, excellent public transit, culture, nightlife and everyday happiness.

2. Porto, Portugal — A beautiful, community-minded city with beaches, gardens, culture and relatively affordable dining and entertainment.

3. Melbourne, Australia — A cultural powerhouse with an exceptional food scene, live music, arts, green spaces and a strong student community.

4. Edinburgh, Scotland — Walkable, green and packed with culture, with its distinctive nightlife helping it stand out for younger residents.

5. Shanghai, China — Highly social and increasingly focused on creating affordable, youth-friendly spaces, with strong scores for happiness and accessibility.

6. New York, USA — A perennial favourite for young people, thanks to its walkability, culture, nightlife and seemingly endless opportunities.

7. Copenhagen, Denmark — A bike-friendly, outdoorsy city where Gen Z respondents particularly praised ease of getting around and overall happiness.

8. Berlin, Germany — Known for its creative communities, nightlife, art scene and abundance of spaces where young people can connect.

9. Valencia, Spain — Sunny, social and relatively affordable, with free cultural activities, outdoor meetups and easy access to nature.

10. Bangkok, Thailand — A vibrant creative hub combining excellent food and nightlife with affordable living and a growing wellness scene.

11. Naples, Italy — A youthful, community-focused city with affordable food, lively culture and nightlife, plus a relatively low cost of living.

12. Cape Town, South Africa — An outdoorsy favourite, with easy access to nature, hiking, beaches, wine country, arts and culture.

13. Kraków, Poland — A major student city with strong walkability, affordable nightlife, cultural attractions and plenty of opportunities to meet people.

14. Seoul, South Korea — The ranking’s most walkable city, combining vibrant neighbourhoods and cafés with palaces, galleries and abundant green space.

15. Paris, France — A cultural and culinary heavyweight where Gen Z respondents praised its restaurants, nightlife and lively atmosphere.

16. Athens, Greece — An outdoor-oriented city with affordable socialising, a creative scene, beaches and easy access to hiking.

17. Mexico City, Mexico — A Gen Z favourite for nightlife, affordable culture, green spaces and a strong sense of everyday happiness.

18. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — A city built around beach culture, outdoor activities, wellness, music and socialising.

19. Vancouver, Canada — Canada’s only city on the list, recognised for its spectacular nature, green spaces, public transit and abundance of budget-friendly things to do.

20. Vienna, Austria — A city offering strong quality of life, affordable cultural experiences, café culture and a welcoming community feel.

Vancouver was the only Canadian city to make the 2026 list, coming in at No. 19 overall. The city’s mountains, beaches and parks were highlighted, as well as its public transit and budget-friendly activities. 

Eighty-one percent of Gen Z respondents praised Vancouver’s green spaces, while the same percentage said they find joy in everyday experiences.