The best city on the earth continues to be only the second best.
Power rankings firm Resonance Consultancy just released its 2026 World’s Best Cities Report, and while London took the highest spot for the eleventh consecutive 12 months, Latest York City moved into the No. 2 spot this 12 months.
The report dubbed NYC “the perpetual heartbeat of America” and said that its “refusal to play by anyone’s script stays its best asset.”
Gotham’s “ongoing investment in its cultural economy, massive urban infrastructure projects and global infatuation despite current politics” was cited as a fundamental feature in landing the town in second place.
As expected, tourism is essential to Latest York City, with nearly 65 million visitors in 2024 and about 64.1 million expected in 2025, particularly as domestic travel to Brooklyn and other outer-borough attractions compete for interest. This accounts for over $70 billion in revenue by the town’s accounting.
A spike in tourism can also be expected next 12 months, with the FIFA World Cup final coming to MetLife Stadium and the Sail4th 250 celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial.
Plus, the NYC airports’ latest capability and ecosystem have cemented its spot as No. 2 in the worldwide rating for connectivity. JFK’s $19 billion Latest Terminal One program is anticipated to see a partial debut in mid-2026 with the primary 14 gates.
On street level, the congestion pricing rollout in early 2025 immediately cut moving traffic south of sixtieth Street with a double-digit drop in cars. It also helped increase bus travel time and delivered funding for the MTA’s $68.4-billion capital program.
The ever-changing skyline shines a lightweight on the town’s upgrades. JP Morgan Chase’s 1,388-foot headquarters now towers over Park Avenue, and Brookfield’s Two Manhattan West has filled out its eight-acre campus.
More significant, nevertheless, is the town’s many office-to-residential conversions. For instance, the previous Pfizer headquarters in Midtown is transforming right into a Nexus with 1,602 units. As much as 1,250 mixed-income homes will take over 5 Times Square later this 12 months, and Hudson Yards’ next journey has pivoted away from a casino and toward more housing, parkland and offices.
In fact, the culture in Latest York City has “rarely been hotter” — rating second place in Resonance Consultancy’s Theaters & Concert events subcategory and rating within the Top 5 Museums.
“We’re pleased that Latest York City is included on Resonance’s 2025 World’s Best Cities list,” Julie Coker, NYC Tourism + Conventions President and CEO, said in a press release.
“This recognition is a testament to NYC’s unmatched energy, cultural vibrancy and world-class experiences across the five boroughs that keep us firmly positioned as a must-visit global destination.
Naturally, Latest Yorkers complained on social media that the town got here in second place, believing it truly is the No. 1 best city on the earth.
“Moved to London from NYC 4 months ago … can confirm NYC continues to be #1,” someone commented on Secret NYC’s Instagram post.
London in #1? Did I read that right? No offense, but there isn’t a way!!!” one other questioned.
“London just isn’t higher than NYC, sorry,” one declared.
“Rats in NYC are cooler,” a user quipped.
