Top 10 Best Cities for Gen Z in the World in 2025

By Priyanka Roshan | August 14, 2025

[{"selector":"#anim-0312a99a-86ed-46f9-bbb6-d7d8a6dd1b73","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The world’s most exciting cities for Gen Z blend culture, affordability, nightlife, and green spaces. Time Out’s 2025 survey highlights where twenty-somethings thrive, live happily, and embrace vibrant urban lifestyles. Here are the best 10 cities for Gen Z in 2025. Image: Canva

1. Bangkok, Thailand

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2. Melbourne, Australia

[{"selector":"#anim-1cc6fac8-04e6-4693-933f-f89953a9047a","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-dd1cad14-4d25-44c2-97d5-288d3a95224f","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Diverse, inclusive, and arts-focused, Melbourne scores highly for culture, quality of life, and creativity. 91% of Gen Z call life here amazing. Image: Canva

3. Cape Town, South Africa

[{"selector":"#anim-76174989-8ebc-4753-ae80-46c6ee9f4ea1","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-12b05541-1008-4c66-943f-1def7e7b01a4","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Cape Town combines beauty, affordability, and adventure. Young people love beaches, nightlife, and exciting experiences in a city that inspires happiness. Image: Unsplash

4. New York City, USA

[{"selector":"#anim-a1c86fd1-2e40-45ef-8e4c-950727d481f2","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-c1df3eda-3ba6-4ee4-98a9-d37634e5cfe6","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The Big Apple impresses with excitement, nightlife, and walkability. Gen Z love exploring its urban energy and endless cultural opportunities. Image: Canva

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

[{"selector":"#anim-28aa5910-3ecd-4453-8d1d-28bc17fef808","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4a22aa5c-3ea3-436f-adfa-9320a9b814f7","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Copenhagen offers happiness, romance, and sustainable living. With green spaces, walkability, and clean streets, young people enjoy a balanced, modern lifestyle. Image: Canva

6. Barcelona, Spain

[{"selector":"#anim-2fa1a392-838b-432f-8724-15538b4ad11e","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-4e025247-c663-4b16-a6a1-340ac43ef771","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Barcelona is happy, inclusive, and culturally rich. Beaches, architecture, and vibrant nightlife make it a city where young people thrive socially. Image: Canva

7. Edinburgh, United Kingdom

[{"selector":"#anim-cc36b400-85f5-4828-b62e-fa78805b66fb","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-3067c7c1-82ff-43ff-bbd5-3ecfa1d81af0","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Edinburgh is perfect for nature and urban life. 95% of Gen Z enjoy green spaces, walkability, and historical charm in the city. Image: Unsplash

8. Mexico City, Mexico

[{"selector":"#anim-acf1f309-c669-4bc8-9c57-f5b4480c70b7","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-92dbd5a0-f311-4125-901b-0fb75890eed7","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Affordable, colorful, and lively, Mexico City delights Gen Z with nightlife, culture, and opportunities to socialize in a dynamic urban environment. Image: Unsplash

9. London, United Kingdom

[{"selector":"#anim-da0bc7cf-284b-4305-a3ab-0494a735d0eb","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-1b0cb6e1-8422-4eb1-9d5c-59ba7734e211","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] London excels in art, culture, and cuisine. Though expensive, it remains a magnet for ambitious Gen Z seeking creative inspiration and opportunities. Image: Canva

10. Shanghai, China

[{"selector":"#anim-2d400efe-57a7-47cd-b2e6-d4386bf88757","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-3ce4ea02-5822-423a-8d68-e35f8114b905","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Modern, connected, and efficient, Shanghai impresses Gen Z with top public transport, happiness levels, and urban opportunities in a fast-paced city. Image: Canva

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