Time Out Ranks World's 20 Best Cultural Cities, Including Paris and Jakarta

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -  Paris has been crowned the best cultural city in the world, according to a recent survey by Time Out. The recognition extends beyond the city's famous museums and historic landmarks, acknowledging a vibrant cultural landscape accessible to the public through affordable and engaging events.

The list, which includes 20 cities from across Europe, Asia, and Africa, highlights destinations where art in all its forms thrives and is within reach for locals and visitors alike.

The ranking is based on responses from 18,500 residents across various cities, who were asked about the quality and accessibility of cultural life in their communities.

Insights from local editors and culture writers also contributed to the final selection, offering a global perspective on which urban centers excel at making the arts come alive.

Paris’s position at the top is hardly unexpected. The city is home to some of the world’s most visited cultural institutions, including the Louvre, the Pompidou Center, and Palais de Tokyo. But it’s the city’s ability to make culture feel dynamic and contemporary that sets it apart.

Seasonal highlights like Cinéma en Plein Air at La Villette and the sprawling Fête de la Musique in summer animate the public spaces in ways that go beyond traditional cultural programming.

Marine Delcambre, editorial manager of Time Out France, described spring in Paris as a time when the city transforms.

"The Parisian spring is unfolding with almost euphoric energy. Stages are turning into skateparks or inflatable castles, some performances flirt with weightlessness, and ballets take on the spirit of a party," she explained.

Parisian museums also participate in this energetic atmosphere by offering nighttime events, such as David Hockney 25 and Nuit des Musées on May 17, where institutions like the Carnavalet Museum, Bourse de Commerce, Picasso Museum, and Musée des Arts Décoratifs host immersive experiences combining art, music, and light installations well into the evening.

Other Cultural Cities

Florence came in second place, recognized for its deep artistic roots. From the Uffizi Gallery, showcasing masterpieces by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio, to the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino opera house and the many historic piazzas adorned with sculptures (including replicas of Michelangelo’s David) the city continues to be a cradle of Renaissance culture.

Edinburgh placed third, celebrated for the distinct character of its performance scene. Its summer festivals received high praise from survey participants, particularly the famed Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the elegant International Festival, and the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival.

"This Scottish city has it all: a world-leading arts festival, fantastic museums, a rich literary heritage… just when you think you’ve got to grips with Edinburgh’s culture scene, a new thing pops up to prove you wrong," said Chiara Wilkinson, deputy editor of Time Out UK.

Edinburgh also hosts unique cultural happenings like Festival Days and the opening of Europe’s first museum dedicated to contemporary Palestinian art, alongside the Edinburgh Summer Sessions, which will feature Chappell Roan in a double-night performance.

In addition to Paris, Florence, and Edinburgh, the cities included in the survey are Mexico City, Sydney, Barcelona, Chicago, Lisbon, Hanoi, Cape Town, Beijing, Tblisi, Jakarta, Delhi, Medellin, Amsterdam, Marrakech, Vienna, Prague, and Abu Dhabi.

Jakarta Ranked 13th

Jakarta, ranked 13th, drew attention for its dynamic street markets and the abundance of local festivals. Among these is the annual Betawi Festival, held in celebration of the city’s anniversary and featuring traditional food, music, and martial arts performances.

Jakarta’s cultural scene is also anchored by contemporary art spaces like Dia.Lo.Gue Artspace, Jakarta Art Hub, and M Bloc Space, all of which serve as vital hubs for the city's growing creative communities.

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