Tokyo tops Time Out’s global Gen Z city ranking

Time Out, in partnership with Intrepid Travel, surveyed 4,000 people aged 18‑29 in 150 cities worldwide to rank the best places for Generation Z to live. The study evaluated happiness, nightlife, affordability, community feel, cultural offerings and ease of making friends.

Tokyo secured the #1 spot, praised for high scores on happiness and nightlife, though only a third of respondents found evening outings affordable. Porto placed second, noted for strong community vibes and affordable food, drink and cultural access. Melbourne ranked third, with 97 % of participants highlighting its vibrant independent theatre, live music and comedy scene, despite higher costs. Edinburgh came fourth, out‑scoring London on green space, nightlife and cultural programmes, with 90 % saying they felt happier living there. Shanghai rounded out the top five, described as social and relatively affordable for young people.

The full top‑20 list also includes Copenhagen, Berlin, Valencia, Bangkok, Napoli, Cape Town, Cracow, Seoul, Paris, Athens, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Vancouver and Vienna, reflecting a strong European presence with ten European cities in the ranking.