Manchester named among best 50 cities in the world - where it ranks compared to Liverpool, London and Glasgow

Manchester has been named in a prestigious list of the top 50 cities in the world. New York takes top spot in Time Out’s list, with London fourth. 

Our fine city comes home in 15th which while more than commendable does mean it comes behind near neighbour Liverpool which ranks a lofty seventh. Glasgow, the only other UK city on the list, is 30th. 

The prestigious publication takes into account all manner of things when ranking the cities from food and drink to things to do and even the happiness of the locals. The huge annual survey asks people living in their cities what it’s like in their hometowns with local contributors and experts helping formulate the global ranking.

The ode to 15th-placed Manchester is penned by contributor Ian Jones, who says: “It's no coincidence that Chanel held its 2023 fashion show here, mere weeks after the UK’s landmark arts hub Factory International opened its doors. The balance of cultural power has finally shifted up North, making Manchester one of the most vibrant and fast-growing cities in Europe right now. And the rain isn't that bad. Honest.”

He also hailed the city’s ever-expanding foodie offering, its underground clubs and alternative music and comedy scenes. “Clubbing and comedy seem to be the key ingredients for a happy life – 96 percent of Mancunians said that their city makes them happy,” Jones adds.

Alongside New York and London, Cape Town, Berlin and Madrid make up the top five. 

The top 20 cities in the world according to Time Out

1. New York
2. Cape Town 
3. Berlin 
4. London
5. Madrid 
6. Mexico City 
7. Liverpool 
8. Tokyo 
9. Rome 
10. Porto
11. Paris 
12. Mumbai 
13. Lisbon
14. Chicago
15. Manchester 
16. Sao Paulo 
17. Los Angeles 
18. Amsterdam 
19. Lagos 
20. Melbourne