The best metropolis on this planet remains to be solely the second finest.
Energy rankings agency Resonance Consultancy simply launched its 2026 World’s Greatest Cities Report, and whereas London took the highest spot for the eleventh consecutive 12 months, New York Metropolis moved into the No. 2 spot this 12 months.
The report dubbed NYC “the perpetual heartbeat of America” and mentioned that its “refusal to play by anybody’s script stays its best asset.”
Gotham’s “ongoing funding in its cultural financial system, large city infrastructure tasks and international infatuation regardless of present politics” was cited as a basic characteristic in touchdown the town in second place.
As anticipated, tourism is vital to New York Metropolis, with almost 65 million guests in 2024 and about 64.1 million anticipated in 2025, notably as home journey to Brooklyn and different outer-borough points of interest compete for curiosity. This accounts for over $70 billion in income by the town’s accounting.
A spike in tourism can also be anticipated subsequent 12 months, with the FIFA World Cup remaining coming to MetLife Stadium and the Sail4th 250 celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial.
Plus, the NYC airports’ new capability and ecosystem have cemented its spot as No. 2 within the international rating for connectivity. JFK’s $19 billion New Terminal One program is anticipated to see a partial debut in mid-2026 with the primary 14 gates.
On avenue stage, the congestion pricing rollout in early 2025 instantly reduce transferring visitors south of sixtieth Avenue with a double-digit drop in vehicles. It additionally helped improve bus journey time and delivered funding for the MTA’s $68.4-billion capital program.
The ever-changing skyline shines a light-weight 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 crammed out its eight-acre campus.
Extra important, nonetheless, is the town’s many office-to-residential conversions. For instance, the previous Pfizer headquarters in Midtown is remodeling right into a Nexus with 1,602 models. As much as 1,250 mixed-income properties will take over 5 Occasions Sq. later this 12 months, and Hudson Yards’ subsequent journey has pivoted away from a on line casino and towards extra housing, parkland and workplaces.
After all, the tradition in New York Metropolis has “not often been hotter” — rating second place in Resonance Consultancy’s Theaters & Live shows subcategory and rating within the Prime 5 Museums.
“We’re happy that New York Metropolis is included on Resonance’s 2025 World’s Greatest Cities listing,” Julie Coker, NYC Tourism + Conventions President and CEO, mentioned in an announcement.
“This recognition is a testomony to NYC’s unmatched power, cultural vibrancy, and world-class experiences throughout the 5 boroughs that hold us firmly positioned as a must-visit international vacation spot.
Naturally, New Yorkers complained on social media that the town got here in second place, believing it truly is the primary best metropolis on this planet.
“Moved to London from NYC 4 months in the past… can verify NYC remains to be #1,” somebody commented on Secret NYC’s Instagram submit.
London in #1? Did I learn that proper? No offense, however there isn’t a manner!!!” one other questioned.
“London just isn’t higher than NYC, sorry,” one declared.
“Rats in NYC are cooler,” a consumer quipped.
