San Francisco is the best city in the world right now, according to Time Out.
The guide's 2021 World's Best Cities Index says that its combination of progressiveness, acceptance and sustainability earned it the coveted top spot, with the top five in the ranking rounded out by Amsterdam in second place, Manchester in third, Copenhagen in fourth and New York in fifth place.
The ranking was drawn up via a survey of 27,000 global participants in hundreds of cities around the world and 'the expertise of Time Out's global network of local editors and city experts'. Scroll down to discover more about the top 15 in the Index and which other cities made it into the top 37.
1. San Francisco
The No.1 city in the world is San Francisco, according to the Time Out Index, in part because the locals showed their 'unique community spirit' during the pandemic
During the pandemic, San Franciscans showed their 'unique and creative community spirit, from hanging sourdough starters from telephone poles to distributing $1million to small businesses via the SF New Deal so they could keep running', remarks Time Out.
It adds: 'No wonder they were voted the most progressive city in the world, with the recent movement to "redistrict" giving LGBTQ+ residents more political power.'
Time Out also notes that 'hundreds of beautifully crafted parklets now make the city feel like one giant street party'.
2. Amsterdam
Amsterdam takes the silver medal in the ranking. One of its highlights is Vondelpark, 'an immense oasis right in the centre that plays host to everything from jam sessions to theatre to sports – truly, the city's lungs'
'During the pandemic, Amsterdam has felt the absence of culture and social life more acutely than most,' says Time Out. 'Yet the city has used the time wisely, focusing inwards on its famous beauty, history and community spirit – while vowing to do away with the coffeeshops, brothels and drunken debauchery that so blighted its historic centre.'
One of the city's highlights is Vondelpark, 'an immense oasis right in the centre that plays host to everything from jam sessions to theatre to sports – truly, the city's lungs'.
3. Manchester
Third place in the Index is occupied by Manchester, lauded for its community spirit and nightlife
'According to the Index, Manchester is the easiest place to express who you are, make new friends, get to know your neighbours and meet people who are different from you,' Time Out says. 'So, it's only right the city also came out as the friendliest and best for community spirit. The city's nightlife was voted top too.'
Manchester's mayor, Andy Burnham, believes that the city's community spirit helps make it a great city. He says: 'This place always comes together when times are hard. And it's done that again.
'From my point of view – because we've obviously had some differences of opinion with the government through the pandemic – I can't tell you what it means when I raise my voice and I look behind me and people are just there. The place comes together and it's hard to put it into words how much it means: there's just a sense of right and wrong here.'
4. Copenhagen
Fourth-place Copenhagen is officially the easiest city to relax in according to locals
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