Hong Kong is one of the best cities for Gen Z in Asia, according to Time Out

Every year, Time Out publishes an annual ranking of the greatest cities in the world. We survey over 18,500 locals on the nightlife scene, food, culture, walkability, and even the happiness index of their respective cities, so we get insider tips on the best cities to live and visit right now.

But the things that make a city great tend to be different across generations, so this time, we’ve decided to zoom into what today’s twenty-somethings think. By filtering our Best Cities survey to show only responses from those under 30, Time Out has collated a global ranking of cities that Gen Z vibe with – and Hong Kong is on the Asia list!

Among the Asia-focused rankings, Hong Kong comes in at the sixth best city for Gen Z. And no wonder, what with our vast array of beloved local flavours and international cuisine from restaurants both fancy and down-to-earth; as well as top-notch bars and nightlife that are consistently ranked among the best in the world. We may be a concrete jungle where the bustle never ceases, but there are also plenty of nature escapes and beautiful hikes to transport you to somewhere serene – perfect for Gen Z with limited attention spans always looking to jump to the next thing of interest. 

As a compact city, Hong Kong is a remarkably walkable destination with a fantastic public transport system, so whether you prefer pounding the pavement or getting around with your feet barely needing to touch the ground, our city makes it easy to explore. Our movie industry has produced globally beloved cult classic films over the decades, and our government is working its way to more legal recognition and protection of LGBTQIA+ communities. In short, Hong Kong is a vibrant, buzzing city with mouthwatering food on every corner, a historically Chinese soul with a globalised outlook, the great outdoors easily accessible from the urban centre, and a culturally distinct personality that is all our own – so why wouldn’t Gen Z love being here?

However, we clearly have room for improvement as two cities from Thailand, two cities from mainland China, and one city in Japan ranks ahead of us in the Asia list. In fact, the highest-rated Asian city has also topped the global list as the world’s best city for Gen Z, with the honour going to the Thai capital of Bangkok. This is followed by Melbourne, Cape Town, New York City, and Copenhagen making up the top five, all lively cities with pockets of unexpected chill and their own distinctive vibes – or should we say, aura?

See below for the list of best cities for Gen Z in both Asia and the world.

Asia’s Best Cities for Gen Z:

1. Bangkok, Thailand
2. Shanghai, China
3. Beijing, China
4. Tokyo, Japan
5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
6. Hong Kong
7. Hanoi, Vietnam
8. Singapore
9. Seoul, South Korea
10. Osaka, Japan

The World’s Best Cities for Gen Z, 2025:

1. Bangkok, Thailand
2. Melbourne, Australia
3. Cape Town, South Africa
4. New York City, United States
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
6. Barcelona, Spain
7. Edinburgh, United Kingdom
8. Mexico City, Mexico
9. London, United Kingdom
10. Shanghai, China

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