The world’s best cities for Gen Z to live in – according to Gen Z

‘When it comes to what makes a city great for Gen Z, Tokyo has plenty of the important bases (like walkability and excellent transport) covered. However, it also has easy access to culture (the city’s ‘Welcome Youth’ programme grants free entry to the latest exhibitions for ages 18 and under every spring), and a decent supply of accommodation (the Japanese capital isn’t afflicted by the same housing crunch as other global major cities). As for nightlife, the options are virtually endless: aside from the city’s world-class bars and clubs, many Gen Z Tokyoites spend their nights belting out songs at karaoke, unwinding at 24-hour bathhouses or heading to Spo-cha – indoor sports and entertainment centres where you can bowl, play table tennis, throw darts and more.’—Shota Nagao 

The big numbers: The Japanese capital topped our 2026 ranking thanks to standout scores for happiness, with 100 percent of Gen Z people we spoke to agreeing that they find joy in everyday experiences. Tokyo’s nightlife also secured some good favour among under-30s, with 89 percent of respondents rating its quality (though only 33 percent would describe it as affordable). 

📍 Discover the best listening bars in Tokyo

‘Porto’s appeal to those under the age of 30 is undoubtedly thanks to its incredible variety. You’ll find everything from a river and the sea to lush gardens and a pretty, history-filled city centre (which isn’t just beautiful, but is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), as well as a bounty of cultural institutions which are not only cool and compelling, but accessible, too. The Soares dos Reis National Museum waives entry fees on Sundays if you have a Citizen Card and other spaces, like the Portuguese Centre of Photography, are free every day.’—Mariana Morais Pinheiro 

The big numbers: Portugal’s lovely second city followed closely behind in second place, largely thanks to an impressive score for its ‘community feel’, which 100 percent of respondents rated positively. It’s also considered affordable by Gen Z, with 93 percent of the people we spoke to describing it as such, particularly for dining out, going for drinks, and accessing art and culture. Oh, and everyone we spoke to described the city as ‘beautiful’, which can only be a good thing, right?

📍 Discover the very best things to do in Porto right now

‘Time Out’s best city in the world for 2026 boasts an exciting and diverse arts scene, where indie theatre and live music (or comedy, improv and even secret raves) can be found most nights of the week. And those opportunities to get involved are only set to grow with the recent announcement of a $1 million initiative designed to help local creatives transform original ideas into fully-fledged stage productions. Sure, it’s not the cheapest place to live, but Melbourne’s twenty-somethings can still hunt down bargain bites at cafés like Heart of Carlton (where everything costs $4) and restaurants like Frenchie (where the entire French menu is $14 – even the steak frites). Oh, and there are also green spaces galore, a public transport system with half-price fares until the end of the year and a thriving student community that’s considered one of the planet’s best.’—Leah Glynn 

The big numbers: Time Out’s best city for 2026 is, unsurprisingly, also pretty popular among under-30s. Why? Well, Melbourne scored exceptionally well for restaurants and eating out, with an 100 percent approval rating from the Gen Z folks we surveyed, as well as for its culture, which garnered positive reviews from 97 percent of our young respondents. Oh, and 94 percent of people had good things to say about their local neighbourhood. 

📍 Discover the best cheap eats in Melbourne right now

‘There are plenty of reasons why Edinburgh is an extremely liveable city – its green space, walkability, excellent restaurants and world-class cultural offering – but for Gen Z specifically, its unique nightlife scene makes it a standout. The Cowgate is lined with underground clubs and live music venues in medieval vaulted arches, and fosters a lively community feel with nights of all genres. Try Sneaky Pete’s or The Bongo Club for cheap but cheerful nights out; on the other side of town, Leith Arches hosts eclectic events while the New Town’s Why Not Nightclub offers a glossier alternative. If you want to make the most of the endless culture every August, the Edinburgh International Festival offers 50 percent off tickets for under-18s and 30 percent off for under-30s.’—Chiara Wilkinson  

The big numbers: Edinburgh’s Gen Z population seem to have it particularly good, with 90 percent of people we spoke to saying they’re happier in the Scottish capital than they have been anywhere else, and 94 percent claiming that the people here seemed positive. Wellness and quality of life also scored highly, with 84 percent of respondents saying theirs is good – and 79 percent would describe Edinburgh as beautiful, which could be a contributing factor. Edinburgh is also the safest city in our top 20, with 55 percent of people describing it as such. 

📍 Discover the best free things to do in Edinburgh

‘Before anime conventions, cheap cocktails and cool thrift stores even enter the equation, a Gen Z-friendly city needs to be safe, and Shanghai passes that test with flying colours. I can’t think of many other cities where I’d feel comfortable letting my girlfriends walk or cycle home alone after clubbing. It’s also a relatively cost-effective place to live (aside from rent), with schemes like the aptly-named Decision on Promoting the Construction of a Young People-Friendly City’ that took effect on June 1 and city aims to add more than 250,000 units of affordable rental housing nearby subway stations and areas where young people work. Then there’s all the cool third spaces on offer right now: JUNTO is a craft beer bar which even serves non-alcoholic drinks for non-imbibers, and the No Phones Club promotes good ol’ face-to-face hangouts.’—Sammi Sowerby 

The big numbers: China’s largest city ranks well thanks to being a very sociable place to live, according to our research. Of the under-30s we spoke to, 63 percent said their city is welcoming, 76 percent of them said it was easy to meet new people and make friends, and 83 percent of people said the sense of happiness in Shanghai has grown recently. What’s more, lots of our Gen Z respondents said Shanghai is affordable – particularly when it comes to going to the movies or out for coffee, where 100 percent agreed – and each and every one of them said Shanghai makes them happy. 

📍 Discover the best live music venues in Shanghai

‘NYC has a penchant for the new – it ain’t called Old York, after all. We’re a city fuelled by fresh energy, raw drive, new builds, ‘next big things’ and the seemingly endless parade of wide-eyed arrivals who give our streets an intoxicating aura that anything can happen. New York has always been a haven for the young – for Gen Z and the generations that came before them, the city’s vibrant nightlife, nonstop action, plus budget-friendly walkability have far outweighed the hassle and high costs of calling this place home. Mayor Mamdani’s new ‘Summer in NYC’ scheme, which has supported small organisations in putting on free events for young New Yorkers, has ongoing offers available through its interactive map, and as for those evenings out, head to Casa Piada for summery spritzes, Refuge for dancing, and Le Dive for natural wine and top-notch people-watching.’—Christina Izzo 

The big numbers: The Big Apple fared well in categories such as walkability (with 98 percent of locals describing it as such), liveliness (88 percent of under-30s agree) and culture (a solid 95 percent of respondents rated it highly, and it actually ranked third in the world overall). And despite unsurprisingly low scores for the city’s affordability, 93 percent of respondents said going out to see art was accessible. 

📍 Discover the very best art galleries in New York City

‘Copenhagen is the epitome of laid-back cool, where flipflop-clad Ganni-girls commute by bike over Dronning Louises Bro. The city comes alive in summer, when people flock to the green spaces of Kongens Have and Amager Strandpark, and popular swim spots at the Nordhavn Bassin, Islands Brygge and Refshaleøen. It might be known for its New Nordic culinary scene, but locals still have a soft spot for Copenhagen’s old-school bodegas (or ‘brown’ bars). Going out isn’t cheap, though free education, student grants and a strong cycling culture help. Schemes like K7 give 18–27-year olds free access to cultural venues, and music lovers can enjoy events like Distortion, which takes over the Nørrebro and Vesterbro neighbourhoods each summer with largely free street parties.’—Alice Godwin 

The big numbers: Copenhagen’s strengths lie in how simple it is to get around, and while that might not sound like a big deal, the people here are pretty happy. Eighty-three percent of our respondents rated the ease of cycling and walking, and 65 percent commended the public transport. What’s more, 78 percent of people said that living in Copenhagen makes them happy, and that it brings them more joy than anywhere else they’ve lived. Impressive credentials, if you ask us. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Copenhagen

‘No matter how out of place you feel, Berlin has always been a city primed for discovering who your people are – and it’s no different for Gen Z. As the city becomes more expensive, nights out are more considered. Niche line-ups spread through word of mouth and social media, though the rickety benches at Spätis (late-night convenience shops) remain where many discover the thrill of cheap beers. By day, Berlin’s young community gathers everywhere from African diaspora dance classes and sex-work-allied pole studios to book-match speed dating and FLINTA+ flea markets. Gen Z’s Berlin is less about dashing through everything, and instead, is more about what – and who – makes you happy to be there.’—Kate Bettes 

The big numbers: The German capital is a well-rounded place to live, according to Gen Z. Berlin scored a solid 65 percent for the quality of its restaurants and access to green space, as well as for how easy it is to meet new people, and overall wellbeing. However, it’s a city known for nightlife, which gained the same 65 percent approval rating, but is only considered affordable by 57 percent of our respondents. Its art scene actually scored much better for budget-friendliness, gaining a 72 percent affordability score. 

📍 Discover our collection of the best nightclubs in Berlin

‘Valencia offers brilliant perks for Gen Z residents, from affordable nightlife and free museum entry on Sundays to a travel card with 30 days of Metro, train and bus travel for just €14.90. But it’s the city’s social side where it really shines. Free, outdoorsy meetups have taken off recently, helping people slow down and make genuine connections. Yoga studio Casa Lenta hosts friendly mountain hikes; Made For organises sociable runs along the leafy Jardín del Turia; and early birds dive into the Mediterranean sea together with the weekly Sunrise Sea Swims.’—Lucy Lovell  

The big numbers: It would be reasonable to assume that anywhere graced by 300 days of sun each year would be a pretty jolly place to live, and Valencia proves that theory. A whopping 93 percent of Gen Z respondents said living there makes them happy, and 86 percent commended Valencia’s sense of community (though a mere 64 percent said making new friends is easy). What’s more, 86 percent of people we spoke to also said that their sense of happiness has improved recently. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Valencia right now

‘It’s a city fuelled by budding creative minds, and it fuels them right back, with designers, artists, chefs and musicians bouncing ideas off each other and onto menus, collections and exhibitions. Apartments here are affordable, so you don’t need too much money behind you to establish yourself, and while the party scene here often means Bangkok lands on world-best lists for nightlife, Gen Z is just as committed to a run club, a yoga class or a cold plunge. Right now, the place to be is Song Wat, where the ‘Made in Song Wat’, a creative collective, has seen a flurry of businesses bloom among old shophouses and amidst brilliant street art.’—Petchnamnung Honghirunkham 

The big numbers: Thailand’s capital is a beacon of brilliant food and a lively late-night scene, and those factors are a couple of reasons why Gen Z loves it so much. In fact, 87 percent rated the restaurant scene positively, as did 78 percent when it came to nightlife. However, the most striking insight is how happy people are: a whopping 96 percent of respondents agreed that their city makes them happy, and that they’re happier there than anywhere else they’d lived before. 

📍 Discover the very best things to do in Bangkok right now

‘Even though Naples recently celebrated its 250th birthday, the city is still pervaded by a palpable sense of youthfulness. There’s accessible culture all around, and the city is perennially buzzy with a laid-back nightlife culture and a packed events calendar. Broadly speaking, the quality of life for young people is high, and public infrastructure has improved exponentially in the past decade. Naples has the lowest cost of living of any major Italian hub, great weather, an unshakeable sense of belonging and community. The unemployment rate may be high (and is gradually declining), but Naples is the second-best Italian city for under-35 entrepreneurship. Oh, and don’t forget the most delicious (and cheapest) food in the country: head to Via dei Tribunali and any pizza you have here will be the best you’ve tried in your life. You can still find coffee for €1, a takeaway pizza al portafoglio for under €3, sit down for a marinara pizza easily under €5.’—Federica Bocco

The big numbers: The gloriously chaotic city of Naples is one of the happiest hubs on our list among Gen Z. A whopping 91 percent of our under-30 respondents said their city makes them happy, and 100 percent of people said that the people there seem positive. It could be to do with affordability, as everything from going out for drinks and dinner to the movies or live music was described as budget-friendly by at least 73 percent of locals, and it garnered an overall affordability score of 82 percent. However, Naples’s safety score let it down, with none of our respondents describing it as such. 

📍 Discover the best areas to stay in Naples right now

‘Cape Town is a city that never seems to slow down – no matter the weather, time or day, it’s a place always brimming with energy. However, tucked away between pockets of buzz are spaces primed for the tranquility that Gen Z often craves. Whether ending a Sea Point promenade stroll with a Ceremony Matcha, grabbing a drink with friends in the city at AKJP, (which sits on one of the planet’s coolest streets), spending the day at one of our many wine farms, immersing in the arts and culture, or heading out on one of the many, many day hikes from Cape Town, there is something for everyone. While living in this city isn’t without its challenges, Gen Z is creating community and carving out spaces that make the city feel their own.’—Amy Fraser 

The big numbers: Gen Z are embracing the great outdoors, and according to our research, there are few better places for them to do it than Cape Town. Our survey found that 93 percent of respondents under the age of 30 commended the city’s green space and access to nature. The same proportion of people we spoke to said they found joy in everyday experiences, and with swathes of protected verdant land on the city’s doorstep, we’re hardly surprised. 

📍 Discover our roundup of the best day hikes from Cape Town

‘As Poland’s cultural capital and one of the EU’s largest student centers, Kraków is a fantastic city for Gen Z. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is always buzzing with life. A student ID gets you major discounts at museums (including the National Museum in Kraków and contemporary art museum MOCAK), cinemas, top attractions, and restaurants. But it’s not just culture where the city does well – Kraków is also famous for its nightlife, which is affordable and non-stop. The main action is centered around Rynek Square, where you find cheap shot bars, packed dancefloors, and long-running student pubs like Multi Qlti and Klub Kulturalny. Kazimierz, the town’s old Jewish neighbourhood, is another popular youth hangout, with lively vintage spots like Eszeweria, Alchemia, and Singer.’—Pavlo Fedykovych 

The big numbers: Walkability might not sound like the most important factor when it comes to the lives of young people, but actually, it’s a free and easy way to get around a city, and Kraków’s reputation for it is one of the strongest on our list, with 90 percent of our under-30 respondents describing it as such. Poland’s second city also fared well for its nightlife, of 95 percent of people commended, as well as how easy it is to meet new people – 77 percent of respondents said so. 

📍 Discover the best things to do in Kraków right now

‘Seoul is a city of juxtapositions, evident in everything from the lively, colourful pop-ups at stylish Seongsu to the peaceful, pleasingly well-organised protests which take place at Gwanghwamun. There’s also plenty of contrast in its streets: step out of Anguk station and you’ll find royal palaces alongside contemporary art galleries (such as about Craft Art or Folk Music). Or, emerge from Jongno 3-ga Exit 4 to see viral cafes housed in traditional hanok houses, before the main streets transform into affordable pocha dining tents in the evenings (which have recently found a younger crowd). But one of the best things about Seoul are the areas where it doesn’t feel like a city at all – green escapes like Cheonggyecheon stream, the Namsan mountain and even Bukhansan National Park are free to visit.’—Morgan Awyong 

The big numbers: In fourteenth place is our most walkable city in the world. One hundred percent of our Gen Z respondents said Seoul is easy to navigate on foot, and paired with 75 percent saying it has good access to green space and nature, the Korean capital did well when it came to spending time outdoors. It’s also a sociable place, with 75 percent of people agreeing that meeting new people and making friends is easy. 

📍 Discover the very best things to do in Seoul right now

‘Paris isn’t exactly a cheap place to live, but there are plenty of affordable ways to enjoy the city – if you know where to look. Museum entry is free to all French and EU citizens under the age of 26 each day, and on the first Sunday of month for everyone else, too (though make sure you book your tickets in advance). And while there are nightclubs in the traditional sense, the best way to enjoy Paris after dark is undoubtedly at a jazz bar. Most tend to have reasonable entry fees, but none quite compare to La Caveau de la Huchette, a sweaty, subterranean club with a live band and packed dancefloor in the city’s Latin Quarter. Oh, and the cafe culture in Paris extends way into the night – in fact, bistros and restaurants across the city stay open late, so there are plenty of spaces still open when you’ve lost track of time catching up with your friends.’—Maëlle Beauget-Uhl  

The big numbers: The French capital claimed fifteenth place on our ranking of the best cities for Gen Z, garnering strong scores of 83 percent for the quality of its nightlife, with 87 percent of respondents agreeing that Paris is ‘lively’. Eighty percent of people agreed that going out for drinks is affordable, but where the city really shines is its restaurant scene, where absolutely everyone we spoke had positive things to say. 

📍 Discover our collection of the very best restaurants in Paris

‘Picture a city where most of the socialising happens outdoors almost year-round – not only is it glorious, but you also don’t need a big budget to have a good time. People meet in the squares of Exarcheia and Agias Irinis, spill onto the streets of Psyrri, or head to affordable bars, live music venues and underground clubs across the city. It’s Athens in its truest form. Young Athenians are driving a prosperous creative scene, with independent galleries, vintage shops and community events constantly popping up, and add the fact that you can finish your day with a swim on the Athenian Riviera or a hike on Mount Parnitha, and it’s easy to see why so many people in their twenties choose to build their lives here.’—Demetrios Ioannou

The big numbers: The Greek capital makes 82 percent of the Gen Z locals we spoke to happy. Why? Well, it could be something to do with the fact that it’s a relaxing place to live – in fact, 64 percent of the people we spoke to would describe it as such. An impressive 91 percent of under-30s also described their local neighbourhood as ‘good’ or ‘amazing’, which has likely contributed to the 82 percent of people who find joy in everyday experiences that live in Athens. 

📍 Discover our guide to all the coolest neighbourhoods in Athens

‘Mexico City is a Gen Z triple threat: great nightlife, affordable culture, and relatively accessible rent prices (depending on where you’re moving from). This sky-high city throbs to the sound of reggaeton viejo and corridos tumbados, while terraces like Revuelta Queer House spill over into the small hours and on-the-list-only parties take place in hidden apartment buildings. On the last Wednesday of the month, top museums are free-for-all thanks to the after-hours Noche de Museos programme, and February’s Art Week brings with it an event explosion; meanwhile, the Cablebus has panoramic views for just 7 pesos per ride (that’s about 30p). And the rent? I’d proceed with sensitivity and common sense as though it’s fine for many out-of-towners, it’s getting pricier for the locals.’—Lauren Tocking 

The big numbers: An impressive 92 percent of under-30s we spoke to in our survey said that living in Mexico’s sprawling capital made them happy, and a decent 84 percent claimed to find joy in day to day life. As for what brings them that joy, 80 percent of people agreed the city has good access to green space and nature. 

📍 Discover Time Out’s list of the top things to do in Mexico City

‘Hype around the Brazilian lifestyle and aesthetic has never been more palpable, and much of the culture that has become the envy of Gen Z on social media is carioca – that of a Rio native. We’re talking all things sun, beach, samba, and wellness, and Brazil’s biggest city is the perfect place for those who like to try things out and let the day unfold without too many plans. On a tight budget, a day at the beach, a walk around the city, or an outdoor group class are enough to experience the carioca way of life. At night, the most popular hangouts right now are listening bars: cool spaces with dim lighting and a good DJ set spinning urban music (house, rap, funk, and R&B). These bars, in turn, host and showcase the best parties and DJ collectives on the rise right now, like Louder, Jam from Rio, Midas Room, and Domply. Day or night, Rio embraces and also has something to offer to everyone.’—Mariana Teixeira

The big numbers: This won’t come as a surprise, but the nightlife in party hub Rio de Janeiro was described as ‘good’ or ‘amazing’ by a decent 67 percent of Gen Z locals (though intriguingly, only 50 percent of them would describe their city as lively). Drinks are cheap here, which obviously helps things, with 89 percent of people saying going out for drinks is affordable, and 72 percent of our respondents said they found it easy to meet new people. 

📍 Discover all the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro right now

‘Vancouver really lives up to the lore. The people are as friendly as they say, the nature is breathtaking and while yes, it’s a tad on the expensive side, it’s a great place for young people to start setting down some roots. Luckily, rent prices are dropping and there is a bounty of budget-friendly things to do (mountains, beaches, parks). Head to Commercial Drive or Main Street for a smattering of breweries, listening bars and themed venues (Fox Cabaret is our pick) or, score free and discounted access to most of the city’s museums with a student card.’—Olivia Hart

The big numbers: Sure, good public transport isn’t as enticing as a flourishing late night scene or a friendly reputation, but it does make all other aspects of life a whole lot easier, and 88 percent of locals we spoke to in Vancouver commended the city’s network. It also got a strong score for the quality of its green space, with 81 percent of people describing it as good or amazing, and the same proportion of respondents said they found joy in everyday experiences.  

📍 Discover all of Vancouver’s top attractions for 2026

‘After moving to Vienna, it didn’t take me long to realise how many layers there are to this city, which hides a vibrant youth culture beneath its grand imperial façade. Young people can actually afford to enjoy it, with discounted public transport, capped rents and €15–20 tickets to the opera and theatres on offer. However, my favourite part is the café culture. Places like Habakuk, Propeller and Espresso Bar are perfect for spending an afternoon reading before they gradually fill up and turn into buzzing bars, and as a queer young person, spaces like Café Roza and Marea Alta are particularly welcoming. And when summer arrives? The whole city spills outside: you’ll find people cooling off in the Danube after work, meeting friends at a Schanigarten as the sun goes down, and enjoying free events like Donauinselfest, Europe’s largest free open-air festival.’—Maeve Barve

The big numbers: Handily for a city which is known for its café culture, 76 percent of Gen Z said that going out for a coffee is affordable. More broadly, the Austrian capital scored well for its community feel – 82 percent of respondents said the vibe was strong – and even better for wellbeing and quality of life, which garnered agreement from a stonking 89 percent of people. Apparently though, it’s tricky making new friends in Vienna – only 30 percent of our under-30 participants said they found it easy to meet new people. 

📍 Discover our roundup of all the loveliest cafés in Vienna