We New Yorkers already know we’re the best, and the proof is certainly in the pudding as NYC continues to take home the title of being the best city (or at least rank towards the top) in rankings such as this one from advisor tourism company Resonance who named NYC the #1 city in America, BookRetreats who named NYC the best city to visit in the U.S., or Conde Nast Traveler who named NYC one of the best big cities in the U.S.
But potentially the crème de la crème of them all is Resonance Consultancy’s exclusive ranking of the world’s best cities. One of the most trusted on the planet, the annual report interprets data from 500+ global cities through the lens of three key factors–livability, lovability, and prosperity–to provide each with an overall score.
It’s been called “the most comprehensive study of its kind” as it “identifies cities that are most desirable for locals, visitors and businesspeople alike, rather than simply looking at livability or tourism appeal,” by Bloomberg, so we’re certainly proud to have seen Resonance’s team of leading experts holding our very own New York City in high regards!
According to the report, New York City was named the second best city in the world. Referring to the city as “the perpetual heartbeat of America,” the ranking writes:
The Big Apple epitomizes urban recovery, marked by a whirlwind of new shows, hotels, cultural spaces and transformative developments—backed by record real estate prices and an influx of both visitors and new residents. With a rebound as impressive as its skyline, NYC’s resurgence is nothing short of remarkable, embodying the city’s indomitable spirit.
The report points out the city’s ability to bounce back from the depths of the pandemic during a time when some were claiming NYC was dead, noting how both demand for prime living spaces has once again skyrocketed along with tourism which “has come roaring back, reinforcing the city’s position as a must-visit destination”–an estimated 62.2 million visitors explored the city in 2023 compared to the mere 33 million who visited in 2021. And projections are only continuing to grow with an expected visitor count reaching 64.5 million in 2024.
Moreover, we will point out that New York City topped Resonance’s report of America’s Best Cities, somethings it’s been doing since the consultancy’s inaugural ranking. Some additional rankings NYC achieved within this report are as follows:
- Cultural and entertainment scene – #6 globally
- Broadway shows, restaurants, sporting events and museums – #6
- Airport Connectivity – #6
- Business Ecosystem – #2 globally
- Global Fortune 500 companies – #4
- Universities – #6
Nancy Mammana, chief marketing officer and interim CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions, stated:
We’re so pleased that New York City has been recognized on Resonance’s 2025 World’s Best Cities ranking. Our destination continues to shine with only-in-NYC experiences across the five boroughs, including Broadway, world-class dining, major sporting events, dynamic arts and culture offerings, rich and diverse history, and more.
As for who took the #1 spot, that was London, who’s been securing the top spot for 10 years in a row–though we know in our hearts it should’ve been us. You know what they say, though: first is the worst, second is the best!
Paris, Tokyo, Singapore, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, and Sydney rounded out the remainder of the top 10. Here’s the remainder of the report.