• A year aboard a luxury liner: £56,000 cruise spans the globe from Alaska to Zanzibar

  A two-week cruise may sound like the ultimate luxury. But what if you could spend an entire year at sea, waking up every day in a different corner of the planet...

• The Ultimate Adventure: Superyachts and Luxury Expedition Ships Take the Ultra-Rich to the Ends of the Earth

  A new trend is taking over the luxury travel world: high-end expedition cruises designed for travelers who have already been everywhere but are now craving untouched wilderness and adrenaline-fueled adventure — without sacrificing comfort, according to the New York Post...

• “Wealth Has Turned Into a Zoo”: Why Luxury Travel Is Starting to Rebel Against The White Lotus

  Few television shows have had as profound an impact on the luxury travel industry as The White Lotus. Each new season sends viewers rushing to book the real-life hotels featured on screen, turning secluded resorts into must-visit destinations almost overnight...

• “Hell on Earth”: Greek Paradise Beach Turns Into a Nightmare as Tourists Swarm the Shore

  A picturesque beach in Greece has been branded “hell on Earth” after being overrun by seemingly endless crowds of tourists...

• Escape From Civilization: Why the World’s Wealthiest Are Choosing the Wilderness Over Luxury Resorts

  As ultra-wealthy travelers increasingly seek truly authentic experiences, remote destinations are climbing to the top of their wish lists...

• Culinary Tourism Is on the Rise: Where to Travel for Unforgettable Food Experiences

  Food has long been one of the key factors influencing travelers’ choice of destination. According to various estimates, between 71% and 80% of tourists say local cuisine significantly influences their decision about where to travel, and for many, it has become a primary reason for taking a trip, Forbes reports...

• American Tourists Accidentally Broke an Unusual Venice Law

  An American couple who went for a run through Venice accidentally broke a local law that many tourists are unaware of. Mike Naccarella took off his shirt while jogging, only to discover that appearing in public with a bare torso is prohibited in Venice...

• An Italian Paradise Without Roads or Connectivity: The Wild Island of Palmarola That Tourists Almost Don't Know About

  The island lies west of Rome: close enough to make a day trip, yet far enough that the hustle, crowds, and traffic of the Eternal City seem like problems from another planet. While Roman forums and fountains attract millions of visitors, Palmarola remains a secret even to many locals...

London has been officially named the best city in the world for culture in the Time Out Best Cities for Culture 2026 ranking, which evaluates major global metropolises based on their level of arts, museums, theatre, and cultural life.

According to the study, based on a survey of more than 24,000 city residents around the world and the opinions of international experts, the British capital confidently took first place, ahead of Paris and New York.

London has traditionally stood out for its combination of historical heritage and contemporary cultural dynamism. The city offers dozens of world-class museums and galleries, many of which remain free to visit, as well as a constantly evolving cultural infrastructure — from new spaces in East London to major redevelopments of historic institutions.

Particular attention in the ranking is given to the West End theatre scene, which remains one of the most influential in the world, as well as to the city’s music and comedy landscape, where experimental formats coexist with mainstream cultural events.

Paris took second place on the list and continues to be regarded as one of the world’s leading centres of art. The French capital stands out for its museums, galleries, and fashion industry, as well as for the high approval rating from residents, with 100% of locals expressing a positive view of the city’s cultural life.

New York ranked third, where culture permeates all levels of urban life — from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA to street art and Broadway theatre. The city continues to serve as a global hub for artistic experimentation and cultural premieres.

The top five also included Berlin and Cape Town. Berlin maintains its reputation as one of Europe’s most experimental cultural centres, while Cape Town stands out for its blend of artistic institutions, festivals, and independent creative spaces.

Further down the ranking are Melbourne, São Paulo, Madrid, Florence, and Kraków, each offering a unique cultural mix of historical heritage and contemporary creative scenes.

The extended list also includes Taipei, Marrakech, Copenhagen, Guadalajara, Athens, Cairo, Beijing, Jaipur, Chiang Mai, and Lisbon — cities representing different regions of the world and reflecting the global diversity of cultural hubs.

Time Out experts note that the key factors in the ranking were the accessibility of cultural spaces, the diversity of events, the quality of museums and theatres, and the level of local engagement in cultural life.

Time Out travel editor Grace Beard emphasized that modern cities are becoming increasingly rich in cultural experiences, offering residents and tourists “world-class art right on their doorstep.”

Thus, the 2026 ranking confirms that the global cultural map is becoming increasingly multipolar: alongside traditional art capitals, cities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are playing an ever-growing role, shaping a new global cultural geography.

Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram