London, New York, Tokyo. All massive capital cities home to buzzing nightlife, economic hubs and landmarks millions of tourists flock to visit everywhere. All three you'd expect to find on Time Out's 50 Best Cities in the World for 2025.
But there's a much quieter spot that's also made the list. Nestled among the pristine green hills of the South Downs and the pebble stoned shores of the channel is Brighton. The guide is produced by a survey of more than 18,500 city-dwellers who “shared their thoughts on their city”, with questions covering “everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall vibe.
” A panel of more than 100 city experts, drawn from Time Out's global network, was also asked to name the most exciting cities in the world “right now.” A combination of both sets of data produces the list of best cities in the world for 2025. Coming in at 34, which should not be sniffed at for a city of its size, is the sea-side haven of Brighton.
Home to Graham Greene's 1938 thriller "Brighton Rock", this city has a lot of energy to draw from and a rich musical history. In 2002 Fat Boy Slim drew a quarter of a million fans to Brighton beach to catch his DJ set. Renowned for its chirpy residents, pier and vegan cuisine - Brighton is already a magnet for Londoners seeking some salt and sun come the summer months.
However, it also makes the perfect rainy day destination. With the winding lanes offering a plethora of stalls selling rings.
