13 Best Cities In Asia 2025, Jakarta Increased By How Much?

JAKARTA - Asia is not only famous for technological advances and cultural richness, but also for its charmful and unique cities.

From a busy megapolis to a quieter destination, Asia offers a wide selection of cities suitable for everyone. From modern mega cities such as Shanghai, Seoul, and Bangkok that are full of color and chaos, to quieter destinations such as Hanoi and Kyoto that are filled with old world traditions and charm. Whatever the lifestyle or holiday needs, there must be a city in Asia that suits your preferences.

If you're looking for a place in Asia to visit or settle, you're in the right place. Every year, Time Out discusses thousands of local residents around the world. This year involves 18,500 city residents to find out how they feel about living, working, and having fun in their city.

A total of 13 cities in Asia are trending to be on the global list for 2025, with several new cities of interest and the return of extraordinary cities.

Bangkok was selected as the best city in Asia for 2025 and the second best city in the world. This is an extraordinary 22-ranked leap compared to the 2024 list. Then, what makes Bangkok shoot to the top?

Some of the main factors include local hospitality, rich cultural heritage, extensive green space, and trendy nightlife in Thonglor and Ekkami. In addition, the expanded BTS Skytrain and MRT systems make traveling in Bangkok now easier.

If you talk to local residents, one thing that is striking is the food. 86 percent said food in Bangkok was 'good' or 'extraordinary', and 84 percent said the food was also affordable.

Currently, Bangkok is full of attractive exhibitions and workshops thanks to Bangkok Art Biennale. Talking about revival, Shanghai is back on the list of the World's Best Cities after being last registered in 2021.

This year, the city is back with 9th place, making it the second best city in Asia. There are many things to like from this 'sinematic' city full of innovation, one of which is the famous alpaka in Fumin Lu, according to Shanghai expert Sammi Sowerby.

In Shanghai, you will also have no trouble meeting new people and enjoying a lively nightlife. As many as 80 percent of the population says it's easy to make friends in this city, and their nightlife gets the highest rating.

Furthermore, Hong Kong is ranked 14th as the best city around the world. Hong Kong jumped 35 places from 2024. The survey results call this small but powerful city the safest and most comfortable city in the world.

With a very connected public transportation system, 98 percent of the population agrees. You can easily reach popular places such as Hollywood Road, Bar Leone, the best bar in Asia today, or new sports complexes such as Go Park Sai Sha and Kai Tak Sports Park.

Then there is Hanoi, nicknamed by local experts, Dan Q Dao, as 'the birthplace of Vietnamese culture for more than a thousand years'. The city jumped 15 places and is now ranked 21th in the list of best cities around the world, thanks to its strong community relations and affordability.

Visit Hanoi this year to feel the fast-growing culinary and cocktail atmosphere and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's reunification.

In addition, Tokyo Mai and Jakarta are on the list for the first time. These two incredible cities in Southeast Asia have finally received appropriate recognition.ungly Mai and Jakarta debuted on the World's Best City Time Out list with the rankings 28 and 29 worldwide.

How come Mai, known as the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, has a strong, culinary, and culinary scene with the alasan Mai City Festival project.

This festival will present a vinyl festival, large food market, and local music performances every month. According to local expert Leyla Rose, Jakarta is stunning with an effortless balance between traditional and modern.

Explore the historic Dutch colonial building, luxury shopping centers, and enjoy healthy live music scenes at major festivals such as the Djakarta Warehouse Project and Java Jazz Festival. Don't miss the new bars, such as Cosmocurd and Barcadia.

Other Asian cities such as Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, and Mumbai are also proud to display their uniqueness. Here are 13 cities that are included in the world's 50 best cities in 2025, as reported by VOI from the Time Out page on Friday, January 17, 2025.

1. Bangkok, Thailand (the second best city position worldwide) 2. Shanghai, China (A rating of 9) 3. Hong Kong (14th position) 4. Hanoi, Vietnam (A rating of 21) 5. Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Position 24) 6. Singapore (A rating of 25) 7. Beijing, China (Position 27) 8. They are Mai, Thailand (A rating 28) 9. Jakarta, Indonesia (A rating 29) 10. Tokyo, Japan (Position 31) 11. Seoul, South Korea (Position 42) 12. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (A rating 46) 13. Mumbai, India (Posisi 49)