Six Best Cities Version of Gen Z, from Bangkok to Barcelona

JAKARTA - Generation Z or gen Z turns out to have several cities that are considered the best to visit. This was revealed by the global media platform Time Out, which recently released an annual ranking of the world's best cities.

The list was made based on a comprehensive survey of more than 18,500 local residents, with a special focus on responses from respondents under the age of 30 or Generation Z.

The reminder was made with the aim of celebrating cities where young people in their 20s can thrive, both as a place to live and for a short visit.

Based on the list, Gen Z turns out to have specific priorities in assessing a city. In addition to assessing nightlife, food, and culture, they also consider happiness, access to green spaces, and walkability.

"One of the factors is that the cultural scene is really easy to access. Many things can be done at affordable prices. If the art and culture scene of a city is snobbish (arrogant) and difficult to access, what's the point," said Time Out London and UK news editor Ed Cunningham.

The six best cities according to Gen Z in the list released by Time Out are as follows, quoted on Monday, December 15, 2025.

1. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok leads thanks to high scores in happiness (84 percent of Gen Z are happy) and affordability (71 percent are budget-friendly). Gen Z in the Thai capital is the easiest group to make new friends.

2. Melbourne, Australia

The Australian capital took second place. The city excels in diversity and inclusivity (77 percent) and the arts and culture scene, with 96 percent of participants giving it high marks. As many as 91 percent of Gen Z also rated the quality of life in Melbourne 'good' or 'amazing'.

3. Cape Town, South Africa

In third place is Cape Town, South Africa, with 82 percent of Gen Z residents feeling happy. This coastal city received the highest score for beauty (71 percent), cheap nightlife (76 percent), and is considered an attractive place to live overall (62 percent).

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4. New York City, United States

This one city is most likely to be described as 'attractive' by Gen Z. They also praised the ease of walking in the city at 82 percent and the nightlife at 84 percent.

5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen was recently named the most livable city in the world. Then this city also got a fairly high happiness ranking from Gen Z (64 percent), as well as a good ranking for romance worth 54 percent, which says it's easy to find love.

6. Barcelona, Spain

71 percent of Gen Z feel happy living in Barcelona, Spain. The city is also on par with Melbourne in the highest score for diversity and inclusivity at 77 percent.