Brisbane makes debut on world’s 50 best cities list

Brisbane has cracked the list of the 50 best cities of the world, according to Time Out.

In spruiking the River City coming in 37th, the Brisbane Economic Development Agency stated it was the first time Brisbane has made the list.

“From the city’s booming $11 billion visitor economy to record-breaking overnight stays and a growing influx of domestic and international visitors, it’s clear the world knows this city is something special,” the agency said.

Time Out’s Top 50 Best Cities in the World for 2025 list was created based on feedback from locals and city experts.

Time Out editors said this year more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights “on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe”.

They said liveability was a key factor in the 2025 ranking this year.

“But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now.”

Their verdict on Brisbane was:

What makes us great:

“If there was any lingering doubt about Brisbane’s status as a world-class city, it was put to rest with the announcement that the 2032 Olympics would be hosted right here in Queensland’s capital. With an impressive 280 days of sunshine per year, a great set of river walkways and public transport connections, getting around Brisbane isn’t just a breeze, it’s a joy. In QAGOMA, Brisbane has two of the world’s best-designed art galleries filled with blockbuster art. The city is also home to The Calile Hotel – which consistently ranks as Australia’s best hotel – located in the trendy James Street precinct. Here, you’ll also find cool boutiques and top-notch restaurants, like Gerard’s Bistro, Fatcow and Same Same, and you’ll be within walking distance to Fortitude Valley’s hottest live music venues, including The Tivoli and The Triffid.”

Visit now because:

“Brisbane was recently named a trending destination for Millennial and Gen Z travellers – we’re not surprised, with all our rooftop bars, museums and excellent live music venues. For those with kids in tow, Brisbane recently unveiled a world-first Bluey attraction, featuring life-size recreations of iconic settings from the Emmy Award-winning show.”

The big numbers:

“Going out ain’t cheap in Brisbane. Less than half of locals said it’s affordable to go out to a bar, see live music or go clubbing in the city. But 86 percent of Brisbanites rate the city for its green spaces and access to nature – at least going to the park is free.”

Brisbane was one of four Australian cities to make the list with Melbourne (4), Sydney (15) and Perth (33) also featured.

The full list is: