NYC named the second-best city in the world in…
The biggest city in the world is still only the second best.
Power rankings firm Resonance Consultancy just launched its 2026 World’s Best Cities Report, and while London took the top spot for the eleventh consecutive yr, New York City moved into the No. 2 spot this yr.
The report dubbed NYC “the perpetual heartbeat of America” and said that its “refusal to play by anyone’s script remains its greatest asset.”
New York City was ranked the second-best city in the world for 2026. vichie81 – stock.adobe.com
Gotham’s “ongoing investment in its cultural economy, massive urban infrastructure projects and global infatuation despite current politics” was cited as a elementary characteristic in touchdown the city in second place.
As anticipated, tourism is key to New York City, with practically 65 million guests in 2024 and about 64.1 million anticipated in 2025, significantly as home journey to Brooklyn and other outer-borough points of interest compete for curiosity. This accounts for over $70 billion in income by the city’s accounting.
A spike in tourism is also anticipated next yr, with the FIFA World Cup last coming to MetLife Stadium and the Sail4th 250 celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial.
Plus, the NYC airports’ new capability and ecosystem have cemented its spot as No. 2 in the global rating for connectivity. JFK’s $19 billion New Terminal One program is anticipated to see a partial debut in mid-2026 with the first 14 gates.
On road degree, the congestion pricing rollout in early 2025 immediately cut shifting visitors south of sixtieth Street with a double-digit drop in vehicles. It also helped increase bus journey time and delivered funding for the MTA’s $68.4-billion capital program.
The report dubbed NYC “the perpetual heartbeat of America.” kmiragaya – stock.adobe.com
The ever-changing skyline shines a gentle on the city’s upgrades. JP Morgan Chase’s 1,388-foot headquarters now towers over Park Avenue, and Brookfield’s Two Manhattan West has stuffed out its eight-acre campus.
More important, however, is the city’s many office-to-residential conversions. For instance, the former Pfizer headquarters in Midtown is reworking into a Nexus with 1,602 models. Up to 1,250 mixed-income houses will take over 5 Times Square later this yr, and Hudson Yards’ next journey has pivoted away from a on line casino and toward more housing, parkland and places of work.
Of course, the tradition in New York City has “rarely been hotter” — rating second place in Resonance Consultancy’s Theaters & Concerts subcategory and rating in the Top 5 Museums.
“We are pleased that New York City is included on Resonance’s 2025 World’s Best Cities list,” Julie Coker, NYC Tourism + Conventions President and CEO, said in a assertion.
A spike in tourism is anticipated in 2026, with the FIFA World Cup last coming to MetLife Stadium and the Sail4th 250 celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial. Juli M. – stock.adobe.com
“This recognition is a testomony to NYC’s unmatched vitality, cultural vibrancy, and world-class experiences across the 5 boroughs that keep us firmly positioned as a must-visit global vacation spot.
Naturally, New Yorkers complained on social media that the city got here in second place, believing it truly is the primary biggest city in the world.
“Moved to London from NYC four months ago… can confirm NYC is still #1,” somebody commented on Secret NYC’s Instagram post.
London in #1? Did I read that proper? No offense, but there may be no method!!!” another questioned.
“London is not better than NYC, sorry,” one declared.
“Rats in NYC are cooler,” a person quipped.
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