The greatest city in the world is still only the second best. <\/p>\n
Power rankings firm Resonance Consultancy<\/a> just released its 2026 World\u2019s Best Cities Report<\/a>, and while London took the top spot for the 11th consecutive year, New York City moved into the No. 2 spot this year.<\/p>\n The report dubbed NYC \u201cthe perpetual heartbeat of America\u201d and said that its \u201crefusal to play by anyone\u2019s script remains its greatest asset.\u201d<\/p>\n New York City was ranked the second-best city in the world for 2026. vichie81 \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n Gotham\u2019s \u201congoing investment in its cultural economy, massive urban infrastructure projects and global infatuation despite current politics\u201d was cited as a fundamental feature in landing the city in second place.<\/p>\n As expected, tourism is key to New York City, with nearly 65 million visitors in 2024 and about 64.1 million expected in 2025, particularly as domestic travel to Brooklyn and other outer-borough attractions compete for interest. This accounts for over $70 billion in revenue by the city\u2019s accounting.<\/p>\n A spike in tourism is also expected next year, with the FIFA World Cup final coming to MetLife Stadium and the Sail4th 250 celebrating America\u2019s Semiquincentennial.<\/p>\n Plus, the NYC airports\u2019 new capacity and ecosystem have cemented its spot as No. 2 in the global ranking for connectivity. JFK\u2019s $19 billion New Terminal One program is expected to see a partial debut in mid-2026 with the first 14 gates.<\/p>\n On street level, the congestion pricing rollout in early 2025 immediately cut moving traffic south of 60th Street with a double-digit drop in cars. It also helped increase bus travel time and delivered funding for the MTA\u2019s $68.4-billion capital program.<\/p>\n The report dubbed NYC \u201cthe perpetual heartbeat of America.\u201d kmiragaya \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n The ever-changing skyline shines a light on the city\u2019s upgrades. JP Morgan Chase\u2019s 1,388-foot headquarters now towers over Park Avenue, and Brookfield\u2019s Two Manhattan West has filled out its eight-acre campus.<\/p>\n More significant, however, is the city\u2019s many office-to-residential conversions. For example, the former Pfizer headquarters in Midtown is transforming into a Nexus with 1,602 units. Up to 1,250 mixed-income homes will take over 5 Times Square later this year, and Hudson Yards\u2019 next journey has pivoted away from a casino and toward more housing, parkland and offices. <\/p>\n Of course, the culture in New York City has \u201crarely been hotter\u201d \u2014 ranking second place in Resonance Consultancy\u2019s Theaters & Concerts subcategory and ranking in the Top 5 Museums.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are pleased that New York City is included on Resonance\u2019s 2025 World\u2019s Best Cities list,\u201d Julie Coker, NYC Tourism + Conventions President and CEO, said in a statement.<\/p>\n A spike in tourism is expected in 2026, with the FIFA World Cup final coming to MetLife Stadium and the Sail4th 250 celebrating America\u2019s Semiquincentennial. Juli M. \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n \u201cThis recognition is a testament to NYC\u2019s unmatched energy, cultural vibrancy, and world-class experiences across the five boroughs that keep us firmly positioned as a must-visit global destination.<\/p>\n Naturally, New Yorkers complained on social media that the city came in second place, believing it really is the number one greatest city in the world.<\/p>\n \u201cMoved to London from NYC four months ago\u2026 can confirm NYC is still #1,\u201d someone commented on Secret NYC\u2019s Instagram post<\/a>.<\/p>\n London in #1? Did I read that right? No offense, but there is no way!!!\u201d another questioned.<\/p>\n \u201cLondon is not better than NYC, sorry,\u201d one declared.<\/p>\n \u201cRats in NYC are cooler,\u201d a user quipped.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t