New York City Shines as Second Best City Globally in 2026 Ranking
New York City has secured the prestigious second spot in Resonance Consultancy’s 2026 World’s Best Cities Report, trailing only behind London, which maintained its reign at the top for the eleventh consecutive year. Despite coming in second, New York continues to captivate the world with what the report describes as its status as “the perpetual heartbeat of America” and praises the city’s “refusal to play by anyone’s script” as its greatest asset. This recognition celebrates New York’s unwavering commitment to cultural investment, ambitious urban infrastructure development, and its ability to maintain global fascination regardless of the political climate. The city’s unique blend of resilience, innovation, and cultural significance continues to make it a beacon for visitors and residents alike in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
Tourism remains a cornerstone of New York City’s success, with impressive visitor numbers reaching nearly 65 million in 2024 and projections of 64.1 million for 2025. This tourism boom extends beyond Manhattan’s traditional attractions, with Brooklyn and other outer boroughs gaining significant visitor interest, collectively generating over $70 billion in revenue according to city accounting. The upcoming year promises even greater tourism growth with high-profile events on the horizon, including the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium and the Sail4th 250 celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial. These landmark occasions are expected to draw international attention and visitors, further cementing New York’s place as a premier global destination. Additionally, the city’s transportation infrastructure continues to excel, with NYC airports ranking second globally for connectivity, bolstered by JFK’s ambitious $19 billion New Terminal One program, which will begin partial operations in mid-2026 with fourteen new gates.
The city’s urban mobility landscape is undergoing significant transformation, most notably through the congestion pricing initiative launching in early 2025. This innovative program has already demonstrated impressive results, creating an immediate double-digit reduction in vehicular traffic south of 60th Street. Beyond easing congestion, these changes have improved bus transit times and generated crucial funding for the MTA’s extensive $68.4 billion capital improvement program. These transportation enhancements represent just one facet of New York’s commitment to evolving its infrastructure to meet the demands of a world-class city while improving quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The city’s willingness to implement bold solutions to urban challenges demonstrates the forward-thinking approach that helps maintain its elite global standing.
New York’s iconic skyline continues its dynamic evolution, reflecting the city’s constant reinvention. Recent additions include JP Morgan Chase’s towering 1,388-foot headquarters dominating Park Avenue and Brookfield’s completion of Two Manhattan West, which has enhanced its expansive eight-acre campus. Perhaps more significant than these new constructions is the city’s innovative approach to adaptive reuse, with numerous office-to-residential conversion projects reshaping the urban landscape. The former Pfizer headquarters in Midtown is being transformed into “Nexus” with 1,602 residential units, while 5 Times Square is slated to become home to 1,250 mixed-income residences later this year. Even Hudson Yards is pivoting from earlier casino plans toward a more balanced development featuring additional housing, expanded parkland, and office spaces. These conversions not only address housing needs but breathe new life into existing structures, demonstrating New York’s ability to reimagine its built environment in response to changing urban demands.
The cultural vibrancy of New York City “has rarely been hotter,” according to the report, which ranks the city second globally in the Theaters & Concerts subcategory and places it among the Top 5 for Museums. This cultural excellence represents the creative soul of the city and remains one of its most powerful draws for international visitors. Julie Coker, President and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, “This recognition is a testament to NYC’s unmatched energy, cultural vibrancy, and world-class experiences across the five boroughs that keep us firmly positioned as a must-visit global destination.” This cultural richness extends far beyond the familiar landmarks and tourist attractions, encompassing diverse neighborhoods, emerging artistic communities, and cultural innovations that continually reinvent what it means to experience New York City in the 21st century.
Despite the impressive second-place ranking, many New Yorkers took to social media to express their unwavering belief that their city truly deserves the top spot as the world’s greatest urban center. Comments on social platforms revealed the deep passion and loyalty city residents feel, with one recent transplant to London insisting, “Moved to London from NYC four months ago… can confirm NYC is still #1.” Other comments ranged from bewildered questioning—”London in #1? Did I read that right? No offense, but there is no way!!!”—to more direct assertions like “London is not better than NYC, sorry.” One particularly humorous comment even claimed that “Rats in NYC are cooler,” highlighting the unique pride New Yorkers take in every aspect of their city, including its infamous wildlife. This passionate defense of New York’s preeminence reflects the deep emotional connection residents feel to their city and the fierce loyalty it inspires, perhaps providing further evidence of what makes New York truly special in the global urban landscape. The spirited debate about rankings ultimately underscores what the Resonance report suggests: New York’s greatest asset may indeed be its refusal to follow anyone else’s script—including accepting a second-place ranking.
