When it comes to the best cities in the world, Canada has earned its place among the globe’s finest.
From laid-back oceanside hubs and charming mountain escapes to bustling urban jungles, Canada has no shortage of world-class destinations, but one Canadian hotspot is standing out on a global list of the best cities for 2025 — and no, it’s not Toronto or Vancouver.
Landing at #44 on Time Out’s list of the best cities in the world for 2025, Montreal was celebrated for its unbeatable mix of culture, food and festivals.
According to Time Out, the city is home to « some of the coolest streets and neighbourhoods on the planet, » along with a brand-new luxury supermall, award-winning hotels and a killer food scene that even includes one of the world’s best patisseries.
Locals clearly agree: 88% of them gave Montreal’s food scene glowing reviews, and 85% raved about its cultural offerings.
The ranking, based on responses from over 18,500 people worldwide, focused heavily on livability this year — think walkability, safety and community vibes. On top of that, Time Out’s global city experts weighed in to highlight destinations that are particularly exciting right now.
Montreal’s friendliness, food scene and stunning views from Mount Royal made it an obvious pick.
But it’s not all smooth sailing for Canadian cities this year. Montreal dropped a fair amount from its #29 spot on the same list in 2024, and Vancouver, which ranked #50 last year, didn’t make the cut at all in 2025.
Meanwhile, the top spot this year went to Cape Town, followed by Bangkok and New York. Rounding out the top five were Melbourne and London. Here’s the full top 10:
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Bangkok, Thailand
- New York, U.S.
- Melbourne, Australia
- London, U.K.
- New Orleans, U.S.
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Porto, Portugal
- Shanghai, China
- Copenhagen, Denmark
With competition like this, Montreal holding its ground is impressive enough. Plus, there’s plenty to look forward to — in February, the city will host the 4 Nations Face-Off, bringing some of the best hockey players in the world to the Bell Centre.
So if you’re wondering where to visit in Canada, Montreal’s spot on this prestigious list makes it a no-brainer. While the rankings may shift year to year, the city’s undeniable charm and vibrant culture continue to make it a global standout.
Sorry, Toronto — better luck next year!
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