Modern Australian
Times Advertising

World's Most Incredible Cities Revealed; Not Entirely as Expected

  • Written by Leigh-Ann Pow

Australia's best selling outbound travel magazine International Traveller has published the list of the 100 Most Incredible Cities, on sale today (3 September).

The list throws up a few surprising results, but the No. 1 city in the world was not one of them: Paris, the City of Light.

Here are some other interesting highlights:

London came in ahead of New York

“Obviously we expected the big three of Paris, New York and London to take out the top spots, but we were surprised by the order they ranked: London at second nudging New York to number three was very interesting,” says International Traveller editorial director Leigh-Ann Pow.

  All Australian capital cities feature in the 100, with Melbourne ahead of Sydney (but both in top 10) All eight capital cities of Australia made the list with Melbourne the best of them at number 8, quickly followed by Sydney at number 9. Next were Perth (46), Adelaide (60), Darwin (61), Brisbane (73), Hobart (84) and Canberra (91).

“We expected Sydney and Melbourne to make the 100 but to have Melbourne ahead of Sydney and both of them in the top 10 was fascinating. I love that Canberra was also in the list at 91. I think in a few years it would feature much higher in everyone's list of best cities in the world,” Pow continues.

Istanbul so hot right now at No.4

“It's really no wonder Istanbul came in at number 4 behind the big three; this is the hottest place for travellers right now. It's about the exotic east meets west mystique, the fantastic sights, the phenomenal food and shopping, plus the vibrant nightlife. Istanbul is the city of 2015,” Pow says.

North America dominates

The United States had the most cites in the 100 with 13, while Canada was third with 6 cities.

World's Top 10 Incredible Cities
1    Paris
2    London
3    New York
4    Istanbul
5    Rome
6    Tokyo
7    Singapore
8    Melbourne
9    Sydney
10    Berlin
  Asia has some favourites, but European icons are being challenged by local upstarts.
Singapore and Tokyo continue to be favourites, with both in the top 10, however Venice was relegated to 14 on the list behind Dubai (11), Hong Kong (12) and Queenstown (13).

Holidays & Travel

Interstate Car Transporter Urges Buyers to Book Early

As the conflict in the Middle East continues to put increasing pressure on local fuel supply, Australian transport companies are experiencing increasing financial and logistical pressures.  Interstate car transporters are urging...

A Beginner's Guide to Owning a Caravan in Australia

Owning a caravan opens up a style of travel that's hard to match for freedom and flexibility. However, for those just starting out, the process of choosing, purchasing and setting...

Long Weekend Camping in the Yarra Ranges: Three Weekends of High Country Adventure

Yarra Ranges National Park, Victoria. Image by Mattinbgn (talk · contribs), CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsVictoria’s Yarra Ranges offer keen travellers a change of scenery and the taste of...

Preparing for Your First Trip to San Francisco in 2026

San Francisco has long occupied a particular place in the Australian imagination. It is compact yet complex, progressive but historic, and visually striking without feeling overwhelming. For first-time visitors, the...

Top Safety and Comfort Features to Consider in Family Off Road Caravans

Exploring Australia’s coastline, bush tracks or outback locations is far more enjoyable when travelling in a caravan designed for both comfort and durability. Many families browsing caravans for sale do...

Barbecue Boats – The New Must-Have for Retirees!

When your working years are behind you, it’s time to kick back and relax. You’ve earned it! And there’s no better way to do that than by purchasing your very...

7 Ways a Luxury Australian Cruise Transforms Your Travel Expectations

Dreaming of your next holiday? Forget the crowded tourist traps and consider something truly special: a luxury australian cruise. More than just a holiday, it's a transformative experience that will redefine...

Affordable Invisalign in Bangkok Why Australians Are Choosing Thailand

More Australians are investing in Invisalign to straighten their teeth, but the treatment in Australia can cost thousands of dollars and often takes months just to begin. As a result...

The Power of Giving Back: How Volunteering Shapes Your Mindset

To say the least, volunteering can maximally change the way you see the world. Period. When you step into someone else’s shoes, even for a few hours, you start noticing...

Why Pendant Lights Continue To Be A Popular Choice In Modern Interiors

Lighting has become an essential design element in modern homes, influencing both the appearance and functionality of interior spaces. Many homeowne...

How Whiteboard Supports Structured Communication In Work And Learning Environments

Clear communication and structured planning are essential in both professional and educational settings, which is why a whiteboard remains a practi...

How A Cardboard Box Manufacturer Supports Modern Packaging Needs

Packaging has become an essential part of modern business operations across retail, manufacturing, logistics, and e-commerce industries. Many busine...

How Pallet Racking Helps Businesses Improve Warehouse Operations

Efficient warehouse management depends on reliable storage systems that support organisation, safety, and productivity. Many businesses use pallet rac...

Why I/O Controller Is Essential For Efficient Industrial Automation Systems

Modern industrial systems rely heavily on automation and precise data exchange, which is why an I/O controller plays a critical role in ensuring sm...

Why Modern Traffic Management Systems Are Important For Safer Roads

Cities and industrial facilities increasingly rely on advanced Traffic Light System technology to improve road safety, traffic flow, and operationa...

How Structured eCommerce Web Design Influences Online Buying Behaviour

A strong online presence begins with effective eCommerce web design that prioritises both functionality and user experience. Businesses entering or...

What People Mean by “Alternative Doctor” And Why Expectations Around Care Are Changing

When people search for an “alternative doctor,” they’re usually looking for something specific, even if they haven’t fully defined it yet. I...

Why Does My Power Keep Tripping? Common Causes Explained by Electricians Sydney

The electrical system is the lifeblood of your home, powering everything from your phones to cooking utensils and more. But from time to time, your po...

Interstate Car Transporter Urges Buyers to Book Early

As the conflict in the Middle East continues to put increasing pressure on local fuel supply, Australian transport companies are experiencing increasi...

Digital Minimalism for Business Owners: Fewer Tools, Better Systems

Be honest. How many apps are open right now? One for scheduling, another for invoices, a third for customer notes, plus a spreadsheet someone email...

The Importance Of Proactive NDIS Renewal Preparation For Sustaining Your Provider Business

Your NDIS renewal notice is not a signal to start preparing. By the time it arrives, preparation should already be well underway. For new providers, s...

Why Fire Extinguisher Testing in Sydney Is Becoming a Records Game, Not Only a Maintenance Job

A fire extinguisher used to feel like one of the simpler parts of building safety. It hung on the wall, wore a service tag, and sat there quietly unle...

The Switchboard Upgrade Question Every Melbourne Renovator Should Ask Before the Walls Close Up

Renovations have a funny way of making people think on surfaces first. Splashback, stone, joinery, tapware, paint. Fair enough too. That is the exciti...

Winter Sanitation Gaps in Parramatta Kitchens: A Hidden Pest Risk

Winter brings a host of changes to our homes, from the chill in the air to the cozy warmth indoors. However, this season also introduces sanitation ch...

When to Seek Advice from Employment Lawyers in Melbourne

Australian employment law is detailed and, at times, complex, with rights and obligations that aren't always obvious to employees or employers witho...

7 Benefits of Professional Gutter Cleaning for Australian Homeowners

Gutters aren't exactly glamorous. They sit up there on the edge of your roof, doing their job quietly - until they stop working. Clogged, overflowing ...

Pipe Floats Strengthening Pipeline Performance In Demanding Environments

Pipelines often travel through environments that are anything but predictable, water currents shift, terrain changes, and materials keep moving unde...