Bangkok named best city for Gen Z

Time Out, a global lifestyle publication known for its recommendations on events, dining, and culture, reexamined its annual global cities survey data through the lens of Gen Z, highlighting the cities that stand out for this younger generation.

Bangkok emerged at the top of the list, and the reasons are clear, according to the magazine's release on Wednesday.

A key factor is the high satisfaction rate among young residents: 84% of respondents in Bangkok reported being "happy living" there, one of the strongest results in the survey. The city also stands out for its community spirit, ranking higher than any other city for ease of making friends.

Affordability is another reason for Bangkok's popularity, with 71% of under-30s rating the city as budget-friendly, an important factor for young professionals just starting their careers.

Bangkok's vibrant nightlife also contributed to its top ranking. The city appeared in Time Out’s recent roundup of the best cities for nightlife, where it placed 13th worldwide.

Melbourne of Australia claimed second best place for Gen Z, with nearly 80% of young respondents describing the city as "diverse and inclusive." A staggering 96% praised its art and culture scene, and over 90% rated its quality of life as "good" or "amazing."

Cape Town, South Africa's capital ranked third, with 82% of Gen Z residents expressing happiness living there. The city earned high marks for its beauty, with 71% describing it as "beautiful," and young people particularly appreciated its affordable nights out (76%) and overall excitement (62%).

New York City, in fourth place, stood out as the most "exciting" city for its younger residents. It was also noted for its walkability and legendary nightlife.

Copenhagen rounded out the top five, with 64% of Gen Z residents reporting happiness living there. The city also received decent marks for romance, with 54% saying it is easy to find love.