Aussie city beats out world capitals in global 'arts and culture' ranking
Time Out has released its annual list of the world's best cities for arts and culture.
In these cities "enviable art collections, brilliant theatre, music and cultural celebrations are accessible and affordable to locals and visitors", per Time Out.
One Aussie capital has posted an impressive ranking - read through to see the whole list for 2026.
19. Chiang Mai, Thailand
This 700-year-old city has always been big on culture. But now its Buddhist temples and art are complemented by the city's young population and burgeoning art scene.
Creative neighbourhoods pepper the city, with galleries, studios, festivals, and more.
18. Jaipur, India
India's 'pink city' is known as an epicentre for cultural celebrations, where the buildings literally sparkle, and locals take the task of preserving history seriously.
Annual festivals - including an art week and a jazz festival - root the city in modernity, too.
17. Beijing, China
Beijing has a great mix of history and modern culture.
"One minute you're stepping into 3,000 years of history, from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall, and the next you're stumbling into something completely contemporary," local Wendy Xu wrote for Time Out.
READ MORE: China bookings surge as Aussies discover new favourite holiday spot
16. Cairo, Egypt
Egypt has been a cultural mecca for literally thousands of years. The opening of the brand new Grand Egyptian Museum last year has firmly cemented the city as a perfect place to visit for a hit of culture.
15. Athens, Greece
Athens is the perfect example of a city that celebrates its ancient heritage while also cultivating a contemporary creative energy.
Interestingly, Time Out reports locals reckon live music is the best thing about Athens' culture scene.
READ MORE: Athens is reinventing Greek cuisine and foodie travellers need to stop skipping it
14. Guadalajara, Mexico
Guadalajara is becoming known as one of Mexico's most exciting art cities, with everything from traditional art and murals to chic streets lined with galleries, boutiques, and studios.
It's also a very affordable destination, both for visitors and locals.
13. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen's art and culture scene isn't big and flashy, but it is diverse enough that locals rave about it.
From pop-up harbour concerts and gallery parties to book festival and outdoor sculpture installations, this Scandi city has it all.
12. Morocco, Marrakech
Time Out reports Marrakesh is a hub for both Moroccan and international creatives, creating a true melting pot of culture.
While traditional culture is certainly celebrated, there is still very much an undercurrent of modernity and newness.
11. Taipei
Taiwan is certainly a very modern city, but traces of its antiquity still remain.
History buffs love the National Palace Museum, one of the world's most extensive collections of Taiwan and neighbouring China's cultural history.
