No need to travel around the world to discover one of the most captivating cities of the year. Less than two hours from Lille, Antwerp has just claimed 31st place in the global ranking of the best cities in 2026, published by the renowned magazine Time Out. And between its Flemish architecture, its museums, its restaurants and its designer boutiques, the Belgian city certainly has some compelling arguments to make.
Antwerp among the 50 best cities in the world in 2026
Each year, the international magazine Time Out reveals its ranking of the most pleasant and exciting cities to live in and explore. For this 2026 edition, more than 24,000 inhabitants from around the world were surveyed, with the help of over 100 local experts. Gastronomy, culture, nightlife, quality of life, financial accessibility and residents' happiness: several criteria were taken into account. And this year, Antwerp earns 31st place globally and 13th place in Europe. A
nice result for this Belgian city which notably finds itself ahead of Naples, Amsterdam, Athens and Vienna. On a global scale, Melbourne tops the ranking, followed by Shanghai and Edinburgh. Paris, for its part, ranks 22nd.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
A city where fashion, art, and gastronomy meet
So what exactly makes Time Out fall in love with Antwerp? First of all, its identity. Antwerp is considered one of Europe's great fashion capitals, especially thanks to the famous Antwerp Six, a group of designers who revolutionized Belgian fashion in the 1980s. Today, the city boasts numerous independent boutiques, art galleries, and hidden gems. On the culinary front, the magazine also highlights a particularly vibrant food scene, featuring Michelin-starred restaurants, natural wine bars, and creative new eateries. All within a city compact enough to explore on foot.
A historic center that absolutely deserves the detour
And Antwerp has another serious advantage: its setting. Between the Renaissance facades of the Grote Markt, the impressive Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the charming cobblestone streets of the historic center, the city preserves a particularly distinctive Flemish architecture
photogenic. Don't forget its famous central station, regularly listed among the world's most beautiful stations, or the MAS, a huge museum located in the old docks district. For art lovers, head also to the KMSKA, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, which notably houses works by Rubens. And for those who prefer to discover a city by wandering, creative neighborhoods like Borgerhout are also worth the detour. The latter was even ranked the world's second coolest neighborhood by Time Out in 2025.Voir cette publication sur Instagram
The perfect getaway less than two hours from Lille
Good news for Lille locals: no need to take a week off work to discover this internationally distinguished city. Located about 1h45 from Lille by car, Antwerp is perfect for a day trip or weekend escape. You can easily spend a morning exploring the historic center, an afternoon browsing museums and shops, then wrap things up with dinner or drinks at one of its many bars. And in autumn, with its old facades, cozy cafés, and cobblestone streets, the city has exactly the kind of vibe that makes you want to linger a little longer. Turns out one of the world's best cities in 2026 is practically on our doorstep. It would be a shame not to go check out this ranking for ourselves.