London, New York, Tokyo. All massive capital cities home to buzzing nightlife, economic hubs and landmarks millions of tourists flock to visit everywhere.

All three you’d expect to find on Time Out’s 50 Best Cities in the World for 2025. But there’s a much quieter spot that’s also made the list.

Nestled among the pristine green hills of the South Downs and the pebble stoned shores of the channel is  Brighton.

The guide is produced by a survey of more than 18,500 city-dwellers who “shared their thoughts on their city”, with questions covering “everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall vibe.”

A panel of more than 100 city experts, drawn from Time Out’s global network, was also asked to name the most exciting cities in the world “right now.” A combination of both sets of data produces the list of best cities in the world for 2025.

Coming in at 34, which should not be sniffed at for a city of its size, is the sea-side haven of Brighton. Home to Graham Greene’s 1938 thriller “Brighton Rock”, this city has a lot of energy to draw from and a rich musical history. In 2002 Fat Boy Slim drew a quarter of a million fans to Brighton beach to catch his DJ set.

Renowned for its chirpy residents, pier and vegan cuisine – Brighton is already a magnet for Londoners seeking some salt and sun come the summer months.

However, it also makes the perfect rainy day destination. With the winding lanes offering a plethora of stalls selling rings, necklaces and crystals.

If you fancy a sit down locals love Pelicano’s cafe, which is filled with towering elaborate iced cakes and bakes and Kenny’s Rock and Soul Cafe. The latter has a quaint balcony that looks over the lanes, but beware if you opt for their highly-recommended fry up, you may have to guard it from the searching beaks of resident seagulls.

If you fancy something a little stronger than a latte, The HobGoblin and The Mash Tun are bustling with life come the early evening. With punters spilling out onto the streets the whiff of lager perfumes the streets from June to September.

However, if you’re struck with a bout of bad weather, not out of the question on the South Coast, you can shelter in the spectacular architecture of the Brighton Pavillion. Incongruous to the rest of the shabby but charming seaside town the former royal residence was built in the Indo-Saracenic style prevalent in India for most of the 19th century. The current appearance, with its domes and minarets, is the work of the architect John Nash.

Hove, which is often folded into the Brighton bracket, is just a stroll away past the controversial i360, which offers a panoramic view of the sea and the city. Hove is also home to a flurry of coffee shops and restaurants.

Brighton also has a new restaurant on its scene. Burnt Orange is a modern European restaurant that has garnered critical acclaim. The old coach house has been transformed to offer vibrant fusion dishes with a twist.

Grace Beard, Travel Editor at Time Out, said: “Our annual list of Time Out’s Best Cities in the World right now proves that if you want to know what makes a city truly great, ask a local. Thousands of city-dwellers worldwide responded to our survey this year.

“This list not only showcases the world’s most exciting cities to visit in 2025, where world-class culture, great food and exciting nightlife can be found on every corner, but also reflects the places where locals feel most at home.”