Time Out magazine has revealed its 2024 list of the best 50 cities in the world, with no New Zealand cities making the cut.
The annual survey collects insights from locals on the ground in the "global network of city experts" about what makes their city the best, and combines this with a poll of 20,000 readers to rank the cities accordingly.
New York took the top spot, being described as a "vibrant metropolis" that is always adapting, innovating and pushing boundaries.
South Africa's Cape Town came in second, scoring highly "across the board" as 100% of locals said the city is beautiful and that it made them happy.
Berlin was crowned Europe's "capital of cool" with London and Madrid rounding out the top five rankings.
Time Out magazine's editor Grace Beard said international travel is forecast to bounce back to the highest levels since 2019.
"Many travellers will be planning a city break this year – so in 2024, we added a little extra weight to a city's global appeal," she said.
Australasia as a whole wasn't entirely snubbed, with Australian cities Melbourne and Sydney ranking 20th and 31st respectively.
Last year Auckland's Ponsonby made it into the publication's coolest neighbourhoods in 2023 list.
Time Out contributor Petrina Darrah acknowledged the impact of "artists, bohemians and Pacific Peoples" who called the suburb home throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Their contribution made Ponsonby the creative hotspot Aucklanders know it as today, despite being "drastically reshaped" by gentrification.
The neighbourhood was also commended for its many eateries showcasing Auckland's diverse cultural makeup.
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