São Paulo has just entered the TOP 20 of the best cities in the world – and beaten NY when it comes to nightlife!

São Paulo jumped 57 places in the World's Best Cities 2026 ranking and was a global highlight for its nightlife, gastronomy and cultural scene.

Giulia Trecco - Editor-in-chief • December 1, 2025

são paulo best cities in the world world best cities 2026 — Photo: Sergio Souza and Alena Darmel/Pexels

São Paulo is back on top, and more radiant than ever! The biggest proof of this is that the capital of São Paulo has been voted the 18th best city in the world by the World’s Best Cities 2026 ranking.

Prepared by the international consultancy Resonance Consultancy, the survey analyzes one hundred global metropolises based on 46 criteria, including quality of life, tourism, investments, culture and global perception.

In addition, in this year’s ranking, São Paulo took 1st place in the world for nightlife, driven by the uninterrupted energy of Vila Madalena and Baixo Augusta, which continue to boil seven nights a week.

masp são paulo maravilhas modernas do mundo — Photo: Disclosure/MASP

Best city in Latin America

In Latin America, São Paulo is the best-placed city in the ranking, ahead of Rio de Janeiro, which came 42nd. The capital was also the most photographed on Instagram, a reflection of the revitalization of cultural corridors and the growth of urban tourism.

The report highlights that São Paulo is experiencing an urban and cultural renaissance.

The city shines not only for its intense programming, but also for its world-class gastronomy. For example, the report cites establishments such as D.O.M., Maní and Evvai, remembered for the return of the Michelin Guide to Brazil. In addition, new signature restaurants in neighborhoods such as Pinheiros and Jardins consolidate the city’s place among the five best gastronomic scenes on the planet.

Luxury consumption has also gained prominence: São Paulo is among the three best cities in the world for shopping, with a mention of Rua Oscar Freire and the JK Iguatemi and Cidade Jardim shopping centers, which have expanded the presence of international brands.

According to World’s Best Cities 2026,

São Paulo is back in full neon, with energy that spreads through lively nights, new flavors, luxury stores and an ever-changing skyline”.

são paulo melhores cidades do mundo — Photo: Joao Tzanno/Unsplash

What makes São Paulo one of the best cities in the world

The 2026 edition of the ranking evaluated more than 270 cities with more than one million inhabitants, cross-referencing urban performance data and digital perceptions on platforms such as Google, Instagram and TikTok, as well as opinion polls carried out in 31 countries.

The main factors that placed São Paulo in 18th place include:

1st place worldwide for nightlife;

Top 5 in global gastronomy;

Top 3 for shopping and urban luxury;

Most mentioned and photographed city on Instagram among Latin American cities;

Urban and technological expansion, with new linear parks, innovation hubs and revitalization of areas such as Anhembi and the Faria Lima-Berrini axis.

The impressive rise (57 positions in one year) consolidates São Paulo as the cultural and economic epicenter of South America. In other words, proof that the metropolis that never sleeps has reinvented itself and continues to conquer the world.