Toronto, Montreal make Time Out’s list of the world’s best cities

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Only two Canadian cities, Toronto and Montreal, made the cut in a ranking of the world’s best cities by Time Out.

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Montreal cracked the Top 10, while Toronto only squeezed into the Top 30.

Every year, the magazine puts city-dwellers around the world to the test, asking about life in their hometown – from restaurants, bars, theatres and galleries to culture and local neighbourhoods – to form the annual report.

About 20,000 people were surveyed worldwide in an attempt to “point people in the direction of the places that locals are raving about,” as well as looking at “the things that make cities great places to visit as well as to live.”

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The 2022 index also focused on how cities got their act together throughout the pandemic and “made life (just about) tolerable during lockdowns.”

Edinburgh topped the list as 95% of its residents touted it as “the most beautiful city in the world,” and boasted about its walkability.

Chicago came in second, ranking high in the food-and-drink scene. Newcomer Medellin took third place as the Colombian city is apparently “the place to visit for those looking for a good time,” according to the guide.

Scotland is apparently the place to go as Glasgow ranked fourth, with 78% of its residents calling it the “friendliest city in the world this year.”

Amsterdam rounded out the Top 5, with the guide describing it as “the easiest city in the world to express who you are and the second-most progressive in the world.”

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Prague, Marrakech and Berlin were next, with Montreal coming in at No. 9, followed by Copenhagen.

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Montreal is considered a “real all-rounder with a top-notch food and drink scene.” Combined with its museums, arts scene and famed festival season, its “free concerts, waterfront festivals and a nightlife scene on steroids” make it a great place to visit this summer.

Toronto, the only other city to represent Canada, was down the list at 27.

The guide describes it as “highly resilient” following the lockdowns, and scored high for its progressiveness and community spirit.

For more on the 53 cities, check out the complete list here.