Jakarta Rises Drastically in World's Best Cities List, Defeats Washington DC and Taipei

Jakarta has once again made history on the global stage. In the latest 2026 World’s Best Cities Report released by Resonance Consultancy, Jakarta's position surged dramatically to 53rd place globally, up from 89th in 2023.

Citing the New York Post, Jakarta now surpasses Washington DC (57) and Taipei (63), two cities long known for being more advanced in infrastructure and technology.

This achievement is more than just a number. It symbolizes Jakarta beginning to look towards the future as a global city that continues to improve itself, despite challenges like congestion and pollution.

Jakarta Increasingly Recognized in Asia

Within Southeast Asia, Jakarta ranks fourth, behind Kuala Lumpur (50), Bangkok (22), and Singapore (6).

Although it hasn't cracked the top 50, Jakarta's progress still captures attention due to having the most significant rate of increase among other major Asian cities.

In fact, this is only the second time Jakarta has made the list of the World's Top 100 Best Cities, and it jumped more than 30 places in just two years.

This rise reflects the rapid development of its creative economy, urban tourism, and ongoing infrastructure improvements, from public transportation to green open spaces.

How Resonance Ranks the World's Best Cities

This ranking report was compiled by Resonance Consultancy, a global consulting firm specializing in real estate, tourism, and economic development.

Its evaluation methodology combines statistical data, global user behavior, and survey results from Ipsos research involving over 21,000 respondents across 30 countries.

Criteria assessed include aspects of prosperity, tourist appeal, mobility, environment, quality of life, and investment opportunities.

London Still Number One, Jakarta Begins to be Noticed by the World

Despite Jakarta's sharp rise, the top spot is still held by London, a city that has maintained its crown as the World's Best City for 11 consecutive years.

Laura Citron, CEO of London & Partners, stated London has launched an ambitious long-term plan:

“In 2025, London has launched a plan for the next 10 years with ambitious targets: setting a record for the number of large-scale companies based in London, expanding global reach, and increasing the number of tourists and targeted investment planned to reach £10 billion.”

The nickname The Capital of Capitals is indeed fitting for a city that is a magnet for students, entrepreneurs, and tourists from all over the world.

New York City Rises to Second Place

Climbing one spot from the previous year, New York City (NYC) is dubbed by Resonance as
“the eternal heartbeat of America,” and a city that “refuses to play by anyone’s script.”

With 65 million visitors in 2024 and a projected 64.1 million tourists in 2025, tourism remains a key driver of the city's economy, generating over $70 billion USD annually.

Paris in Third Place: Elegant yet Visionary

Rounding out the top three, Paris is praised for its transformation into a futuristic urban laboratory without losing its classic charm.

The city continues to innovate with eco-friendly urban planning projects, affirming that romance and modernity can go hand in hand.

Jakarta, A City on the Rise

Jakarta's return to the ranks of the World's Top 100 Best Cities is proof that the city is moving towards a new era, not just as a center of government and business, but also as a dynamic and characterful urban destination.

With its blend of culture, creativity, and vibrant youthful spirit, Jakarta is beginning to be recognized by the world as a city moving rapidly towards the global level.