What are the least boring cities in the world?

When it comes to choosing a vacation destination, there are many factors that need to be considered: some people focus on the events and the entertainment a city can offer, others focus on “walkability,” and some look for a place that combines both. To help with this, a study conducted by Deluxe Homes, a company specializing in vacation rentals in Dubai, has finally ranked the top ten most social cities in the world for 2025. Among the cities evaluated, Seoul emerged as the most social city. The list also includes several European cities, although surprisingly, Italy is absent.

 

The criteria considered by Deluxe Homes were diverse, focusing mainly on lifestyle-related factors. The safest cities were selected, followed by evaluations on the cost of living (excluding rent), walkability, meal affordability, and the density of social places. Additionally, the availability of events and entertainment options such as cinemas and theaters were also analyzed. The final results, with a maximum score of 100, highlighted the cities with the most dynamic urban environments. As mentioned earlier, the capital of South Korea topped the ranking, achieving the highest score, mainly because it excels in walkability, making it a city particularly easy to explore. In addition, the city boasts numerous major events and numerous cinemas and theaters offering a wide range of entertainment. In second and third place are two Dutch cities, both leaders of social life in Europe: Eindhoven and The Hague. Eindhoven ranks high in the list due to having the most events, while The Hague has more than double the number of cinemas and theaters compared to the former, along with more restaurants per square kilometer, offering more culinary options.

Among the European cities in the ranking is Ghent, in fifth place, which can count on the same walkability as The Hague but with an even higher number of cinemas and theaters. Staying in Europe, among the more affordable cities in terms of cost of living, Madrid and Prague occupy the sixth and seventh positions, with entertainment options, including numerous cinemas and theaters, that are not far behind Ghent. Regarding cities offering the lowest prices for meals, the eastern cities stand out. Leading the way is Tokyo, which ranks fourth due to its surprisingly affordable food, in addition to having numerous entertainment venues. Shenzhen (third-to-last) and Chiang Mai (second-to-last) are not far behind: their meal prices are the lowest in the ranking, making eating out incredibly inexpensive. Closing the ranking in tenth place is Munich, which proves to be the most balanced destination, at least among European cities. While its restaurant density is about half that of Madrid, it still offers great entertainment options with a good number of cinemas and theaters.

The ranking thus highlights how the choice of a vacation destination depends largely on what the traveler is looking for: it could be engaging experiences or comfort. Commenting on the survey, a spokesperson for Deluxe Holiday Home emphasized that "social connectivity in a city is not just about the number of restaurants or events, but how easily people can interact with them. High walkability, a strong cultural presence, and affordable dining options create an environment where social interactions occur naturally. This ranking highlights cities that not only offer opportunities but also the infrastructure to make social life smooth and enjoyable." Each of the cities in this list seems to prioritize a particular aspect, though the real challenge for success may be to find the right balance between fun and tranquility.