NYC, Paris, Rome, London, Berlin or Madrid? Hellotickets reveals the ultimate ranking, based on millions of travelers’ real experiences

We love them all. We dream of them, we go back to them, we argue about them. But what if we really compared them, face to face? And decided—once and for all—where to eat best, sip on the perfect terrace, or dance until sunrise? That’s exactly what Hellotickets, the global platform for booking cultural events and travel experiences, set out to do, analyzing real booking trends and traveler feedback from across the world.

The result? 8 head-to-head rounds between six iconic world cities—New York, Paris, London, Rome, Madrid and Berlin—with total impartiality (we swear)… and a few surprises.

Round 1 – For food

Paris impresses with its bistros and markets. New York is an entire planet of flavors—tacos, ramen, bagels, falafel.
But Rome? It only needs three ingredients to blow your mind. And that’s its superpower.

Winner: Rome – Perfection with zero pretension. Always al dente.

Round 2 – For architecture

New York stuns, London juggles styles, and Rome overwhelms with ruins and domes.
But Paris? Paris is pure visual harmony. Grand boulevards, sculpted façades, golden light. A movie set with a soul.

Winner: Paris

Round 3 – For culture

Madrid is passionate, Berlin is political, London is sophisticated.
But New York never stops. Broadway, MoMA, jazz basements, street art, poetry slams—art here is alive and everywhere.

 Winner: New York

Round 4 – For nightlife

Madrid parties late, New York goes with the flow, Paris plays it curated.
But Berlin is on another planet. Legendary clubs, queer freedom, 72-hour raves in places you’ll never forget.

Winner: Berlin

Round 5 – For terrace life

Paris perfects the sidewalk table, Rome does la dolce vita, Berlin hides its gems in inner courtyards.
But Madrid wins by sheer volume and vibe: every corner becomes a terrace, from morning coffee to late-night vermouth.

 Winner: Madrid

Round 6 – For music

Berlin owns techno. London lives for its scene. Paris blends the past and future.
But New York is a living soundtrack—Harlem jazz, Broadway musicals, Bronx block parties, indie gigs in Brooklyn. Every beat, every borough.

 Winner: New York

Round 7 – For wandering aimlessly

Rome surprises at every turn. Paris invites long walks and poetry. Berlin is great by bike, Madrid on foot.
And that’s where it shines: Madrid slows you down. You wander just for the pleasure of being there.

 Winner: Madrid

Round 8 – For a first-time city break

New York amazes but can be overwhelming. Paris dazzles but asks for context. Rome is unforgettable but chaotic.
London, on the other hand, makes things easy. Cosmopolitan, open, full of contrast. A perfect first love for city explorers.

 Winner: London

Final verdict? 8 rounds, 6 winners… and total impartiality (really)

Let’s be real: everyone will fight for their favorite.
The French will defend Paris to the last croissant. Italians won’t hear a word against Rome. Berliners believe they hold the future of nightlife. And in New York? Well, they already think they are the world.

And that’s great.
Because this ranking isn’t about declaring one supreme capital. It’s a reminder that every city has its time to shine, a way to move us, a vibe you just don’t find anywhere else.

And that, honestly, is the best reason to pack a bag.
Or come back for more.

 With Hellotickets, explore what each city does best: concerts, sports games, musicals, rooftop tours, skip-the-line museums and unforgettable events.
The world is big. The great cities are waiting.

 Book your next experience at: www.hellotickets.com