This American City Was Just Named The Most Beautiful City In The World
When people imagine the world's most beautiful city, they often picture places like Paris, Kyoto, or Cape Town, but in a recent global survey, it was an American city that came out on top. The honor went to Chicago, a place better known for its bold skyline, deep-dish pizza, and tough winters. Over 18,000 people from 118 cities shared their thoughts in Time Out’s 2025 survey, and 83% of Chicago locals said they believed their city was beautiful. No other city had a higher level of hometown pride. Here's why people love it there so much.
Lake Michigan's Own
A big part of what makes Chicago so striking is Lake Michigan. Unlike many cities that sit inland, Chicago has a massive, clear blue lake right at its edge. The waterfront stretches for miles, lined with walking paths, parks, and beaches. Locals bike, jog, and relax with the city skyline behind them and open water ahead. It's a rare balance between natural beauty and human-made energy, and it changes with every season.
Stunning Architecture
Chicago's architecture is one of its strongest visual signatures. From the historic Wrigley Building to the sleek lines of the Aqua Tower, the city tells its story in steel and glass. It’s not just tall buildings either. Neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Hyde Park are filled with brownstones, greystones, and other renditions of mid-century charm. Whether you’re looking up or walking block to block, Chicago’s design encourages you to pay attention.
Useful Green Spaces
Many cities have parks, sure, but Chicago actively builds nature into its rhythm. Millennium Park blends art and greenery right in the middle of downtown, where visitors gather around "The Bean" or take in a free concert. Further out, Garfield Park Conservatory, one of the largest in the country, offers warmth and beauty even in winter. These aren't just add-ons either, they’re woven into how people live, commute, and connect with each other.
A City of Neighborhoods
Chicago's beauty doesn’t just live in its famous spots, it lives in the neighborhoods. Each one has its own personality, culture, and look. You’ll find murals in Pilsen, historic homes in Beverly, and vibrant colors in Little Village. These areas tend to reflect the people who live there. Together, they create a patchwork that feels honest, proud, and alive. It creates a strong sense of community among the people, who in turn care about where they live.
People Make the Place
The survey wasn't just about scenery, though. It asked people how they felt about where they lived. Chicagoans didn’t just see beauty in buildings or parks, they saw it in the way their city feels. There’s something about how people show up for each other here. Whether through shared block parties, summer festivals, or simply watching the skyline from a rooftop, residents find beauty in how the city holds them together.
Not Without Its Challenges
Chicago's struggles aren’t a secret. Winters are long, inequality is real, some areas need better resources and more attention. But what makes the city's beauty meaningful is that it exists with these challenges. It’s not a perfect place, no where is, but it’s a city that keeps trying, keeps evolving, and keeps showing what strength can look like in physical and personal form.
Chicago didn't win the title of the world’s most beautiful city by accident, it wasn’t a marketing push or a tourism campaign, it came from the people who live there. Their voices put Chicago on top, and their pride speaks to something deeper than just looks. Beauty, in this case, is about feeling rooted, inspired, and at home. Chicago offers all of that, and it’s about time the world noticed.