The most exciting city trends around the world for 2024

Every day, Time Out writers and editors around the world help people make the most of the cities that they’re in, or want to be in, with recommendations for the best restaurants, bars and things to do. With their fingers on the pulse of their city’s cultural life, there’s no one better placed to speak to what’s coming up next in the world’s most exciting cities. For this new global report, we surveyed 25 international Time Out city editors about the hottest urban trends on the horizon for the next twelve months.

TOP 10 CITY TRENDS FOR 2024

1. DINING OUT IS MORE SPECTACULAR THAN EVER

Restaurants are adding some razzle dazzle outside the dinner plate. “You could say little flashes of glamour [are 2024’s biggest trend],” says Time Out New York food and drink editor Amber Sutherland-Namako. “From the nice little pour of bubbly they offer in special glasses at Cafe Mars to everything at over-the-top The Bazaar.” Time Out Canada editor Laura Osborne concurs, saying: “Some call it dinner and a show, but we're talking about more restaurants with open-concept kitchens.” Meanwhile, Time Out Singapore editor Rachel Yohannan points to a rise of dinner theatre in the city.

2. MORE PEOPLE ARE TRAVELLING BY TRAIN WITHIN CITIES

With an eye on sustainability, many cities are making notable new investments in their public transportation networks. “One of the 2024’s biggest trends will be a better embrace of L.A.'s Metro system thanks to work done to improve safety and the (hopeful) opening of the LAX people mover,” says Time Out Los Angeles editor Michael Juliano. A similar trend can be seen across Europe and Australia. “It’s expected that the Yellow Line of the Metro will start operating [in Porto in 2024] which will transport, on average, 33,000 people per day,” notes Mauro Gonçalves, executive editor at Time Out Portugal. And Time Out Sydney editor Alice Ellis adds: “a new fast and frequent metro network is near completion to complement Sydney's existing train network—it’s finally due for launch in some areas in 2024.”

3. CITIES ARE INVESTING MORE IN FREE PUBLIC ART

Think you have to pay a pricey museum admission to see some of the world’s most exciting art in 2024? Think again. Innovative and engaging art can increasingly be found in public urban spaces. “This year, there has been a surge in art installations in public spaces, even extending to outlying islands,” says Time Out Hong Kong editor-in-chief Tatum Ancheta. Notably, the Sai Kung Hoi Arts Festival has expanded by featuring 18 large-scale artworks on four islands, uncovering the hidden narratives within the community.” JQ Louise, the editor of Time Out Boston sees something similar in New England, saying: “There’s a lot more investment in local artists. [Many new] buildings and other spaces are hiring amazing local artists and supporting the community with real investment.”

4. LISTENING BARS AND DENS ARE BECOMING MORE POPULAR

More nightlife options involving drinking are also incorporating other, unique elements. “Going out isn't just about drinking anymore—there's been a rise in multi-dimensional offerings,” says Time Out Melbourne editor Leah Glynn. “[One example is] wine bars that double as listening lounges with vinyl decks. Time Out Miami interim editor Ashley Brozic also points to an increase in Japanese listening bars in the Florida city: “While as a city we’ll never be over #clublife, our tastes are getting more refined in every aspect of life. Listening bars bring us that intimate feeling we’ve always lacked from music venues in this city, and help us experience new genres. Dante’s was the first on the scene. Miami Music Room followed.” Meanwhile, Time Out New York things to do editor Rossilynne Culgan points to the Dolly Parton-inspired listening bar Jolene and Tokyo Record Bar as fresh Gotham examples.

5. IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES ARE HERE TO STAY

What may have once seemed like a passing fad is showing remarkable staying power according to Time Out editors. “Immersive exhibitions are here to stay,” says Time Out Madrid editorial director Marta Bac. “Most excitingly, it is now the city's major museums that are taking advantage of this new technology in their exhibits to showcase the city's great works of art.” Time Out Chicago editor Jeffy Mai agrees, adding: “Immersive experiences aren’t slowing down. [Pop-up] museums that seemed like they would be one-offs have set themselves up for the long haul, and there are plenty more in the pipeline.” Meanwhile, Time Out Tokyo editor-in-chief Lim Chee Wah points to the 2024 opening of teamLab Borderless digital art museum.

6. UNUSED SPACES ARE BEING REIMAGINED AS CULTURAL HUBS

Across the world, neglected areas are getting a major glow up. “Old, unused warehouses and other buildings are being repurposed for arts and culture,” reports Time Out Sydney editor Alice Ellis. “For example, the disused White Bay Power Station will open to the public for the first time in 100 years for the 2024 Biennale; while the wharves at Walsh Bay will become a Sydney Festival hub during January.” Time Out Istanbul managing editor Seda Pekçelen notices a similar development trend in the Turkish capital: “The city's municipality has been transforming unused areas with a rich cultural background, and bringing them back to life as new, vibrant cultural hubs. We hope that this type of exciting work will continue.”

7. RESTAURANTS ARE PROVIDING FRESH TAKES ON CLASSIC CULINARY TRADITIONS

With an eye on comfort and continuity, many dining destinations around the globe are returning to past local cuisines and interpreting them in a new way. “The return of the gastropub, baby!” cites Time Out London editor Joe Mackertich as one of 2024’s biggest food and drink trends. “The Parakeet, the Prince Arthur, The Waterman's Arms. It's like the late 90s all over again. Just without Tony Blair.” In Barcelona, that means a return to traditional Catalan cuisine, explains Time Out Barcelona food and drink editor Ricard Martín: “The [biggest 2024 trend is] the way in which chefs are returning to traditional Catalan and Spanish cuisine, renewing and lightening some heavy dishes which are part of our identity, such as escudella i carn d'olla or capipota. Time Out Los Angeles food and drink editor Patricia Kelly Yeo sees a larger cultural phenomenon in the trend: “Angelenos are leaning on classic dishes and tried-and-true dining genres like Italian-American red-sauce joints in a bid to find comfort in an uncertain world.”

8. MORE CITY EVENTS ARE TAKING PLACE AT NIGHT

From food markets to outdoor festivals and film screenings, more city events and activities are taking place at night. Concurrently, local governments are also doing more to support nightlife industries. “The state government and night-industry bodies are working in unity to stimulate NSW's night time economy,” says Time Out Sydney editor Alice Ellis. “They're rolling out six new reforms, including banning the ability for individual noise complaints to shut down venues or live music performances.” Meanwhile, night markets are returning to Hong Kong. “Recognising the importance of reviving the city's nightlife scene in the wake of the pandemic, the Hong Kong government is actively working on initiatives to boost the nightlife culture. This includes the return of night markets, which are possibly extending until next year,” details Time Out Hong Kong editor-in-chief Tatum Ancheta.

9. THRIFTING WILL CONTINUE TO BE A MAJOR URBAN TREND

As the old saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. That appears to be even more true in 2024 with thrifting on the rise in cities across the globe. “Thrifting is getting increasingly popular in Singapore, especially among young people in their late teens to late 20s,” reports Time Out Singapore editor Rachel Yohannan. “And it's not just clothes that thrifters are looking at—millennials seem to be more open to snagging second-hand furniture for their new homes.” Time Out New York editor Shaye Weaver sees a similar phenomenon in the Big Apple: “[New Yorkers] love a good deal, and better yet, a freebie, so much so that we have whole Instagram accounts dedicated to the art of stooping—scooping up a good gently-used find like a recently viral vintage pink ear mirror—and thrifting the coolest fits. It looks to continue to be a big trend this year.”

10. OVER-THE-TOP NIGHTLIFE DESTINATIONS ARE MAKING A SPLASH

After years of micro clubs and virtual venues, nights out are set to go big in 2024 with notable new destinations opening in cities across continents. Time Out Madrid editorial director Marta Bac references many clubs that are expanding from the city centre to the suburbs while Time Out Portugal editorial director Vera Moura describes new clubs that double as everything from cultural centres to tattoo parlors. Time Out Hong Kong editor-in-chief Tatum Ancheta, meanwhile, points to the city’s exciting immersive new nightlife venues: “Quite a few new clubs have opened up this year, some with additional themed elements for a more immersive experience—for example, Ark11, which has a futuristic spacecraft-like design.

TOP 10 CITY-SPECIFIC TRENDS

1. TOKYO — REIMAGINED BATHHOUSES

“An increasing number of traditional bathhouses (sento) are getting a modern makeover, with designers and architects reinventing the space and turning them into social hubs for the community,” says Time Out Tokyo editor-in-chief Lim Chee Wah. “Some of these bathhouses now even come with a craft beer bar.”
• Get in on the trend: Koganeyu, Komaeyu and Paradise

2. SINGAPORE — DINNER THEATRE

“People [in Singapore] seem to be into experiential dining—like dinner theatres with multisensory, interactive elements,” says Time Out Singapore editor Rachel Yohannan. “Although it's still considered a rarity, we're definitely seeing more of that, be it in terms of pop-ups or permanent outlets.”
• Get in on the trend: Absurdities, The Wizard's Brew, Nom Nom Cinema

3. NEW YORK — MULTIDISCIPLINARY CULTURAL HUBS

“Massive new cultural hotspots have opened recently that successfully blur the line across artistic disciplines,” says Time Out New York Editor Shaye Weaver. “These malleable new performance spaces invite novel forms of new work.”
• Get in on the trend: The Shed and The Perelman Performing Arts Center

4. DUBAI — INNOVATIVE RESTAURANT ART

“There's a real celebration of local artists, exhibitions and murals in the city, including the latest vibrant piece titled ‘Unbreakable’ at Time Out Market Dubai by Dina Saadi, an international Syrian artist based in Dubai,” says Time Out Dubai editor-in-chief Louise Charlesworth. “We’re also seeing innovative art in our restaurants play a key role in our dining experiences, including Zenon with personalised visuals based on your movements.”
• Get in on the trend: Alma Bar in DIFC, Dubai's first bar showcasing digital art.

5. MIAMI — MORE TRAINS 

“I'm noticing an openness to new methods of transportation, as embodied by the new Brightline train from Miami to Orlando,” says Time Out Miami interim editor Ashley Brozic. “Miamians are super curious about The Brightline as a way to explore Florida, and suburbs around the city are offering free golf carts so that people don't have to drive to nearby destinations.”
• Get in on the trend: The Brightline, the Downtown Miami Transit Circulator and other options for public transportation

6. HONG KONG — NEW DEVELOPMENTS WITH ART

“A growing trend in property development is all about incorporating more public art into their facilities, making arts and culture more accessible for all,” says Time Out Hong Kong editor-in-chief Tatum Ancheta. “This trend is expected to continue in the coming year as property developers recognise the significance of art in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of their spaces while fostering community engagement.”
• Get in on the trend: Bluetopia and Top art exhibitions and displays to check out in Hong Kong

7. MELBOURNE — A WATERFRONT REVIVAL

“The Greenline Project, which is revitalising the 4km between Birrarung Marr and the Bolte Bridge along the banks of the Yarra River, is a big project gaining traction in Melbourne in 2024,” says Time Out Melbourne editor Leah Glynn “It's expected to deliver more public spaces for art, events and recreation, plus add more wetlands.”
• Get in on the trend: The Greenline Project

8. MONTREAL — OPEN CONCEPT KITCHENS

“Whether these smaller, more intimate spaces are inspired by inflation, high food costs or climbing rents, we're here for the simplicity of the new chef's tables and their menus,” says Time Out Canada editor Laura Osborne. 
• Get in on the trend: Cabaret l'Enfer and Yama

9. BANGKOK — MORE NIGHTTIME EVENTS AND LATE-NIGHT EATING SPOTS

“Outdoor night-time activities continue to be popular, and this trend will continue in 2024 due to the deadly hot daytime temperatures,” says Time Out Bangkok editor-in-chief Top Koaysomboon. “Citywide night festivals like the lighting event Awakening, creative-focused Bangkok Design Week, and art happening Galleries’ Night are the favourites, attracting thousands of art enthusiasts each time. Outdoor cinemas are also emerging at random rooftops. Moreover, Bangkok now offers more late-night dining options than ever before, from the popular Ban Tan Thong food street to the Huay Kwang hot pot district to the new mall Emsphere—all of which stay open late for hungry night owls.”
• Get in on the trend: Awakening Festivals and Bangkok Design Week

10. LONDON — MASSIVE NIGHTCLUBS

“Lots of new nightclubs are (finally) opening in London,” says Time Out London editor Joe Mackertich. “Which is good because one of the criticisms constantly leveled at the city is that it has a dwindling amount of decent places to go out. A lot of these new places have high-tech sound systems and fancy audio visual light systems, and seemingly have lots of money behind them – meaning they can attract top tier DJ talent. Are they mostly fairly expensive places with pricey food and drink stands? Yes. But it's better than nothing, for sure.”
• Get in on the trend: HERE at Outernet, Drumsheds and KOKO Electronic