Atlanta is officially recognized as one of the Top 100 Best Cities in the World for 2026 — and the Peach State’s capital is making a statement on the global map! According to the latest World’s Best Cities report, Atlanta lands at No. 66 overall, placing the ATL ahead of major U.S. cities like Seattle and just behind Lima, Peru.
This ranking measures city performance across 46 indicators in three broad pillars; livability, lovability, and prosperity, drawing data from more than 400 cities worldwide.
Atlanta’s global ranking reflects the city’s strength in the following areas:
Green Space Excellence: ATL earned an impressive #6 global ranking for green space, thanks in part to the BeltLine, expansive parks, trails, and city planning that encourages outdoor living.
Transportation Powerhouse: Hartsfield-Jackson reclaimed its status as the world’s busiest airport with over 108 million passengers in 2024, and ongoing airport expansion is boosting ATL’s global connectivity.
Booming Tourism: Discover Atlanta reported 51 million visitors and $20 billion in tourism spend in 2024, signaling strong appeal as a destination.
World-Class Events: The city will host eight matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a semifinal, giving Atlanta even more international spotlight.
This global ranking underscores that the ATL is not just a Southern cultural hub, but a globally competitive city with a vibrant economy, rich culture, and strong quality of life.
From world-class parks and entertainment to international travel connections and major sporting events, Atlanta’s #66 spot on the World’s Best Cities list highlights our city’s growing influence on the world stage.