The article discusses the top 10 city trends for 2024, as reported by Time Out city editors from around the world. The trends include more spectacular dining experiences, increased use of public transportation within cities, investment in free public art, the popularity of listening bars and immersive experiences, the reimagining of unused spaces as cultural hubs, a return to classic culinary traditions, more city events taking place at night, the continued popularity of thrifting, and the creation of over-the-top nightlife destinations. The article also highlights specific trends in Tokyo, Singapore, New York, Dubai, Miami, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Montreal, Bangkok, and London. Overall, the trends reflect a focus on enhancing city experiences through innovative and diverse offerings in various aspects of urban life.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dining out is more spectacular than ever | Culinary trends | More restaurants with open-concept kitchens, rise of dinner theatre | Desire for unique dining experiences |
| More people are travelling by train within cities | Transportation trends | Better embrace of public transportation networks, increased capacity | Sustainability and improvement of public transportation |
| Cities are investing more in free public art | Cultural trends | Increase in art installations in public spaces | Accessibility to art and cultural experiences |
| Listening bars and dens are becoming more popular | Nightlife trends | Wine bars that double as listening lounges, rise of Japanese listening bars | Desire for unique nightlife experiences |
| Immersive experiences are here to stay | Cultural trends | Immersive exhibitions and experiences in major museums | Integration of technology in art and cultural displays |
| Unused spaces are being reimagined as cultural hubs | Urban development | Repurposing of old buildings and warehouses for arts and culture | Revitalization of neglected areas |
| Restaurants are providing fresh takes on classic culinary traditions | Culinary trends | Return to traditional cuisines and reinterpretation of classic dishes | Comfort and continuity in dining experiences |
| More city events are taking place at night | Urban events | Increase in nighttime events and activities, support from local governments | Revitalization of nightlife culture and economy |
| Thrifting will continue to be a major urban trend | Consumer behavior | Increase in popularity of thrifting for clothing and furniture | Desire for sustainability and unique finds |
| Over-the-top nightlife destinations are making a splash | Nightlife trends | Opening of notable new nightlife venues in various cities | Desire for extravagant and immersive nightlife experiences |
| Tokyo is seeing a reimagination of bathhouses | Urban development in Tokyo | Traditional bathhouses turning into social hubs with modern makeovers | Incorporation of social spaces into traditional establishments |
| Singapore is embracing dinner theatre experiences | Dining trends in Singapore | Increase in experiential dining with interactive and multisensory elements | Desire for unique dining experiences |
| New York has multidisciplinary cultural hubs | Cultural trends in New York | Opening of massive cultural hotspots blurring artistic disciplines | Space for novel and diverse artistic expressions |
| Dubai is showcasing innovative restaurant art | Art and dining trends in Dubai | Celebration of local artists in restaurants, incorporation of personalized visuals | Integration of art into dining experiences |
| Miami is embracing more trains as a transportation option | Transportation trends in Miami | Curiosity and openness towards new methods of transportation, availability of free golf carts | Desire for convenient and sustainable transportation |
| Hong Kong is incorporating more public art in property development | Urban development in Hong Kong | Incorporation of public art in property facilities for aesthetic appeal and community engagement | Enhanced cultural and aesthetic experiences |
| Melbourne is experiencing a waterfront revival | Urban development in Melbourne | Revitalization of waterfront areas to create public spaces for art and recreation | Creation of vibrant and accessible waterfront areas |
| Montreal is embracing open concept kitchens | Culinary trends in Montreal | Opening of smaller and intimate spaces for dining, reflecting simplicity and culinary creativity | Adaptation to rising costs and changing restaurant landscape |
| Bangkok is hosting more nighttime events and late-night eating spots | Nightlife and dining trends in Bangkok | Increase in outdoor nighttime activities and festivals, availability of late-night dining options | Adaptation to hot daytime temperatures and demand for vibrant nighttime experiences |
| London is opening massive nightclubs | Nightlife trends in London | Opening of new nightclubs with high-tech sound and visual systems | Addressing criticism of diminishing nightlife options |