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7NEWS
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Gen Z: Bangkok, Melbourne, New York, London the best cities in the world for 20-somethings
Cape Town is the best city in the world, says Time Out — unless that is, you're under 30. The publishing giant, famous for its best-of lists of everything from cool streets to foodie destinations, has released its first-ever 'best cities' list tailored to young people, and it's notably different from the multigenerational ranking shared earlier this year. In January, its annual survey of more than 18,500 city-dwellers worldwide crowned the South African metropolis the best city for 2025, followed by Bangkok, New York and Melbourne. However, filtering the same data to responses from the under-30s – so that's the Gen Z cohort, ages 13 to 28, plus baby millennials – paints a different picture. The Thai capital grabs the No. 1 spot for 2025 with youthful residents, who scored it highly for happiness, affordability and as a great place to meet new people. Young urbanites here were more likely than under-30s anywhere else to rate their city as an ideal environment to make friends. That's on top of Bangkok's many other assets, of course. Thailand's capital 'checks every box for a great city: famously friendly, culturally rich, and packed with iconic sites like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace,' Time Out said in January. Melbourne was No. 2 on the under-30s list, two places higher than on the multigenerational ranking. Nearly four in five young Melburnians described their city as diverse and inclusive and an impressive 96 per cent praised its art and culture scene. More than nine in 10 also said Melbourne's quality of life is 'good' or 'amazing.' The Australian city is also home to Time Out's coolest thoroughfare for 2024, Melbourne High Street, which editor Leah Glynn commended at the time for its 'epic restaurants, hidden bars, live music venues and boutique shops.' Captivating Cape Town Cape Town made it to No. 3 on the under-30 list, scoring particularly high for beauty – the coastal city is overlooked by the breathtaking Table Mountain – and cheap nights out. Three out of four young people say that going out for drinks there is affordable. New York City, at No. 4, was the most likely city to be described as 'exciting' by its younger residents, says Time Out. It was also praised for its walkability and, unsurprisingly for the city that never sleeps, its nightlife. Copenhagen was at No. 10 in the multigenerational rankings, but climbs to No. 5 when filtering for the under-30s. The Danish capital 'prioritises good food, good people, and looking after each other,' Time Out said in January, but it seems it also ranks highly for finding someone special to look after, too. More than half of young people said it was an easy place to find love. Barcelona was another favorite with young people, placing at No. 17 in the overall list, but earning a No. 6 ranking with Gen Z and the youngest millennials. The buzzy seaside metropolis is famous for its nightlife, but the city is also tied with Melbourne for the highest rating for diversity and inclusivity. An impressive 77 per cent of young residents gave its diversity credentials the thumbs up. Edinburgh is at No. 7 on the under-30 list, thanks to its walkability, green spaces and access to nature. Nearly 95 per cent of young people loved its opportunities for green-space action, making it the highest-ranked city in this category. Mexico City, at No. 8, is the second-most affordable place for Gen Z to live, after Bangkok, with 69 per cent scoring it highly for affordability — surely one of the most important criteria for young urbanites at the start of their careers. It's also the fourth-happiest city for 2025 across all generations, with 96 per cent of respondents saying they're happy in their city. Young Londoners don't rate their city highly for affordability; only 45 per cent agree that it's easy on the wallet. However, the UK capital makes it to No. 9 on the under-30s list thanks to its excellent cultural scene, with lots of things to see and do that are both fun and free. Its diverse gastronomic offerings are also a hit with young people; 95 per cent rated the food scene highly. The final spot in the top 10 is taken by Shanghai, which Time Out earlier this year described as 'a cinematic city where everyone's the main character.' Young people living in this Chinese metropolis are the most likely to describe their city as modern. It also performed well for public transport (96 per cent rated it highly) and overall happiness (84 per cent said they were happy living there). Time Out's list of the world's best cities for Gen Z: Bangkok, Thailand Melbourne, Australia Cape Town, South Africa New York, New York Copenhagen, Denmark Barcelona, Spain Edinburgh, Scotland Mexico City, Mexico London, England Shanghai, China Sydney, Australia Beijing, China Paris, France Tokyo, Japan Berlin, Germany Seville, Spain Chicago, Illinois Chiang Mai, Thailand Prague, Czech Republic Lisbon, Portugal
The Star
11-05-2025
- The Star
Foreign tourists captivated by Thai culture on Wesak Day
BANGKOK: Foreign tourists in Thailand joined locals on Sunday (May 11) to observe Visakha Bucha Day (Wesak Day), honouring the birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana (passing) of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. Many were seen exploring temples, where most religious and community activities are being held throughout the day, to mark the occasion. Hsu, 33, a Taiwanese tourist on holiday in Bangkok, said she followed her tour guide's advice to visit temples in the city. She expressed her excitement after visiting the famed Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, a temple located near the Chao Phraya River. "In my opinion, Thais have a deep passion and enthusiasm for Buddhist activities. I feel that this country is more engaged in Buddhism than Taiwan. I saw many antique Buddhist amulets in the temple,' she said when met at Wat Paknam. Hsu, from Taipei, who is visiting Thailand for the first time, said she was astonished to experience the special occasion, where she could hear monks and devotees chanting throughout the temple. There are over 40,000 wats (Buddhist temples) across the country, while saffron-clad monks are a common sight during this period. Another tourist, Mohammed Rafiq, 25, from Iraq, said he and his wife decided to visit temples in Thailand based on recommendations from locals. He expressed amazement at the intricate architecture and grand designs of the temples and the Buddha statues. "This is our first time visiting Thailand, and it's an eye-opener for us to witness so many Buddhist devotees chanting and making merit at local temples,' he said. Despite the hot and humid weather in Thailand, Rafiq said he and his wife planned to visit several more temples in Bangkok to admire the intricate craftsmanship and architecture. Among Bangkok's most visited temples during Wesak Day this year are Wat Paknam, Wat Saket, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and Wat That Thong. Wesak Day is one of the major national celebrations in Thailand, observed solemnly by Buddhists by visiting temples for prayers and performing acts of merit. - Bernama
Forbes
27-04-2025
- Forbes
Pump Up The Posh: Four Ways To Do Bangkok In Style
Sunrise might be the traditional time to visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), but Bangkok's iconic ... More riverside temple is even more gorgeous when illuminated in the evening. (Photo by Mladen Antonov) For anyone who first visited Bangkok as a backpacker doing the famous 'Hippie Trail' across Asia, distinct memories come to mind. Staying at the legendary Malaysia Hotel (where Tony Wheeler wrote the first Lonely Planet guidebook), tooling around town in tuk-tuks, sipping tom yum gai at a street stall, and making the obligatory pilgrimage to the Grand Palace to view the Emerald Buddha. You might have taken a dragon boat tour of the floating market, flitted across the river at the crack of dawn to experience sunset at Wat Arun, or made the trek to the summit of the Golden Mount (Wat Saket) for a panorama of a city where temples were once the tallest structures. How times have changed . . . Bangkok has grown into a modern, first-world city. While all of the old landmarks remain, the Thai capital is now a city of skyscrapers, superhighways and air-conditioned shopping malls. And you're (hopefully) ready to do Bangkok in the style you couldn't afford as a traveling college student, Peace Corps worker or NGO volunteer. Here are four ways to pump up the posh on your next visit to Bangkok: Decorated with genuine antiques and exquisite reproduction furnishings, The Siam Hotel could easily ... More double as a Thai royal palace. Or at least something that resembles one — like The Siam Hotel. Located in the Dusit District near Chitralada Palace where the current king of Thailand and his family reside, The Siam could easily pass for a royal residence. Although it looks vintage, the all-suite property was created in the early 21st century, an architectural blend of traditional and modern elements filled with original artworks and antiques from Thailand and beyond. There's also a luxury spa and Muay Thai boxing arena where guests can practice the national sport with a professional trainer. Even the simplest three-room suites boast ample space, exotic views, and elegant furnishings and décor. The ultimate overnight is a courtyard or riverside villa with its own garden, swimming pool, and outdoor seating area. Adorning The Siam waterfront are the upscale Chon Thai Restaurant, the outdoor pool area, and wooden deck with al fresco bar and landing for the hotel's own dragon boat, which ferries guests up and down the Chao Phraya. Pichaya "Pam" Utharntharm, founder and head chef of one Michelin star restaurant Potong, oversees ... More her kitchen in the Chinatown area of Bangkok. (Photo by Manan Vatsyana) Bangkok has always been an awesome foodie destination and nowadays the city sports 34 Michelin star restaurants. At the pinnacle of the local food chain is Sorn, a three-star establishment serving southern Thai cuisine not far off busy Sukhumvit Road. The extravagant 23-course chef's menu might include dishes like Roti Crab Curry, Phuket Lobster, Grilled Crispy Pork or Taro Soup with crab stock. If you can't snag a table at Sorn (it only seats 40 diners), consider one of the city's seven two-star eateries. Two of them — Mezzaluna and Chef's Table — serve contemporary French on the upper floors of the State Tower Building at the river end of Silom Road. While Sühring, located in a smart residential neighborhood, specializes in 'whimsical' modern German cuisine in a restored villa with greenhouse seating. But when in Thailand, it seems kind of sacrilegious not to cherish the local cuisine. Which means you should really be sampling the Spicy Ant Egg Larb Soup, Seven Color Lobster Curry and Spicy Snow fish at R-Haan restaurant. Or the artistically presented Thai-Chinese fusion dishes at Potong in Bangkok's Chinatown district. The vertigo-inducing view from Sky Beach Bar at the summit of the King Power Mahanakhon skyscraper. ... More (Photo by Petr Svarc) Even if you don't dine in the State Tower Building, be sure to ride the rocket-like elevator to the summit for a sunset cocktail at the Sky Bar by Lebua. Hovering at 820 feet above sea level, the outdoor rooftop seating area is literally breathtaking (and vertigo inducing). Among the signature cocktails is the Hangovertini, a blend of Dewar's 18 years, sweet vermouth, rosemary honey and green apple created by the resident mixologist after parts of the movie Hangover Part II were filmed there. If bubbly is more your thing, CRU Champagne Bar perches on the 59th floor of the Centara Grand Hotel. The al fresco drinking hole complements its champagne cocktails and rare single malts by the glass with Caspian Sea caviar, oysters on the half shell, Wagyu beef skewers, and truffled French fries. Higher still is Sky Beach Bangkok. The world's third highest rooftop bar rides the summit of the 1,030-foot King Power Mahanakhon skyscraper, one of the tallest buildings in Southeast Asia. During the winter dry season, the bar hosts DJ parties under the stars. Among the standout drinks are the Thai Daiquiri with passion fruit, a mocktail called the Last Mango in Paris, and quite good local craft beer. Celebrating Thai design, the cast of "The White Lotus" decked out in Jim Thompson clothes and ... More accessories at a soirée hosted by the celebrated Bangkok fashion house. (Photo by Amanda Edwards) Chatuchak Market is a blast to browse — and you might even find a few unexpected treasures. But collectors of genuine Asian art and antiques or faithful reproductions, it's best to consult the experts. A great place to start is River City shopping center, which boasts more than 50 upscale antique, fine art and jewelry outlets. While Thai artifacts predominate, you can find exquisite items from around Asia — Morita specializes in Japanese relics, Bo Gu Zhai in decorative arts from China, Himalayan Treasures in objects from Nepal and Tibet. Locals tend to favor small out-of-the-way places like Paul's Antiques near busy Soi Sukhumvit 11. It's a great spot for Burmese and Javanese antique furnishings and collectibles, as well as custom-made furniture created by artisans in the onsite workshop. Serious collectors zero in on RCB Auctions. Either online or in person, buyers can bid on a wide array of rare gold, silver, ceramic and wooden masterpieces from Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and China. Even if you're not a potential buyer, you can preview the items and browse the catalogues in RB's River City showroom. Fashion wise, Jim Thompson is still the first name in Thai silk clothing and accessories (which feature prominently in the latest season of The White Lotus). The flagship store is on Surawong Road, the factory outlet on Sukhumvit 93. But the ultimate haute couture adventure is visiting the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, which includes the original shop and the museum house where the line's namesake American businessman and Allied spy lived after World War Two. Browsing modern Thai paintings at River City art and antique center in Bangkok. (Photo by Guillaume ... More Payen)
Listly
17-04-2025
- Listly
Some of the Coolest and Most Unusual Things to Do in Bangkok- Odd but Great!
Take a cultural day trip to the Buddhist temple Wat Yai Sawang Arom rather than travelling to overcrowded tourist destinations like Erawan Shrine and Wat Arun. To increase your daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, you may also visit the weekend farmers market after honouring Buddha and taking in the temple's traditional Thai architecture. Additionally, a few stall merchants will be busily preparing oyster omelettes, moo ping (pork skewers), and chicken rice recipes and you may try those too. It's an odd sight, and you can't help not notice a group of golden retrievers playing in the Chao Praya River and on the temple grounds. Please feel free to stroke their ears or pat them. The monks have been caring for them for years, and they are all quite friendly, with wagging tails and lolling tongues.
Al Etihad
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Landmarks around the world go dark for Earth Hour
23 Mar 2025 01:03 Berlin (dpa)Iconic landmarks and city skylines around the world went dark on Saturday as millions joined Earth Hour, a global campaign by environmental group WWF calling for urgent action to tackle climate change and halt nature loss. From Asia to Europe, buildings large and small switched off their lights in a symbolic show of solidarity for the planet. The rolling blackout began in New Zealand, where Auckland's Sky Tower and Harbour Bridge, along with Wellington's parliament buildings, were plunged into darkness at 8:30 pm. Monuments and buildings across the country joined in to mark the start of the worldwide event. As Earth Hour moved west, other landmarks followed - including the Sydney Opera House, Singapore's Gardens by the Bay, Bangkok's Wat Arun temple, Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, Rome's Colosseum and the London Eye. "Every light turned off is a step towards a sustainable future," said the governor of the Thai capital, Chadchart Berlin, passers-by gathered at the darkened Brandenburg Gate at 8:30 pm, singing songs such as "What a Wonderful World" and "Imagine" to mark the moment. The Earth Hour campaign, which began in Australia in 2007, has grown into a global movement. Entire streets, city skylines, and landmarks now routinely go dark to draw attention to the climate crisis. Supporters are also invited to "give an hour for Earth" by spending 60 minutes doing something positive for the planet - from planting trees to cutting energy use. In 2024, more than 1.5 million hours were pledged worldwide."The stakes have never been higher," said WWF International Director General Kirsten Schuijt. "The past year was the hottest on record - capping off the hottest decade, with the hottest seas ever recorded. We've witnessed historic wildfires, storms, and droughts as well." "Our world is in peril, and we are rapidly approaching dangerous climate tipping points beyond which key ecosystems may never recover," she said.
