The Best City In Asia For 2026 Has Affordable Eats, Historic Neighborhoods, and World-Class Bike-Friendly Streets

Explore why Time Out ranked Shanghai as the #1 city in Asia and #2 globally for 2026. From $0.50 street eats to world-class bike lanes and historic neighborhoods.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 11, 2026, 8:41 AM EDT

Source: AOL

The Culinary Capital of "Cheap Eats"

One of the primary drivers for Shanghai's top spot is its accessibility. An astounding 88% of survey respondents labeled Shanghai a haven for affordable dining.

Street Food Staples: Expect to pay between $0.50 and $3 for breakfast icons like jianbing (crispy crepes), baozi (steamed buns), and the world-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).

Local Dining: A hearty, sit-down meal at an authentic neighborhood canteen typically ranges from $5 to $12.

The "Pro" Tip: Look for restaurants packed with locals and devoid of English menus—this is the universal sign for high-quality, low-cost authenticity.

A Cyclist’s Paradise