Cathay Members’ Choice Awards 2024: World’s coolest city

Welcome to the Cathay Members’ Choice Awards: our flagship awards which celebrate everything that makes the world so amazing – as voted for by you, our global community of members. Discover the winner that captured your hearts – and your votes – as well as the contenders that made it to the shortlist. 

Not a member yet? It’s free to sign up and unlock a world of benefits, rewards and experiences – not to mention the chance to vote in next year’s awards. 

Winner: Tokyo

A world-class food scene, excellent shopping, thriving street life and some of the most exclusive cocktail bars on Earth. Is there anything Tokyo doesn’t have? To top it off, the Japanese capital perfectly balances contemporary cool with cultural traditions and natural beauty. Shrines stand among sky towers, the Shinto practitioners still fill the streets during the Kanda Matsuri festival and, when the cherry blossoms bloom, there’s nothing more beautiful. 

Hong Kong SAR

One day is all you need to realise that Hong Kong has a rhythm all of its own. Come nightfall, Central, Sheung Wan and Tsim Sha Tsui are the epitome of action with restaurants, bars and clubs that radiate energy. From Kowloon to Causeway Bay, dai pai dongs and wet markets thrum with activity. Complementing all this are well-groomed nature trails, beautiful beaches and Asia’s most iconic, neon-lit cityscape. 

Barcelona

Buzzing nightlife, captivating architecture and beaches on your doorstep are just a few reasons to visit Barcelona. Add quaint bodegas, delicious bites like patatas bravas, vibrant street life and an abundance of heritage sites to the mix, and it’s obvious why Catalonia’s capital consistently ranks among Europe’s most incredible cities. And with Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Família set to be completed in 2026, there’s never been a better time to visit.

New York City 

New York has welcomed all walks of life for hundreds of years, and that legacy has given the city a truly unique identity. The city’s 24/7 energy means you can dine at Michelin-starred restaurants or grab the best street tacos at midnight. From Harlem jazz clubs to Brooklyn’s indie art scene and Astoria’s multicultural creativity, New York is a place you can visit hundreds of times and still discover something new. 

Chongqing

Long overshadowed by megacities like Shanghai and Beijing, Chongqing is stepping into the spotlight. The ancient capital-turned-futuristic metropolis along the Yangtze and Jialing rivers blows visitors away with its astonishing skyline and ultra-modern skyscrapers. Looks aside, there’s much more to love, from mouth-melting hot pot to the nightlife along Jiefangbei Road and traditional attractions. In every respect, Chongqing is a destination on the rise.