Tel Aviv has been voted the “funnest” city on the planet for the second year in a row in a global survey by Time Out magazine. 

Israel’s second-largest city also ranked top as being “good for people like me” in the poll of 27,000 residents worldwide. 

And Tel Avivians can pride themselves at coming in at number two in the food and drink category, behind only Shanghai. 

For overall quality of life the coastal city came in eighth out of 37 cities. Participants in the survey were asked to consider food, culture, nightlife, community projects green space and sustainability among other factors.  

Announcing the results, Time Out celebrated Tel Avivians as “a hardy bunch”, and highlighted how the city has “the region’s biggest and Pride Parade” and “the widest choice of vegan options“, adding: “Its nightlife always offers a real alternative.” 

Under the heading “If only all cities had”, for Tel Aviv Time Out chose Carmel Market, describing it as “the pulsating heart of the city where locals sell spices, hummus, falafel and other fresh, organic produce – plus raise the odd glass of beer or arak too”.  

Tel Aviv’s eighth place overall makes it the top-ranked city in the Middle East, ahead of Dubai at 26 and Abu Dhabi at 30. San Francisco claimed top spot, ahead of Manchester, England at third and New York fifth, with London down at thirteenth.