Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, has earned a prestigious spot on the global stage. The city has been included in the list of the world's 100 best cities for the year 2025, according to a report by New York-based Resonance Consultancy.
Hyderabad's Position and Indian Metros Outperform
In the comprehensive global ranking, Hyderabad secured the 82nd position. The evaluation is based on a combination of key indicators: livability, lovability, and prosperity. Among other major Indian metropolitan areas, Bengaluru achieved the highest rank at an impressive 29th place. Mumbai followed closely, securing the 40th position on the list.
The report provided a detailed breakdown of Hyderabad's performance across different sub-categories. The city's ranking in livability was 172nd globally. However, it shone brightly in the lovability metric, soaring to a strong 43rd place worldwide. This high score was driven by the city's rich cultural appeal, renowned culinary scene, deep historical roots, and its compelling overall urban experience. In the prosperity category, which assesses economic well-being and opportunity, Hyderabad was placed at 149th.
A Skyline Transformed by Global Tech Giants
Resonance's analysis specifically highlighted the dramatic evolution of Hyderabad's skyline, particularly around the HITEC City–Gachibowli corridor. The report pointed to major expansions by international technology leaders as a key driver of this transformation. It noted Microsoft's expanded India Development Centre and highlighted Google's upcoming massive campus. The 3-million square foot Google campus is scheduled to open in 2026 and was cited as a significant global footprint. Furthermore, Amazon now operates a substantial 1.6 million square feet of office and technology space within the city.
The consultancy described Hyderabad as "a harmonious, high-speed blend of historic grandeur and cutting-edge innovation." It emphasized how in the historic Old City, the iconic Charminar continues to anchor the bustling Laad Bazaar jewellery market, while the majestic Golconda Fort and the Mecca Masjid uphold the city's profound architectural legacy. These historic factors were instrumental in strengthening Hyderabad's rankings in the sights & landmarks and shopping categories.
A Thriving Ecosystem for Startups and Life Sciences
Beyond its historic charm and tech boom, the report also shed light on Hyderabad's rapidly growing innovation ecosystem. T-Hub 2.0, the city's startup incubator, currently hosts more than 800 startups, fostering a vibrant environment for new ventures. Simultaneously, Genome Valley has emerged as India's premier life sciences cluster. This specialized zone is home to an impressive 200 biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies from 18 different nations. Notably, this cluster includes six of the world's top ten research and development companies, solidifying Hyderabad's position as a global hub for scientific innovation.
This recognition by a leading global consultancy firm underscores Hyderabad's successful dual identity. It manages to preserve its centuries-old cultural heritage while aggressively building a future as a powerhouse for technology, business, and scientific research, making it a uniquely compelling city on the world map.
