Recently, the 2024 Europe’s Best Cities Report has been unveiled by Resonance Consultancy, a renowned advisor on global place branding, revealing the top-performing cities in Europe. London claims the top spot in the ranking, with several Italian and Spanish cities securing positions in the Top 10.
What is the Europe's Best Cities Report?
The Europe’s Best Cities rankings serve as a comprehensive assessment, quantifying the overall quality, reputation, and competitive identity of urban centers across the continent.
According to Chris Fair, the President & CEO of Resonance Consultancy, the rankings evaluate and compare the overall performance of over 180 major cities located in metropolitan areas with populations exceeding 500,000. The purpose of this assessment is to identify the top 100 cities in Europe that offer the best living, visiting, and investment opportunities.
Methodology for Rankings of Europe's Best Cities
The rankings are based on an original methodology. It analyses key statistics, user-generated reviews on Google, Tripadvisor, Facebook and Instagram, and other online activity.
The 3 core factors that determine the overall scores of a European city are:
- Livability. This is the most overarching category that quantifies a city’s physical sense of place. The evaluation includes walkability, bike-friendliness, sights and landmarks, parks and recreation, airport connectivity, museums, and the top local university.
- Lovability. This category shows the relative vibrancy and quality of a city. The evaluation includes culture, sports, shopping and dining experiences, nightlife, attractions, and online reviews.
- Prosperity. This category compares the human capital of the city, which is the most valuable resource in generating wealth and prosperity. The evaluation includes the educational attainment level of the city’s population, the percentage of people participating in the labor force, GDP per capita, number of startups, among others.
Top 10 Best Cities in Europe
No. 1 London, United Kingdom
London maintains its position as the best city in Europe for the second consecutive year. It captures the attention of students, foreign investors, and tourists alike. In general, London triumphs in all three indices: Livability, Lovability, and Prosperity, and it is the sole city in this year’s rankings to achieve it. Impressively, London claims the top spot in 12 out of the 27 subcategories.
In terms of international traveler spending, London secures the third position in the world and the first in Europe for 2022. And Heathrow Airport saw its highest-ever September traffic figures in 2023, welcoming more than seven million passengers. Notably, the number of Londoners leaving the capital in the post-COVID era has fallen to its lowest level in nine years in 2023.
No. 2 Paris, France
Paris has dedicated significant investments to become one of the most pedestrian- and bike-friendly cities worldwide. Following Plan Velo, measures have been taken in the last five years to ensure this. The plan includes enhancing the existing bike routes, introducing bike riding programs in schools, establishing bike repair facilities, and promoting local cycling tourism.
Walking has been increasingly popular as well. According to local numbers, 65% of all journeys are made by foot, which has increased by 12% between 2010 and 2020. Moreover, Paris strives to reduce car dependency by expanding its renowned Paris Métro system. Its 800-kilometer, 16-line network is already “the envy of the world.”
No. 3 Berlin, Germany
Berlin is known for its hospitality: it ranks No. 13 among European cities in the Foreign-Born Residents subcategory. Additionally, its ranking of No. 20 in Educational Attainment is expected to rise further in the future. This is because more talents are coming to the city, and people already residing here are also furthering their education.
The result of this hospitality is its raw, unabashed urbanity, and diverse and proud self-expression. Berlin achieves a 4th position in the Culture subcategory and a 5th position in Nightlife. It is exciting news that the city is ready to welcome guests from diverse groups to come here and party. The vibrant cultural scene and thriving nightlife make Berlin an ideal destination for those seeking unforgettable experiences.
No. 4 Rome, Italy
Rome ranks No. 4 in Livability and No. 3 in Lovability. Rome ties with Madrid for first place in the Restaurant subcategory and comes second in Tripadvisor reviews.
The historical and cultural heritage in Rome is increasingly being shared with locals and visitors. With its high-quality parks and thousands of portals back in time, Rome remains a valuable urban gem. Therefore, the city has been captivating a remarkable number of tourists in the post-pandemic era, even in the face of heat waves during the previous summer.
No. 5 Madrid, Spain
Madrid ranks 4th in Lovability and 19th in Prosperity. It also comes 3rd in Europe in the Culture subcategory. Madrid has long been a popular destination for travelers and a dream place to live. However, the recent biggest news in the city is the full approval of Madrid Nuevo Norte, the largest current urban regeneration project in Europe. It is located in the city’s northern rail district, and is planned to cover more than 220 hectares.
No. 6 Prague, Czechia
Prague is one of the rare urban centres that rank in the Top 10 in both the Livability (No. 7) and Lovability (No. 8) indices. Prague secures a third position in the Museums subcategory and a second position in the Attractions. Prague’s enchanting charm lies in its compact size and fairy-tale-like walkability. And its centuries-old cobbled streets and the hilltop Prague Castle are fully renovated.
No. 7 Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona ranks No. 5 in overall Lovability. The city also ties with Rome for first place in the Restaurant subcategory and ranks No. 2 in the Nightlife subcategory. With its magnificent architecture, large sandy beaches within city limits, and pleasant weather all year round, Barcelona is no doubt a must-visit city in 2024.
No. 8 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam ranks No. 6 in the Prosperity and No. 10 in the Lovability indices. And the prosperity of the city is reflected in the rankings of the Labour Force Participation subcategory (4th) and the Startups subcategory (5th). During the summer in 2023, the city council of Amsterdam has made great efforts to clean the city’s air, such as banning cruise ships from the city centre.
No. 9 Istanbul, Türkiye
Istanbul ranks 6th in Lovability and 8th in Livability. With a focus on transportation infrastructure, the city also notably comes third in the Airport Connectivity subcategory. However, despite the city’s low cost of living, the past year saw inflation-driven property costs increase by 77.6% in the third quarter.
No. 10 Milan, Italy
Milan ranks 5th in Livability and 9th in Lovability. Notably, it also achieves a high position (4th) in the rankings of Bike-friendliness. The city, being Europe’s fashion and design centre, has welcomed a wide range of wealthy newcomers in recent years. And this results in more improvements with terminal expansion in the future.
How can I find accommodation in Europe's Best Cities?
If you are an international student who is seeking accommodation in Europe’s top cities, you can start with university resources and student accommodation platforms. One trustworthy online platform is uhomes.com. It provides various housing options and student room types to choose from, making your search for a dream accommodation much easier.
You can find direct listings of the properties, related information on the surroundings, and reviews from other students on the website. Don’t overlook the value of networking with current students for potential roommate opportunities, blending affordability with the chance to immerse in the local culture.
For more essential tips and insights for living in top European cities like London, see here: Living in London: The Ultimate Guide for Students.
FAQ
What is the best city to spend 3 days in Europe?
- London, United Kingdom. Being the vibrant capital of the UK, London blends historic marvels like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace with modern attractions such as the London Eye. You can immerse yourself in its diverse culture, world-class museums, and thriving culinary scene for an unforgettable experience in a 3-day period.
- Paris, France. With its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, alongside exquisite cuisine and romantic ambiance, Paris offers a rich, immersive experience that perfectly encapsulates the essence of European culture in a short time span.
- Berlin, Germany. Berlin stands as a prime choice for a 3-day European getaway. Rich with history and contemporary flair, Berlin invites exploration of the Berlin Wall’s remnants, the vibrant energy of Alexanderplatz, and the solemnity of the Holocaust Memorial. Its dynamic arts scene and eclectic nightlife promise a memorable experience.
Which city in Europe has the best quality of life?
Zurich, Switzerland. The city combines natural beauty with outstanding public services, low crime rates, and a robust economy. Zurich’s focus on sustainability, efficient public transport, and cultural diversity makes it a model for high-standard, balanced urban living.
Which city is growing the fastest in Europe?
Balashikha. It is located on the outskirts of Moscow, Russia. The city has experienced rapid growth over the last decade. Its population and infrastructure expansion, alongside economic development, have transformed it into a bustling urban center, attracting residents and investors alike with its proximity to the capital.
