A UK city has been named as Europe’s best place to live and visit as a tourist but its residents might need some convincing. Here’s a run down of the full list
Ever fantasised about packing up and moving to sun-drenched Spain, stylish Italy or the blissful climes of Finland? You’re not alone – many Brits harbour dreams of relocating overseas. However, a new study suggests they might not need to look further than their own backyard, as it reveals that Europe’s top city to live in is actually right here in the UK.
The research, conducted by Resonance Consultancy in 2024, crowned London as the world’s premier city for both residents and tourists. London clinched the top spot in the study’s liveability, lovability and prosperity rankings, and also emerged victorious in the restaurant and startup categories, reports the Express.
Yet, this accolade may raise a few eyebrows among Londoners. A separate study by The Economist highlighted that the capital has some of the steepest rents relative to wages globally.
The Charitable Foundation Trust also revealed that the average rent for a one-bedroom flat in London consumes nearly half of the typical Londoner’s salary.
Moreover, locals have voiced grievances over early closing times for bars and nightclubs, arguing that London falls short of being a true 24/7 city.
Despite these drawbacks, Resonance Capital maintains that a dip in the pound’s value has made the capital significantly more appealing to tourists.
Meanwhile, Paris secured the second spot on the list of Europe’s best cities. The City of Light is garnering considerable interest this year due to the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, although it remains one of the priciest cities worldwide.
Berlin claimed third place in the global liveability rankings, with Rome and Madrid rounding out the top five. Notably, Madrid earned its place in the top five thanks to its commendable sustainability efforts.
Spain boasted two cities in the top 10, with Barcelona just missing out on the top five due to its impressive ratings for dining and nightlife.
Europe’s best cities to live and visit
- London
- Paris
- Berlin
- Rome
- Madrid
- Prague
- Barcelona
- Amsterdam
- Istanbul
- Milan
