London has been crowned as the best city in the world for 2025, beating out all competitors, including the renowned financial hub of New York City, which secured the second spot. Notably, six cities in Western Europe made it to the top ten.
The 2025 Global Best Cities report, compiled by market consulting firm Resonance in partnership with market research company Ipsos, ranked cities based on livability, attractiveness, and prosperity, ultimately resulting in an overall score. The report also included surveys of 22,000 people from 30 countries.
This ranking covered over 270 of the largest cities globally, with a particular focus on attractiveness, measuring a city’s vibrancy in terms of culture, attractions, nightlife, dining, and international reputation.
Here is the complete list of the top ten Global Best Cities:
London, the ultimate destination for students, foreign investors, tourists, and business leaders, boasts immense allure for people across various industries. It comes as no surprise that the city ranked third globally in international tourist spending in 2023, with revenues exceeding $16.5 billion, surpassing all other European cities.
London, the crowned best city, also excels in attractiveness, with its historically rich metropolis housing world-renowned museums and vibrant nightlife.
The city has shown remarkable resilience in bouncing back from the pandemic. Just a few years ago, skeptics quickly declared the demise of New York City as office spaces emptied and the tourism industry plummeted. However, amidst a strong recovery, Manhattan’s rents have surged to historic highs, currently averaging around $5,000 per month, reflecting the demand for quality living spaces. The revitalization of the real estate industry not only signifies the city’s resurgence but also underscores its enduring appeal as a residential destination for domestic and international dwellers.
New York City ranks as the third most attractive city globally, benefiting from its unique cultural offerings, including Broadway and top-notch dining.
Last summer, no city captured global attention quite like the enchanting French capital. Incredibly, 70% of Parisians do not own cars, enjoying better air quality and personal health as a result.
Paris made significant investments in expanding its metro system to improve city transport and reduce reliance on cars, showcasing a marathon-like project that commenced in 2010 with the Grand Paris project set to conclude by 2030, wowing the world.
Due to its strengths in shopping and tourism, Paris closely follows London in attractiveness.
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is focused on redefining urban experiences through strategic investments in public spaces, culture, and tourism. Serving as a significant economic engine for the country (constituting 20% of Japan’s GDP), Tokyo’s vision for transportation and green spaces reflects its commitment to a sustainable, people-centric urban landscape.
Tokyo ranks fourth in attractiveness for its restaurants and shopping experiences.
Life in Singapore, for residents and tourists alike, revolves around two main pastimes: shopping and dining.
Few cities can recount Western history like Rome. The city’s allure extends beyond its historical landmarks, with the Eternal City ranking in the top five globally for both overall attractiveness and livability, offering residents and visitors experiences beyond tourism.
Madrid’s investments in sustainable development for its rich urban and natural assets serve as a real-time marvel to behold. A city forest network spanning 47 miles with nearly 500,000 new trees aims to connect existing forests, absorbing 175,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, mitigating the city’s worsening heat conditions.
With significant investments in parks and outdoor spaces, Spain ranks seventh in attractiveness.
Barcelona boasts nearly perfect weather, striking architecture, and miles of golden beaches within the city limits. In 2024, it has become a must-visit destination for Europe and beyond.
Barcelona ranks sixth in attractiveness thanks to its sunshine, beaches, magnificent architecture, and lively nightlife.
35 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall and Iron Curtain, Berlin continues to embrace immigrants seeking new lives from around the world, defining the city’s identity. The city ranks 16th in culture and seventh in nightlife, highlighting its reputation as a party capital and a hub for festivals and live music.
Berlin secures the ninth spot in attractiveness.
Sydney unfolds a dazzling narrative, adorned with a bright opera house, the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, and sun-soaked beaches stretching from Bondi to Balmoral Castle and beyond.