The number of people living in cities worldwide has grown dramatically.
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More than 80% of the world’s population now lives in towns and cities, according to a United Nations report — and this figure is set to rise further, with many considering a move to urban areas due to their perceived convenience, superior infrastructure and opportunities.
Copenhagen, Lisbon, and Vienna are considered to be the most liveable European cities in the world, according to Monocle’s 2026 Quality of Life survey.
Liveability is a measure of a city’s quality of life that can be defined by subjective and objective criteria.
Out of 75 cities analysed, 13 European cities make the world’s top 20 most exciting and interesting places to live.
On the other hand, Helsinki, Amsterdam, and Barcelona emerge as European cities which make the cut but are placed at the bottom of the list.
The global affairs and lifestyle magazine’s ranking looks beyond tax rates, GDP and living costs, looking instead at criteria such as safety, connectivity, retail, and green space.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is the top European city on the list due to its urban cycling, a booming restaurant scene, and many retail options in the city centre, according to Monocle.
This year’s ranking highlights the political shift in the city’s municipal election at the end of 2025.
The Social Democrats lost control of the city for the first time in more than 100 years, with the Socialist People’s Party and the Red-Green Alliance winning the election.
The new city council’s agenda is focusing on the cost and availability of housing, climate change and a push to rid the centre of pesky cars.
The capital of Denmark consistently makes the top spots — it previously ranked first in the whole world in 2021 and 2022.
In 2021, the study picked up on Copenhageners having a sense of pride in the way that they ensure their city is a place where children can roam free, is accessible to those on lower incomes and has efficient public transport, better air quality and a harbour that’s clean enough to swim in.
Lisbon, Portugal
In this year’s ranking, Lisbon follows as the next most liveable European city, with the report shining the spotlight on its many hours of sunshine, vibrant food scene and stunning architecture, as well as its independent retail scene and safety.
Furthermore, Lisbon airport also receives a shoutout as it acts as a key hub for those crossing the Atlantic or travelling to Africa.
Portugal’s capital is the country’s second most populated region, where most immigrants live, according to its official national statistics office.
However, the city is among Europe’s least affordable housing markets, with a home now costing about 18.7 times a typical household’s annual income.
“The challenge ahead is to bridge the gap between the interests of locals and those of expats when it comes to the cost of living, before Lisbon becomes two cities in one,” the survey said.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna ranks fourth in the whole ranking and third among European cities.
The Austrian capital is praised for being the stage for international events, as well as for its vineyards and municipal swimming pools.
For instance, in May, Vienna hosted the Eurovision Song Contest for the third time.
In addition, the city is also praised for its social housing programme. In 2025, authorities built five new schemes comprising some 400 flats, as well as renovated 11 complexes.
However, the city has seen a drop in its ranking since it was first in 2023.
