Whether you’re plotting your next trip or daydreaming about a move to Europe, it’s useful to know how the continent’s major cities compare. Every year, Resonance (a consultancy group in real estate, tourism, and economic development that Afar has partnered with for several years) releases an annual ranking of the best cities in Europe.
For the third year running, London, Paris, and Berlin hold the top three spots on the new 2026 list. Resonance credits those cities’ staying power to “relentless reinvention,” highlighting bold infrastructure investments and climate-forward planning across the cities. They include Berlin’s planned transformation of Tegal Airport located in the city’s northwest into a sprawling “innovation” district, and Paris’s Grand Paris Express, currently Europe’s largest urban transit expansion.
Resonance updated its methodology in 2024 to focus on three key areas: livability, lovability, and prosperity. Those remain in place for 2026, measuring factors like GDP, housing affordability, green spaces, nightlife, and educational attainment. The rankings also factor in digital and cultural visibility, drawing on data from Instagram, Google Trends, and—for the first time this year—TikTok to measure each city’s global relevance.
Below, we’ve excerpted the top 10 of this year’s list of Europe’s 100 best cities, which considered 180 metropolitan centers with a population of 500,000 or more. As in every edition since 2022, Russian cities are excluded due to the country’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Looking for some “spin the globe” inspiration for where to go next? You’ll find it here, from Aachen to Bonn to Zagreb.
How the best city rankings work
Livability: This category measures the quality of a city’s natural and built environment. Subcategories include walkability (the city’s Walk Score), airport connectivity (the number of direct destinations served by the city’s airports), and higher education (the QS Rankings score of the top local university).
Lovability: The lovability pillar considers the vibrancy and quality of a city, as well as how much it inspires residents, businesses, and visitors to promote it. This includes culture (number of quality performing arts and cultural experiences recommended by locals and visitors) and shopping (number of quality shopping experiences that locals and visitors recommend)—both according to Tripadvisor—as well as social media engagement across Instagram and TikTok.
Prosperity: The prosperity pillar measures the strength of a city’s human capital. Subcategories include educational attainment (percentage of the population with a bachelor’s degree or higher), Fortune Global 500 companies (number of Fortune Global 500 corporate headquarters), convention center size (largest convention center in a city), and poverty rate (percentage of population living below the national poverty line).
Here’s how Europe’s best cities ranked in the 2026 report, released March 3, 2026:
1. London, England
London ranked number one in nightlife and educational attainment.
Photo by S. Borisov/Shuterstock
Rankings: Nightlife (1) and Educational Attainment (1)
*Holding at no. 1
What keeps the “Capital of Capitals” atop Europe’s Best Cities ranking? Resonance says it’s London’s “magnetic appeal,” which continues to draw a global audience. But it’s also strategic infrastructure investments that are reinforcing the city’s powerful allure. Record-breaking arrivals at Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport’s €274 million upgrade, which adds new concourses and improved amenities, and the city’s ongoing efforts to improve connectivity through tube expansion projects all highlight London’s commitment to enhancing visitor experiences. Meanwhile, highly anticipated initiatives like the Camden Highline, a mile-long elevated greenway inspired by New York’s High Line, further underscore the city’s “commitment to enhancing urban livability through creative renewal projects.”
The report also recognizes a “luxury hospitality renaissance” unfolding across the city, which began in 2023 with the opening of Raffles London at the OWO, “the meticulously restored Old War office, now hosting stunning guest rooms.” The hotel scene been bolstered by recent additions such as the independent Newman Hotel in Fitzrovia, a central London neighborhood, and the Chancery Rosewood in Mayfair.
Why we love it: Some of London’s main sights date back millennia, but the capital’s shops, bars, hotels, and restaurants evolve on an almost weekly basis. Whether you’re outdoorsy, hungry, or have a family in tow, there’s a distinct London neighborhood to investigate—and it will likely look different from your last visit. For a long weekend in the city, we’d recommend booking a room at the just-opened Newman Hotel.
Plan your next trip with Afar’s Guide to London.
2. Paris, France
Cruising down the Seine at sunset is one of the pleasures of visiting Paris.
Courtesy of Joe deSousa/Unsplash
Rankings: Health (1) and Restaurants (1)
*Holding at no. 2
From the Louvre’s €800 million “New Renaissance” renovation to the Musée d’Orsay’s “new 1,208-square-meter wing, housing Impressionist narratives in new light,” Paris continues to fuse history with innovation, offering visitors a Paris that is “historic and progressive, elegant and gritty, intimate and global,” according to Resonance. The capital’s culinary scene also continues to shine, with its 123 Michelin-starred restaurants helping it to top the report’s restaurants ranking.
But this Gallic momentum extends beyond dining. Thanks to the city’s Plan Vélo, a Paris city government initiative to expand cycling facilities, Parisians can now navigate more than 620 miles of bike lanes. Transit expansions are making airport connections easier, too. The first stage of the Grand Paris Express, which opened in mid-2024, brings Orly Airport within 40 minutes of the city center, while the CDG Express, set to launch in 2027, will whisk travelers from Charles de Gaulle Airport into the city.
Why we love it: Truly, what’s not to love? You can find luxurious hotels under $300, Paris museums are loaded with world-class art, and its charming streets offer shopping and global cuisine at every turn. Whether you’re spending one perfect day (or four) in the French capital, there’s something for everyone in this storied European city.
Plan your next trip with Afar’s Guide to Paris.
3. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is holding steady at number three.
Courtesy of Yannic Kress/Unsplash
Rankings: Business Ecosystems (3) and Nature and Parks (3)
*Holding at no. 3
“Berlin’s hospitality and arts machine is humming,” reports Resonance, noting that the German city’s creative capital keeps it firmly among Europe’s top cities. The long-awaited Museum of the 20th Century, set to open in 2027 at the Kulturforum after a €427 million investment, will finally allow the city to showcase to its 20th‑century art holdings at full scale. Meanwhile, venues like the Reethaus, a hand-thatched “modern temple” to sound in southwest Berlin, attract avant-garde composers and DJs alike. From the Berliner Philharmoniker and three city opera houses to “dozens of independent theatres being joined by immersive and cross-genre spaces,” the city’s art scene is historic and evolving, drawing both residents and visitors into its orbit.
Yet Berlin’s success isn’t confined to the arts: the former Tegel Airport, about five miles northwest of the city center, is being transformed into Berlin TXL, a 1,235-acre climate-positive innovation hub that demonstrates its forward-thinking spirit. It’s this combination of cultural vibrancy, cutting-edge creativity, and visionary infrastructure that Resonance says earns Berlin its place as Europe’s third-best city.
Why we love it: An ideal long-weekend itinerary in the German capital includes visits to Berlin Wall murals, leisurely browsing of flea markets, and after-hours dancing. Getting to Berlin is easy and green: The European Sleeper night train (with lie-flat beds in cabins) connects Brussels to Berlin via Amsterdam in less than 12 hours.
Plan your next trip with Afar’s Guide to Berlin.
4. Rome, Italy
Visit Rome for the restaurants and a walk through history.
Courtesy of Chris Czermak/Unsplash
Rankings: Sights and Landmarks (1) and Google Trends (3)
*Up from no. 5
“The Eternal City has always been coveted,” says Resonance, “but these days, the bounty is an immersive step back in time.” A sweeping beautification push is restoring Rome’s monuments and cultural landmarks, from ongoing work on the Trevi Fountain (which travelers must now pay to access) to the reopening of the archaeological park Largo di Torre Argentina—where Julius Caesar met his end—and the renovation of the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art’s exhibition spaces, to name just a few. The city’s impressive hotel scene has also propelled its standing: openings from the last few years such as Bvlgari Roma, Six Senses Rome, and the intimate 26-room Palazzo Talìa are complemented by soon-to-open addresses such as the Corinthia and Rosewood.
Why we love it: Rome landed on Afar’s “Where to Go in 2024” list thanks to an influx of top-tier hotels, amenities, and restaurants. Despite the crowds that always descend on Rome, there are plenty of places to get away from them.
Plan your next trip with Afar’s Guide to Rome.
5. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a UNESCO World Capital of Architecture for 2026.
Courtesy of Ruggiero Calabrese/Unsplash
Rankings: Public transport (2) and Instagram Posts (3)
*Down from no. 4
“It feels like Barcelona is back,” Resonance says. “But older, wiser and far more intentional about what comes next.” After years of overtourism headlines, the city is refocusing on livability and memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike, and is preparing to shine on the global stage as UNESCO World Capital of Architecture in 2026. In February, the 172-meter Tower of Jesus Christ on the Sagrada Familia was finally completed, an Antoni Gaudí-designed basilica that has been under construction since 1882.
Why we love it: This Spanish city is home to miles and miles of beaches, green parks, and Gaudí’s iconic architectural landmarks. But we could just as easily get lost in El Born and the Gothic Quarter’s labyrinths, looking for dumplings or the best Catalan restaurant.
Plan your next trip with Afar’s Guide to Barcelona.
6. Madrid, Spain
Madrid scores highly for its nightlife and its commitment to sustainable development.
Courtesy of Alex Vasey/Unsplash
Rankings: Nightlife (2) and Family-Friendly Attractions (2)
*Holding at no. 6
Madrid’s sustainability mission is clear, says Resonance, as the city invests in greener streets and cleaner transport—from one of Europe’s “most extensive” electric bus fleets to an “expanding network of cycle lanes.” On a larger scale, the Bosque Metropolitano is the city’s attempt to create Europe’s largest metropolitan forest, “a 75-kilometer ring of trees,” while Nuevo Norte, a 568-acre stretch of former railway land, is set to become one of Europe’s largest urban regeneration projects. Madrid’s hotel scene continues to captivate visitors, according to the report: “Gran Vía’s Belle Époque buildings are being reborn as boutique hotels, while new properties in Lavapiés and Chamberí opened in 2025 to meet demand from visitors.”
Why we love it: The sunniest capital city in Europe is pleasant to visit year-round, where you can fill your stomach with patatas bravas, croquetas, and gambas al ajillo and peruse dozens of works by Francisco Goya at museums like the Prado. On our radar are a couple of new hotels, including El Autor Hotel Madrid, Autograph Collection, a block and a half from the Paseo del Prado and, five minutes away, the regal Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel.
Plan your next trip with Afar’s Guide to Madrid.
7. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is at the forefront of responsible tourism.
Photo by Ériver Hijano
Rankings: Standard of Living (4) and Economic Output (5)
*Holding at no. 7
As Amsterdam emerges from its 750th-year celebrations, Resonance notes that the Dutch city has had something of a “recalibration . . . prioritizing residents while still welcoming visitors who got the memo on responsible tourism.”
This focus is evident in the transformation of neighborhoods beyond the city’s central canal district: redevelopments in Haven-Stad, “the Netherlands’ largest inner-city project,” and on Zeeburgereiland, a former industrial island in the IJ River now being transformed with housing and leisure space.
As always, Amsterdam is lauded for its “efficient public transport and dense cycle lanes” and its electric and hybrid ferry shuttles, which connect “the galleries and cafés of Jordaan” to the “restaurant streets of De Pijp” and the “arts and nightlife playground” of NDSM Wharf, where repurposed warehouses now house bars, studios, and startups.
Why we love it: With nonstop flights from many U.S. cities, Amsterdam’s easy accessibility—and appealing canals, gorgeous tulips, and world-class museums—make it a popular stop. The city is also extremely well-connected. Comfortable, direct trains whiz you to London, Paris, Berlin, and Brussels. The 134-room Rosewood Amsterdam opened in May 2025 along the Prinsengracht canal in a 17th-century Palace of Justice.
Plan your next trip with Afar’s Guide to Amsterdam
8. Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital will have more than 1,000 miles of cycling lanes by the end of 2026.
Courtesy of Zhang Xiaoyu/Unsplash
Rankings: Biking (1) and Museums (10)
*Holding at no. 8
“Vienna is quietly rewriting the European playbook for livable, sustainable growth,” reports Resonance. Already a top-10 city for biking, the Austrian capital is expanding its more than 1,000-mile cycling network with dozens of new paths this year, including a “cycle highway” linking downtown with the green spaces of the 22nd district, home to Aspern Seestadt, one of Europe’s largest urban development projects. Beyond sustainable mobility, Vienna is preparing to showcase its vibrant cultural life on the global stage, hosting the all-singing, all-dancing spectacle of Eurovision at the Wiener Stadthalle in 2026.
Why we love it: Beyond fantastic museums, the city’s deep and world-class music scene is an essential part of any visit. For less than a tenner, you can snag tickets to the standing-room-only section at the Vienna State Opera.
Plan your next trip with Afar’s Guide to Vienna.
9. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s improved connectivity sees the Danish city return to the top-10 list this year.
Photo by Getty Images/Unsplash
Rankings: Biking (1) and Walkability (5)
*Up from no. 14
“Copenhagen keeps proving how a city built for people—and bikes—stays ahead,” Resonance says, highlighting how improved connectivity has made exploring the Danish capital easier than ever. “The metro now whisks visitors to the Opera Parken, a lush city center green space that doubles as a climate-resilient garden, and to Nordhavn [a northern city district], where the recently opened Nordhus has become the district’s ‘living room’—a communal dining and cultural venue that locals have embraced as the antidote to sterile urban renewal.”
Sustainable tourism and a community-focused approach have helped the city climb the rankings this year. Resonance notes that initiatives like CopenPay, which rewards climate-conscious travel with free cultural experiences, encourage visitors to engage responsibly with the city. And this year, Copenhagen will unveil the Water Culture House on Christiansholm, a new harborfront facility offering swimming, wellness, and community spaces within striking cone-shaped architecture.
Why we love it: Copenhagen’s sustainability is a big part of what makes the city such a joy to visit. An abundance of parks, nearly 400km of bike lanes and clean, swimmable harbor waters ensure that a long weekend in the Danish capital is filled with fresh air and nature.
Plan your next trip with Afar’s Guide to Copenhagen.
10. Stockholm, Sweden
Lots of green spaces, investment in tech and transit, and a multicultural population earned Stockholm the number 10 spot on this year’s Best Cities in Europe list.
Courtesy of Adam Gavlák/Unsplash
Rankings: Labor Force Participation (1) and Climate Risk (3)
*Holding at no. 10
“Stockholm is quietly asserting itself as one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals,” reports Resonance. Visitors can wander centuries-old stone streets alongside forward-thinking districts like Hagastaden in northern Stockholm, where labs, offices, and pocket parks are shaping a new hub for life sciences.
The city’s hospitality scene mirrors this mix of history and modernity: “Stockholm Stadshotell, a 320-room five-star conversion in the historic center, is already on global hot lists,” the report notes. About half a mile north close to Brunnsviken lake, the new 215-room Hagastrand “brings a 2,500-square-meter spa resort into royal parkland within 15 minutes of the city center,” offering hot and cold pools, saunas, and a snow room.
Why we love it: Despite being a bustling urban center where you can go out until the wee hours and find any type of food your heart desires, Stockholm is also peaceful and quiet.
Plan your next trip with Afar’s Guide to Stockholm
To see the full list of Europe’s 100 best cities, visit worldsbestcities.com.
This article was originally published in 2024 and most recently updated on March 3, 2026, with current information. Laura Dannen Redman, Lyndsey Matthews, and Sophie Friedman contributed to the reporting of this story.
