The 10 Best European Cities to Visit or Live In

Sunset over Tower Bridge in London, with conical skyscraper on left — Easy to identify, easy to love: London sits atop the Resonance rankings of Europe’s best cities.

Whether you want to vacation or live in Europe, it’s useful to compare how major cities stack up to each other. 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. Its thorough, holistic approach is especially useful now that working remotely is so common.

In 2024, Resonance updated its metrics to focus on three key areas: livability, lovability, and prosperity. Considering factors like GDP, housing affordability, green spaces, nightlife, and even a city’s social media presence, the findings are a painstaking effort to paint a more comprehensive picture of Europe’s best urban centers.

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. Looking for some “spin the globe” inspiration for where to go next? You’ll find it here, from Aachen to Bratislava to Zurich.

How the best city rankings work

Livability: This category measures the quality of a place’s environment, both natural and built. 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 number of Instagram hashtags and popularity on Google Trends.

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).

In working on this year’s report, Resonance found that “Europe’s renaissance in sustainable travel is evident with the surge in high-speed rail and overnight train services, making connectivity and low-carbon mobility central to city competitiveness.” We couldn’t agree more, with scenic train journeys across England and Italy calling to us.

Here’s how Europe’s best cities ranked in the 2025 report, released May 6, 2025:

Parliament and Big Ben next to a low iron bridge, with fall leaves in foreground — London ranked number one in culture and educational attainment.

1. London, England

Rankings: Nightlife (1) and Educational Attainment (1)
*Holding at no. 1

“How can arguably the world’s most coveted city be made even more alluring?” Resonance asks. “Unique cultural and sporting events . . . driving growth in overnight stays and visitor spending, and fostering sustainable tourism practices. Leveraging its world-renowned assets—such as theater, music, museums, and historical landmarks . . . [and] investment in visitor experiences . . . will enhance the city’s global reputation, enrich visitor experiences and bolster economic inclusivity, affirming London’s position as a premier global destination for decades to come.”

Why we love it: Some of London’s main sights might date back millennia, but the capital’s shops, bars, hotels, and restaurants continue to evolve on an almost weekly basis. Whether you’re outdoorsy, hungry, or bringing a family in tow, there’s a distinct London neighborhood to investigate—and it will likely look different from your last visit. And although the dollar isn’t doing well against the pound, it’s still possible to find relatively affordable hotels in London—plus plenty of free museums and attractive parks and gardens.

Plan your next trip with Afar’s Guide to London.

Open boat on Seine River at sunset, lined with trees, plus historic buildings in background — Cruising down the Seine at sunset is one of the pleasures of visiting Paris.

2. Paris, France

Rankings: Sights/Landmarks (1) and Restaurants (1 - tied)
*Holding at no. 2

“With half a decade and billions in investment on full display at the city’s recent, widely successful Summer Olympics, Paris has codified pedestrianism, biking, and alfresco living like nowhere else on the planet,” says Resonance. “Paris’s revered hospitality scene is also flourishing in the afterglow of the global spotlight, with more than 120 Michelin-starred restaurants—a density that speaks to the city’s culinary excellence. No wonder the city is tied for first in our Restaurants subcategory.

Over the past three years, at least 25 new five-star hotels have opened in Paris. Noteworthy openings include Bulgari’s Paris hotel on Avenue George V that introduced sophisticated Italian flair to the city’s prestigious Golden Triangle.

Why we love it: Truly, what’s not to love? Notre-Dame has reopened, you can find luxurious hotels under $300, Paris museums are loaded with world-class art—the Louvre will start renovations to give the Mona Lisa its own room—and its charming streets offer shopping and global cuisine at every turn.

Plan your next trip with Afar’s Guide to Paris.

A historic government building with German flags — After ranking number seven in 2023, Berlin is now holding steady at number three.

3. Berlin, Germany

Rankings: Business Ecosystems (3) and Culture (4)
*Holding at no. 3

“Berlin continues its ambitious reinvention as one of Europe’s cultural and urban innovation capitals, unveiling one bold development after another,” reports Resonance. “Most eye-catching is the Reethaus, a spectacular 40-foot-tall thatch-roofed structure . . . near the Spree River. This radical venue houses a bunker-like performance space [and] anchors the emerging Flussbad campus, which, by later this year, will include a hotel and clubhouse, redefining the city’s cultural landscape.”

Why we love it: This year marks the 200th anniversary of Museum Island, and visitors can expect special exhibitions, summer concerts and festivals, and educational programs. Getting to Berlin is easy and green, too. 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.

Facade of a Gaudí building with a wavy multicolored roof and green trees out front — Casa Batlló, on the Passeig de Gràcia in Eixample, is one of seven Barcelona buildings by architect Antoni Gaudí.

4. Barcelona, Spain

Rankings: Restaurants (1 - tied) and Nightlife (2 - tied)
*Up from no. 7

“As if Barcelona, with its near-perfect weather, striking architecture and miles of golden, sandy urban beaches wasn’t revered enough already, 2025 has made it a must-visit, across Europe and the world,” expounds Resonance. “The big news, of course, is that after almost a century and a half, Gaudí’s famous church, the Sagrada Familia, is almost finished.”

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.

Sant'Angelo Bridge viewed from water, with St. Peter's dome in background — Visit Rome for the restaurants and a walk through history.

5. Rome, Italy

Rankings: Restaurants (1 - tie) and TripAdvisor reviews (2)
*Down from no. 4

“Few cities serve up the ability to walk Western history like Roma,” Resonance states. “This year, Rome is in the global spotlight, with the 2025 Jubilee . . . inspiring the beautification of the city, from a renovated Trevi Fountain to a major exhibition of Caravaggio’s art. The investment is on top of new openings like the Largo di Torre Argentina site—the scene of Julius Caesar’s assassination.”

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. At the end of last year, Call Me By Your Name director Luca Guadagnino opened a 25-room hotel in a 16th-century palazzo; planned for later this year or 2026 are a Thompson hotel, a Rosewood, and a Nobu. And, 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.

A car-free cobblestone street in a Madrid neighborhood — Madrid is bouncing back from the pandemic in a conscientious way.

6. Madrid, Spain

Rankings: Restaurants (1 - tied) and Google Trends (3)
*Down from no. 5

“Madrid’s sustainability mission is clear in the new Santander Park, an instant citizen and visitor destination that used to be a golf course. A 76-kilometer urban forest network with nearly half a million new trees will connect the city’s existing forest masses and reuse derelict sites between roads and buildings. . . . This ‘green wall’ is projected to help absorb 175,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually,” says Resonance. “The city is also going all-in on its already formidable Culture-scape (ranked number three), from recently opened local indie cinemas like Cines Embajadores to the mind-blowing 2023 unveiling of the Royal Collections Gallery, considered the country’s most significant museum in decades.”

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.

Street scene, with a woman biking, viewed through shop window in Amsterdam — Amsterdam is at the forefront of sustainable tourism.

7. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Rankings: Business Ecosystem (3) and Museums (5)
*Up from no. 8

Turning 750 is no small feat, and Amsterdam is celebrating all year long. Expect “festivities such as the closure of the eight-lane A10 ring road on June 21 for a citywide solstice celebration—its first traffic-free day in over 50 years,” reports Resonance. “August will see the canals bustling for SAIL Amsterdam, the celebrated nautical festival showcasing magnificent ships in the city’s iconic waterways. District-by-district celebrations, including street parties, concerts and community gatherings through the ’24 Hours’ initiative, will spotlight Amsterdam’s local vibrancy beyond the center.”

Why we love it: With nonstop flights from most 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 whizz you to London, Paris, Berlin, and Brussels. The 134-room Rosewood Amsterdam opened earlier in May along the Prinsengracht canal in a 17th-century Palace of Justice.

Plan your next trip with Afar’s Guide to Amsterdam.

An enormous pale yellow palace with brown roof, with trees and large grassy courtyard in front and city skyline in background — The Schloss Schönbrunn, built in Vienna in 1642, was the summer residence of Eleonore von Gonzaga and her husband, Emperor Ferdinand II.

8. Vienna, Austria

Rankings: Biking (1) and Culture (6)
*New to the top 10

“Already topping Europe in our Biking subcategory, the Austrian capital is adding dozens of bike paths annually to its 1,650-kilometer cycling network, including the unveiling of its ‘cycle highway’ connecting downtown with the expansive green spaces of the 22nd district, home to Aspern Seestadt, one of Europe’s largest urban development projects centered on transit, walking and biking,” Resonance says. “There’s also massive cultural investment—from the extensively renovated Wien Museum, a love letter to the city if there ever was one, to the brand-new House of Strauss museum, dedicated to the four composers of the Strauss family.” This year marks Johann Strauss’s 200th birthday.

Why we love it: We’re not the only ones who do: The Economist‘s Global Liveability Index has ranked Vienna number one three years running. And there’s a reason it tops the list for culture: 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.

A bird's-eye view of the sun setting on Prague, with castle and bridge views — Prague ranks in the top 10 of lovability and livability.

9. Prague, Czechia

Rankings: Unemployment Rate (1 - tied) and Nightlife (2)
*Down from no. 6

“Over the past two years, city leaders made long-lasting decisions to ensure that Prague’s #3-ranked museums (ahead of places like Berlin and Rome) and attractions (which trail only London) remain accessible to the citizens who showed up when tourists didn’t,” Resonance reports. “Places like the Čapadlo embankment on the Vltava River have become open-air stages. . . . Náplavka, with its former ice-storage spaces ensconced in the river’s retaining walls, was reborn as a vibrant urban market and series of pop-up bars. Prague’s compact, fairy-tale walkability enchants in centuries-old cobbled streets . . . [and] hilltop Prague Castle, which, alongside Salm Palace—home to National Gallery exhibition spaces—reopened in 2023 after major renovations. The Baroque Clam-Gallas Palace in Old Town also reopened after three years of renovations.”

Why we love it: Prague is complex and unfiltered in the best possible way. Step back in time to the city’s Bohemian past—the Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle, the romantic Charles Bridge—before visiting the somber memorial to its former communist rule. Prague seems to bask in modern optimism, as evidenced by such landmarks as Frank Gehry’s Dancing House Hotel and DOX Centre for Contemporary Art.

Plan your next trip with Afar’s Guide to Prague.

View from flat water of historic buildings in different pastel colors — Tons 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.

10. Stockholm, Sweden

Rankings: Labour Force Participation (1) and Green Space (2)
*New to the top 10

“No other Scandinavian city serves up a sensory feast like Stockholm,” Resonance extols. “The Swedish capital boasts mind-bending geography (the city centre was built on 14 islands) and salt- and fresh-water outdoor swimming areas amid bounteous public green space. . . . Then there’s Stockholm’s history of innovation, from the 1700s architecture and daring modern design of Gamla Stan to the infusion of tradition into its buzzy New Nordic cuisine.”

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. At least two new hotels have or will open this year; Stockholm Stadshotell opened in January in a late-19th-century building, with 32 soothingly minimalist rooms, all white and light wood. Hagastrand, a wellness hotel 25 minutes by bus from central Stockholm, will offer hot and cold pools, saunas, and a snow room.

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 May 6, 2025, with current information. Laura Dannen Redman and Lyndsey Matthews contributed to the reporting of this story.

Sophie Friedman

Sophie Friedman is a freelance travel and food writer based in New York and Marseille, France. She has worked on a dozen guidebooks for Fodor’s, covering destinations such as Egypt, Myanmar, and China. Her writing and photos have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Travel + Leisure, The Infatuation, Roadbook, and more. Her favorite ways to move around are by train and bike, and her backpack always has nuts, clementines, and something to read.

These Are the 10 Best Cities in Europe in 2025—for Biking, Nightlife, and Green Space

Stockholm cracks the top 10, Barcelona is on the rise, and this city remains No. 1 in Resonance’s annual best-in-the-world rankings.