This article originally appeared online in 2018; it was updated most recently on July 23, 2026, to include current information.
Copenhagen is once again the most livable city in the world according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s annual ranking of the world’s most livable cities, edging out Vienna and Melbourne, which are in second and third place. Vienna won the top spot in 2022, 2023, and 2024, before being dethroned by Copenhagen in 2025.
The rest of the top 10 includes fellow Western European cities Vienna, Zurich, and Geneva, as well as cities in Australia, Canada, and Japan. The list is compiled by the research arm of the The Economist Group, the sister company of the Economist newspaper.
The world’s most livable cities in 2026
Here are the top 10 cities in the Economist Intelligence Global Livability Index for 2026:
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Vienna, Austria
- Melbourne, Australia
- Sydney, Australia
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Osaka, Japan
- Adelaide, Australia
- Vancouver, Canada
- Tokyo, Japan
What makes Copenhagen the most livable of all the great cities in the world? The Economist Intelligence Unit, which is the research arm of the company that publishes The Economist newspaper, bases its analysis of 173 cities on 30 indicators across five categories: stability (25 percent), health care (20 percent), culture and environment (25 percent), education (10 percent), and infrastructure (20 percent).
If you’re considering moving abroad, these categories are critical to take into account as you pick a city for your expat life. But even if you only have a week to spare, Copenhagen’s cultural scene, walkable city center, and iconic cafés make it a strong contender for your next city getaway.
Exploring Copenhagen’s scenic canals offers a glimpse into the city’s waterfront neighborhoods and laid-back pace of life.
Photo by Jakub Krystkiewicz/Pexels
The best things to see, do, and eat in Copenhagen
Begin your exploration at Nyhavn, the iconic 17th-century canal lined with colorful townhouses and bustling cafés. From here, embark on a canal tour to see the city from a unique perspective, passing landmarks like the Little Mermaid statue and the modern Copenhagen Opera House. For a dash of whimsy, head to Tivoli Gardens, the nearly 200-year-old amusement park, with vintage roller coasters twisting through lush landscaping.
Biking in Copenhagen is more than a practical way to get around; it’s an immersive way to experience the city’s charm and rhythm. The city has flat terrain and well-designed bike lanes, so cycling through Copenhagen is easy. Rent a bike and join the locals on their daily commute, or take your time to explore iconic spots, such as the greenery of Frederiksberg Garden or the historic streets of the Indre By neighborhood. Companies like Cycling Copenhagen and the Bicycle Chef also offer themed tours.
For an even deeper dive into Danish culture, visit the Statens Museum for Kunst, which houses a treasure trove of classical and contemporary art, or take in some edgy exhibitions at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, a short train ride from the city. If you’re curious about Copenhagen’s royal heritage, swing by Amalienborg Palace, where you can catch the daily changing of the guard at noon.
For a taste of New Nordic cuisine, it’s hard to beat Noma (reopening in August), widely considered one of the best restaurants in the world, where head chef Pablo Soto incorporates local ingredients in mind-bending ways. But Copenhagen is filled with more than Michelin-starred dining. Head to the food markets like Torvehallerne, where you can sample everything from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses, or visit Reffen, a trendy food market on the waterfront, where creative street vendors dish out global flavors in an industrial-chic setting.
If you’re craving something casual but equally delicious, head to one of the city’s many popular bakeries—Lille Bakery, Hart Bageri, and Juno the Bakery, to name a few—to pick up a freshly baked Danish pastry or a loaf of rye bread. For those looking to sip and snack, Copenhagen is brimming with cozy cafés and craft beer bars. Don’t miss the chance to sample some of Denmark’s excellent brews at Mikkeller or To Øl, both of which have bars in the city.
Each d’Angleterre Suite is uniquely designed but all are made to feel both welcoming and elegant.
Courtesy of Hotel D’Angleterre
Where to stay in Copenhagen
As for where to stay while you’re in town, consider Hotel d’Angleterre, an Afar-approved option in the heart of the city. This more than 270-year-old neoclassical palace recently reopened after a major renovation with 92 guest rooms and suites (some have views overlooking King’s Square), a sprawling spa with an indoor pool, and an on-site restaurant, Marchal, which was recognized with a Michelin-star for its Nordic approach to French cuisine.
