London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Madrid, and Other Global Cities Dominate the 2026 Rankings – Uncover the Best Places to Live, Work, and Visit Around the World!

Published on December 21, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

The World’s Best Cities 2026 report, released by Resonance Consultancy and Ipsos, has revealed the top cities around the world that offer the highest standards of livability, lovability, and prosperity. These rankings are based on a composite score, known as the Place Power™ Score, which evaluates 46 distinct metrics that measure everything from walkability and safety to cultural richness and economic strength. For the 2026 rankings, London remains the undisputed leader, while cities like New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Madrid are making strong impressions as they rise to prominence.

What Are the Top Cities for 2026?

Based on the comprehensive analysis, London continues its decade-long reign as the world’s top city, thanks to its unmatched combination of cultural influence, economic power, and high quality of life. The UK capital has been recognized for its prosperity — particularly its role as a hub for global businesses and its vast airport connectivity. This year, Madrid officially broke into the top five, marking a significant leap in Spain’s capital’s global status.

The following is a list of the top 10 global cities for 2026, based on their Place Power™ Scores:

1. London, UK

• Livability Rank: #3
• Lovability Rank: #2
• Prosperity Rank: #1
  Key Highlights: London maintains its top spot for its vast business environment, with iconic infrastructure projects like the Camden Highline and the continuous updates to the Elizabeth Line. London’s status as the “Capital of Capitals” remains unchallenged.

2. New York, USA

• Livability Rank: #2
• Lovability Rank: #3
• Prosperity Rank: #2
  Key Highlights: New York scores highly for its cultural relevance, with Google Trends placing it at #1 in global significance. The city has been revamping its airports, especially JFK and LaGuardia, to enhance traveler experiences.

3. Paris, France

• Livability Rank: #1
• Lovability Rank: #1
• Prosperity Rank: #4
  Key Highlights: Paris continues to lead in livability, thanks to its 15-minute city initiatives, which include more bike lanes and pedestrianized zones around landmarks like the Louvre and Seine River. The city also retains its top position for museums and gastronomy.

4. Tokyo, Japan

• Livability Rank: #4
• Lovability Rank: #4
• Prosperity Rank: #3
  Key Highlights: Tokyo stands out for its safety, efficient rail network, and the world-renowned food scene. Tokyo also ranks highly in terms of public transport and green spaces within the urban environment.

5. Madrid, Spain

• Livability Rank: #7
• Lovability Rank: #6
• Prosperity Rank: #10
  Key Highlights: Madrid has made a strong comeback, especially in nightlife, ranking #2 globally behind only New York. Its urban regeneration projects like Madrid Nuevo Norte and greening efforts, such as Madrid Río, have contributed to its rise.

6. Singapore

• Livability Rank: #9
• Lovability Rank: #12
• Prosperity Rank: #5
  Key Highlights: Singapore continues to excel with high livability, offering urban parks, efficient public transport, and world-class healthcare. Its position as an international business hub is solidified with increasing airport connectivity.

7. Rome, Italy

• Livability Rank: #5
• Lovability Rank: #5
• Prosperity Rank: #3
  Key Highlights: Rome remains a cultural beacon with its ancient monuments, extensive public transport system, and strong tourism appeal. It ranks among the top cities in terms of walkability and landmarks.

8. Dubai, UAE

• Livability Rank: #9
• Lovability Rank: #6
• Prosperity Rank: #17
  Key Highlights: Dubai’s rise to prominence is attributed to its luxury lifestyle, modern infrastructure, and airport connections. However, challenges in social integration and livability factors have kept it outside the top five.

9. Berlin, Germany

• Livability Rank: #6
• Lovability Rank: #7
• Prosperity Rank: #23
  Key Highlights: Berlin is known for its art scene, vibrant culture, and relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities. It remains a leading hub for start-ups and creative industries in Europe.

10. Barcelona, Spain

• Livability Rank: #2
• Lovability Rank: #3
• Prosperity Rank: #7
  Key Highlights: Barcelona boasts stunning beaches, impressive architecture, and an ever-growing food scene. It is recognized as one of the best cities in Europe for cultural engagement and tourism.

Understanding the Three Core Pillars: Livability, Lovability, and Prosperity

The Place Power™ Score is derived from a combination of three core pillars, each contributing to a city’s overall ranking:

• Livability focuses on factors like walkability, bikeability, parks, nature, landmarks, and air quality. Data is sourced from OpenStreetMap, UN, and the WHO.
• Lovability measures a city’s culture, nightlife, dining, attractions, and social media engagement (using platforms like Google Trends, Instagram, and TripAdvisor).
• Prosperity evaluates a city’s economic strength, Fortune 500 headquarters, and airport connectivity, drawing from sources like the World Bank, IATA, and Fortune.

What Makes These Cities Stand Out?

Cities like London and New York continue to dominate due to their economic influence, cultural significance, and international connectivity. However, rising stars like Madrid and Berlin are also gaining traction, largely due to urban regeneration projects and evolving cultural landscapes that continue to attract both businesses and tourists.

Conclusion: The Future of Global Cities

The 2026 rankings highlight that global cities are not only becoming economic powerhouses but are also working hard to increase their livability through urban innovations. As cultural hubs with deep historical roots, these cities are paving the way for a future where prosperity and livability go hand-in-hand. Top cities like London, New York, Paris, and Tokyo continue to lead the charge, but other cities like Madrid and Berlin are quickly emerging as major competitors on the global stage.

For travelers and city enthusiasts alike, the World’s Best Cities rankings offer an exciting glimpse into the future of urban life.