London — London has been named the world’s best city for the tenth consecutive year, retaining its top spot in the annual World’s Best Cities rankings, which were released today. The British capital once again outshone global powerhouses like New York, Paris, and Tokyo, reinforcing its reputation as a hub for culture, business, and quality of life.
The rankings, compiled by Resonance, a leading global advisory firm specializing in real estate, tourism, and economic development, evaluate cities with populations exceeding one million. London has dominated the list since its inception, consistently ranking at the top despite evolving criteria and changing global dynamics.
This year’s rankings, produced in partnership with prominent pollster Ipsos, included public perception as a key metric for the first time. Insights gathered from over 22,000 respondents across 30 countries were factored into the analysis, giving weight to how people around the world perceive cities on an emotional and cultural level.
“London continues to captivate people globally with its unmatched blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and dynamic business environment,” said Chris Fair, President and CEO of Resonance. “As the world’s largest cities evolve, it’s clear that London stands as a beacon of opportunity, drawing people to live, work, and visit.”
The rankings assess cities on a broad spectrum of factors, including the quality of natural and built environments, cultural vibrancy, dining and nightlife scenes, shopping opportunities, and business infrastructure. In addition, it evaluates connectivity to regional airports and the quality of universities. These elements, especially when considered in combination, have shown a strong correlation with attracting a diverse and dynamic population, particularly individuals aged 25 to 44.
Fair emphasized that the trend of people moving to major cities, which was heightened during the pandemic, is driven not just by affordability, but by a desire to live in places that offer both opportunity and quality of life.
“We are seeing people migrate to cities not only for affordable living but for a lifestyle that is vibrant, inspiring, and full of potential,” Fair added.
While London’s dominance in the rankings is clear, the methodology has been scrutinized due to the reliance on data from platforms like TripAdvisor, which may introduce certain Western biases in the evaluation process.
London’s appeal to international visitors remains strong, particularly among Chinese tourists. Laura Citron OBE, CEO of London & Partners, the capital’s growth agency, remarked on the importance of this market for the city’s tourism industry. “We are always excited to welcome Chinese visitors, who find London’s iconic landmarks and world-class financial and tech sectors particularly appealing,” Citron said. “But what really makes London special is the diversity of its people and the wealth of ideas that shape our city’s innovative future.”
This year’s ranking further highlights London’s status as a global powerhouse—one that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, offering both residents and visitors a unique blend of opportunity and experience.