New Study Reveals the 10 Best Cities in Europe for 2024
In the era of digital nomadism and remote work, knowing the top cities in Europe is more valuable than ever. This annual ranking by Resonance, a consultancy specializing in real estate, tourism, and economic development, has partnered with Dinogo for several years and offers a comprehensive and holistic evaluation.
“It’s not solely about the best city to live in, work in, or visit,” stated Chris Fair, president and CEO of Resonance Consultancy. “This approach examines a blend of all these factors.” In 2024, Resonance refined its metrics to concentrate on three essential areas—livability, lovability, and prosperity—encompassing everything from GDP and housing affordability to green spaces and nightlife, as well as a city's presence on social media, all to create a detailed overview of Europe’s top urban centers.
This year’s list of Europe’s 100 best cities (we’ll highlight the top 10 below) evaluated 180 metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more. Looking for inspiration for your next adventure? Explore destinations from Aachen to Bratislava to Zurich.
Understanding the City Rankings
Livability: This category assesses the overall quality of a city’s environment, encompassing both natural and constructed elements. Key factors include walkability (evaluated through the city’s score on Walk Score), airport connectivity (measured by the number of direct destinations accessible from the city's airports), and higher education (the QS Rankings score of the leading local university).
Lovability: The lovability factor gauges the vibrancy and appeal of a city, focusing on how effectively it inspires residents, businesses, and visitors to champion it. This includes cultural offerings (the number of quality performing arts and cultural experiences endorsed by locals and tourists as per Tripadvisor.com), shopping options (the count of recommended shopping experiences according to Tripadvisor.com), and the number of Instagram hashtags associated with the city.
Prosperity: The prosperity dimension evaluates the robustness of a city’s human capital. Factors include educational attainment (the proportion of the population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher), the presence of Fortune Global 500 companies (the number of corporate headquarters listed in the Fortune Global 500), the size of the largest convention center in the city, and the poverty rate (the percentage of residents living below the national poverty line).
In the wake of the continental pandemic recovery, urban areas throughout Europe are grappling with new challenges: economic, environmental, and humanitarian. "Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has negatively impacted our rankings for the second consecutive year," explains Fair. "In our opinion, no city can be considered a 'Best City' if it belongs to a nation engaging in unprovoked aggression against another, which is why we have once again excluded Moscow, St. Petersburg, and all other Russian cities from this year’s analysis."
Here’s how Europe’s best cities were ranked in the 2024 report, published on March 5, 2024:
Photo by S. Borisov/Shutterstock
1. London, England
Rankings: No. 1 in Culture and Educational Achievement
*also World’s Best City for 2024
"London is seldom quiet these days," notes Resonance. Most Tube lines are now operating at pre-pandemic levels, with new metro stops like Bond Street’s Elizabeth station, which opened in October 2022. The UK’s corporate tax rate, the lowest among G7 nations, has helped London’s resilience, bolstered by a depreciating currency that attracts both investment and previously deterred tourists. Additionally, new residents are now able to fulfill a major goal on the multi-millionaire bucket list: owning property in the world’s most desirable city," Resonance states.
Why we adore it: While London’s iconic attractions may be ancient, the capital's shops, bars, hotels, and restaurants are constantly evolving, often on a weekly basis. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities, culinary adventures, or family outings, there’s a unique London neighborhood waiting to be explored—and it’s likely to have changed since your last visit. For new hotel experiences, options range from the highly anticipated Raffles London at the OWO to the eco-luxury inspired 1 Hotel Mayfair.
Prepare for your next adventure with Dinogo’s Guide to London.
Photo by Shutterstock
2. Paris, France
Rankings: No. 1 in Sights/Landmarks and Global Fortune 500 companies
*Holding steady at No. 2
“The city continues to be the most popular destination worldwide, attracting 44 million visitors last year,” states Resonance. “Fortunately, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport used the last three years of reduced traffic to invest €250 million in renovating Terminal 1. Now reopened, it features a massive junction building and a central lobby equipped with cutting-edge technology to enhance the travel experience. Rail access and infrastructure have also reached new heights. A direct TGV line from Berlin to Paris will launch next year, alongside more ambitious routes like the Venice-to-Paris Midnight Trains set for 2025. Regardless of how they arrive, both new and returning visitors to Paris will discover a city that celebrates pedestrian life and outdoor living.”
What we adore about it: As Paris prepares for the 2024 Olympics, it continues to evolve. Enhanced infrastructure, a focus on pedestrian-friendly spaces, and luxurious hotels contribute to a city renowned for its exceptional art, shopping, and international cuisine.
Organize your next getaway with Dinogo’s Guide to Paris.
Photo by Shutterstock
3. Berlin, Germany
Rankings: Startups (3), Culture (4), Nightlife (5)
*A jump from No. 7
It’s no surprise: Berlin ranks among the top five for Culture, Museums, and Nightlife, captivating both visitors and locals with its “raw, unapologetic urban vibe and self-expression,” notes Resonance. The city has become a refuge for Ukrainian refugees and a hotspot for entrepreneurs, currently housing around 4,400 startups, as reported by the Berlin Startup Map. “This talent influx is attracting significant domestic and international investment in the city and surrounding areas.”
What we love about it: Two major museums have relocated to the new Humboldt Forum in the city's center: the Ethnological Museum and the Museum of Asian Art. A dozen more museums are in the pipeline or have already opened, showcasing collections that range from samurai history to video games. Plus, the European Sleeper night train (featuring lie-flat beds in cabins) now connects Berlin and Brussels via Amsterdam, making the journey in under 12 hours.
Organize your next adventure with Dinogo’s Guide to Berlin.
Photo by Chris Czermak on Unsplash
4. Rome, Italy
Rankings: Restaurants (1 - tie), TripAdvisor reviews (2)
*Rising from No. 8
“Few cities offer the rich tapestry of Western history like Rome,” notes Resonance. “Expressions of affection for the city have surged on social media, making Rome the third most promoted destination after London and Paris, with a notable No. 2 ranking for TripAdvisor Reviews. Add to that the charming parks and green spaces (with Rome at No. 8 in our Outdoors subcategory) alongside its countless historical sites (Sights and Landmarks rank in the Top 3 in Europe), and it’s clear why Rome is considered an urban gem.”
Why we love it: Rome has secured a spot on Dinogo’s “Where to Go in 2024” list thanks to a surge of high-quality hotels, amenities, and dining options. As Laura Itzkowitz pointed out, “Anantara is just one of several hotel brands bringing a fresh international vibe to the city. In 2023 alone, InterContinental, Bulgari, Edition, and Six Senses launched new properties in Rome. Upcoming projects include hotels by Four Seasons, Rosewood, Nobu, and more. “Rome is emerging from a whirlwind year filled with visitors and new openings,” states Elisa Valeria Bove, CEO of the private tour company Roma Experience. “Previously, visitors would spend two or three days in Rome. Now, they’re staying for five, six days, or even longer.”
Organize your next adventure with Dinogo’s Guide to Rome.
Photo by Alex Vasey on Unsplash
5. Madrid, Spain
Rankings: Restaurants (1 - tie), Culture (3)
*Rising from No. 6
“Often overshadowed by Barcelona’s beaches and nightlife, Madrid is confidently making its mark,” states Resonance. “One of the most exciting developments is the city’s ambitious initiative to address climate change and pollution through a 76-kilometer network of urban forests that includes nearly half a million new trees. This ‘green wall’ is expected to absorb around 175,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. The newly created Santander Park is already a popular spot for both locals and tourists, transforming a former golf course into a vibrant community space.”
Why we love it: Resonance highlights the city’s exciting revival, with over 20 new hotels and nearly 100 restaurants either opening or set to open in this culturally rich city that’s making a strong comeback from the pandemic. “Many upscale hotels are focused on sustainability and repurposing buildings—like the Madrid Edition by Marriott, which occupies the historic Monte de Piedad de Madrid, and the iconic Metrópolis building, now a boutique hotel, spa, private club, and restaurant hub,” Resonance reports.
Prepare for your next adventure with Dinogo’s Guide to Madrid.
Photo by William Zhang on Unsplash
6. Prague, Czechia
Rankings: Poverty Rate (1), Attractions (2)
*Entering the top 10 for the first time
“The pandemic lockdowns provided a unique opportunity for Prague to shift away from overtourism, allowing the city to prioritize the needs of its residents and cultivate a sense of community ownership. This is no small feat for any urban area, especially one that ranks in the Top 10 for both Livability (#7) and Lovability (#8). In recent months, city officials have made significant decisions to keep Prague's #3-ranked Museums (surpassing cities like Berlin, Rome, and Madrid) and Attractions (only behind London) accessible to the locals who supported them during lean tourism times. Thanks to the influx of international university students, the city offers plenty of affordable entertainment options, and its poverty rates are among the lowest on our list.”
Why we love it: Prague is wonderfully intricate and candid. Travel back to its Bohemian roots by exploring the Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Prague Castle, and take a stroll across the romantic Charles Bridge before reflecting at the poignant memorial to its Communist past. Today, Prague radiates a spirit of modern optimism, showcased by landmarks like Frank Gehry’s Dancing House Hotel and the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art.
Plan your next journey with Dinogo’s Guide to Prague.
Photo by Luis Pina/Shutterstock
7. Barcelona, Spain
Rankings: Restaurants (1 - tied), Nightlife (2)
*Dropped from No. 4
Barcelona is nearly the perfect European city, enjoying pleasant weather throughout the year and featuring neighborhoods that captivate at all hours, according to Resonance. This year, the highlight is Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia nearing completion, and the city has recently inaugurated its €50-million Consell de Cent, converting 21 blocks into pedestrian-friendly areas that were previously a busy four-lane street, now part of a new ‘green axis’ urban park favored by both locals and visitors.
Why we love it: This lively Spanish city offers extensive beaches, iconic parks, and Gaudí’s legendary architectural masterpieces. We also delight in wandering the maze-like streets of El Born and the Gothic Quarter, searching for the finest dumplings or top-notch Catalan dining experiences.
Plan your next journey with Dinogo’s Guide to Barcelona.
Photo by Ériver Hijano
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rankings: Labor Force Participation (3), Startups (5)
*Dropped from No. 3
Amsterdam remains a city to watch, driven by its visionary mayor Femke Halsema—who also happens to be a filmmaker and the first woman to hold this office in the city’s history, as noted by Resonance. Her administration is diligently guiding the city toward a future of responsibility, balancing the needs of residents with the demands of tourism.
Why we love it: With direct flights from most U.S. cities, Amsterdam’s convenient accessibility—along with its picturesque canals and premier museums—makes it a favored stop on any European itinerary. The city is pioneering sustainable tourism; for example, one hospitality group has begun transforming outdated bridge houses into delightful stand-alone hotel rooms, and by 2030, all gas and diesel vehicles will be banned from the city streets.
Plan your upcoming adventure with Dinogo’s Guide to Amsterdam.
Courtesy of The Peninsula Istanbul
9. Istanbul, Türkiye
Rankings: Restaurants (1 - tie), Airport Connectivity (3)
*Newly entered in the top 10
“The historic blend of Europe and Asia shines in Türkiye’s largest city, making it one of the most enchanting places to experience. With a Top 10 ranking in Sights and Landmarks and a noteworthy No. 4 in our Outdoors category, the city is set for further acclaim thanks to extensive renovations completed for the Turkish Republic’s centennial in October 2023.”
Why we love it: Heard anyone talk about their trip to Istanbul in 2023? It’s not surprising. After a devastating earthquake struck southeastern Türkiye in February 2023, the country, along with its tourism sector, has united to establish Istanbul as the most visited destination of 2023. The city boasts one of the world’s finest new airports (IST) and the revitalized Galataport waterfront—stretching a mile along the sparkling Bosporus—now features an underground cruise terminal along with upscale restaurants and hotels, including the renowned Peninsula Istanbul.
Plan your next adventure with Dinogo’s Guide to Istanbul.
Ouael Ben Salah/Unsplash
10. Milan, Italy
Rankings: Biking (4), EV Charging Stations (5)
*New to the top 10
“Known as the birthplace of icons like Armani and Versace, Milan has evolved beyond its status as Europe’s fashion and design capital and Italy’s financial center. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and bolstered by a wave of wealthy newcomers, Milan's strategic location near other European capitals and alpine resorts has secured it the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. This development surge includes a long-awaited train connection between Milan Bergamo Airport and the city center.”
Why we love it: Milan shines with a creative legacy that spans centuries. This vibrant city is steeped in culture, whether through the tradition of the aperitivo, a dynamic art scene, or a stunning array of architecture that reflects various styles and eras. Milan is truly a sanctuary of style, art, and design.
Plan your next adventure with Dinogo’s Guide to Milan.
For the complete list of Europe’s 100 finest cities, check out worldsbestcities.com. Continue reading to discover the top cities in the U.S.
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