TOP 10 EUROPEAN CITIES FOR COMFORTABLE LIVING
Every year, two international surveys (the Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey and the Economist Unit Liveability Index) draw up the world ranking of cities that provide the ‘best life’. The researches are based on the analysis of widely varied data such as crime rate, health care, public services, level of corruption, culture, access to sports facilities etc. Naturally, the winners are also highly popular tourism destinations. Tourism-Review brings you the top 10 European cities offering the best conditions for comfortable life.
Every year, two international surveys (the Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey and the Economist Unit Liveability Index) draw up the world ranking of cities that provide the ‘best life’. The researches are based on the analysis of widely varied data such as crime rate, health care, public services, level of corruption, culture, access to sports facilities etc. Naturally, the winners are also highly popular tourism destinations. Tourism-Review brings you the top 10 European cities offering the best conditions for comfortable life.
10. Berlin
The German capital has become one of the most hyped cities in the world. The cafes, bars, restaurants and beer gardens, diversity of its music scene and art galleries on every corner make it an extremely lively and dynamic city. The Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Holocaust Memorial and remains of the Berlin Wall are essential for any cultural visit. To understand the city, one should surely explore both the West and East of the capital and observe the stigma of the past. But, above all, fun should not be forgotten. There are many tasty meals such as the currywurst (a very spicy sausage) or a large variety of beers. Party-goers will enjoy the districts of Mitte and Prenzlauer Park.
9. Paris
When yellow vests are not out, Paris retains its status as a unique and romantic place. The city has suffered from the terrorist attacks of 2015 but gradually regains its brilliance. The 11th district is full of cafes, bars and restaurants, while the 5th has a university atmosphere and deserves the hook with the colorful and animated atmosphere of Belleville. One should also relax in the Buttes-Chaumont park for a brunch and stroll along the Seine in district 13. And lastly, do not forget to make a stop at "Station F", a former train depot converted into a huge Italian market.
8. Hamburg
For Hamburgers (the inhabitants of Hamburg), their city is the most beautiful in the world. Due to its location on the Elbe, Hamburg has always been a business center and a port of importance. This has contributed to its wealth and allowed the development of this cosmopolitan city. Bordered by two lakes, the city has an infinite number of canals and more bridges than Amsterdam and Venice combined. One cannot miss a visit to the Elbphilharmonie, an architectural marvel and fabulous concert hall. Moreover, the festive Fischmarkt and the city hall are the biggest attractions mainly during the holiday season.
7. Amsterdam
One of the most cultural and ecological European cities in Europe. With its canals, alleys, flowers and the spirit of freedom plunges on the Dutch capital, Amsterdam ranks amongst the most visited cities in the world every year. There is a plethora of museums – including the Anne Frank House which has just completed its renovation. Strolling along the canals, shopping at the Albert Cuyp Market or the flower market are musts. The best way to visit the city? By bike of course. Take the opportunity to visit the parks and suburbs of Amsterdam without providing too much physical effort. The Netherlands do not wear their name for nothing.
6. Helsinki
For centuries, the Finnish capital has been occupied, alternately, by Russia or Sweden and suffered from intense economic competition with Tallinn, the Estonian capital located 80 kilometers on the other side of the Baltic Sea. Today, Helsinki is not only calm and orderly, it is also a young and hype city with astonishing architecture. One should start at the market place and then walk around and taste Reinder chips (local specialty). The beautiful taste palace Kappeli is also a must for a good hot chocolate, as well as the Kamppi wooded chapel or the colossal Temppeliaukio church. Finally, the design district has made Helsinki famous internationally and is also an attraction that needs to be seen.
5. Geneva
Located at the edge of Lake Geneva, surrounded by the Alps, Geneva is a clean, safe, rich and cultural city, which has everything you need to live well or just change your life for a weekend. Lake Geneva is one of the largest in Europe and invites to walks on its banks, water activities and much more. The beauty of the city and lake inspired many Anglo-Saxon poets and writers from Mary Shelley to Arthur Conan Doyle or Mark Twain. The old town is a labyrinth of narrow streets with innumerable cafes, shops and restaurants that reflect the cosmopolitanism of Geneva.
4. Frankfurt
The European economic capital was a city in ruins in the aftermath of the Second World War. The City center has been reconstructed just like it used to be and offers a superb atmosphere with its many pedestrian streets, shops and pubs. Frankfurt has much more to offer than the high towers of finance and its huge airport. A walk along the Main river, a tributary of the Rhine, is also a must. One must also take the opportunity to stop by a café and sunbathe on an artificial beach or take a look at one of the museums lined up on the dock. For lovers of bargains, a flea market takes place every Saturday in the district which surrounds the docks of Osthafen.
3. Zurich
There are plenty of choices in terms of activities in this multicultural city bordered by a river and lake with pure water. Zurich has a fabulous culinary culture, making visits very enjoyable, both in the summer and winter. Go shopping along the Bahnhofstrasse and explore the surroundings via a short round trip to Lake Zurich. The most athletic ones can climb the Uetliberg and enjoy a breathtaking view. After that, one can enjoy some comfort: enjoy some sausages in the "beer garden" of Bauschanzli along the river and wander the streets of the old town and the Munstergasse with its many small bars and cafes. Zurich is also the stronghold of the International Football Federation.
2. Copenhagen
The joy of life of the Danish people has repeatedly made the headlines of the world press in recent years. The reason? The "hygge", the philosophy of Danish happiness that consists of enjoying the little things of life and to build a cozy home to feel in a cocoon. The "hygge" probably helped the propel Copenhagen to their second place in the ranking. The Danish capital has one of the most amazing monuments of the world: the statue of the Little Mermaid that celebrates local author Hans Christian Andersen. The Tivoli Gardens, the oldest theme park in the world and the colorful facades along the Nyhavn are also worth a visit. For gourmets, the Torvehallerne market is a must, as is an outing in the Kødbyen, a flood of restaurants and places to go out and party.
1. Vienna
First in the European cities ranking of the best quality of life is Vienna. Vienna gets 100% in stability, infrastructure, education and healthcare, with an average score of 99.1% in both surveys. And to say that in the beginning, Vienna was only a "vulgar" Roman military camp. The glory days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire have endowed it with a multitude of palaces and magnificent buildings related to the imperial family. Baroque architecture is one of the main assets of the city, as are its pastries. Sachertorte or Kaisercharrn are real tourist attractions. The meanders of the Danube are also worth a visit, especially in the summer when they are invaded by musical festivals.