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Copenhagen is the Most Livable City in the World in 2025
Vienna has officially lost its crown as the most livable city in the world. After three years atop the mountain of habitability, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s annual ranking of the world’s most livable cities (Vienna won the top spot in 2022, 2023, and 2024, as well as in 2018 and 2019), the Austrian capital has been dethroned by Copenhagen.
The rest of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s top 10 is dominated by Western European cities (including Vienna at number 2, plus Zurich and Geneva), as well as cities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan.
Here are the top 10 cities in the Economist Intelligence Global Liveability Index for 2025.
The world’s most livable cities in 2025
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Vienna, Austria
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Melbourne, Australia
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Sydney, Australia
- Osaka, Japan
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Adelaide, Australia
- Vancouver, Canada
What makes Copenhagen the most livable of all the great cities in the world? The Economist Intelligence Unit bases its analysis of 173 cities on five categories: stability, health care, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.
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.
Nyhavn is one of the most photographed strips in Copenhagen, and with good reason—the colorful buildings and quaint sailing boats docked here are asking to be photographed.
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 Copenhagen Opera House. For a dash of whimsy, head to Tivoli Gardens, the century-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 Gardens or the historic streets of Indre By. Companies like Cycling Copenhagen and the Bicycle Chef also offer 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 and marvel at the pomp of the Danish monarchy.
For a taste of New Nordic cuisine, it’s hard to beat Noma, widely considered one of the best restaurants in the world, where chef René Redzepi 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 crusty 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.
Villa Canada transformed the embassy’s former car park into the Orangeriet, its airy casual dining room and kitchen.
Where to stay in Copenhagen
As for where to stay while you’re in town, consider Villa Canada, a former Canadian embassy reimagined as a luxe villa rental with seven maximalist suites, offering English brass soaking tubs in the bathrooms and a range of amenities, including a private spa room, a small gym, and a kids’ playroom with Lego sets. Another Afar-approved option in the heart of the city is Hotel d’Angleterre. This more than 270-year-old neoclassical palace recently reopened after a major renovation with 92 guest rooms and suites (some of which 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.
This article originally appeared online in 2018; it was updated most recently on June 26, 2025, to include current information.
