Europe’s 6 Most Livable Cities [2023 Ranking]

ranking of Europe's 6 most livable cities
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Europe is packed with surprises.

You have beautiful, historic cities like Paris and Rome and modern metropolises like London or Berlin. 

So—

It’s no wonder so many people are curious about which city in Europe takes the cake as the most livable. 

Lucky for you, we’ve got the answer! Keep scrolling to learn about Europe’s six most livable cities according to the latest ranking from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EUI).

ranking of Europe's 6 most livable cities: map

1. Vienna, Austria

Belvedere palace Vienna Austria with spring flowers and cloudscape.

Rank: 1

Index: 99.1

Stability: 100

Healthcare: 100

Culture & Environment: 96.3

Education: 100

Infrastructure: 100

Vienna tops the list of the most livable cities in Europe.

After all, what’s not to love about a place that’s clean, efficient, and full of culture? 

Vienna is easy to navigate on foot or by public transport, and you’re never more than a few minutes away from green spaces.

The food is fantastic, with traditional Austrian specialties like schnitzel and apple strudel sitting alongside international cuisine. 

And don’t even get us started on the coffee. Vienna has some of the best cafés in the world, serving ​​a delicious specialty coffee drink called Melange, which is similar to Cappuccino.

In short, Vienna has everything you could want from a city and then some.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark on the Nyhavn Canal.

Rank: 2

Index: 98

Stability: 100

Healthcare: 95.8

Culture & Environment: 95.4

Education: 100

Infrastructure: 100

The Danish capital has been ranked as the second most livable city in Europe, and it’s not hard to see why. 

Copenhagen is home to world-class museums and galleries, top-notch restaurants, and lively nightlife scenes.

The city also boasts beautiful parks, green spaces, and a charming harborfront. And with its convenient location and excellent public transportation, Copenhagen is easy to get around. 

Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s sights or simply relax and enjoy life, Copenhagen has something to offer everyone.

3. Zurich, Switzerland

Architecture and the river limmat in zurich

Rank: 3

Index: 96.3

Stability: 95

Healthcare: 100

Culture & Environment: 96.3

Education: 91.7

Infrastructure: 96.4

Without a doubt, Zurich is a great European city.

It’s got everything you could want: a lively cultural scene, plenty of green spaces, and a lovely lakeside setting. Plus, let’s not forget the excellent Swiss chocolate and cheese! 

Zurich is also a great place to live if you want to grow your career. The city is home to many international companies, and the unemployment rate is low. There’s also an excellent public transport system, so getting around is easy. 

In summary, Zurich should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a city that has it all!

4. Geneva, Switzerland 

Rhone River and Geneva skyline - Geneva, Switzerland

Rank: 4

Index: 95.9

Stability: 95

Healthcare: 100

Culture & Environment: 94.9

Education: 91,7

Infrastructure: 96.4

Geneva is worth considering if you’re seeking a European city that’s both beautiful and livable.

Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, it boasts a stunning natural setting with snow-capped mountains, lush green parks, and a lively cultural scene. 

The city is home to world-class museums, galleries, restaurants, and bars. And, thanks to its compact size, it’s easy to get around on foot or by public transport. 

So if you’re in search of a place to call home in Europe, you should definitely shortlist Geneva.

5. Frankfurt, Germany

Beautiful cityscape view on the illuminated old town and bridge during the twilight in Frankfurt, Germany

Rank: 5

Index: 95.7

Stability: 90

Healthcare: 100

Culture & Environment: 96.3

Education: 91.7

Infrastructure: 100

Frankfurt is a German powerhouse that boasts a population of over 750K people, making it the fifth most populous city on the continent. It’s also Germany’s financial capital, which means there are plenty of opportunities for work and play. 

And if you’re tired of the hustle and bustle, you can always escape to one of Frankfurt’s many green spaces. 

With its lively cosmopolitan atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder that Frankfurt has been named the fifth most livable city in Europe.

6. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Singel canal in Amsterdam with old houses. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Rank: 6

Index: 95.3

Stability: 90

Healthcare: 100

Culture & Environment: 97.2

Education: 91.7

Infrastructure: 96.4

With its canals, museums, and coffee shops, the Dutch capital is the sixth most livable city on the continent. 

Amsterdam scored well for infrastructure, with excellent public transport and a world-class airport. The city also has a great cultural scene, with many museums (e.g., the Van Gogh Museum) and art galleries to explore. And, of course, there are renowned cafes and nightlife for which Amsterdam is famous.

Whether you’re considering moving to a new city in Europe or just a great place to visit, be sure to add Amsterdam to your list.

Stacking It All Up

There you have it!

A ranking of Europe’s six most livable cities based on the 2022 Global Liveability Index from the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Have you been to any of the places we’ve discussed? Which one do you think you could call home someday?

Let us know in the comment section below.

Methodology

To construct this ranking, Passport Photo Online examined the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index 2022. The EUI evaluated cities around the globe based on their living conditions. Each city was assigned a score for relative comfort across 30+ criteria in five broad categories: infrastructure, education, environment, healthcare, and culture.

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