As with every year, the world's top cities have been determined once again. The 'World's Best Cities 2026' report, prepared by Resonance Consultancy, a firm specializing in real estate, tourism, and economic development consulting, ranked cities based on hundreds of criteria such as quality of life, culture, prosperity, and tourist appeal.
Among more than 270 cities evaluated, Istanbul's placement at the 20th spot was notably striking.
According to the report, cities were scored based on three fundamental categories: 'livability,' 'lovability,' and 'prosperity.' Livability encompasses criteria such as air quality, healthcare system, walkability, and overall living standards. The lovability section, on the other hand, highlights aspects like social media interest, nightlife, cultural events, museums, festivals, and the city's image.
The prosperity category was evaluated using data such as economic size, the number of large companies, unemployment rate, and investment potential. Moreover, the results of a survey involving more than 21,000 participants from 30 countries were also incorporated into this scoring system.
London has once again retained its top spot this year. Outdoing its competitors in areas such as 'prosperity', 'appeal', and 'livability' in an evaluation of 34 sub-categories. The city's robust infrastructure, transportation network, cultural diversity, and its economy open to global investments were emphasized, reinforcing its status as the world's most attractive metropolis.
The report also highlighted the major transportation projects London has undertaken in recent years. The Elizabeth Line, which opened in 2022, has enhanced accessibility by connecting the city center to key points such as Heathrow and Reading.
The city stands out, particularly due to its cultural diversity, historical texture, robust gastronomic culture, and dynamic tourism potential. In the report, Istanbul was characterized as a 'modern mosaic where different cultures converge.'
With the rise of the Asia-Pacific region, cities such as Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney, and Seoul occupy the top spots in the list. Istanbul's entry into the top 20 was interpreted as a noteworthy achievement. From Europe, Paris ranks third, Madrid fifth, and Rome seventh, while Hong Kong is just above Istanbul, and Melbourne is right behind.
London (United Kingdom)
New York (USA)
Paris (France)
Tokyo (Japan)
Madrid (Spain)
Singapore
Rome (Italy)
Dubai (UAE)
Berlin (Germany)
Barcelona (Spain)
Sydney (Australia)
Los Angeles (USA)
Seoul (South Korea)
Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Beijing (China)
Shanghai (China)
Toronto (Canada)
São Paulo (Brazil)
Hong Kong (China)
Istanbul (Turkey)
Melbourne (Australia)
Bangkok (Thailand)
Osaka (Japan)
Oslo (Norway)
Stockholm (Sweden)
Miami (USA)
Vienna (Austria)
San Francisco (USA)
Bengaluru (India)
Mexico City (Mexico)
Munich (Germany)
Dublin (Ireland)
Copenhagen (Denmark)
Zurich (Switzerland)
Chicago (USA)
Milan (Italy)
Lisbon (Portugal)
Prague (Czech Republic)
Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Mumbai (India)
Vancouver (Canada)
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Warsaw (Poland)
Hamburg (Germany)
Shenzhen (China)
Montreal (Canada)
Budapest (Hungary)
Brussels (Belgium)
Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)
Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)