World’s most liveable place is named as beautiful European city with ‘perfect’ score

A beautiful European city has been named the most liveable place in the world – beating 172 other contenders. Replacing Vienna in this year’s ranking, Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, was awarded the title of the world’s most liveable city, receiving perfect scores according to the Global Liveability Index for 2025 which looks at the living conditions of cities around the world. 

In a world where urban life is increasingly difficult, the Scandinavian city received top marks for the quality of healthcare, education and a stunning environment that has also earned it the title of the greenest city in the world. It’s the first time in three years that the Austrian capital of Vienna has been beaten, with Copenhagen’s triumph pushing it down to second place.

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) compared 173 cities across stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure before landing on a winner. 

Vienna tied for second place with Swiss city Zurich, while Australia’s Melbourne remained in fourth place and Switzerland’s Geneva came fifth on the list.

It’s believed recent incidents including a bomb threat at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna last summer, which led to it being cancelled, resulted in the city scoring less for stability than it had in previous years. 

This year’s winner, Copenhagen is the capital and most populous city in Denmark. Known for its exceptional design scene that’s at the forefront of modern architecture and plenty of cozy cafes located around the city.

But it’s not just a pretty sight to behold. One of the greenest cities in the world, residents also receive free universal healthcare and university education. Scoring an overall score of 98 in the Global Liveability Index, it’s also incredibly clean and safe. 

That doesn’t mean there’s no shortage of opportunity to have fun either. The city is home to the world’s second-oldest theme park Tivoli Gardens which opened in 1843 and served as the inspiration for Walt Disney’s own version — Disneyland. 

In the warmer months, many of the city’s residents take to cooling off in the harbour located in the heart of Copenhagen, which is clean enough to swim in, with plenty of bathing spots dotted along the water. 

Apartments, cafes and Michelin-rated restaurants line the picturesque waterfront, and the iconic Nyhavn neighbourhood, one of Copenhagen’s most historic sites famed for its 18th century colourful townhouses, is connected to the harbour too. 

World’s most liveable citities (top 10)

1. Copenhagen

2. Vienna

3. Zurich

4. Melbourne

5. Geneva

6. Sydney

7. Osaka

8. Auckland

9. Adelaide

10. Vancouver