London tops global ranking as world’s most liveable, lovable and prosperous city for 11th consecutive year

November 5, 2025 in Travel & Tourism by Editor

London has been named the World’s Best City for 2026, maintaining its top position for an unprecedented 11th consecutive year, according to new research by Resonance Consultancy, supported by Ipsos and unveiled today at the World Travel Market (WTM) London.

The report, which assesses the world’s top 100 cities on liveability, lovability and prosperity, ranks New York and Paris in second and third place respectively. The United States led the list with 19 cities, followed by Germany (8) and China (7).

The 2026 World’s Best Cities Report combines statistical indicators with global sentiment analysis drawn from user-generated data and a landmark Ipsos survey of 21,000 respondents across 30 countries — making it one of the most comprehensive urban rankings of its kind.

London secured its top spot by ranking first for prosperity, second for lovability, and third for liveability. Its strong performance was underpinned by sustained economic strength, cultural vibrancy, world-class transport, and global connectivity.

New York’s second place reflects continued investment in its cultural economy and large-scale infrastructure renewal, while Paris earned third position for its blend of heritage and forward-looking urban planning ahead of global events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Top 10 World’s Best Cities for 2026 are:

1. London
2. New York
3. Paris
4. Tokyo
5. Madrid
6. Singapore
7. Rome
8. Dubai
9. Berlin
10. Barcelona

The report also draws attention to mounting urban pressures — including climate-driven heat extremes, water stress, and energy transition — as well as the uneven post-Covid recovery across regions. It notes that global perceptions and geopolitical tensions continue to shape how cities compete for talent, tourism, and investment.

Resonance President and CEO Chris Fair said the report goes beyond rankings to provide “strategic intelligence, risk assessment, and a roadmap to the cities defining the next decade of global growth.”

Chris Carter-Chapman, Event Director at WTM London, said the result reaffirmed London’s position as the ideal host for the world’s leading travel and tourism marketplace.

“London’s status as a global hub for innovation, deal-making and strategic partnerships makes it the perfect home for shaping the future of travel,” he said.

Findings from the WTM Global Travel Report, also launched at the event, show that cities are once again at the heart of global tourism growth, reversing the pandemic-era trend toward rural and remote destinations.

The world’s 50 largest city destinations are set to record international visits exceeding 2019 levels by nearly 25pc this year, compared to a global countrywide growth rate of just 5pc.

By 2030, the 50 largest cities are projected to see arrivals grow over 40pc compared to 2025, led by major hubs such as Dubai and Bangkok (each +50pc), New York and Los Angeles (+30pc), and London, Istanbul and Tokyo (20pc+). Smaller cities including Tunis, Sydney, Lima, and Cape Town are also among the fastest risers.

According to data from VisitBritain and Deloitte, WTM London itself contributed around £200 million to the UK capital’s economy during last year’s event — reinforcing the powerful economic role major tourism gatherings play in shaping urban prosperity.

256 Business News is attending WTM 2025 with support from Uganda Airlines