Monocle magazine released it's ranking of the 25 Most Livable Cities of the world. European cities are leading. Surprisingly Tokyo is arguably the third best livable city after Zurich and Copenhagen. Few years ago a survey showed that Danes are the happiest people in the world. Therefore, it's not a surprise that Copenhagen is the second most livable city in the world after Zurich.
We've been around the globe putting cities to the Monocle metrics test, writes the Monocle magazine's editor ranking the 25 most livable cities based on quality of life. Monocle's researchers have spent the past months putting the world's leading cities to the test to find the best places for you to make your base.
For a third year running, Italian cities failed to make our list.
01 Zurich
Zürich leaps into the winning spot with its extraordinary urban plans.
02 Copenhagen
Our 2008 winner is pipped at the post but is a city we still admire Metropolitan life coupled with intimacy, Scandinavian welfare, low crime rates and a relaxed atmosphere - an ideal combination, right?
03 Tokyo
Tokyo runs like clockwork and its service culture beats any competition.
Quality of life: Getting interactive
Increasingly, how cities are run is evolving to include grass roots organisations - particularly when elected officials fail in their civic mission.
04 Munich
Our 2007 winner slips as others up their game.
05 Helsinki
Defying its small size, Helsinki continues to advance eastwards
Quality of life: 06 Stockholm
Living in the European Green Capital of 2010 has its major plus points
07 Vienna
A city with big ambitions, Vienna has high hopes for its hub status.
8 Paris
If Paris improves its suburbs, it's on its way to offering the full package.
09 Melbourne
Melbourne holds its position but must do more about its urban sprawl.
10 Berlin
Berlin is the home of start-ups. Shame it's not more connected.
11 Honolulu
Honolulu is more than a pretty face, and is our top (and only) US city.
We can make it
City halls need a new focus on helping small businesses.
12 Madrid
Its strength is its adaptability, which is why Madrid's risen up the ranks.
13 Sydney
Progress is a little unforthcoming but the Sydney lifestyle is enviable.
14 Vancouver
Canada's sharp-looking outpost gets ready to take its Olympic bow.
15 Barcelona
So far, changes have been cosmetic and the routine is getting tired.
16 Fukuoka
Fukuoka edges ahead because of its great connections and easy living.
17 Oslo
Oslo bursts in this year thanks to the wise use of its oil wealth.
18 Singapore
Singapore is adding a softer side to its reputation as a business city.
20 Auckland
Re-formed Auckland re-enters our Top 25 after a year's absence.
19 Montreal
Quality of life is uneven in Montréal but its liberalism is admirable.
21 Amsterdam
Amsterdam is green-thinking but may be a bit too relaxed.
Quality of life: 22 Kyoto
Kyoto has a sense of its own identity and a commitment to craftsmanship.
23 Hamburg
Hamburg's economic and educational reforms get top marks.
24 Geneva
Geneva lacks the oomph of a big city but that's also its beauty.
25 Lisbon
Lisbon comes last but we're looking forward to seeing how plans develop.
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
