London is officially the best city in Europe in 2025

We may be biased, but time after time, London proves that it really is one of the greatest cities on the globe. It’s got some of the best-ranking schools in the world, the most reputable universities, more music venues and festivals than any other European city, is the top destination for sports fans of every kind, has an outstanding culinary scene and is one of the greenest cities on the planet. The list could go on and on. Now, thanks to all of that, one study has officially crowned London the best city in Europe the third year in a row.

The annual Europe’s Best Cities report by consulting firm Resonance is considered one of the most comprehensive city rankings out there. It deep dives into more than 180 European cities, rating each one according to three overarching factors: liveability, lovability and prosperity. 

Criteria within those categories included things like housing affordability, green space, cycling routes, shopping, culture, TripAdvisor reviews, Instagram hashtags, airport links, university rankings and the number of business HQs. London came up trumps in 14 out of Resonance’s 30 categories, scoring particularly well for its educational attainment and nightlife. 

Resonance said: ‘[London’s] unparalleled synthesis of historical prestige and contemporary dynamism solidifies its place as Europe’s best city and a benchmark for global urban excellence. And yes, the nightlife still rages on, tops again in our ranking.’

It gave shoutouts to Gatwick Airport’s recent £236 million upgrade, which ‘underscores London’s infrastructural
excellence’, the expansion of the ‘transformative’ Elizabeth line, the ‘highly anticipated’ Camden Highline, due to open in 2027 and the ‘unparalleled financial system’ that continues to attract companies from across the globe. 

See which other cities made Resonance’s top 10 for 2025 here, read more about the 18 UK cities in the top 100 here and why Edinburgh placed so highly, and take a look at Time Out’s pick of the best cities in the world for 2025 here.