Each year, two global surveys, Mercer’s Quality of Living Survey and The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Liveability Index, measure metrics such as crime rates, healthcare, infrastructure, quality of water, levels of corruption, culture and education, down to availability of sporting facilities and environmental concerns. They then decide which cities in the world are the best to live and thrive in.
This is all well and good if you are a roaming nomad and have the freedom to choose where you will live and work in the future. Many of us, though, at least have the option to travel and pick the best places to visit. And if a city is livable, then it is usually also visitable.
The same European city came out as the overall winner on both of the surveys. Here’s a list of the most livable European and Eurasian cities, along with their rankings across the globe, and why you should visit if you can’t move to one of them.
Bottom Line: Minsk, Belarus
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“Friends” fans may only think of Minsk as the place where Phoebe’s boyfriend goes to work, ending their relationship, but it’s much more than a far off place for scientists to study. Apart from it being affordable and super hospitable, Minsk also has a burgeoning indie culture, with hipster cafes and underground music shows aplenty.
While, yes, there are several concrete buildings built during the city’s brief Soviet past, it still has a surprising amount of old Belarusian architecture in downtown, including several beautiful cathedrals.
Sadly, Belarus has been caught in the crossfire of the Russian conflict, so it is not recommendable that travelers visit at the moment.
Bottom Line: Kiev, Ukraine
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Despite current conflicts with Russia, Ukraine’s capital city made the 2019 list because it’s known as a major Eastern European hub, with several high-tech industries and higher education institutions calling Kiev home.
Like its other Eastern European counterparts, it, too, has a rich history and numerous landmarks that tourists eagerly check off their list.
The city’s lush trees, two botanical gardens, and several large and small parks also make the city an inviting place for a stroll on a warm, summer day.
We hope Kiev recovers and becomes a top livable city again soon.
Bottom Line: Prague, Czech Republic
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Undoubtedly one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities, Prague leaves visitors breathless with its medieval old town and the astonishing view of Prague Castle from Charles Bridge.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking Prague is all looks and no soul. Even outside the historic center, where you’ll find gray Soviet buildings, the city beats with rhythm and curiosity. After all, this is the city where Franz Kakfa spent most of his life, spinning social commentary in fantastical tales that have become a genre of their own.
Prague residents aren’t afraid to get arty and alternative, nor do they shy away from partying hard. This is why you’ll find both experimental theaters like the Black Like Theater and some of the largest night clubs in Europe.
Best Things to Do in Prague
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Yes, there are cobbled streets, a castle, many beautiful churches, and even more pubs and cafes. But Prague also has a quirky side to it that is well worth exploring.
There is the Dancing House, an unusual building constructed by Vlado Milunic and Frank Gehry, and many worthwhile art installations by David Cerny, including an upside-down horse (Lucerna Passage), giant crawling babies in Kampa Park, two peeing guys in front of the Kafka Museum and Kafka’s moving head on Narodni Street.
Visit the Kafa Museum and the somewhat creepy Toy Museum with its hundreds of Barbie dolls. And if you like creepy, don’t miss the Sedlec Ossuary outside Prague with its chandelier made from human bones.
Where to stay: Grand Hotel Bohemia
Best Things to Do in Rome
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Where do you even begin with Rome? You could spend your entire life living here and still not see everything the city offers.
Of course, don’t skip the basics (especially if it’s your first time): the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Roman Forum. You should also visit Vatican City, or Holy See, which is officially a separate country, to see St. Peter’s Basilica and tour through the Vatican Museums to see the Sistine Chapel.
But once you’ve done that, allow yourself to wander aimlessly around this infinitely beautiful city, getting lost in its cobblestone streets or becoming familiar with its more modern sides. Spend as much of your time as possible stuffing your face.
Where to stay: The Liberty Boutique Hotel
Bottom Line: Barcelona, Spain
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The world is united in loving Barcelona, capital of Catalonia, Spain. Alas, people love it so much that the locals have been complaining about the sheer number of visitors turning up each year.
Still, we encourage anyone who can visit or live there to do so. The city really has it all: architecture you won’t find anywhere else, great shopping, delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches, numerous parks and world-class museums.
In terms of living, Barcelona residents definitely emphasize a work-life balance, taking time to be with friends and family and to pursue interests outside of home. It’s easy when you live in one of the coolest cities in the world.
Best Things to Do in Barcelona
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Step away from the clogged Las Ramblas, and there are plenty of places to enjoy in this city. Gaudi’s gaudy edifices nestle next to other architectural gems, tapas bars snuggle up to colorful markets, old trams take you up to Plaça Tibidabo and cable cars travel to Parc Montjuïc, both with breathtaking views.
Try to be in Barcelona for Saint Jordi, celebrated on April 23, also called the festival of roses and books. On this day, lovers give each other gifts of roses and books, with stalls springing up all across the city, creating a fabulous atmosphere.
Where to stay: Petit Palace Boquería Garden
Best Things to Do in Berlin
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A little culture should be part of every visit, so don’t miss the Brandenburg Gate, the fabulous old/new Reichstag, the harrowing Holocaust Memorial and the remains of the Berlin Wall.
To try and understand Berlin, and to some extent Germany, make sure you explore the east and the west sides, and notice the still existing differences.
Then, back to fun. Have a “currywurst“ (sausage with spicy sauce) at a street stall, and pop into what’s reportedly the oldest pub in Berlin, Alt-Berlin, for a beer (or two). Then party the night away in the districts of Mitte and Prenzlauer Park.
Where to stay: Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt
Best Things to Do in Munich
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The quality of the museums is outstanding. Just like in Amsterdam, they could keep you busy forever, but maybe pick the Neue Pinakothek and the Deutsches Museum, and if you are a car enthusiast, add the BMW museum for variety.
Don’t miss the architecture of the Marienplatz, the Hofbräuhaus for a beer, and the Englischer Garten for a stroll, a sunbathe or a picnic.
And then there is also the surfing. Yes, despite being close to the Alps rather than the sea, Munich’s Eisbach has a perfect surfing spot. So bring your board.
Where to stay: Roomers Munich, Autograph Collection
