London has come out on top for the eleventh time in the annual ranking of the world’s best cities, ahead of New York in second place and Paris in third.

Tower Bridge, London

The World’s Best Cities report spotlights the top 100 cities shaping the planet’s future. London, bolstered by top rankings across measurements of Livability (#3), Lovability (#2) and Prosperity (#1), retained its overall number one ranking for a remarkable 11th consecutive year.

New York secured the number two spot with its ongoing investment in its cultural economy, massive urban infrastructure projects, and global infatuation despite current politics. Paris rounded out the top three, thriving as a future-focused urban lab amidst its ancient canvas.

St Paul’s Cathedral

The World’s Best Cities report is produced by Resonance Consultancy, a leading advisor in place branding, placemaking and place marketing. It combines global user-generated data, core statistical performance, and proprietary research, including a survey of more than 21,000 respondents across 30 countries, to create the world’s most comprehensive city ranking.

According to the report, London’s appeal continues to draw a global audience, from students and entrepreneurs to tourists and corporate titans. London welcomes millions of travellers from across the world every year.

Phone box and Big Ben

“The city’s robust recovery post-pandemic is reflected in its strong international traveller spending, which in 2024 reached almost $22 billion (£17 billion), up from $17.4 billion (£13.2 billion) in 2023 and secured London the third-highest amount globally, outpacing destinations like New York and Dubai,” explains the report.

Benefiting from a softer pound, London has remained a top bucket-list destination, with Heathrow Airport recording record-breaking arrivals. Gatwick Airport has recently undergone a $320-million upgrade, underscoring London’s excellent infrastructure and enhancing the visitor experience.

Buckingham Palace

According to the report, sustained investment confidence in the city is evident in its luxury hospitality renaissance. The Peninsula London, which opened in September 2023 near Hyde Park Corner, epitomizes elegance with Peter Marino-designed rooms, sweeping views of Hyde Park, and amenities such as a world-class spa and Rolls-Royce fleet.

“Equally captivating is the opening of Raffles London at The OWO, the meticulously restored Old War Office, now hosting stunning guest rooms and restaurants by Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco,” adds the report.

The London Eye

Laura Citron OBE, CEO of London & Partners, the growth agency for London, said: “London is a city of constant reinvention: it is this remarkable commitment to ongoing growth that has seen us retain our crown as the World’s Best City. In 2025 we launched a 10-year plan for growth in the capital and celebrated a number of wins: record-breaking London-based scaleups going global, growing visitor numbers and almost 10 billion pounds planned investment in our experience economy over the next decade.

“There are many things that make London the greatest city in the world – its diversity, uniqueness, innovation and talent – to name a few. Over the next ten years, London will continue to grow and transform into an even more prosperous, fairer and greener city.” 

London & Partners’ Tourism Vision sets an ambitious goal of positioning London as the most visited, sustainable and diverse global city destination by 2030. Recognizing the tourism industry as vital to London’s economy, the strategy aims to boost international visitor spending to $28.5 billion (£21.43 billion) annually and attract three million more visitors compared to pre-pandemic levels.

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

Read more about the World’s Best Cities 2026 and if you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour to London, or any of the other European cities on the list, please do contact our friendly team today.