The Best Cities In Europe To Live In 2023 – From Culture To Food

Europe has world-class cities. It is a fact. Europe also has some of the world’s most liveable cities.

These cities have the best culture, food, and nightlife. Europe has everything from Gaudi architecture in Barcelona to Hygge in Copenhagen.

Which European cities are ideal for living? Our top 15 European liveable cities are here. They were assessed on culture, food, atmosphere, things to do, and internet availability for digital nomads.

1. Madrid, Spain

Madrid’s culture and traditions make it one of Europe’s best places to live.

Amazing architecture, grand boulevards, and wide avenues greet visitors to Madrid. There are many museums, tapas bars, and cafes.

Year-round weather is great. This Spanish city lacks a beach, which is its biggest drawback.

Why is Madrid a great place to live?

• The incredible quality of life, and the tapas.
• There are countless tapas bars and cafes to keep you busy.
• Plenty of interesting architecture, boulevards, and avenues to explore.
• The fantastic climate throughout the year

2. Vienna, Austria

From 2009 through 2019, Mercer’s quality of living poll rated Vienna the world’s finest place to live.

It features lots of green spaces, affordable and efficient public transport, a low crime rate, and a superb central European location!

Low crime rates make Vienna safe. Food and wine are famous in the city.

Vienna has several advantages. Vienna offers a lively city or a laid-back lifestyle.

Vienna’s strategic location also makes it easy to reach some of Europe’s best cities in a few of hours.

Why is Vienna a great place to live?

• Ranked #1 city to live in by Mercer’s quality of living survey for 9 years in a row.
• Cheap and efficient public transport.
• Low crime rate.
• Geographically advantageous – in Central Europe.
• Access to other great European cities within a few hours.

3. Oslo, Norway

Oslo is a lovely European city. For a city of size, the transport and infrastructure are great, and the streets are safe.

The pleasant people make exploring Oslo’s great restaurants, pubs, and cafes even more fun.

It may have ranked higher if the climate were better. It’s one of Europe’s most costly cities to live in, especially for non-Norwegians!

However, Oslo is a safe, clean, and convenient city with lots to do.

Why is Oslo a great place to live?

• The transport and infrastructure are amazing for a city of its size.
• The streets are very safe to walk and the people are very friendly too.
• There are plenty of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes, gallery spaces, and interesting neighborhoods to explore.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen consistently ranks high in quality of life.

Copenhagen is safe, clean, and gorgeous. It’s also one of the world’s happiest cities.

Copenhagen is resilient due to its dynamic economy and green, inclusive urban environment, according to city rankings.

However, it’s not Europe’s most cheap city.

Why is Copenhagen a great place to live?

• Copenhagen is safe – In 2016, Copenhagen was ranked the world’s safest city by The Economist.
• Copenhagen is clean – The Danish capital also ranks high when it comes to being clean. In 2017, it was named the European Green Capital thanks to its green initiatives and policies.
• Copenhagen is beautiful – From its picturesque waterfront to its winding streets, Copenhagen is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
• Copenhagen is happy – According to a study by Lancet, Copenhagen is one of the happiest cities in the world with a population that enjoys a high quality of life.

5. Rome, Italy

Rome is possibly one of the most exciting places to live in Europe. it should go without saying that if you’re going to be living in Italy, you will need to learn Italian. However, it truly is easier to learn a language when you’re immersed in it.

Why is Rome a great place to live?

• Great healthcare
• Affordable transport
• Great food
• Beautiful culture and lifestyle

6. Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva is full of green spaces and entering any park in summer is like stepping into paradise.

Geneva is a great city for many reasons. With its lakefront setting and views of the snow-capped Alps, it’s one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

A diversified population and many cultural events make it a cosmopolitan metropolis.

Geneva’s quality of life is high because to its low crime rate, excellent infrastructure, and high education and healthcare standards. Here, salaries are really high.

It’s a little city with lots to do. Free concerts, lake cruises, exhibitions, music, and film festivals.

Why is Geneva a great place to live?

• A safe and secure city with a low crime rate.
• High salaries for those looking to work in the city.
• Plenty of activities and events to keep you busy.
• Great place to raise a family.

7. Lisbon, Portugal

If you are planning to relocate to another city, Portugal’s capital has everything you could want.

Lisbon is an exceptionally welcome city to live in, with its gorgeous seaside backdrop, excellent seafood restaurants, rich history, and vibrant digital nomad community.

It is also one of the most cheap cities in Europe to live in.

Why is Lisbon a great place to live?

• Affordable: Lisbon is one of the most affordable cities in all of Europe.
• Dynamic digital nomad scene: There are always new people and experiences to be had in Lisbon.
• Beautiful seaside setting: Portugal’s capital is home to stunning coastlines and picturesque neighborhoods.
• Super seafood dining: From grilled sardines to octopus dishes, Lisbon’s cuisine is on point.

8. Munich, Germany

Munich has something for everyone, from local beer to festival music.

Munich is Germany’s second-most-visited city after Berlin. Oktoberfest alone attracts almost seven million people to its beer tents.

Munich is more than beer and pretzels. Even though those features could improve livability. The Deutsches Museum and Bavarian National Museum are among the city’s attractive sights.

It’s also ideal for touring southern Germany’s Alpine lakes and beautiful castles.

Why is Munich a great place to live?

• Munich is Germany’s second most visited city for a reason – it has something to offer everyone!
• There are many beautiful sites and museums in Munich that are worth exploring.
• If you want to relax and take in some culture, Munich is the perfect place to do it.
• Not only is Munich a great place to visit, but it’s also the perfect base for exploring southern Germany.
• Oktoberfest!

9. Amsterdam, Netherlands

The city of canals, barges, flowers, and free thought is an excellent location to live.

It also has numerous great cafes with extremely permissive marijuana laws (if that’s your thing).There are also other museums to visit, ranging from Anne Frank to Van Gough, as well as the Heineken Experience and the Museum of Bags and Purses!

There is also an excellent level of English among both Dutch natives and the thriving international digital nomad community.

Why is Amsterdam a great place to live?

• Vibrant city life with plenty to do.
• Plenty of coffee shops with relaxed marijuana laws.
• Wide range of museums and attractions.
• English is spoken by both Dutch citizens and international digital nomads.

10. Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is one of Europe’s best places to live for many reasons. First, this city is one of the happiest in the world!

Helsinki’s low crime and great quality of life contribute to this. Restaurants and cafes abound in the city.

Helsinki has world-class museums and universities, including the National Museum of Finland and the Museum of Contemporary Art, in a stunning natural setting.

Helsinki is one of Europe’s best places to live thanks to its gorgeous architecture and many activities.

Why is Helsinki a great place to live?

• The city is consistently ranked as one of the happiest places in the world.
• Low crime rate and high quality of life.
• Thriving food scene with a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from.
• Located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by nature.
• World-class museums and universities.

So there you have it, our list of the most livable cities in Europe is complete.

Of course, there are many more wonderful cities throughout Europe to call home.