London has been named “World’s Best City” for the 11th consecutive year in the annual World’s Best Cities 2026 report, produced by Resonance Consultancy in collaboration with Ipsos. The results were presented today, as part of the World Travel Market London, at a press conference by Resonance President and CEO, Chris Fair.
New York is ranked second and Paris third, while the United States has the largest representation with 19 cities in the Top 100. Germany follows with eight and China with seven.
The ranking was based on three pillars:
- Liveability – quality of life, access to green spaces, public transport and clean air,
- Lovability – culture, nightlife, social interaction and social media presence,
- Prosperity – economic strength, education level and air connectivity.
The report uses a combination of statistical data, user-generated content and primary research, including a large Ipsos poll of over 21,000 respondents in 30 countries.
London took the top spot thanks to its first place in the prosperity category, second in lovability and third in liveability.
New York, in second place, benefited from huge investments in culture and infrastructure, while Paris, in third, emerged as a “city of the future with a historical background.”
The 10 best cities in the world for 2026
- London
- New York
- Paris
- Tokyo
- Madrid
- Singapore
- Rome
- Dubai
- Berlin
- Barcelona
The report also highlights the major challenges facing cities internationally: the climate crisis (heat waves, fires, water shortages), the need for an energy transition, but also the uneven recovery of international demand after the pandemic, as well as changes in the global perception of certain countries.
Mr Fair stressed that the World’s Best Cities Report “is not just a ranking, but a strategic information and risk assessment tool for those planning the cities of tomorrow – from investors and developers to destination managers”.
Chris Carter-Chapman, director of WTM London, said that London’s distinction confirms why the exhibition is being hosted in the city:
“London’s position as a global hub for innovation, collaboration and business deals makes WTM London the ideal place to shape the future of travel”.
Cities back at the heart of global tourism
In parallel, WTM London also presented the WTM Global Travel Report, in collaboration with Tourism Economics, which records a strong recovery in urban tourism.
According to the report, the world’s 50 largest city destinations will see international arrivals grow by almost 25% in 2025 compared to 2019, while countries as a whole will see an increase of just 5%.
The return of business travel, growing interest in culture and events, and improved connectivity are fueling this trend, which is forecast to continue until the end of the decade.
Particularly strong growth is expected for Dubai and Bangkok (+50% in leisure arrivals over the next five years), while New York and Los Angeles are forecast to grow by around 30%, and London, Istanbul and Tokyo by 20% or more.
Smaller destinations such as Tunis and Sydney (+50%), as well as Lima and Cape Town (+40%), are also emerging among the fastest-growing.
Finally, WTM London itself makes a significant contribution to the British capital’s economy: according to data from VisitBritain and research by Deloitte, last year’s event generated around £200 million in local revenue.
