Athens has been ranked among the 100 best cities in the world for 2026 in the 2026 World’s Best Cities Report compiled by Resonance Consultancy.
The list highlighted the 100 best cities in the world with combined criteria that prove that these are the most iconic, most influential and economically rising cities in the world to live, travel and invest in.
Athens was ranked 74th in the ranking and is recognized as the “new It City of Europe” — a title that, as the report notes, this time seems to be here to stay.
According to the assessment, the Greek capital stands out for health and well-being, ranking 3rd worldwide in the Health category, but also for sustainable mobility, as it is 20th in Biking and 27th in Walkability.
The exhibition makes extensive reference to the rapid redevelopment of the Athenian Riviera, focusing on the Hellinikon megaproject, where the Riviera Tower rises as the tallest skyscraper in Greece (50 floors), while the first parts of the seaside park and marinas are progressing with a completion date of 2026. The Riviera Galleria, a hub of commerce and gastronomy, is expected to open by mid-2027.
In Glyfada, the installation of One&Only Aesthesis enhances the presence of luxury accommodations, signaling the rise of the city as a destination of high standards of wellness and hospitality.
In the city center, the historic Hilton Athens has been transformed into The Ilisian Athens, with a Conrad hotel and luxury residences, while the Maria Callas Municipal Musical Theater is establishing itself as a new cultural landmark in the capital, pushing the Greek capital to 36th place in the Theaters & Concerts category.
Tourism reached a record in 2024, with almost 8 million visitors, and the upward trend continues in 2025, boosted by the increase in air connections – a fact that also highlights Athens Airport, which is ranked 66th worldwide.
At the same time, the city is experiencing a “silent mobility revolution” with the Metro works on Line 4 and the tram and pedestrian upgrades on Line 7, which are expected to significantly improve traffic and the daily lives of residents.
The Place Power™ Score, Resonance’s methodology, assessed each city’s performance and perception across three key pillars: Liveability (walkability, nature and parks, public transportation, air quality, etc.), entertainment (culture, nightlife, dining, attractions, social media engagement, etc.), and well-being (economic strength, workforce participation, educational attainment, airport connectivity, etc.). This year’s index reflects new realities, such as climate change resilience, the repositioning of critical industries, new mobility patterns, and the global perception that is driving travel and investment behaviors across the globe.
