The Art of Ranking Cities: A Multifaceted Approach
What truly defines a city as the greatest? For over 15 years, Resonance, a consultancy group specializing in real estate, tourism, and economic development, has embraced a holistic approach to answer this captivating question. Rather than relying solely on landmarks or bikeability, Resonance skillfully weaves together a tapestry of core statistics (like GDP and Fortune Global 500 corporate headquarters) and qualitative evaluations from both locals and visitors (through online channels like Instagram and TripAdvisor), painting a comprehensive picture of what makes a world’s best city.
The 2024 Contenders: Adapting to a Post-Pandemic Reality
The 2024 World’s Best Cities list, freshly released by Resonance, is graced by many familiar destinations at the top. These cities, all boasting metropolitan populations exceeding 1 million, have navigated their paths toward a post-pandemic reality in unique ways. One city rolled out an impressive 464 miles of bikeways (San Francisco), while another envisions a future where residents can access 80 percent of their daily needs and destinations within a mere 30-minute walk or bike ride (Dubai).
Ranking Methodology: Livability, Lovability, and Prosperity
“This year, we’ve regrouped our previous six categories into three larger pillars that we utilize in our work with clients—Livability, Lovability, and Prosperity—to define each city’s relative Place Power Score,” explains Chris Fair, Resonance Consultancy’s president. “Our rankings are still built from 24 subcategories that we analyze to measure the performance of each city… The criteria we select to rank these cities are limited to those that have historically shown positive correlations with attracting employment, investment, and/or visitors.”
Livability: Quality of Life Unveiled
The Livability category measures the quality of a place’s environment, both natural and built. Subcategories include walkability (the city’s walkability score on Walk Score), airport connectivity (the number of direct destinations served by the city’s airports), and higher education (the QS Rankings score of the top local university).
Lovability: Vibrance and Inspiration
The Lovability pillar considers the vibrancy and quality of a city, as well as how much it inspires residents, businesses, and visitors to promote it. This includes culture (number of quality performing arts and cultural experiences recommended by locals and visitors according to Tripadvisor.com), shopping (number of quality shopping experiences recommended by locals and visitors according to Tripadvisor.com), and the number of Instagram hashtags.
Prosperity: Strength of Human Capital
The Prosperity pillar measures the strength of a city’s human capital. Subcategories include educational attainment (percentage of the population with a bachelor’s degree or higher), Fortune Global 500 companies (number of Fortune Global 500 corporate headquarters), convention center size (size of the largest convention center in a city), and poverty rate (percentage of the population living below the national poverty line).
The Top 10: A Journey Through Urban Excellence
Drum roll, please! Here’s how the world’s best cities ranked in the 2024 report, released on October 3, 2023:
1. London, England: The Resilient Capital
Rankings: Livability (1), Lovability (1), Prosperity (3)
“London is rarely quiet these days,” says Resonance. With most of the Tube’s lines running at pre-COVID cadence and the addition of new metro stops like the October 2022-opened Bond Street’s Elizabeth station, London’s resilience has been “buoyed by a sinking currency that has attracted investment and, of course, previously priced-out tourists.” Explore the vibrant tapestry of London with AFAR’s.
2. Paris, France: The Eternal City of Love
Rankings: Lovability (2), Livability (6), Prosperity (12)
“The city remains the most visited on the planet, with 44 million visitors last year,” notes Resonance. Paris has invested €250 million into renovating Terminal 1 at Charles de Gaulle Airport, and rail access is unprecedented, with a seven-hour direct Berlin-to-Paris TGV line launching next year.Discover the magic of Paris with AFAR’s.
3. New York City, United States: The City That Never Sleeps
Rankings: Lovability (2), Livability (6), Prosperity (12)
The pandemic exodus led some to believe New York City’s reign was over, but its number three ranking proves otherwise. With tourism numbers projected to reach 61 million in 2023, NYC is welcoming visitors with major upgrades to its international gateways, including the new Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport with 35 gates.Discover the beating heart of New York City with AFAR’s.
4. Tokyo, Japan: The Land of the Rising Sun
Rankings: Livability (3), Lovability (4), Prosperity (11)
“The Japanese government remains steadfast, keeping its target of 60 million visitors and $136 billion in tourism revenue by 2030,” says Resonance. With the expansion of the international terminal at Haneda Airport and a planned 18-minute rail link from arrivals to downtown, Tokyo is ready to accommodate even more visitors. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Tokyo with AFAR’s
5. Singapore: The Little Red Dot with Big Ambitions
Rankings: Prosperity (2), Lovability (14), Livability (17)
Shooting up from its number nine ranking on the 2023 list, Singapore has become one of the continent’s most captivating cities. With plans for a new waterfront district and the forthcoming NS Square, a multipurpose venue in the Downtown Core area of Marina Bay, Singapore is buzzing with excitement. Discover the beauty of Singapore with AFAR’s.
6. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The City of Dreams
Rankings: Prosperity (4), Lovability (5), Livability (35)
Famed for outlandish developments like Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, Dubai is taking a new approach with its 2040 Urban Masterplan. The plan aims to create a “20-minute city,” where residents can access 80 percent of their daily needs within a 20-minute walk or bike ride. Explore the wonders of Dubai with AFAR’s.
A Call to Embrace the Unknown
In a world that often seems consumed by uncertainty and change, the world’s best cities offer a beacon of hope, reminding us that there is always something new to discover, another adventure waiting just around the corner. They challenge us to step out of our comfort zones, to embrace the unknown, and to be open to the transformative power of travel.
As we wander through the bustling streets of London, the sun-drenched plazas of Barcelona, or the neon-lit alleys of Tokyo, we are reminded that the world is a vast and wondrous place, filled with endless possibilities for growth, connection, and self-discovery.
These world’s best cities are not merely destinations; they are living, breathing embodiments of our shared human experience, each one a tapestry woven from the threads of countless cultures, traditions, and stories. They are a testament to our ability to overcome adversity, to adapt and evolve, and to create something truly remarkable in the face of even the greatest challenges.
So, as you plan your next adventure, let the world’s best cities be your guide. Immerse yourself in their vibrant energy, savor their rich histories, and allow their unique spirits to permeate your soul. For in these urban oases, you may just find the inspiration you need to embark on your own journey of self-discovery, to embrace the unknown, and to unleash the boundless potential that lies within.
The world’s best cities are waiting, beckoning you to explore, to dream, and to live life to the fullest. Will you heed their call?
