Published on
November 14, 2025
Athens has earned global recognition with a notable ranking in the 2025 World’s Best Cities Report, solidifying its status among top global destinations. This achievement highlights the city’s rich cultural heritage, thriving tourism sector, and dynamic urban appeal, placing it alongside other world-renowned cities in the UK, US, France, Japan, and Spain. The city’s rise in the rankings is a testament to its growing prominence on the global stage.
As cities around the world compete for talent, investment, and cultural influence, Athens has emerged in the 2025 World’s Best Cities report, securing a spot among the global urban areas shaping the future of city living. This prestigious ranking, compiled by Resonance Consultancy, uses extensive data modeling and surveys to evaluate cities on key factors such as lifestyle, cultural impact, and economic potential. Athens’ consistent appeal as a place to live, work, and explore is reflected in its ranking of 74th this year.
The World’s Best Cities report analyzes over 270 cities with populations exceeding one million people. The methodology includes hundreds of metrics, from urban amenities and airport infrastructure to cultural offerings, nightlife, environmental performance, corporate presence, and economic development. Social media activity and online trends have also become essential in gauging a city’s appeal. The expanded database for this year incorporates insights from 21,000 survey responses across 30 countries. For the first time, data from Chinese social platforms, including Weibo and Xiaohongshu, have been included, offering a more nuanced understanding of local sentiments and patterns in global cities.
Cities are ranked based on their “Place Power Score,” which evaluates three core dimensions:
Livability: Factors such as air quality, walkability, health standards, and overall living conditions.Lovability: Cultural institutions, entertainment options, and the city’s digital popularity on platforms like Google Trends and TikTok.Prosperity: Economic strength, employment levels, the presence of major companies, and the entrepreneurial environment.
This comprehensive approach not only reflects how cities perform but also how well they resonate with residents, tourists, and global audiences. Athens’ position at 74th underscores its status as an attractive destination for those seeking vibrant cultural experiences, business opportunities, and a high standard of living. The city has long been a hub of classical history, and its modern-day offerings continue to draw people from across the globe, making it a notable player in the evolving global city landscape.
While Athens stands out, London continues to dominate the top of the list, maintaining its No. 1 position globally. The British capital leads in several key categories, including economic performance, airport connectivity, and lifestyle quality. London’s post-pandemic recovery has been strong, with international visitor spending reaching $22 billion in 2024, surpassing both New York and Dubai. The city has remained a powerhouse in technology, arts, and gastronomy, featuring a record number of Michelin-starred restaurants. Its residential and commercial real estate markets also continue to attract global investors, cementing its place as a world-leading urban center.
Coming in second place, New York has overtaken Paris this year. The city’s economic strength, world-class cultural institutions, and major infrastructure upgrades have propelled it to this elevated position. New York is in the midst of an exciting transformation, with revamped airports, new public green spaces, and bold plans for urban development. The city is also celebrated for its rich cultural scene, particularly in theater, music, and museums, making it a cultural epicenter for tourists and residents alike. The city’s economic dynamism and innovative spirit continue to attract people from all over the world, further enhancing its global appeal.
Paris, while ranking third this year, benefits from significant investments ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games. This strategic investment has boosted its tourism economy, which is expected to reach $50 billion by 2032. Paris is also known for its unrivaled cultural richness, which includes world-renowned art galleries, historical landmarks, and culinary excellence. Despite challenges, including political and social unrest in recent years, Paris continues to shine as a global cultural leader, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Tokyo has remained a strong contender, ranking fourth. The city is renowned for its safety, excellent urban design, and culinary prowess. Tokyo also boasts some of the world’s most advanced infrastructure, with efficient public transportation, clean streets, and stunning architecture. Tourism numbers have been at historic highs, bolstered by its ability to provide both traditional experiences and modern attractions. Tokyo’s meticulous urban planning and emphasis on safety and sustainability make it one of the most desirable places to live, work, and visit in the world.
The Top 5 list is rounded out by Madrid, which jumped from 13th to 5th place in this year’s ranking. Madrid’s rise is largely attributed to its commitment to sustainable urban redevelopment. The revitalization of parks and public spaces, coupled with innovative green policies, has helped the Spanish capital enhance its livability and attractiveness to both residents and tourists. Madrid’s cultural vibrancy, historical significance, and growing appeal as a hub for tech startups have further solidified its position in the global rankings.
While U.S. cities continue to hold significant economic weight, the report highlights a waning global interest in visiting American metropolitan areas. According to Ipsos, this shift in perceptions is largely attributed to declining trust in American brands and political uncertainty. The study suggests that global tourism patterns are increasingly influenced by a desire for stability, sustainability, and a more connected, cross-cultural experience.
Athens has earned a spot in the 2025 World’s Best Cities Report, joining top cities from the UK, US, France, Japan, and Spain, thanks to its rich history, vibrant culture, and growing appeal as a global tourism hub.
Overall, the 2025 World’s Best Cities report reveals a dynamic and competitive landscape for global urban centers. Cities like London, New York, and Paris continue to lead due to their economic strength and cultural significance, while cities like Athens and Madrid show that smaller urban areas are also rising in prominence due to their unique offerings and growing appeal. As cities around the world adapt to new challenges and opportunities, the rankings reflect the shifting priorities of residents, businesses, and visitors, with livability, cultural vibrancy, and economic prosperity continuing to be key factors in determining a city’s global influence.
