London has once again claimed the prestigious title of the world's greatest city, securing the top spot in the Resonance Consultancy's global rankings for an impressive eleventh consecutive year.
What Makes London Unbeatable?
The UK capital outperformed global competitors including New York, Paris, and Tokyo in the comprehensive analysis that evaluated cities based on liveability, lovability, and prosperity metrics. The consultancy firm reached its conclusions by examining core statistics and user-generated data from platforms including Google, Instagram, and TikTok, supplemented by surveys from over 21,000 respondents.
London's exceptional performance was particularly notable in the 'prosperity' category, where its world-class airport infrastructure played a significant role. Heathrow Airport's record-breaking post-pandemic arrival numbers and Gatwick Airport's £200 million-plus upgrade were highlighted as key factors enhancing the visitor experience.
Economic Impact and Recovery
The city's robust post-pandemic recovery is reflected in substantial international travel spending. According to the Resonance report, London saw a near $5 billion (£3.8 billion) increase in travel spending from 2023 to 2024, surpassing both New York and Dubai as a premier global destination.
While Time Out's own recent city rankings placed Cape Town in the top position, with London achieving a respectable fifth place, the Resonance report solidifies London's dominance in global city comparisons. Further cementing London's appeal, the south London neighbourhood of Camberwell ranked fourth in Time Out's list of the world's coolest neighbourhoods for 2025.
The Global Top 10 Cities for 2026
Resonance's complete top 10 cities for 2026 are:
- London, UK
- New York, USA
- Paris, France
- Tokyo, Japan
- Madrid, Spain
- Singapore
- Rome, Italy
- Dubai, UAE
- Berlin, Germany
- Barcelona, Spain
The continued recognition underscores London's enduring appeal, boasting everything from award-winning dining and world-leading theatre to endless cultural events and mind-blowing exhibitions that keep both residents and visitors captivated year after year.
