There has probably not been a great culture and plenty of stability in any city in the last two years of the pandemic. That changed in 2022 with the lifting of many restrictions. Once again, the "The Economist" index shows which metropolises are among the most livable cities in the world. We take a tour of the top three.
A city in Switzerland grabs bronze in the ranking: Zurich climbs five places compared to 2021. One reason for the top ranking is the fact that it is one of the most "well vaccinated" cities in Europe. The city also scores in the categories of health care, culture, environment, education and infrastructure. The heart of the metropolis is Lake Zurich. In the summer months, young and old meet here for a swim or to stroll with ice cream in hand.
The old town (district 1) is just as cozy. Especially in the Niederdorf or Dörfli nightlife district, as the locals call it, you feel right at home. Small, colorful houses are lined up in narrow streets, cafés invite you to linger. Highlights on the right-hand side of the old town are the Renaissance-style town hall, the Romanesque Great Minster and the famous guild houses. Art lovers will get their money's worth to the left of the Limmat: there is the Fraumünster Church with windows by Marc Chagall and the cloister painted by Paul Bodmer. Anyone who feels like something sweet after this program can jump into the "Spüngli" confectionery. Fine pralines and special chocolate creations are waiting to be tasted there.
The Danes are also sweet and, above all, "hyggelig". Second place goes to Copenhagen, the gourmet capital of the north. There are more Michelin stars here than in any other Scandinavian city. The "Noma" restaurant by top chef René Redzepi has received several awards as "the best restaurant in the world" and is considered a culinary revelation. However, it comes at a price. A menu can easily cost 355 euros per person. Those on a tighter budget can try one of the many hot dog stands. The "Pølsevogn" are on every street corner.
How livable the city actually is can be seen from the residents' relaxed look at the little things: "Hygge" is a positive attitude to life that reflects a calm lifestyle. You can also feel it in the green soul of the city, which is best explored by bike.
Vienna was voted the most livable city in 2022. The city offers numerous opportunities for culture and entertainment as well as good infrastructure and general stability, says the report. After slipping down to twelfth place in 2021, Austria's capital made it back to the top in 2022 (after 2018, 2019 and 2020).
Art, culture, cult: the three Ks are capitalized in Vienna. Three opera houses attract numerous music lovers to their sacred halls every year. The Vienna State Opera, for example, shows over 50 operas and bar works on around 300 days per season. From baroque to contemporary music, everything is included. With "Opera live am Platz" the State Opera even offers free classical music in the months of April, May, June and September. The Who's Who from politics, business and art meets at the annual Vienna Opera Ball, which has achieved cult status not only thanks to Richard "Mörtel" Lugner (89).
If you prefer something quieter, you can make yourself comfortable in one of the original coffee houses in the city. Viennese coffee culture is second to none - from "Melange" (extended mocha with milk froth) to "Kleine Braunen" (single or double espresso with whipped cream) to "Verkehrten Kaffee" (a kind of latte macchiato), everything is there. Add a piece of Sachertorte and even a rainy day is dry.
In addition to the obligatory Kaiserschmarrn, you not only meet the nobility in culinary terms, but also culturally. From the 13th century to 1918, the Vienna Hofburg was the seat of the Habsburgs, above all Emperor Franz and his "Sisi". In guided tours for adults and children, Sisi fans can follow in the footsteps of the legendary empress. It is also magnificent in the state rooms of Belvedere Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Divided into Lower and Upper Belvedere and Belvedere 21, the area offers art lovers enough space to discover more than 800 years of art in numerous exhibitions.
Now you're spoiled for choice: Where should you go?
