For the second consecutive year, Brussels has earned a coveted spot among the world’s top 50 cities in a ranking devised by Resonance Consulting, a leading authority in tourism and real estate communications. In the realm of city marketing, this recognition is a testament to Brussels’ growing appeal as a global destination.
In this year’s ranking, Brussels secured the 37th position on the list, positioning itself just behind cities like Doha and Sydney but ahead of increasingly popular destinations such as Bangkok (39th), Warsaw (40th), Copenhagen (41st), and Hong Kong (46th). Topping the charts for 2024 were London, Paris, and New York City.
The Resonance Consulting report describes Belgium’s capital as a city brimming with delightful surprises, making it an enticing proposition for city marketing. This ranking, considered by many as “the most authoritative ranking on the planet” for cities, takes into account three essential factors: “liveability,” “lovability,” and “prosperity.”
Liveability encompasses various aspects, such as the city’s walkability, green urban transport options, iconic landmarks, parks, recreational spaces, airport connectivity, museums, and educational institutions. Lovability evaluates the city’s cultural vibrancy, nightlife, restaurant scene, and feedback from tourists. Prosperity assesses economic success, education attainment, and poverty rates within the city.
Brussels shines brightly in several of these categories. The city shares the top spot for being the most walkable city in the world, alongside Chicago, Milan, and Valencia. Its excellent connectivity to Brussels International Airport further enhances its appeal.
The report acknowledges Brussels’ investments in public spaces, including the Tour & Taxis Food Market and the Grand Hospice, both of which have breathed new life into historical structures. Additionally, the city’s landmarks, tourist attractions, and rich culture add to its charm, with iconic sites like the Manneken Pis and the vibrant Matonge quarter’s flea markets and street art garnering praise. The Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is lauded as one of the world’s most beautiful squares.
Brussels also emerges as an ideal hub for professionals and expatriate workers, boasting co-working spaces like Working From_ at the Hoxton hotel. It is recognized as a prime location for conferences and summits of all kinds, earning a place in the top 10 locations for Facebook “Check-ins.”
Furthermore, Brussels’ robust public transport network connects it efficiently to neighboring cities and countries, with its Midi station serving as a pivotal hub for a dense rail network set to expand inter-city and overnight connections in 2024.
However, Brussels is not without its drawbacks, as the guide highlights some unattractive state-commissioned buildings that have sparked controversy online.
Chris Fair, President & CEO of Resonance Consultancy, underscores that the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted local authorities to prioritize urban development and green spaces. This emphasis on urban revitalization is in line with the evolving preferences of citizens and potential residents who are reevaluating what makes a city desirable to live, work, or play.
In the realm of city marketing, Brussels, along with other Belgian cities, has consistently performed well in Resonance Consultancy’s rankings. In a 2023 ranking of European cities, four Belgian cities – Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, and Liège – all secured positions in the top 100, with Brussels ranking 12th among all European cities.
While Brussels boasts a vibrant and appealing urban environment, it is important to note that it also ranks as one of the most expensive cities for expatriates. Over the past five years, it has climbed 26 places in the global expat cost of living ranking, now standing as the 41st most expensive city in the world.
In the world of city marketing, this recognition underscores Brussels’ multifaceted appeal, offering a rich blend of culture, history, and economic opportunities, making it an attractive destination for both tourists and residents alike.
For the second consecutive year, Brussels has earned a coveted spot among the world’s top 50 cities in a ranking devised by Resonance Consulting, a leading authority in tourism and real estate communications. In the realm of city marketing, this recognition is a testament to Brussels’ growing appeal as a global destination.
In this year’s ranking, Brussels secured the 37th position on the list, positioning itself just behind cities like Doha and Sydney but ahead of increasingly popular destinations such as Bangkok (39th), Warsaw (40th), Copenhagen (41st), and Hong Kong (46th). Topping the charts for 2024 were London, Paris, and New York City.
The Resonance Consulting report describes Belgium’s capital as a city brimming with delightful surprises, making it an enticing proposition for city marketing. This ranking, considered by many as “the most authoritative ranking on the planet” for cities, takes into account three essential factors: “liveability,” “lovability,” and “prosperity.”
Liveability encompasses various aspects, such as the city’s walkability, green urban transport options, iconic landmarks, parks, recreational spaces, airport connectivity, museums, and educational institutions. Lovability evaluates the city’s cultural vibrancy, nightlife, restaurant scene, and feedback from tourists. Prosperity assesses economic success, education attainment, and poverty rates within the city.
Brussels shines brightly in several of these categories. The city shares the top spot for being the most walkable city in the world, alongside Chicago, Milan, and Valencia. Its excellent connectivity to Brussels International Airport further enhances its appeal.
The report acknowledges Brussels’ investments in public spaces, including the Tour & Taxis Food Market and the Grand Hospice, both of which have breathed new life into historical structures. Additionally, the city’s landmarks, tourist attractions, and rich culture add to its charm, with iconic sites like the Manneken Pis and the vibrant Matonge quarter’s flea markets and street art garnering praise. The Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is lauded as one of the world’s most beautiful squares.
Brussels also emerges as an ideal hub for professionals and expatriate workers, boasting co-working spaces like Working From_ at the Hoxton hotel. It is recognized as a prime location for conferences and summits of all kinds, earning a place in the top 10 locations for Facebook “Check-ins.”
Furthermore, Brussels’ robust public transport network connects it efficiently to neighboring cities and countries, with its Midi station serving as a pivotal hub for a dense rail network set to expand inter-city and overnight connections in 2024.
However, Brussels is not without its drawbacks, as the guide highlights some unattractive state-commissioned buildings that have sparked controversy online.
Chris Fair, President & CEO of Resonance Consultancy, underscores that the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted local authorities to prioritize urban development and green spaces. This emphasis on urban revitalization is in line with the evolving preferences of citizens and potential residents who are reevaluating what makes a city desirable to live, work, or play.
In the realm of city marketing, Brussels, along with other Belgian cities, has consistently performed well in Resonance Consultancy’s rankings. In a 2023 ranking of European cities, four Belgian cities – Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, and Liège – all secured positions in the top 100, with Brussels ranking 12th among all European cities.
While Brussels boasts a vibrant and appealing urban environment, it is important to note that it also ranks as one of the most expensive cities for expatriates. Over the past five years, it has climbed 26 places in the global expat cost of living ranking, now standing as the 41st most expensive city in the world.
In the world of city marketing, this recognition underscores Brussels’ multifaceted appeal, offering a rich blend of culture, history, and economic opportunities, making it an attractive destination for both tourists and residents alike.
Sources: https://www.brusselstimes.com/720003/brussels-ranks-in-top-50-cities-in-the-world
