According to a recent report by Canadian consultancy firm Resonance, three Belgian cities have earned spots in the ranking of the best cities in Europe for residents, commuters, and visitors. Among them, Brussels stands out with the highest score, attributed to its diverse population and excellent airport connectivity.
Brussels secured the 18th position in the latest ‘Best European Cities’ ranking, which evaluates cities based on core statistics from over 400 global cities and perceptions from residents and visitors. The report highlights Brussels’ appeal with its stunning architecture, especially for Art Nouveau enthusiasts, and iconic landmarks like the Grand Place, regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful squares.
The ranking criteria, encompassing Liveability, Lovability, and Prosperity, play crucial roles in determining a city’s overall score. Brussels excelled particularly in Prosperity, securing the 7th spot due to factors like education levels, employment rates, wealth distribution, and GDP per capita, outperforming cities like Berlin and Vienna.
However, despite its charm, Brussels faces challenges in other areas. The city ranks 21st in Lovability, reflecting its cultural richness, nightlife, and culinary scene, but falls to 70th place in Liveability, reflecting concerns about its natural and built environments. Factors contributing to this low ranking include cycling accessibility, green spaces, rent affordability, and disposable household income.
On the positive side, Brussels shines in international diversity, ranking second for its international citizenry after Luxembourg. It also impresses in connectivity, thanks to Zaventem airport’s extensive reach and Brussels-Midi station’s role as a vital hub for inter-city and international travel across Europe.
In comparison to other Belgian cities in the ranking, Brussels notably outperforms Antwerp (73) and Ghent (90), although all three face challenges in terms of liveability.
London retains its top position for the second consecutive year, followed by Paris and Berlin. The annual report offers valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of European cities, emphasizing the multifaceted aspects that contribute to their overall appeal and quality of life.
