Chicago
Chicago is a charismatic, musical city, which has rightfully taken the first place in the list of the world's best cities. The main attractions for most are the beautiful buildings, the endless parkland, and the coastline feeling, thanks to the city's location by the Great Lake of Michigan. For others are the delicious food (you will remember us when you try Chicago's deep-dish pizza) and the vibrant art scene, defined by world-class museums and independent galleries. However, everyone agrees that the diversity of Chicago's friendly people is what makes it truly unique.
Porto
According to Time Out, Porto, Portugal's second largest city, is the best place for a social life, romance, and for having the freedom to stay true to your values. Residents of Porto can switch between the past and the present effortlessly; one moment you can wander through the alleys of the medieval city, and the next you can explore the opportunities of the rich startup ecosystem. Those who have lived in Porto for a while may complain about the large tourist population all year round, but the city's spectacular scenery and affordable housing, as well as an enjoyable night out with friends, make them embrace the city's imperfections.
New-York
It is not a secret that when it comes to culture, nightlife, and food, New York is the place to be. Despite taking the first place as the most stressful city in the world, New York is among the happiest cities in the world too — mainly thanks to the feeling that in New York you are free to be yourself, without being criticised about your beliefs or appearance. Also, there's an agreement among those surveyed by Time Out that they wouldn't consider leaving the city if the cost of living was not an issue.
Melbourne
The Economist's Intelligence Unit has ranked Melbourne as the world's most liveable city for six years in a row — a title which doesn't come as a surprise considering the city's quality of education, healthcare, and infrastructure. To top it off, Melbourne has some of the best drinking water globally, as well as good quality of air — maybe thanks to the 4.8 million square metres of parkland and 200 km of accessible coastline. Melburnians, who are the most physically active urbanites on our list, are indeed pleased with their city, bringing it to Time Out's number four.
Londres
The British capital may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, with some of the longest commutes in Europe, but Londoners remain the fifth happiest urbanites. With more than 17,000 music performances per year, endless clubbing and open mic events, you can never get bored in this city. And if you do, Heathrow, one of the busiest airports in the world, broadens your horizons at relatively low costs. Whether you are in London to work or to study in one of the city's world-renowned universities, come along with your eccentricities, and the city will reward you.
Madrid
Spain's capital city is the sixth best city in the world, as ranked by the people who know it the best — its locals. The fact that the citizens of Madrid enjoy a nightlife more than anyone else in the world (dinner usually starts at about 10 pm), probably explains why they do fiestas and siestas. However, even if you feel like experiencing something new outside of Spain once in a while, there's a very efficient transportation system with planes and trains, which are ideal for both local and international travel.
Manchester
In 2017, Manchester went through very tough times, but the local people proved that together, they carry on. Manchester is a great city to live in because of the fun drinking atmosphere, the live music scene, and the friendliness of its people. Also, the city itself is very appealing due to a mixture of highly industrial sights and eclectic, contemporary architecture. However, if you ever feel like taking a break from the city, note that you are surrounded by the nature of closeby villages such as Disley, Fixton, Haigh, and Dobcross.
Lisbonne
Since its economic revival, Lisbon has been attracting a lot of digital nomads and millennial freelancers due to its growing startup ecosystem and good quality of life. The local salaries are quite low, especially when compared to Western Europe's, but the cost of living is nothing but reasonable. The people of Lisbon are friendly and relaxed, and the climate is mild with up to nine months of pleasant weather. Thus, we weren't surprised to hear that most of those surveyed are seeing themselves staying in Lisbon in the next five years.
Philadelphie
Philadelphia's outdoors entertainment (there's a festival for every occasion, from eating and drinking to movies and art) in combination with the affordable way of life has brought the city to the ninth place of the most exciting cities in the world to live in. If you are new to the city, you will also be astonished by its green policies. Philadelphia's Office of Sustainability is leading the way to a sustainable program, known as Greenworks, which promotes access to healthy and affordable food and water, and clean air. Also, the program invests in the reduction of carbon pollution, clean neighbourhoods, parks, and sustainable education and business.
Barcelone
Despite being one of the most expensive cities, Barcelona has loyal supporters, who couldn't possibly imagine living anywhere else. The city's monuments (e.g. Sagrada Familia and Park Guell), and architectural wonders, as well as its walkable size and accessible beaches, all make it an enjoyable place to work and live in. But Barcelona isn't just about carnivals, delicious food, and relaxing; it is here where you will come across the biggest volunteer population than in any other city from those surveyed.
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