Yes, you can still take a swim in the city harbour. Yes the Danish capital still has miles and miles of protected bike paths. Yes it’s still one of the safest cities on earth. The life-style and global affairs magazine “Monocle” ranked Copenhagen the “world’s most liveable city 2022” for these and many other reasons. Not least the city’s ability to keep retail and culture alive through the COVID pandemic. By Jes Andersen.

Copenhagen has kept independent retail and restaurants alive; it’s an exciting place for entrepreneurs, has world-leading museums and ambitious plans to green the city, recycle more and be a good place to live”: Josh Fehnert ,editor, Monocle.

Classic and modern criteria in combination

Monocle’s editors have listed 25 cities in a research-based ranking, where classic metrics such as crime, housing, transport and ambulance response time meets newer data points on carbon neutrality, suitability for modern work rhythms and walking infrastructure. This marks the fifth time, that Copenhagen finishes on top of Monocles 15-year-old list.

Copenhagen has consistently put pedestrians, bikes and people at the centre of the city, and it has paid off. City hall cleaned up the harbour for swimming and benefits and provisions for citizens are generous”: Josh Fehnert ,editor, Monocle.

Transit infrastructure paved way for vibrant culture

The Monocle editors pay special attention to the city’s bicycle and walking infrastructure, because it has resulted in cleaner air and reduced congestion. An expanding metro network has connected previously distant neighbourhoods and led the way to exciting, new restaurant openings and helped boost an already thriving cultural scene in Copenhagen.

Sense of community

“A significant challenge for the city is finding space for all those who want to move here,” the Copenhagen piece says, also highlighting how the Danish city’s recovery after Covid-19 was a reflection of collective responsibility and togetherness.

Frequent winner

This is Monocle’s 15th annual Quality of Life Survey. Copenhagen also topped it in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2021 and now once again in 2022. The entire list includes the following cities:

1. Copenhagen (1st in 2021)
2. Zürich (2nd in 2021)
3. Lisbon (7 in 2021)
4. Helsinki (3rd in 2021)
5. Stockholm (4 in 2021)
6. Tokyo (5 in 2021)
7. Vienna (6 in 2021)
8. Sydney (10 in 2021)
9. Vancouver (12 in 2021)
10. Taipei (9 in 2021)
11. Munich (13 in 2021)
12. Seoul (11 in 2021)
13. Berlin (14 in 2021)
14. Amsterdam (15 in 2021)
15. Madrid (16 in 2021)
16. Auckland (8 in 2021)
17. Paris (19 in 2019)
18. Barcelona (18 in 2019)
19. Melbourne (17 in 2021)
20. Kyoto (18 in 2021)
21. Milan (new entry)
22. Fukuoka (22 in 2019)
23. Oslo (24 in 2019)
24. Singapore (25 in 2019)
25. Brisbane (19 in 2021)