Athens Ranks Among the World’s 100 Best Cities for 2025, Study Finds

Photo source: Athens Attica

Athens was recently named one of the 100 Best Cities in the World for 2025 by Resonance Consultancy, a prominent adviser in tourism, real estate, and economic development.

To compile the report, Resonance partnered with Ipsos, a global market research and public opinion leader. In its 10th edition, the World’s Best Cities Report determines the Top 100 cities by using a combination of core statistics and user-generated data from online sources such as Google, Tripadvisor and Instagram to measure quality of place when it comes to experiential factors.

“Our goal in producing these reports is to create the most comprehensive and holistic approach available for measuring and benchmarking both the perception and performance of cities,” said Chris Fair, President & CEO Resonance Consultancy.

Athens: Europe’s new It City

Photo source: Best Cities in the World Report

Athens dropped from 48th in 2023 to 87th in this year’s rankings, attributed to its lack of sustainable infrastructure and diminished attractiveness.

However, the report spotlights it as “Europe’s new It City”, emphasizing ambitious developments such as waterfront projects like Ellinikon, new metro lines linking vibrant neighborhoods, and the revival of iconic buildings as cultural hubs.

“Right in the city center, the ancient Municipal Market of Kypseli hosts community parties, concerts and workshops, and the old National Opera building is now the Olympia Municipal Musical Theater Maria Callas,” analysts noted, highlighting the Greek capital’s offerings.

Athens’ top experiences include exploring the vibrant Exarcheia neighborhood, visiting the National Gallery, and walking along the revitalized Grand Promenade, a 2.5-mile, tree-lined, car-free path at the base of the Acropolis that links the city’s major archaeological sites.

The city also ranks 24th in the report’s Biking subcategory and 28th for Sights & Landmarks, with the Athens Olympic Museum in Maroussi, a northern suburb, highlighting the rich history of the Olympic Games. Earlier this year, the Greek capital shined as Europe’s 50th best city in Resonance’s annual 2024 Europe’s Best Cities Report.

Overall, the index recognizes London, New York, and Paris as the top three cities globally, celebrated for their sustainable lifestyles, vast career opportunities, and advanced technology fostering a more stable and innovative future for residents. The top 10 includes Tokyo, Singapore, Rome, Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin, and Sydney.

Sustainability key for city development

Photo source: Best Cities in the World Report

Amidst a global economic crisis and escalating conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, sustainability, innovation, and livability have become crucial for the development of modern cities and the well-being of their residents.

In the wake of post-pandemic migration trends, the rise of remote work, and the ongoing quest for affordable housing, cities of all sizes are increasingly capturing the attention of global talent, fostering urban wealth and vibrancy in more locations than ever.

Meanwhile, government initiatives focusing on reshoring, energy independence, and food security are accelerating, enabling cities to build resilient, future-oriented economies the world needs.