Best Things to Do:
Cities with the Best Quality of Life
The green city by the sea. This is how The Hague is known in the Netherlands. The political center of the country is famous for its beaches, monuments, and lively shopping district, and now it also tops the ranking of cities worldwide with the best quality of life compiled by Numbeo, a collaborative database that measures, among other data, the quality of life in cities based on housing indicators, crime rates, healthcare quality, transport quality, and other statistics.
The Hague is the third largest city in the Netherlands, and its location on the coast makes it a popular destination for sunbathers in summer. However, this Dutch city is much more than just a beach: the fact that The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and the home of the royal family means that it is home to many historical monuments, elegant hotels, and even a couple of palaces. Among them, the famous Binnenhof complex, located in the city center, serves as the seat of the Dutch government. Some parts date back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest parliamentary buildings still in operation in the world. A curious fact: when walking by the Hofvijver pond, if the lights in the octagonal tower of Torentje are on, it means the Dutch Prime Minister is working, as that is his office.
Very close to Binnenhof is the most photographed building in The Hague: the Peace Palace, home to the International Court of Justice and the only judicial organ of the United Nations that is located outside New York.
But The Hague is not the only city in the Netherlands present in the global 'top ten' for best quality of life. Rotterdam and Amsterdam also appear in the top 10. Here is the list:
The Hague, Netherlands
Among the indicators making The Hague the city with the best quality of life in the world is the high purchasing power of its residents, combined with high security and healthcare rates... along with low pollution and commuting times. Two ideal places to enjoy the summer in the city are Zwarte Pad, a beach filled with beach bars on the coast of Scheveningen, and Noordboulevard, where the pier is located.
Rotterdam, Netherlands
One of the greenest cities in the Netherlands and home to the largest urban park in the country, Zuiderpark. Its nature, combined with its architectural avant-garde, makes it an ideal place to live. Rotterdam also boasts more than 50 docks, allowing you to explore the city by water taxi, a unique experience.
Luxembourg, Luxembourg
The seventh smallest country in Europe has managed to place its eponymous capital, Luxembourg, in third place among the cities with the highest quality of life in the world in 2023. As the seat of several European Union institutions, Luxembourg is home to people from 170 different nationalities, and its compact dimensions allow everything to be within walking distance. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Chemin de la Corniche, a pedestrian walkway along its 17th-century walls, is considered the most beautiful balcony in Europe. For lovers of the depths, the Bock Casemates are fascinating underground tunnels carved in the rock in the 17th century that can be explored and were used as air raid shelters during World War II.
Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital ranks fourth in this ranking of the cities with the best quality of life in the world. The fact that it has been named more than 10 times as the greenest city in the world contributes to its high quality of life. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the World Expo that turned the city into an international metropolis, making it a perfect time to visit and explore.
Valencia, Spain
With high security and healthcare rates, Valencia has achieved a remarkable fifth place in the ranking of metropolises with the highest quality of life in the world. This year, Valencia is also celebrating the centenary of the death of one of its most illustrious citizens, Joaquín Sorolla, so multiple exhibitions in Valencia's museums celebrate the greatness of the artist of light.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The capital of the Netherlands did not achieve as high a ranking as its two sister cities, The Hague and Rotterdam, but it is still there: sixth in the world for the best quality of life. The best way to enjoy it is through a cruise on its canals, a national treasure and an intrinsic part of the city's past. One of these canals, the Ring or Grachtengordel, has over 400 years of history and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Some of its most important sites can be admired from the water, such as the house of Anne Frank, the A'DAM Tower, the beautifully lit Magere Brug at night, the centuries-old houses along the Herengracht canal, and the historic Jordaan district...
Helsinki, Finland
The Finnish capital ranks seventh for the best quality of life in the world, and Finland is a consistent presence in happiness rankings around the globe. Helsinki has some of the cleanest drinking water of any major city worldwide, and Kilpisjärvi, in Lapland, boasts the cleanest air in Europe.
Madrid, Spain
Its infrastructure, services, cultural and gastronomic offerings, and high security rates have allowed Madrid to secure a spot in the 'top ten' cities with the best quality of life in the world. Among its cultural updates in 2023 is the opening of the Gallery of the Royal Collections, a museum that has already won 10 architectural awards and houses 650 invaluable pieces.
Reykjavik, Iceland
The capital of Iceland has become one of the most sought-after destinations in recent years. Surrounded by unusual nature, it is said to be the largest small city in the world. Its blend of fire and ice landscapes makes Reykjavik a paradise for both its inhabitants and tourists. Taking a dip in its hot springs, visiting some of the most fascinating waterfalls on the planet (such as Gullfoss), or hiking in volcanic areas are its main attractions.
- Copenhagen, Denmark
The capital of Denmark closes this 'top ten' of cities with the highest quality of life in the world.
Surrounded by water, attractions can be found open in its docks year-round, with saunas in the harbor and green spaces by the water. The Danes often rank among the happiest people in the world, and it is said that the 'blame' lies in living in that vibrant capital that combines modern architecture with history and invites a sustainable lifestyle.