World's 'most liveable city' for 2025 revealed – knocking Vienna off top spot

For the last three years, Vienna, Austria's capital, has held the title of the world's 'most liveable' city.
Thanks to its art, culture, and fine dining, the city repeatedly beat the likes of Zurich, Melbourne, and Osaka.
This time around, it'll have to make do with the hat-trick, as there's a new city has stolen its crown: Copenhagen.
The Danish capital is now officially the best place to live in the world, after three years of placing second.
To come to this conclusion, the research and analysis division at The Economist ranked 173 cities from across the globe. They based the study on various factors, including education, stability, healthcare, infrastructure and environment.
Copenhagen received a perfect score for three out of five: stability, infrastructure, and education.
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
Before you rush to get permanent residency, let's take a look at all Copenhagen has to offer.
If you're into history, Rosenborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace, and Amalienborg Palace are standouts. All three date back between the 1600s and early 1900s, and are open to the public. @kelseyinlondon
🇩🇰 How to spend a perfect day in Copenhagen ⬇️⁣⁣ MORNING⁣⁣ – ⛵️Explore Nyhavn⁣⁣ – 🥐 Coffee & pastries at BUKA bakery⁣⁣ – 🛍 Vintage & ceramic shopping (scroll for recommendations)⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ AFTERNOON⁣⁣ – 🍽 Lunch at either Delphine or Spuntino⁣⁣ – 🎡 Visit Tivoli Gardens ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ EVENING⁣⁣ – 🌮 Reffen Street Food Market⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ More Copenhagen Recommendations ⬇️⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 🍽 RESTAURANTS — Pluto, Spuntino, Reffen, Put, Bæst, Delphine, Høst, Gasoline Grill, The Union Kitchen, Noma, Kødbyens Fiskebar, Maison, The Alchemist⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 🍹 BARS — Ruby, Mikkeller, Warpigs Brewpub, Curfew, Apollo Bar, Strøm, Duck and Cover, Lidkoeb, Balderdash, Veranda⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 📍 ACTIVITIES/PLACES TO VISIT — Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, The Round Tower, Christiania, Ofelia Plads, Church of Our Saviour, The Little Mermaid, Torvehallerne, Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg, Canal Boat Tour, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ☕️ CAFES & BAKERIES. — BUKA, Hart, Meyers, Skrt. Peders, Conditori La Glace, Lille, Prolog Coffee Bar, Atelier September, Delambò, Italo, Darcy's Kaffe, Ø12⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 🛍 SHOPPING – Studio Arhoj, New Mags, Palette26, Stilleben No. 22, Veras Market, Wilén, Miio, Norr, Hay House, Notre Dame⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 🏨 HOTELS — Manon Les Suites @guldsmedenhotels , Grand Joanne, Villa Copenhagen, Skt Petri, Bryggen Guldsmeden, Coco Hotel, Hotel Sanders⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #copenhagen #copenhagen🇩🇰 #kopenhagen #denmark #visitdenmark #uktravelblogger #travelblogger #travelblogger #traveldestination #traveldestinations #travelguide #travelinspiration #traveltips #traveleurope #europetravel #europetrip #europedestinations #europe_vacations #visiteurope #uktravelblog #uktravelblogger ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 24 hours in Copenhagen | Things to do in Copenhagen | Copenhagen Itinerary | 1 day in Copenhagen | Copenhagen Restaurants | Copenhagen Cafes | Copenhagen Bars | Hotels in Copenhagen ♬ Hell N Back (Sped Up) – Bakar & sped up + slowed
At Rosenborg Castle, you can marvel at the King's Garden and the Danish crown jewels. Entry costs 140 kroner (£16.02). Christiansborg Palace now houses the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State. However, it was once home to kings and queens. A castle ticket costs 175 kroner (£20) per person, and guided tours run daily from 3pm.
As for Amalienborg Palace, this is a museum dedicated to the Danish monarchy (and home to the current royal family, including the universally beloved, Australian-born Queen Mary). Entrance to the museum is 125 kroner (£14.31).
For a bit of culture, head to Tivoli Gardens. Right in the heart of Copenhagen, it's the second-oldest amusement park in the world. Since 1843, the Gardens have treated guests to rides, concerts, ballet and theatre performances. There are also over 30 restaurants and eateries on-site.
Access to the Tivolo Gardens is free. However, you have to pay for ride passes and purchase tickets for theatre performances. A standard entrance and ride pass starts from 349 kroner (£39.94).
There's also The Little Mermaid statue, a bronze figure by Edvard Eriksen, which depicts a mermaid becoming human. It's displayed on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade, and was influenced by the 1837 fairy tale of the same name by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen.
Copenhagen is also known for its vibrant food scene and is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants. Combining Danish cuisine with global influences, plus a strong focus on sustainability and local, seasonal ingredients, there's also plenty of street food and casual options if fancy fine dining isn't your thing.
Famous Michelin-starred eateries include Alchemist, Geranium, and Jordnær, all of which showcase cutting-edge Nordic cuisine. Copenhagen is also at the centre of the New Nordic cuisine, which incorporates foraged items and innovative techniques.
If it's street food you're after, the city is bursting with markets offering everything from pizza, burgers, and Japanese street food. To keep it local, make sure you try the Smørrebrød, a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich made with rye bread. Popular toppings include roast beef, herring, cheeses, and remoulade.
You can pick up a sandwich at bakeries all across the city. They generally cost between 30 to 50 kroner (£3.43 to £5.72). In higher-end establishments and touristy areas, expect to pay a little more. More Trending
Finally, explore Copenhagen from the water on one of the many boat tours. A one-hour canal cruise that takes you along the main harbour and adjoining canals starts from £19 per person. During the cruise, you'll see architecture, ancient castles, and beautiful churches.
With Copenhagen at number one, and Vienna and Zurich in joint second place, Melbourne, Australia, claimed third place. Following just behind was Geneva, while Sydney was fifth.
Rounding out the top 10 were Osaka, Auckland, Adelaide, and Vancouver.
Fancy sticking around in the UK? Whether you don't like flying or Europe's sweeping anti-tourism measures have put you off, there are plenty of reasons to holiday closer to home.
For one, Britain is bursting with quality staycations, from off-the-beaten-path gems, to destination dupes to vibrant cities.
You don't need a car to explore the country either; simply don your trainers and head to the UK's most walkable city.
This prestigious title goes to Brighton, the beloved seaside spot on the East Sussex coast, renowned for its creative heart and diverse culture.
Read Metro's full guide to Brighton here.
MORE: I found the perfect European destination to escape the UK heatwave
MORE: My unexpected love affair with Switzerland's 'most boring' city
MORE: Spain's little-known village with 'hanging houses' is a hidden gem overlooked by tourists

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Plans for sauna in Loch Ness pub owned by Anders Holch Povlsen

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Metro

2 days ago

• Metro

World's 'most liveable city' for 2025 revealed – knocking Vienna off top spot

For the last three years, Vienna, Austria's capital, has held the title of the world's 'most liveable' city. Thanks to its art, culture, and fine dining, the city repeatedly beat the likes of Zurich, Melbourne, and Osaka. This time around, it'll have to make do with the hat-trick, as there's a new city has stolen its crown: Copenhagen. The Danish capital is now officially the best place to live in the world, after three years of placing second. To come to this conclusion, the research and analysis division at The Economist ranked 173 cities from across the globe. They based the study on various factors, including education, stability, healthcare, infrastructure and environment. Copenhagen received a perfect score for three out of five: stability, infrastructure, and education. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Before you rush to get permanent residency, let's take a look at all Copenhagen has to offer. If you're into history, Rosenborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace, and Amalienborg Palace are standouts. All three date back between the 1600s and early 1900s, and are open to the public. @kelseyinlondon 🇩🇰 How to spend a perfect day in Copenhagen ⬇️⁣⁣ MORNING⁣⁣ – ⛵️Explore Nyhavn⁣⁣ – 🥐 Coffee & pastries at BUKA bakery⁣⁣ – 🛍 Vintage & ceramic shopping (scroll for recommendations)⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ AFTERNOON⁣⁣ – 🍽 Lunch at either Delphine or Spuntino⁣⁣ – 🎡 Visit Tivoli Gardens ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ EVENING⁣⁣ – 🌮 Reffen Street Food Market⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ More Copenhagen Recommendations ⬇️⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 🍽 RESTAURANTS — Pluto, Spuntino, Reffen, Put, Bæst, Delphine, Høst, Gasoline Grill, The Union Kitchen, Noma, Kødbyens Fiskebar, Maison, The Alchemist⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 🍹 BARS — Ruby, Mikkeller, Warpigs Brewpub, Curfew, Apollo Bar, Strøm, Duck and Cover, Lidkoeb, Balderdash, Veranda⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 📍 ACTIVITIES/PLACES TO VISIT — Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, The Round Tower, Christiania, Ofelia Plads, Church of Our Saviour, The Little Mermaid, Torvehallerne, Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg, Canal Boat Tour, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ☕️ CAFES & BAKERIES. — BUKA, Hart, Meyers, Skrt. 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Entry costs 140 kroner (£16.02). Christiansborg Palace now houses the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State. However, it was once home to kings and queens. A castle ticket costs 175 kroner (£20) per person, and guided tours run daily from 3pm. As for Amalienborg Palace, this is a museum dedicated to the Danish monarchy (and home to the current royal family, including the universally beloved, Australian-born Queen Mary). Entrance to the museum is 125 kroner (£14.31). For a bit of culture, head to Tivoli Gardens. Right in the heart of Copenhagen, it's the second-oldest amusement park in the world. Since 1843, the Gardens have treated guests to rides, concerts, ballet and theatre performances. There are also over 30 restaurants and eateries on-site. Access to the Tivolo Gardens is free. However, you have to pay for ride passes and purchase tickets for theatre performances. A standard entrance and ride pass starts from 349 kroner (£39.94). There's also The Little Mermaid statue, a bronze figure by Edvard Eriksen, which depicts a mermaid becoming human. It's displayed on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade, and was influenced by the 1837 fairy tale of the same name by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Copenhagen is also known for its vibrant food scene and is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants. Combining Danish cuisine with global influences, plus a strong focus on sustainability and local, seasonal ingredients, there's also plenty of street food and casual options if fancy fine dining isn't your thing. Famous Michelin-starred eateries include Alchemist, Geranium, and Jordnær, all of which showcase cutting-edge Nordic cuisine. Copenhagen is also at the centre of the New Nordic cuisine, which incorporates foraged items and innovative techniques. If it's street food you're after, the city is bursting with markets offering everything from pizza, burgers, and Japanese street food. To keep it local, make sure you try the Smørrebrød, a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich made with rye bread. Popular toppings include roast beef, herring, cheeses, and remoulade. You can pick up a sandwich at bakeries all across the city. They generally cost between 30 to 50 kroner (£3.43 to £5.72). In higher-end establishments and touristy areas, expect to pay a little more. More Trending Finally, explore Copenhagen from the water on one of the many boat tours. A one-hour canal cruise that takes you along the main harbour and adjoining canals starts from £19 per person. During the cruise, you'll see architecture, ancient castles, and beautiful churches. With Copenhagen at number one, and Vienna and Zurich in joint second place, Melbourne, Australia, claimed third place. Following just behind was Geneva, while Sydney was fifth. Rounding out the top 10 were Osaka, Auckland, Adelaide, and Vancouver. Fancy sticking around in the UK? Whether you don't like flying or Europe's sweeping anti-tourism measures have put you off, there are plenty of reasons to holiday closer to home. For one, Britain is bursting with quality staycations, from off-the-beaten-path gems, to destination dupes to vibrant cities. You don't need a car to explore the country either; simply don your trainers and head to the UK's most walkable city. This prestigious title goes to Brighton, the beloved seaside spot on the East Sussex coast, renowned for its creative heart and diverse culture. Read Metro's full guide to Brighton here. MORE: I found the perfect European destination to escape the UK heatwave MORE: My unexpected love affair with Switzerland's 'most boring' city MORE: Spain's little-known village with 'hanging houses' is a hidden gem overlooked by tourists

Scotsman

2 days ago

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Plans to turn Loch Ness inn owned by Scotland's richest man Anders Holch Povlsen into sauna and beach cafe

Plans have been revealed for the historic Dores Inn on the banks of Loch Ness. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A popular inn on the shores of Loch Ness that is owned by Scotland's richest man would be turned into a sauna, bakery and beach cafe under new plans. The Dores Inn, situated right on the water's edge of the loch about ten miles south of Inverness, was bought by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen late last year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Dores Inn on the banks of Loch Ness has been bought by Wildland Ltd, the company owned by Scotland's richest man, Anders Holch Povlsen. PIC: Burgess. | Burgess Now his company WildLand Ltd is pushing ahead with a proposal to expand the inn under plans outlined to Highland Council. A bakery and two new jetties would be created at the site if the expansion is approved. The existing car park and public toilets would also be overhauled. A proposal of application notice was lodged late last month. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The restaurant and pub, which is closed, would remain shut for about two years in total to allow the renovations to be completed. Under the plans, the Dores Inn would reopen in 2026/27. The Dores Inn, near Inverness | Google Maps Pop-up food and refreshments, alongside outside covered seating, have been run at the site in the interim. Public exhibitions on the plans for Dores Inn will be run by WildLand on June 27-28. WildLand chief executive Tim Kirkwood said: "The Dores Inn sits at the heart of a much-loved community setting. As we explore options for its restoration and long-term operation, we're committed to involving the community from the outset. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'These exhibitions will offer a great opportunity for attendees to understand the scope of what's being considered and to share ideas and concerns before detailed plans are finalised. We want the future of this site to reflect the needs and values of the people who know it best and value it as much as we do.' A large area of fields to the north of the inn has been highlighted in the initial application and is expected to form part of the expansion plans. Council planners are set to consider the expansion for approval by a deadline of August 20. The Dores inn has been a historic landmark of the area, having been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Phillip in 1967. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The restaurant and pub is situated close to one of Mr Povlsen's key hospitality businesses Aldourie Castle - a 300-year-old building that is rented out as an exclusive stay property. The venue served as the location for Mr Povlsen's 50th birthday, with singer Lionel Richie flown in to perform for the event. Anders Holch Povlsen, Scotland's richest man and largest landowner, who is funding the building of a new health and residential care centre near Tongue to help meet demand for services. PIC: Getty. | Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima Wildland Ltd was set up by Mr Povlsen to manage his 220,000 acres in Scotland, much of it spread across seven estates in Sutherland and five more in the Cairngorms. Mr Povlsen, who forged much of his fortune in the fashion retail business, has focused his investments in Scotland in large-scale nature restoration projects and his 'Scandi-Scot' style of high-end hospitality. Lavinia Turner, head of region at WildLand Loch Ness, said of the inn's redevelopment: "The Dores Inn has always been more than a pub - it's a gathering place, a gateway to the loch, and an important part of local life.