If you could choose to live anywhere in the world, where would it be? A high quality of life is a great starting point. Mercer, a global human resources consultancy, publishes an annual Quality of Living ranking that helps organizations set compensation for employees working abroad. The ranking evaluates cities using 39 factors across 10 categories:
- Social environment — including politics and crime
- Economic environment
- Restrictions on personal freedoms
- Medical and health services
- Schools and education
- Public services and transportation
- Recreation and entertainment
- Availability of consumer goods
- Housing
- Natural environment and climate
Here’s a closer look at the cities that made the list, their key facts and cultural highlights.
60. Leipzig, Germany
Leipzig has beautiful canals and harbors. It is Saxony’s most populous city. Frank Günther / Getty Images
Population: 597,493 (city), about 1 million (metro area)
Language: German
Average summer temperature: 66°F (19°C)
Average winter temperature: 34°F (1°C)
Note: Rankings are based on Mercer’s Quality of Living Report. Temperatures are provided in Fahrenheit with Celsius equivalents.
Cultural Highlight: Leipzig
The Leipzig Opera house is a source of cultural pride for residents. TommL / Getty Images
Leipzig’s opera is one of Germany’s most respected and reinforces the city’s long-standing musical heritage.
59. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Pittsburgh was once an industrial center due to its location at the confluence of three rivers. peeterv / Getty Images
Population: 302,205 (city), 2.37 million (metro area)
Language: English
Average summer temperature: 73.2°F (22.9°C)
Average winter temperature: 28.8°F (-1.8°C)
Cultural Highlight: Pittsburgh
There are four Carnegie museums in Pittsburgh: Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, Carnegie Science Center and The Andy Warhol Museum. HaizhanZheng / Getty Images
The Carnegie Museum of Art, founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1895, houses works by masters like Van Gogh and Monet while also showcasing local and global artifacts.
58. Osaka, Japan
Osaka is known for its modern downtown and restless nightlife. Mlenny / Getty Images
Population: 2.69 million (city), 19.3 million (metro area)
Language: Japanese
Average summer temperature: 92°F (33.5°C)
Average winter temperature: 49°F (9.3°C)
Cultural Highlight: Osaka
The Osaka Castle is one of the most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing in the spring. lkunl / Getty Images
Osaka Castle, originally constructed in the 16th century, remains an iconic landmark known for its ornate exterior and impressive fortifications.
57. Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
Aberdeen is known for its cold but beautiful shoreline. AlbertPego / Getty Images
Population: 200,680 (city), about 489,815 (metro area)
Language: English
Average summer temperature: 57°F (13.9°C)
Average winter temperature: 40.1°F (4.5°C)
Cultural Highlight: Aberdeen
Aberdeen University King’s College was built in the 15th century and continues to operate. Heartland-Arts / Getty Images
King’s College at the University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495, is one of Scotland’s oldest and most historic educational institutions.
56. Rome, Italy
Rome was the capital and cultural center of the powerful Roman Empire. Sazonoff / Getty Images
Population: 2.87 million (city), 4.34 million (metro area)
Language: Italian
Average summer temperature: 89.1°F (31.7°C)
Average winter temperature: 54.7°F (12.6°C)
Cultural Highlight: Rome
The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world. Eloi_Omella / Getty Images
Rome’s Colosseum, built in A.D. 69, once hosted gladiatorial contests, chariot races and elaborate spectacles and remains one of the world’s most significant ancient structures.
55. Yokohama, Japan
Yokohama is part of the Tokyo-Yokohama Metropolitan area, the largest in Japan. SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images
Population: 3.7 million (city), 38.3 million (metro area)
Language: Japanese
Average summer temperature: 78.2°F (25.7°C)
Average winter temperature: 41.6°F (5.4°C)
Cultural Highlight: Yokohama
Yokohama is known for its modern architecture. Chunyip Wong / Getty Images
The Yokohama Museum of Art, open since 1989, features strong collections of surrealist and dadaist works alongside pieces by internationally known and Japanese artists.
54. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Despite being steeped in U.S. history, Philly still has a “small town” feel. Getty Images
Population: 1.6 million (city), 6.1 million (metro area)
Language: English
Average summer temperature: 88°F (31°C)
Average winter temperature: 40°F (4°C)
Cultural Highlight: Philadelphia
Geno’s Steaks in Philadelphia and Pat’s King of Steaks (located across the street) are the city’s most famous cheesesteak restaurants. Getty Images
Visit Independence Hall to see where the U.S. Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed. And don’t miss the city’s famous cheesesteaks.
53. Washington, D.C., United States
As long as you don’t mind talking politics, Washington, D.C., offers many amazing neighborhoods with diverse cultural opportunities. Getty Images
Population: 694,000 (city), 6.1 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), Spanish
Average summer temperature: 88°F (31°C)
Average winter temperature: 43°F (6°C)
Cultural Highlight: Washington, D.C.
The National Mall has the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Getty Images
The National Mall features iconic monuments and numerous Smithsonian museums, offering a wide range of cultural and historical experiences.
49. Kobe, Japan (Tied)
If you visit Kobe (and you should), be sure to spend time in hotspot neighborhoods such as Kitano-chõ, Nankinmachi Chinatown and Sannomiya Station. Getty Images
Population: 1.5 million (city), 19.3 million (metro area)
Language: Japanese
Average summer temperature: 87°F (31°C)
Average winter temperature: 47°F (8°C)
Cultural Highlight: Kobe
The Ikuta Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Getty Images
Ikuta Shrine, with origins dating back many centuries, is among Japan’s oldest Shinto sites and a cultural touchstone for Kobe.
49. Birmingham, England, United Kingdom (Tied)
Leave London and head three hours northwest to find the lovely city of Birmingham. Getty Images
Population: 1.1 million (city), 4.3 million (metro area)
Language: English
Average summer temperature: 70°F (21°C)
Average winter temperature: 44°F (7°C)
Cultural Highlight: Birmingham
Brindleyplace is home to scores of shops, bars and restaurants. Getty Images
Brindleyplace, along Birmingham’s canals, is a lively district filled with restaurants, bars, museums and entertainment venues.
49. Tokyo, Japan (Tied)
Old meets new in Tokyo, Japan. Getty Images
Population: 13.6 million (city), 38.3 million (metro area)
Language: Japanese
Average summer temperature: 85°F (29°C)
Average winter temperature: 50°F (10°C)
Cultural Highlight: Tokyo
The 2,080-foot-tall Tokyo Skytree is the second-tallest structure in the world. Getty Images
The Tokyo Skytree soars above the city as one of the tallest observation towers and a striking modern landmark.
49. Chicago, Illinois, United States (Tie)
Next time you are in Chicago, catch a Cubs game, then head to The Wieners Circle and enjoy their famously surly staffers. Getty Images
Population: 2.7 million (city), 9.5 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), Spanish, Polish
Average summer temperature: 84°F (29°C)
Average winter temperature: 31°F (-1°C)
Cultural Highlight: Chicago
The Cloud Gate is the centerpiece of the AT&T Plaza at Millennium Park. Getty Images
Millennium Park offers public art, music venues, landscaped fountains and year-round activities set against Chicago’s iconic skyline.
48. Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest city. Getty Images
Population: 621,000 (city), 1.8 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), Scots
Average summer temperature: 68°F (20°C)
Average winter temperature: 44°F (7°C)
Cultural Highlight: Glasgow
The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Scotland is one of the country’s most popular attractions. Getty Images
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum houses works by Rembrandt, Monet, Renoir and Dalí, making it a cultural highlight for residents and visitors.
46. Madrid, Spain (Tie)
Madrid is a vibrant city filled with cultural experiences and a bustling nightlife. Getty Images
Population: 3.1 million (city), 6.7 million (metro area)
Language: Spanish
Average summer temperature: 90°F (32°C)
Average winter temperature: 50°F (10°C)
Cultural Highlight: Madrid
The Inner Court of the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid. Getty Images
Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art—the Prado, Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums—offers world-class collections in close proximity.
46. Seattle, Washington, United States (Tie)
This Northwest urban hub is surrounded by water, mountains and stunning forests. Getty Images
Population: 725,000 (city), 3.8 million (metro area)
Language: English
Average summer temperature: 76°F (24°C)
Average winter temperature: 47°F (8°C)
Cultural Highlight: Seattle
Fishmonger Jaison Scott tosses a fresh salmon at the Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle. Elaine Thompson / AP Photo
Pike Place Market remains a beloved community hub, known for fresh seafood, specialty vendors and lively atmosphere.
45. Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Street performers and artists abound at Scotland’s famed Edinburgh Festival. Getty Images
Population: 465,000 (city), 1.3 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), Scots
Average summer temperature: 66°F (19°C)
Average winter temperature: 45°F (7°C)
Cultural Highlight: Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle was attacked at least 26 times during its 1,110-year history, making it the most attacked castle in the world. Getty Images
Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline and is a must-see for history lovers exploring the city.
44. New York, New York, United States
New York’s Central Park is a remarkable outdoor haven in the middle of this sprawling urban city. Getty Images
Population: 8.6 million (city), 20.3 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), Spanish, Chinese
Average summer temperature: 84°F (29°C)
Average winter temperature: 38°F (3°C)
Cultural Highlight: New York City
The Met is the biggest art museum in the United States and one of the most famous museums in the world. Getty Images
From views atop the Empire State Building to collections at the Met and countless dining options, New York offers endless cultural experiences.
43. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is home to beach bums, football fanatics, and foodies alike. Getty Images
Population: 1.6 million (city), 4.8 million (metro area)
Languages: Spanish, Catalan
Average summer temperature: 84°F (29°C)
Average winter temperature: 59°F (15°C)
Cultural Highlight: Barcelona
The Sagrada Família combines Gothic and Art Nouveau forms. Its principal architect, Antoni Gaudi, is buried in its crypt. Getty Images
Gaudí’s Sagrada Família, with its distinctive towers and ornamentation, is Barcelona’s signature architectural treasure.
41. Milan, Italy (Tie)
Milan is one of Italy’s most fashion-forward cities, and a major business center for the region. Getty Images
Population: 1.4 million (city), 5.3 million (metro area)
Language: Italian
Average summer temperature: 85°F (29°C)
Average winter temperature: 43°F (6°C)
Cultural Highlight: Milan
The ceiling of the Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. The refectory contains the mural of “The Last Supper.” Getty Images
Leonardo da Vinci’s mural The Last Supper adorns the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a must-see for visitors.
41. London, England, United Kingdom (Tie)
Downtown London is home to some of the world’s most striking modern skyscrappers. Getty Images
Population: 8.8 million (city), 14 million (metro area)
Language: English
Average summer temperature: 74°F (23°C)
Average winter temperature: 47°F (8°C)
Cultural Highlight: London
The Great Court in the British Museum was built in 2000. Diliff / Wikipedia
The British Museum holds millions of objects spanning human history and culture, ranking among the world’s most comprehensive museums.
40. Lyon, France
Tourists too often flock to Paris and overlook Lyon, but the locals don’t. Getty Images
Population: 513,275 (city), 2.2 million (metro area)
Language: French
Average summer temperature: 82°F (28°C)
Average winter temperature: 44°F (7°C)
Cultural Highlight: Lyon
The Lyon Cathedral, formally known as the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon, has held the Festival of Lights since 1643. Getty Images
Built in 1480, Lyon Cathedral is a prominent historical and architectural landmark in the city.
39. Paris, France
Oh, Paris, the food, the wine, the cheese! Getty Images
Population: 2.2 million (city), 12.4 million (metro area)
Language: French
Average summer temperature: 77°F (25°C)
Average winter temperature: 45°F (7°C)
Cultural Highlight: Paris
The Louvre is the largest and most-visited art museum in the entire world. Getty Images
The Louvre hosts world-famous masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa, and is the world’s most-visited art museum.
37. Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (Tie)
If you love beaches and tropical weather, you’ll love Honolulu’s famed Waikiki Beach. Getty Images
Population: 360,000 (city), 953,000 (metro area)
Languages: English (primary); Tagalog, Ilocano, Japanese
Average summer temperature: 88°F (31°C)
Average winter temperature: 80°F (26°C)
Cultural Highlight: Honolulu
The Hawaiian Hall of the The Bernice Pauahi in the Bishop Museum. Getty Images
The Bishop Museum holds the world’s largest collection of Polynesian cultural artifacts and natural history specimens.
37. Lisbon, Portugal (Tie)
Lisbon, Portugal, sits on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Getty Images
Population: 505,526 (city), 2.8 million (metro area)
Language: Portuguese
Average summer temperature: 82°F (28°C)
Average winter temperature: 59°F (15°C)
Cultural Highlight: Lisbon
Belem Tower was constructed in 1519 and guarded the banks of the Tagus River. Getty Images
Belém Tower, a 16th-century fortification on the Tagus River, remains one of Lisbon’s most famous monuments.
36. Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Boston is a big college town (home of Harvard and MIT, as well as many other top schools) with avid sports fans. Never, ever, wear a New York Yankees cap in Boston. Getty Images
Population: 685,094 (city), 4.6 million (metro area)
Language: English
Average summer temperature: 81°F (27°C)
Average winter temperature: 36°F (1°C)
Cultural Highlight: Boston
Boston Red Sox players take the field for a baseball game against the New York Yankees in 1912 throwback uniforms at Fenway Park in Boston, on April 20, 2012. Elise Amendola / AP Photo
Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox, is the oldest stadium in Major League Baseball and an enduring city landmark.
35. Brisbane, Australia
The heart of Queensland, Australia, also offers plenty of outdoor recreation. Getty Images
Population: 2.4 million
Language: English
Average summer temperature: 87°F (31°C)
Average winter temperature: 71°F (22°C)
Cultural Highlight: Brisbane
The Wheel of Brisbane is a 197-foot-tall Ferris wheel that can hold 336 people. Getty Images
South Bank Parklands along the Brisbane River offer green spaces, a promenade, restaurants and a large Ferris wheel for family-friendly recreation.
34. San Francisco, California, United States
San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Getty Images
Population: 884,363 (city), 4.7 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), Spanish, Chinese
Average summer temperature: 67°F (19°C)
Average winter temperature: 57°F (14°C)
Cultural Highlight: San Francisco
San Francisco is known for its hilly streets and historic buildings and numerous places to eat world-class food. Getty Images
San Francisco’s culinary scene is renowned, from seafood and Italian cuisine to innovative Californian dining.
34. Dublin, Ireland
Ireland’s capital city boasts amazing restaurants, pubs, and many of the finest beers in the world. Getty Images
Population: 553,165 (city), 1.9 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), Irish
Average summer temperature: 68°F (20°C)
Average winter temperature: 48°F (9°C)
Cultural Highlight: Dublin
The area around St. Stephen’s Green is a good place to have a pint. Getty Images
Dublin’s lively pub culture and dining scene make areas like St. Stephen’s Green great spots to relax with a pint.
32. Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Calgary was built at the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River in the south of Alberta, Canada. Getty Images
Population: 1.2 million (city), 1.4 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), French
Average summer temperature: 76°F (24°C)
Average winter temperature: 32°F (0°C)
Cultural Highlight: Calgary
The 2019 Calagary Stampede as seen from a chair lift. Getty Images
The Calgary Stampede, a huge annual rodeo and festival held in July, attracts visitors with rodeo events, rides and food stalls.
31. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki is the capital of Finland and has one of the highest urban standards of living in the world. Getty Images
Population: 642,045 (city), 1.5 million (metro area)
Languages: Finnish (primary), Swedish
Average summer temperature: 71°F (22°C)
Average winter temperature: 30°F (-1°C)
Cultural Highlight: Helsinki
The Ateneum is the most famous art museum in Finland. Getty Images
The Ateneum, part of the Finnish National Gallery, exhibits works by Cézanne, van Gogh and notable Finnish artists.
30. Canberra, Australia
The parliament house in Canberra. Getty Images
Population: 403,468
Language: English
Average summer temperature: 84°F (29°C)
Average winter temperature: 53°F (12°C)
Cultural Highlight: Canberra
A gorgeous shot of Canberra at dusk from its Red Hill lookout point. Getty Images
Canberra’s National Zoo and Aquarium and other attractions provide close encounters with native wildlife like kangaroos and koalas.
29. Adelaide, Australia
The River Torrens in Adelaide, Australia. Getty Images
Population: 1.3 million
Language: English
Average summer temperature: 82°F (28°C)
Average winter temperature: 60°F (16°C)
Cultural Highlight: Adelaide
An aerial view of the Adelaide Oval. Getty Images
The Adelaide Oval is a central venue for Australian Rules Football and other major sporting events.
28. Brussels, Belgium
Brussels serves as the de facto capital of the European Union. Getty Images
Population: 1.2 million (city), 2.1 million (metro area)
Languages: French (primary), Dutch
Average summer temperature: 73°F (23°C)
Average winter temperature: 42°F (6°C)
Cultural Highlight: Brussels
The Grand Place during the 2018 Flower Carpet Festival. Getty Images
The Grand Place, one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, draws crowds to its cafes, markets and historical architecture.
27. Stuttgart, Germany
Stuttgart is a beautiful city. Getty Images
Population: 624,000 (city), 5.3 million (metro area)
Language: German
Average summer temperature: 79°F (26°C)
Average winter temperature: 39°F (4°C)
Cultural Highlight: Stuttgart
The Staatsgalerie Stuttgart is one of the best museums in Europe. Getty Images
The Staatsgalerie Stuttgart features major works by Dali, Matisse and Picasso and is a highlight for art enthusiasts.
25. Oslo, Norway (Tie)
The city harbor in Oslo, Norway. Getty Images
Population: 673,469 (city), 1.6 million (metro area)
Language: Norwegian
Average summer temperature: 71°F (22°C)
Average winter temperature: 30°F (-1°C)
Cultural Highlight: Oslo
Colorful townhouses in a residential area of Oslo. Getty Images
The Munch Museum houses Edvard Munch’s famous painting The Scream along with other works by the artist.
25. Singapore, Singapore (Tie)
Old meets new in Singapore’s Chinatown. Getty Images
Population: 5.6 million
Languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
Average temperatures: summer 88°F (31°C), winter 87°F (30°C)
Cultural Highlight: Singapore
The ArtsScience Museum and Marina Bay Sands are two iconic cultural landmarks in Singapore. Getty Images
The lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum hosts major international exhibitions and is a striking modern landmark.
23. Nuremberg, Germany (Tied)
Nuremberg was built along the shores of the Pegnitz River. Getty Images
Population: 518,000 (city), 3.5 million (metro area)
Language: German
Average summer temperature: 80°F (27°C)
Average winter temperature: 37°F (3°C)
Cultural Highlight: Nuremberg
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum houses German cultural artifacts and art, with 25,000 items on exhibition. Germanisches Nationalmuseum / Facebook
The Germanisches Nationalmuseum, Germany’s largest cultural history museum, presents thousands of objects ranging from antiquity to modern times.
23. Stockholm, Sweden (Tied)
Old town square in Stockholm, Sweden. Getty Images
Population: 952,000 (city), 2.3 million (metro area)
Languages: Swedish (primary), Finnish
Average summer temperature: 73°F (23°C)
Average winter temperature: 33°F (1°C)
Cultural Highlight: Stockholm
Drottingholm Palace is a 360,000-square-foot palace that is home to Sweden’s Royal Family. Getty Images
Drottningholm Palace, the royal residence, features formal gardens, a Chinese pavilion and an opera theater open to visitors.
21. Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Tied)
You’ll notice European influences when walking the streets of “Old Montreal” in Quebec, Canada. Getty Images
Population: 1.7 million (city), 4.1 million (metro area)
Languages: French, English
Average summer temperature: 79°F (26°C)
Average winter temperature: 24°F (-4°C)
Cultural Highlight: Montreal
Buildings in the Old Montreal section of Montreal date back to the 1500s. Getty Images
Montreal’s Old City features centuries-old architecture and numerous National Historic Sites that reflect the area’s European influence.
21. Perth, Australia (Tied)
The iconic Elizabeth Quay Footbridge in Perth, Australia. Getty Images
Population: 2 million
Language: English
Average summer temperature: 90°F (32°C)
Average winter temperature: 65°F (18°C)
Cultural Highlight: Perth
There’s always something new to see in the Perth Cultural Centre, which has several art galleries and the State Library of Western Australia. Getty Images
The Perth Cultural Centre is home to major galleries and the State Library, hosting exhibitions and cultural events year-round.
19. Hamburg, Germany (Tie)
The very modern Kehrwiederspitze and Elbphilharmonie in the HafenCity of Hamburg. Getty Images
Population: 1.8 million (city), 5.1 million (metro area)
Language: German
Average summer temperature: 72°F (22°C)
Average winter temperature: 38°F (3°C)
Cultural Highlight: Hamburg
The Planten un Blomen is a 116-acre park that is a popular destination for its water-spouting light concerts and various performances. Getty Images
Planten un Blomen park offers botanical gardens, public theater and memorable evening fountain and light shows.
19. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Tie)
Parliament Hill on the Rideau Canal, in Ottawa, Canada. Getty Images
Population: 964,743 (city), 1.3 million (metro area)
Languages: English, French
Average summer temperature: 80°F (27°C)
Average winter temperature: 22°F (-6°C)
Cultural Highlight: Ottawa
The ByWard Market is one of the oldest farmers markets in Canada. Getty Images
ByWard Market bustles with stalls selling specialty foods, fresh produce, flowers and souvenirs, making it a lively local destination.
18. Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Luxembourg City is located at the confluence of the Alzette and Pétrusse Rivers in southern Luxembourg. Getty Images
Population: 116,323
Languages: Luxembourgish (a mix of German and French)
Average summer temperature: 74°F (23°C)
Average winter temperature: 38°F (3°C)
Cultural Highlight: Luxembourg
The Musée Dräi Eechelen, located in an ancient fort, has a permanent exhibition that tells the history of Luxembourg. Getty Images
The Musée Dräi Eechelen, housed in a restored 18th-century fort, presents the history of Luxembourg through permanent displays.
17. Melbourne, Australia
Boats in the St. Kilda harbor, in front of the Melbourne skyline. Getty Images
Population: 4.9 million
Language: English
Average summer temperature: 79°F (26°C)
Average winter temperature: 58°F (14°C)
Cultural Highlight: Melbourne
The Arts Centre Melbourne’s Spire is the centerpiece to the city’s dazzling complex of theaters and concert halls. Getty Images
Arts Centre Melbourne’s theaters and concert halls host a vibrant program of performances that attract culture lovers throughout the year.
16. Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and is considered one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Getty Images
Population: 2.7 million (city), 6 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), Chinese, Spanish, Italian, French
Average summer temperature: 81°F (27°C)
Average winter temperature: 31°F (-1°C)
Cultural Highlight: Toronto
Toronto’s Gooderham Building, built in 1892, is a great place to take photos when visiting. Getty Images
Toronto hosts major professional sports teams and a diverse cultural scene that reflects its multicultural population.
15. Wellington, New Zealand
The Wellington Cable Car Trolley offers spectacular views of the ocean and city skyline. Getty Images
Population: 412,500
Languages: English (primary), Maori
Average summer temperature: 68°F (20°C)
Average winter temperature: 52°F (11°C)
Cultural Highlight: Wellington
The Te Papa Tongarewa opened in 1998 and translates to “Container of Treasures.” Getty Images
Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, houses extensive cultural and historical collections on the waterfront.
14. Bern, Switzerland
Bern is the Bundesstadt, or “federal city,” of Switzerland. It’s also a hub for outdoor activities. Getty Images
Population: 142,656 (city), 660,000 (metro area)
Language: Swiss German
Average summer temperature: 76°F (24°C)
Average winter temperature: 37°F (3°C)
Cultural Highlight: Bern
Bern’s Old City has the 13th-century Zytglogge tower, which has a stunning 15th-century astronomical clock. Getty Images
Bern’s medieval Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features the historic Zytglogge clock tower and charming arcades.
13. Berlin, Germany
Nightlife along the Spree River in Berlin, Germany. Getty Images
Population: 3.7 million (city), 6 million (metro area)
Languages: German (primary), Turkish, Russian, Arabic, Polish, Kurdish, Serbo-Croatian
Average summer temperature: 77°F (25°C)
Average winter temperature: 38°F (3°C)
Cultural Highlight: Berlin
Berlin’s nightclub scene is one of the most vibrant and fascinating aspects of living in Berlin. Getty Images
Berlin’s nightlife is internationally renowned for its variety and energy, from clubs to live music venues.
11. Amsterdam, Netherlands (Tie)
When in Amsterdam, bike like the locals do. Getty Images
Population: 851,573 (city), 2.4 million (metro area)
Language: Dutch
Average summer temperature: 72°F (22°C)
Average winter temperature: 42°F (6°C)
Cultural Highlight: Amsterdam
The Van Gogh Museum opened in 1973 and houses a comprehensive collection of van Gogh’s works, including this one, “Van Gogh Self-Portrait in a Felt Hat.” Getty Images
The Van Gogh Museum holds the world’s largest collection of van Gogh paintings and drawings, making it a major draw for art lovers.
11. Sydney, Australia (Tie)
There’s a lot more to Sydney, Australia, than its famous opera house. Getty Images
Population: 5.1 million
Language: English
Average summer temperature: 80°F (27°C)
Average winter temperature: 63°F (17°C)
Cultural Highlight: Sydney
Over eight million people visit the Sydney Opera House every year, one of the world’s most famous buildings. Getty Images
The Sydney Opera House hosts performances of music, theater and dance against the scenic backdrop of Sydney Harbour.
10. Basel, Switzerland
Riverfront in Basel, with a view of the Munster Cathedral. Getty Images
Population: 175,940
Languages: Swiss German (primary), French
Average summer temperature: 78°F (26°C)
Average winter temperature: 40°F (4°C)
Cultural Highlight: Basel
Basel is home to Kunstmuseum, which opened in 1661 and was the first public museum in the world. Getty Images
Basel, known as Switzerland’s cultural capital, hosts more than three dozen museums and a thriving arts scene.
9. Geneva, Switzerland
An aerial view of Leman Lake in Geneva, Switzerland. Getty Images
Population: 198,979 (city), 489,524 (metro area)
Languages: French (primary), Spanish, Italian, German
Average summer temperature: 80°F (27°C)
Average winter temperature: 40°F (4°C)
Cultural Highlight: Geneva
The Old Town section of Geneva is home to great restaurants and historic buildings. Getty Images
Geneva’s Old Town is a compact, walkable district filled with cafes, shops and cultural sites along winding streets.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, home to Michelin-starred Noma, one of the most celebrated restaurants in the world, offers world-class restaurants as well as lots of outdoor adventures. Getty Images
Population: 613,288 (city), 1.3 million (metro area)
Language: Danish
Average summer temperature: 72°F (22°C)
Average winter temperature: 38°F (3°C)
Cultural Highlight: Copenhagen
The Rosenborg Castle is a 17th-century landmark with extensive gardens that attract about 2.5 million people each year. Getty Images
Rosenborg Castle and its 17th-century gardens are among Copenhagen’s historical attractions, complemented by a strong culinary and outdoor culture.
7. Frankfurt, Germany
“Old Town” in Frankfurt, Germany. Getty Images
Population: 732,688 (city), 5.6 million (metro area)
Language: German
Average summer temperature: 78°F (26°C)
Average winter temperature: 40°F (4°C)
Cultural Highlight: Frankfurt
The Historisches Museum is part of the Museumsufer on the Main. Getty Images
Frankfurt’s Museumsufer, a cluster of museums along the Main River, covers art, history and culture for a variety of interests.
6. Düsseldorf, Germany
One of the many beautiful water canal parks in Dusseldorf, Germany. Getty Images
Population: 639,407 (city), 10.6 million (metro area)
Language: German
Average summer temperature: 76°F (24°C)
Average winter temperature: 42°F (6°C)
Cultural Highlight: Düsseldorf
The Rhine Tower is 789 feet tall. Getty Images
Ride the Rheinturm (Rhine Tower) for panoramic city views and explore riverside parks and cultural sites.
3. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Tied)
Getting new perspectives of Vancouver from the wing of Harbour Air. Getty Images
Population: 631,486 (city), 2.4 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi
Average summer temperature: 72°F (22°C)
Average winter temperature: 44°F (7°C)
Cultural Highlight: Vancouver
Stanley Park is a 1,001-acre park that holds the Vancouver Aquarium, which received an $80 million expansion in 2006. Getty Images
Stanley Park, a vast urban green space, includes the Vancouver Aquarium and extensive trails for outdoor recreation.
3. Munich, Germany (Tied)
Munich is the capital of Bavaria in Southern Germany. It is located on the banks of the River Isar — just north of the Bavarian Alps. Getty Images
Population: 1.5 million (city), 6 million (metro area)
Language: German
Average summer temperature: 76°F (24°C)
Average winter temperature: 38°F (3°C)
Cultural Highlight: Munich
The Hofbräuhaus was built in 1589, and the general public has been drinking there since 1828. Getty Images
Munich’s historic beer halls like the Hofbräuhaus remain central to the city’s social life and cultural identity.
3. Auckland, New Zealand (Tied)
Take an evening stroll through Auckland’s biggest marina, and you could see the cityscape from a whole new angle. Getty Images
Population: 1.5 million
Languages: English (primary), Maori
Average summer temperature: 66°F (19°C)
Average winter temperature: 52°F (11°C)
Cultural Highlight: Auckland
The Auckland Art Gallery has been open since 1888 and has over 17,000 works in its collection. Getty Images
The Auckland Art Gallery holds a broad collection of national and international art and is a key cultural institution in the city.
2. Zurich, Switzerland
Can you imagine just how narrow and twisty Zurich’s streets are? Getty Images
Population: 400,000 (city), 1.83 million (metro area)
Language: German
Average summer temperature: 75°F (24°C)
Average winter temperature: 37°F (3°C)
Cultural Highlight: Zurich
Stars light up the streets at Christmas time in the old town area of Zurich. Getty Images
Zurich’s Old Town offers historic churches, museums and boutique shopping framed by narrow, atmospheric streets.
1. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is Austria’s federal capital city, with a population of about 1.8 million people. Getty Images
Population: 1.8 million (city), 2.6 million (metro area)
Language: German
Average summer temperature: 80°F (27°C)
Average winter temperature: 39°F (4°C)
Cultural Highlight: Vienna
Schonbrunn Palace is one of Vienna’s most popular tourist destinations. Schloss Schönbrunn / Getty Images
Vienna tops Mercer’s list with its rich cultural life, historic architecture and famous attractions such as the Baroque Schönbrunn Palace and its expansive gardens.