Lisbon ranked world’s third best city for quality of life

Lisbon has been ranked the third best city in the world for quality of life by British lifestyle magazine Monocle, climbing two places in its 2026 global survey and finishing behind only Tokyo and Copenhagen.

The Portuguese capital placed ahead of Vienna, Sydney, Zurich, Madrid, Paris, Munich and Oslo in the publication’s annual Quality of Life Survey, which assesses cities on factors including safety, mobility, governance, culture, green spaces and urban liveability.

Monocle credited Lisbon’s high ranking to a combination of natural advantages and long-term public investment, highlighting its 2,806 hours of sunshine each year, renowned gastronomy, historic architecture, low crime rates, vibrant cultural scene and continued improvements to public transport.

The magazine also pointed to ongoing investment in the city’s transport network, including the announcement of Lisbon’s first new tram line in almost 70 years.

According to the survey, Lisbon has around 550,000 residents, rising to three million across the metropolitan area. The city offers 25% urban green space, a €40.50 monthly public transport pass, 144 international airport destinations, and a 1.9% cycling modal share.

Despite the podium finish, Monocle warned that Lisbon risks becoming a victim of its own popularity. The magazine said the growing number of international residents is putting increasing pressure on housing, public services and the cost of living.

Housing was identified as one of the city’s biggest challenges, with the publication urging policymakers to ensure Lisbon does not become divided between long-term local residents and wealthier expatriates.

The magazine also suggested improvements to transport across the River Tagus, calling for more efficient, electric and frequent ferry services. It further recommended reducing the number of tuk-tuks operating in the city centre, arguing they contribute to traffic congestion and disrupt Lisbon’s historic tram network.

Monocle’s 2026 ranking was based on responses from correspondents in 40 cities, using 30 criteria covering safety, connectivity, public services, green spaces, culture, retail, restaurants and overall urban life. This year’s edition also placed greater emphasis on ambition, civic optimism and security, while incorporating data from property consultancy Knight Frank and the Copenhagenize Index 2025.

The top 10 cities in the 2026 survey are:

Tokyo

Copenhagen

Lisbon

Vienna

Sydney

Zurich

Madrid

Paris

Munich

Oslo

Inês Lopes

Newspaper editor at The Portugal Resident