Europe is a continent of amazing cities brimming with rich histories and diverse cultures. However, like anything else, some make better places to live than others.
Using the European Commission’s 2023 Survey on the Quality of Life in European Cities, Express.co.uk has set out the 10 ‘best’ and ‘worst’ places to settle on the continent.
The survey asked respondents whether they were “satisfied” with living in their city.
Although you may think you’ve got a good idea of which cities came out on top, some of the lowest-scoring cities are among Europe’s most famous.
Let’s start with the top ten ‘best’ cities, starting with number 10…
10. Braga, Portugal
Braga, which received a score of 94 percent, can be found in the far north of Portugal, near the Spanish border.
The city is known for its religious heritage. A great example of this is the Bom Jesus do Monte complex found to the east of Braga.
It has a neoclassical church at the top of an elaborate 17-flight stairway.
The medieval Cathedral in the centre of the city is home to a sacred art museum and the Kings’ Chapel, notable for its gothic styling.
(Image: Getty)
9. Cluj-Napoca, Romania
The second-most populous city in Romania, Cluj-Napoca, which scored high in the survey with 94 percent, is the unofficial capital of Transylvania.
The city found in the north-west of the country, is home to universities, exciting nightlife as well as landmarks which date back to Saxon and Hungarian rule.
Piața Unirii, the central square, is surrounded by the Gothic St. Michael’s Church and the striking Matthias Corvinus Statue.
(Image: Getty)
8. Rostock, Germany
Running through Rostock in the north of Germany is the beautiful Warnow River.
The city, which the survey found 94 percent of people are satisfied living there, is a great educational centre, best exemplified by Rostock University, founded in 1419.
The city boasts a fabulous botanical garden. Meanwhile, the germanic old town holds the Gothic St. Mary’s Church, which itself features a 15th-century astronomical clock.
Rostock has plenty of cobbled streets and various architectural styles, including Gothic and Baroque.
(Image: Getty)
7. Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva, the picture perfect Swiss city found at the edge of Lac Léman, otherwise known as Lake Geneva.
This gorgeous city, with a score of 95 percent, is surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, and presents astonishing views of Mont Blanc.
As well as offering amazing scenery, the city is known for as a hub of diplomacy and financial services. For example, the headquarters of Europe’s United Nations is found in Geneva, as is the Red Cross.
Although a Swiss city, Geneva’s French influences is impossible to miss.
(Image: Getty)
6. Stockholm, Sweden
The capital of Sweden, Stockholm is gorgeously Scandinavian.
It’s the country and indeed the entire Nordic regions’ most populous city.
Although it’s one city, Stockholm, which the survey found 95 percent of people are satisfied living here, is actually made up of 14 islands and boasts more than 50 bridges.
(Image: Getty)
