There’s one new entry from the UK in the latest annual Europe’s Best Cities rankings, produced by Resonance Consultancy, and several big risers.
The rankings are based on a variety of factors, from education and culture to industry and disposable household income.
Each city is given a rating for ‘livability’, ‘lovability’ and ‘prosperity’.
Livability takes into account the affordability of housing, air quality, healthcare and green spaces, among other things.
The lovability rating is based on criteria including the quality of nightlife, shopping, museums and restaurants.
And the prosperity ranking is calculated by considering factors such as the GDP per capita, the poverty rate and the proportion of residents with a university degree.
Below are all the UK cities included in the 2025 list of Europe’s Best Cities, compiled by Resonance Consultancy, which describes itself as a leading advisor in tourism, real estate and economic development.
The cities are listed in reverse order, with the livability, lovability and prosperity ranking for each included, along with where they placed in the 2024 list.
What do you think is the UK’s best city and why?
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9. Southampton - 10th
Southampton is the 10th best city in the UK and 61st in Europe, down from 49th last year, according to Resonance Consultancy's 2025 list of Europe's 100 Best Cities. It is ranked 46th for livability, 108th for lovability and 47th for prosperity. | Southampton Airport/Google Photo: Southampton Airport/Google

10. Sheffield - 9th
Sheffield is the ninth best city in the UK and 57th in Europe, up from 71st last year, according to Resonance Consultancy's 2025 list of Europe's 100 Best Cities. It is ranked 38th for livability, 79th for lovability and 61st for prosperity. | Dean Atkins/National World Photo: Dean Atkins/National World

11. Oxford - 8th
Oxford is the eighth best city in the UK and 56th in Europe, down from 25th last year, according to Resonance Consultancy's 2025 list of Europe's 100 Best Cities. It is ranked 70th for livability, 94th for lovability and 37th for prosperity. | Google Photo: Google

12. Leeds - 7th
Leeds is the seventh best city in the UK and 47th in Europe, up from 48th last year, according to Resonance Consultancy's 2025 list of Europe's 100 Best Cities. It is ranked 35th for livability, 64th for lovability and 60th for prosperity. | Historic England Archive/Heritage Images via Getty Images Photo: Historic England Archive/Heritage Images via Getty Images

