A global survey of the best cities for 2025 sheds light on what makes urban spaces extraordinary. For some, it’s the vibrant streets, affordable eats, and bustling hubs. For others, it’s green escapes, community vibes, and happiness levels. The rankings, shaped by the input of 22,000 people across 30 countries, focused on wealth, livability, and popularity.
London topped the list, followed by New York and Paris in second and third. Tokyo secured fourth place, leading Asia. Singapore, Rome, Madrid, and Barcelona rounded out the top eight. Dubai ranked 13th, earning recognition as the Middle East’s best city.
For Pakistani youth dreaming of global recognition for their cities, the results are sobering. Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore didn’t make the top 100 in Kearney’s Global Cities Report. In the Global Cities Index by Oxford Economics, Karachi languished at 918th, with Islamabad and Lahore at 578th and 878th, respectively. As London and New York dominate, it’s time to rethink what makes our cities competitive.
