There’s something nice and dreamy about having the opportunity to live somewhere else for a year or so. Or more if you like. You can explore a new part of the world, learn about different traditions and cuisines, and even try your skills at mastering a foreign language.
Maybe you are inspired by A Year in Provence or Eat Pray Love. Or simply want to create your own little adventure, borrowing just a little from Under The Tuscan Sun. Whatever your reasons are, perhaps the top 10 cities in the EIU Global Liveability Index 2022 might interest you.
So which cities make up the top 10? According to the EIU Index, these are Vienna, Copenhagen, Zurich, Calgary, Vancouver, Geneva, Frankfurt, Toronto, Amsterdam, Osaka, and Melbourne.
Now it’s important to note that the Global Livability Index is produced each year by the Economist Intelligence Unit of The Economist, which rates cities on more than 30 factors across five weighted categories: stability, health care, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. So if you are thinking of setting up a home in any of these cities, you know you will be in good hands, so to speak.
You could use your time to explore what these cities and countries offer – getting more out of them than an average tourist. Visit local markets, festivals and fairs, explore popular haunts and cafes, take a class or two, make friends…
While Travel Times has covered many of these cities in a number of ways – deals, cruises, touristy things to do and more, we put together some travel inspiration for you here again.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is on the top of the list having scored highly – a total index of 99.1 out of 100. Vienna is always at the top of everyone’s list because it offers a lot to travellers of every kind. But at Christmas, it becomes all the more special with its enchanting Christmas markets. In fact, online travel company Click&Go reviewed their most popular Christmas Market destinations, and Vienna was second on their list! If you were to live in Vienna for a while, we would like to know – what are the things that would be at the top of your list?
Copenhagen, Denmark
Whether you are thinking of bicycling across Copenhagen or strolling across its historic city centre, or being like a local and setting up home and getting ‘immersed in hygge’ – you are in for a treat. We also have a lovely article about how to do Copenhagen on a budget, and it may give you the inspiration you need. You may also find that at the end of your long holiday or living abroad in Copenhagen, you are a pro at enjoying the small and good things in life together with the people you care about. Isn’t that what hygge is all about?
Zurich, Switzerland
This largest city in Switzerland boasts of many good things – excellent quality of life, amazing museums, stunning views, high ranking universities…No wonder it’s third on the list. What would you do if you had a year in Zurich? Do let us know in comments.
Calgary, Canada
Calgary is a cosmopolitan city which has a lot going for it. Whether you want to spend your months visiting its top attractions or make the most of its constantly evolving neighbourhoods and diversity – you would have a very eventful trip and year.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver has often ranked in the top ten of the world’s most livable cities. It’s renowned for its innovative programmes in the areas of environmental sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity. A lot of tourists and those in the know also vouch for Vancouver as a city that offers a very good work-life balance. Would you head to Vancouver for a year? Let us know.
Geneva, Switzerland
Whether Geneva has been in your list for its breathtaking scenery, absolutely amazing wines and cheese, (not to forget the chocolates) or for getting trained in watchmaking – it’s a good place to be. Geneva is also a city of world diplomats – you can find the headquarters of the United Nations, the World Health Organisation, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, the World Trade Organization, and the International Air Transport Association. And these are just a few.
Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt holds the reputation of being one of the largest financial hubs in Europe. Whether you want to head there for its lovely sausages, or for the views of the Main, or its exceptional art and history museums, you won’t be disappointed.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto has consistently scored high in many lists and rankings. It is considered to be one of the best cities in the world to do business, ranked at the top often when it comes to global competitiveness, innovation and quality of life. Of course, there is plenty to do and see there as well, and we would love to hear your take on this city.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam has world-class museums, quirky festivals, a lively theatre scene and great avenues for live music. It also helps that it has plenty of laid-back bars and lovely restaurants. Amsterdam has a well-established and thriving business ecosystem and attracts talent from across the world. Doesn’t matter if you are tourist, a digital nomad or looking to spend a year living there – you are guaranteed to get the best out of your experience.
Osaka, Japan
Osaka is known for many things – its exciting nightlife, sumptuous food and friendly locals. It also has plenty of history and plus, if you visit it during the cherry blossom season, you will never forget the beautiful scenes. If you stay for longer, and set up home, you can enjoy all the seasonal festivals, like Tenjin Matsuri, Kishiwada Danjiri and Ebessan.
Melbourne, Australia
Who doesn’t like Melbourne? Whether you’re attracted to its plentiful beaches, amazing bayside eateries or its excellent nightlife, Melbourne doesn’t ever disappoint. It is also culturally very diverse and is a good place to try out different cuisines, and most amenities of life are at an easy reach.
