Cities With the Best Quality of Life
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Mercer ranked cities with the best quality of life.If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose? Somewhere with a good quality of life would be a good place to start. Mercer, a human resources consulting firm, ranks cities around the world with a quality of living report to help companies determine compensation for employees sent to work abroad.
The cities are rated based on 39 factors, grouped into the following 10 categories:
- Social environment including politics and crime
- Economic environment
- Limitations on personal freedoms
- Medical and health considerations
- Schools and education
- Public services and transportation
- Recreation and entertainment
- Consumer goods
- Housing
- Natural environment and climate
Did your city make the cut? Let's take a closer look.
60. Leipzig, Germany
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Leipzig has beautiful canals and harbors. It is Saxony's most populous city.Population: 597,493 (city), 1 million (metro area)
Languages: German
Average temperature summer: 66 degrees (19 C)
Average temperature winter: 34 degrees (1 C)
Note: Rankings are based on the 2019 quality of living report by Mercer. All initial temperatures are Fahrenheit.
Cultural Highlight: Leipzig
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The Leipzig Opera house is a source of cultural pride for residents.The Leipzig Opera is one of the most well-regarded in the country and cements the city's reputation as a musical center.
59. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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Pittsburgh was once an industrial center due to its location at the confluence of three rivers.Population: 302,205 (city), 2.37 million (metro area)
Languages: English
Average temperature summer: 73.2 degrees (22.9 C)
Average temperature winter: 28.8 degrees (-1.8 C)
Cultural Highlight: Pittsburgh
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There are four Carnegie museums in Pittsburgh: Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, Carnegie Science Center and The Andy Warhol Museum.Established in 1895 by Andrew Carnegie, the Carnegie Museum of Art houses works by artists like Van Gogh, Monet and Gaugin.
It also displays local Pittsburgh artists and has a collection of objects from around the world. These include ancient Greek vases, relics from the Shang dynasty in China and sacred Hindu statues.
58. Osaka, Japan
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Osaka is known for its modern downtown and restless nightlife.Population: 2.69 million (city), 19.3 million (metro area)
Languages: Japanese
Average temperature summer: 92 degrees (33.5 C)
Average temperature winter: 49 degrees (9.3 C)
Cultural Highlight: Osaka
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The Osaka Castle is one of the most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing in the spring.Osaka Castle was built in the 16th century and continues to be the city's main cultural landmark.
It is known for its beautiful white, green and gold exterior as well as its impressively tall defensive stone wall.
57. Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Aberdeen is known for its cold but beautiful shoreline.Population: 200,680 (city), 489,815 (metro area)
Languages: English
Average temperature summer: 57 degrees (13.9 C)
Average temperature winter: 40.1 degrees (4.5 C)
Cultural Highlight: Aberdeen
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Aberdeen University King's College was built in the 15th century and continues to operate.King's College at Aberdeen University was founded in 1495.
It is now one of Scotland's oldest colleges and most important historical buildings.
56. Rome, Italy
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Rome was the capital and cultural center of the powerful Roman Empire.Population: 2.87 million (city), 4.34 million (metro area)
Languages: Italian
Average temperature summer: 89.1 degrees (31.7 C)
Average temperature winter: 54.7 degrees (12.6 C)
Cultural Highlight: Rome
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The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world.Rome's magnificent Colosseum was built in 69 A.D. The amphitheater was famously used to host entertainment, including gladiator fights, chariot races, processions and even mock naval battles where the stage would be completely flooded.
It continues to be one of humanity's most important structures.
55. Yokohama, Japan
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Yokohama is part of the Tokyo-Yokohama Metropolitan area, the largest in Japan.Population: 3.7 million (city), 38.3 million (metro area)
Languages: Japanese
Average temperature summer: 78.2 degrees (25.7 C)
Average temperature winter: 41.6 degrees (5.4 C)
Cultural Highlight: Yokohama
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Yokohama is known for its modern architecture.The Yokohama Museum of Art has been showcasing contemporary art since 1989. It is known for its surrealist and dadaist collections.
It has works by world-famous artists like Dali, Picasso and Max Ernst as well as Japanese artists like Yasumasa Morimura.
54. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
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Despite being steeped in U.S. history, Philly still has a "small town" feel.Population: 1.6 million (city), 6.1 million (metro area)
Languages: English
Average temperature summer: 88 degrees (31 C)
Average temperature winter: 40 degrees (4 C)
Cultural Highlight: Philadelphia
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Geno's Steaks in Philadelphia and Pat's King of Steaks (located across the street) are the city's most famous cheesesteak restaurants.At Independence Hall, see where both the United States' Declaration of Independence and Constitution were debated and signed.
And, of course, there are the cheesesteaks.
53. Washington, D.C., United States
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As long as you don't mind talking politics, Washington, D.C., offers many amazing neighborhoods with diverse cultural opportunities.Population: 694,000 (city), 6.1 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), Spanish
Average temperature summer: 88 degrees (31 C)
Average temperature winter: 43 degrees (6 C)
Cultural Highlight: Washington, D.C.
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The National Mall has the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.The National Mall has it all, from iconic American monuments to the museums of the Smithsonian Institution.
49. Kobe, Japan (Tied)
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If you visit Kobe (and you should), be sure to spend time in hotspot neighborhoods such as Kitano-chõ, Nankinmachi Chinatown and Sannomiya Station.Population: 1.5 million (city), 19.3 million (metro area)
Languages: Japanese
Average temperature summer: 87 degrees (31 C)
Average temperature winter: 47 degrees (8 C)
Cultural Highlight: Kobe
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The Ikuta Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan.Dating to the third century, the exquisite Ikuta Shrine is one of the country's oldest Shintu shrines.
49. Birmingham, England, United Kingdom (Tied)
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Leave London and head three hours northwest to find the lovely city of Birmingham.Population: 1.1 million (city), 4.3 million (metro area)
Languages: English
Average temperature summer: 70 degrees (21 C)
Average temperature winter: 44 degrees (7 C)
Cultural Highlight: Birmingham
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Brindleyplace is home to scores of shops, bars and restaurants.On the banks of Birmingham's canals, Brindleyplace brims with restaurants, bars, museums and entertainment venues.
49. Tokyo, Japan (Tied)
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Old meets new in Tokyo, Japan.Population: 13.6 million (city), 38.3 million (metro area)
Languages: Japanese
Average temperature summer: 85 degrees (29 C)
Average temperature winter: 50 degrees (10 C)
Cultural Highlight: Tokyo
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The 2,080-foot-tall Tokyo Skytree is the second-tallest structure in the world.The world's tallest observation tower, the Tokyo Skytree soars 2,080 feet above the megalopolis.
49. Chicago, Illinois, United States (Tie)
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Next time you are in Chicago, catch a Cubs game, then head to The Wieners Circle and enjoy their famously surly staffers.Population: 2.7 million (city); 9.5 million (metro area)
Language(s): English (primary), Spanish, Polish
Average temperature summer: 84 degrees (29 C)
Average temperature winter: 31 degrees (-1 C)
Cultural Highlight: Chicago
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The Cloud Gate is the centerpiece of the AT&T Plaza at Millennium Park.Chicago's skyscrapers set the backdrop for Millennium Park, graced with artsy outdoor sculptures, a music pavilion, a dazzling fountain and an ice skating rink.
48. Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Glasgow is Scotland's biggest city.Population: 621,000 (city), 1.8 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), Scots
Average temperature summer: 68 degrees (20 C)
Average temperature winter: 44 degrees (7 C)
Cultural Highlight: Glasgow
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The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Scotland is one of the country's most popular attractions.The impressive Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum displays works by the likes of Rembrandt, Monet, Renoir and Dalí.
46. Madrid, Spain (Tie)
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Madrid is a vibrant city filled with cultural experiences and a bustling nightlife.Population: 3.1 million (city), 6.7 million (metro area)
Languages: Spanish
Average temperature summer: 90 degrees (32 C)
Average temperature winter: 50 degrees (10 C)
Cultural Highlight: Madrid
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The Inner Court of the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid.The Golden Triangle of Art consists of three major art museums: the Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
46. Seattle, Washington, United States (Tie)
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This Northwest urban hub is surrounded by water, mountains and stunning forests.Population: 725,000 (city), 3.8 million (metro area)
Languages: English
Average temperature summer: 76 degrees (24 C)
Average temperature winter: 47 degrees (8 C)
Cultural Highlight: Seattle
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Fishmonger Jaison Scott tosses a fresh salmon at the Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle.Pike Place Market is the go-to place for superb seafood, specialty shops and a sense of Seattle community.
45. Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Street performers and artists abound at Scotland's famed Edinburgh Festival.Population: 465,000 (city), 1.3 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), Scots
Average temperature summer: 66 degrees (19 C)
Average temperature winter: 45 degrees (7 C)
Cultural Highlight: Edinburgh
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Edinburgh Castle was attacked at least 26 times during its 1,110-year history, making it the most attacked castle in the world.Big, brooding Edinburgh Castle is the city's must-see historic attraction.
44. New York, New York, United States
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New York's Central Park is a remarkable outdoor haven in the middle of this sprawling urban city.Population: 8.6 million (city), 20.3 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), Spanish, Chinese
Average temperature summer: 84 degrees (29 C)
Average temperature winter: 38 degrees (3 C)
Cultural Highlight: New York City
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The Met is the biggest art museum in the United States and one of the most famous museums in the world.Gaze out at Manhattan from atop the Empire State Building, visit the Met or indulge in the city's many five-star restaurants.
43. Barcelona, Spain
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Barcelona is home to beach bums, football fanatics, and foodies alike.Population: 1.6 million (city), 4.8 million (metro area)
Languages: Spanish, Catalan (primary languages)
Average temperature summer: 84 degrees (29 C)
Average temperature winter: 59 degrees (15 C)
Cultural Highlight: Barcelona
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The Sagrada Família combines Gothic and Art Nouveau forms. Its principal architect, Antoni Gaudi, is buried in its crypt.With its bizarre Gothic/Art Nouveau towers, Sagrada Família basilica stands as the city's signature architectural landmark.
41. Milan, Italy (Tie)
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Milan is one of Italy's most fashion-forward cities, and a major business center for the region.Population: 1.4 million (city), 5.3 million (metro area)
Languages: Italian
Average temperature summer: 85 degrees (29 C)
Average temperature winter: 43 degrees (6 C)
Cultural Highlight: Milan
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The ceiling of the Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. The refectory contains the mural of "The Last Supper."Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" mural adorns a wall of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
41. London, England, United Kingdom (Tie)
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Downtown London is home to some of the world's most striking modern skyscrappers.Population: 8.8 million (city), 14 million (metro area)
Languages: English
Average temperature summer: 74 degrees (23 C)
Average temperature winter: 47 degrees (8 C)
Cultural Highlight: London
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The Great Court in the British Museum was built in 2000.Housing some eight million objects, the British Museum ranks among the world's largest and most comprehensive history museums.
40. Lyon, France
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Tourists too often flock to Paris and overlook Lyon, but the locals don't.Population: 513,275 (city), 2.2 million (metro area)
Languages: French
Average temperature summer: 82 degrees (28 C)
Average temperature winter: 44 degrees (7 C)
Cultural Highlight: Lyon
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The Lyon Cathedral, formally known as the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon, has held the Festival of Lights since 1643.Built in 1480, the Gothic-style Lyon Cathedral is among the city's must-see historic churches.
39. Paris, France
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Oh, Paris, the food, the wine, the cheese!Population: 2.2 million (city), 12.4 million (metro area)
Languages: French
Average temperature summer: 77 degrees (25 C)
Average temperature winter: 45 degrees (7 C)
Cultural Highlight: Paris
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The Louvre is the largest and most-visited art museum in the entire world.The world's most-visited art museum, the Louvre is home to the "Mona Lisa."
37. Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (Tie)
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If you love beaches and tropical weather, you'll love Honolulu's famed Waikiki Beach.Population: 360,000 (city), 953,000 (metro area)
Languages: English (primary); Tagalog, Ilocano, Japanese
Average temperature summer: 88 degrees (31 C)
Average temperature winter: 80 degrees (26 C)
Cultural Highlight: Honolulu
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The Hawaiian Hall of the The Bernice Pauahi in the Bishop Museum.Ogle the world's largest trove of Polynesian cultural artifacts and natural history specimens at the Bishop Museum.
37. Lisbon, Portugal (Tie)
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Lisbon, Portugal, sits on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.Population: 505,526 (city), 2.8 million (metro area)
Languages: Portuguese
Average temperature summer: 82 degrees (28 C)
Average temperature winter: 59 degrees (15 C)
Cultural Highlight: Lisbon
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Belem Tower was constructed in 1519 and guarded the banks of the Tagus River.Visit one of the city's most famed landmarks, the Gothic-style Belém Tower (or Tower of Saint Vincent), which dates to the 16th century.
36. Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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Boston is a big college town (home of Harvard and MIT, as well as many other top schools) with avid sports fans. Never, ever, wear a New York Yankees cap in Boston.Population: 685,094 (city), 4.6 million (metro area)
Languages: English
Average temperature summer: 81 degrees (27 C)
Average temperature winter: 36 degrees (1 C)
Cultural Highlight: Boston
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Boston Red Sox players take the field for a baseball game against the New York Yankees in 1912 throwback uniforms at Fenway Park in Boston, on April 20, 2012.Catch a Boston Red Sox game at storied Fenway Park, the oldest stadium in Major League Baseball.
35. Brisbane, Australia
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The heart of Queensland, Australia, also offers plenty of outdoor recreation.Population: 2.4 million
Languages: English
Average temperature summer: 87 degrees (31 C)
Average temperature winter: 71 degrees (22 C)
Cultural Highlight: Brisbane
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The Wheel of Brisbane is a 197-foot-tall Ferris wheel that can hold 336 people.On the banks of the Brisbane River, the South Bank Parklands feature a riverfront promenade, green spaces, a beach, an outdoor amphitheater, restaurants and a 197-foot-high Ferris wheel.
34. San Francisco, California, United States
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San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge.Population: 884,363 (city), 4.7 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), Spanish, Chinese
Average temperature summer: 67 degrees (19 C)
Average temperature winter: 57 degrees (14 C)
Cultural Highlight: San Francisco
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San Francisco is known for its hilly streets and historic buildings and numerous places to eat world-class food.One of the world's great food cities, San Francisco is famed for its Dungeness crab, Mission-style burritos, Italian restaurants, Ghirardelli Chocolate and innovative California cuisine.
34. Dublin, Ireland
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Ireland's capital city boasts amazing restaurants, pubs, and many of the finest beers in the world.Population: 553,165 (city), 1.9 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary); Irish
Average temperature summer: 68 degrees (20 C)
Average temperature winter: 48 degrees (9 C)
Cultural Highlight: Dublin
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The area around St. Stephen's Green is a good place to have a pint.Quaff a pint of Guinness at one of the city's countless pubs. The area around St. Stephen's Green is a solid bet.
32. Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Calgary was built at the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River in the south of Alberta, Canada.Population: 1.2 million (city), 1.4 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), French
Average temperature summer: 76 degrees (24 C)
Average temperature winter: 32 degrees (0 C)
Cultural Highlight: Calgary
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The 2019 Calagary Stampede as seen from a chair lift.One of the world's largest rodeos, the annual Calgary Stampede kicks up dust in July.
It also features rides, food booths and attractions.
31. Helsinki, Finland
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Helsinki is the capital of Finland and has one of the highest urban standards of living in the world.Population: 642,045 (city), 1.5 million (metro area)
Languages: Finnish (primary), Swedish
Average temperature summer: 71 degrees (22 C)
Average temperature winter: 30 degrees (-1 C)
Cultural Highlight: Helsinki
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The Ateneum is the most famous art museum in Finland.Among the three museums comprising the Finnish National Gallery is the Ateneum, an art museum displaying works by Cézanne, van Gogh and a wealth of Finnish painters.
30. Canberra, Australia
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The parliament house in Canberra.Population: 403,468
Languages: English
Average temperature summer: 84 degrees (29 C)
Average temperature winter: 53 degrees (12 C)
Cultural Highlight: Canberra
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A gorgeous shot of Canberra at dusk from its Red Hill lookout point.See kangaroos, koalas and wallabies at the National Zoo and Aquarium.
29. Adelaide, Australia
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The River Torrens in Adelaide, Australia.Population: 1.3 million
Languages: English
Average temperature summer: 82 degrees (28 C)
Average temperature winter: 60 degrees (16 C)
Cultural Highlight: Adelaide
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An aerial view of the Adelaide Oval.Australian Rules Football fanatics pack Adelaide Oval stadium to root on the city's two pro teams: the Adelaide Crows and the Port Adelaide Power.
28. Brussels, Belgium
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Brussels serves as the de facto capital of the European Union.Population: 1.2 million (city), 2.1 million (metro area)
Languages: French (primary), Dutch
Average temperature summer: 73 degrees (23 C)
Average temperature winter: 42 degrees (6 C)
Cultural Highlight: Brussels
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The Grand Place during the 2018 Flower Carpet Festival.Considered one of Europe's most beautiful city squares, the Grand Place attracts visitors and locals alike to its outdoor cafes and extensive city history museum.
27. Stuttgart, Germany
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Stuttgart is a beautiful city.Population: 624,000 (city), 5.3 million (metro area)
Languages: German
Average temperature summer: 79 degrees (26 C)
Average temperature winter: 39 degrees (4 C)
Cultural Highlight: Stuggart
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The Staatsgalerie Stuttgart is one of the best museums in Europe.Admire works by Dali, Matisse and Picasso at the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart museum.
25. Oslo, Norway (Tie)
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The city harbor in Oslo, Norway.Population: 673,469 (city), 1.6 million (metro area)
Languages: Norwegian
Average temperature summer: 71 degrees (22 C)
Average temperature winter: 30 degrees (-1 C)
Cultural Highlight: Oslo
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Colorful townhouses in a residential area of Oslo.The Munch Museum displays Norwegian artist Edvard Munch's famed painting "The Scream."
25. Singapore, Singapore (Tie)
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Old meets new in Singapore's Chinatown.Population: 5.6 million
Languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil (primary languages)
Average temperature summer: 88 degrees (31 C)
Average temperature winter: 87 degrees (30 C)
Cultural Highlight: Singapore
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The ArtsScience Museum and Marina Bay Sands are two iconic cultural landmarks in Singapore.The lotus flower-shaped ArtScience Museum hosts major touring exhibitions from around the world.
23. Nuremberg, Germany (Tied)
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Nuremberg was built along the shores of the Pegnitz River.Population: 518,000 (city), 3.5 million (metro area)
Languages: German
Average temperature summer: 80 degrees (27 C)
Average temperature winter: 37 degrees (3 C)
Cultural Highlight: Nuremberg
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The Germanisches Nationalmuseum houses German cultural artifacts and art, with 25,000 items on exhibition.The country's largest museum of cultural history, Germanisches Nationalmuseum displays some 25,000 objects dating from antiquity to the present.
23. Stockholm, Sweden (Tied)
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Old town square in Stockholm, Sweden.Population: 952,000 (city), 2.3 million (metro area)
Languages: Swedish (primary), Finnish
Average temperature summer: 73 degrees (23 C)
Average temperature winter: 33 degrees (1 C)
Cultural Highlight: Stockholm
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Drottingholm Palace is a 360,000-square-foot palace that is home to Sweden's Royal Family.Not only is lavish Drottningholm Palace the residence of the Swedish royal family, but it's also a popular tourist attraction with formal gardens, a Chinese-themed pavilion and an opera theater.
21. Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Tied)
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You'll notice European influences when walking the streets of "Old Montreal" in Quebec, Canada.Population: 1.7 million (city), 4.1 million (metro area)
Languages: French, English (primary languages)
Average temperature summer: 79 degrees (26 C)
Average temperature winter: 24 degrees (-4 C)
Cultural Highlight: Montreal
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Buildings in the Old Montreal section of Montreal date back to the 1500s.Chock-a-block with historic buildings — some dating to the 17th and 18th centuries — the downtown area boasts 50 designated National Historic Sites of Canada.
21. Perth, Australia (Tied)
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The iconic Elizabeth Quay Footbridge in Perth, Australia.Population: 2 million
Languages: English
Average temperature summer: 90 degrees (32 C)
Average temperature winter: 65 degrees (18 C)
Cultural Highlight: Perth
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There's always something new to see in the Perth Cultural Centre, which has several art galleries and the State Library of Western Australia.The Perth Cultural Centre hosts four major museums, including the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
19. Hamburg, Germany (Tie)
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The very modern Kehrwiederspitze and Elbphilharmonie in the HafenCity of Hamburg.Population: 1.8 million (city); 5.1 million (metro area)
Languages: German
Average temperature summer: 72 degrees (22 C)
Average temperature winter: 38 degrees (3 C)
Cultural Highlight: Hamburg
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The Planten un Blomen is a 116-acre park that is a popular destination for its water-spouting light concerts and various performances.Hamburg's central urban park, the 116-acre Planten un Blomen, offers a botanical garden, public theater, roller/ice skating rink, and an evening fountain/light show on the park's lake.
19. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Tie)
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Parliament Hill on the Rideau Canal, in Ottawa, Canada.Population: 964,743 (city); 1.3 million (metro area)
Languages: English, French (primary languages)
Average temperature summer: 80 degrees (27 C)
Average temperature winter: 22 degrees (-6 C)
Cultural Highlight: Ottawa
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The ByWard Market is one of the oldest farmers markets in Canada. The ByWard Market bustles with shoppers browsing stalls selling specialty foods, fresh produce, flowers and souvenirs.
18. Luxembourg, Luxembourg
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Luxembourg City is located at the confluence of the Alzette and Pétrusse Rivers in southern Luxembourg.Population: 116,323
Languages: Luxembourgish, a mix of German and French
Average temperature summer: 74 degrees (23 C)
Average temperature winter: 38 degrees (3 C)
Cultural Highlight: Luxembourg
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The Musée Dräi Eechelen, located in an ancient fort, has a permanent exhibition that tells the history of Luxembourg. The fully restored 18th-century Fort Thüngen houses the city's history museum, Musée Dräi Eechelen.
17. Melbourne, Australia
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Boats in the St. Kilda harbor, in front of the Melbourne skyline.Population: 4.9 million
Languages: English
Average temperature summer: 79 degrees (26 C)
Average temperature winter: 58 degrees (14 C)
Cultural Highlight: Melbourne
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The Arts Centre Melbourne's Spire is the centerpiece to the city's dazzling complex of theaters and concert halls.Concert halls, live performance theaters and art galleries attract culture mavens to the Arts Centre Melbourne complex.
16. Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Toronto is the largest city in Canada and is considered one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in the world.Population: 2.7 million (city); 6 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), Chinese, Spanish, Italian, French
Average temperature summer: 81 degrees (27 C)
Average temperature winter: 31 degrees (-1 C)
Cultural Highlight: Toronto
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Toronto's Gooderham Building, built in 1892, is a great place to take photos when visiting.The city's pro sports teams include the NHL's Maple Leafs, MLB's Blue Jays and NBA's Raptors.
15. Wellington, New Zealand
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The Wellington Cable Car Trolley offers spectacular views of the ocean and city skyline.Population: 412,500
Languages: English (primary), Maori
Average temperature summer: 68 degrees (20 C)
Average temperature winter: 52 degrees (11 C)
Cultural Highlight: Wellington
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The Te Papa Tongarewa opened in 1998 and translates to "Container of Treasures." The waterfront Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa) houses a wealth of the country's cultural treasures.
14. Bern, Switzerland
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Bern is the Bundesstadt, or "federal city," of Switzerland. It's also a hub for outdoor activities.Population: 142,656 (city), 660,000 (metro area)
Languages: Swiss German
Average temperature summer: 76 degrees (24 C)
Average temperature winter: 37 degrees (3 C)
Cultural Highlight: Bern
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Bern's Old City has the 13th-century Zytglogge tower, which has a stunning 15th-century astronomical clock.Flush with medieval architecture, Bern's Old City area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
13. Berlin, Germany
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Nightlife along the Spree River in Berlin, Germany.Population: 3.7 million (city), 6 million (metro area)
Languages: German (primary), Turkish, Russian, Arabic, Polish, Kurdish, Serbo-Croatian
Average temperature summer: 77 degrees (25 C)
Average temperature winter: 38 degrees (3 C)
Cultural Highlight: Berlin
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Berlin's nightclub scene is one of the most vibrant and fascinating aspects of living in Berlin.The city's nightclub scene is perhaps Europe's most varied and vibrant.
11. Amsterdam, Netherlands (Tie)
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When in Amsterdam, bike like the locals do.Population: 851,573 (city), 2.4 million (metro area)
Languages: Dutch
Average temperature summer: 72 degrees (22 C)
Average temperature winter: 42 degrees (6 C)
Cultural Highlight: Amsterdam
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The Van Gogh Museum opened in 1973 and houses a comprehensive collection of van Gogh's works, including this one, "Van Gogh Self-Portrait in a Felt Hat."The Van Gogh Museum holds the globe's largest collection of works by the Post-Impressionist master.
11. Sydney, Australia (Tie)
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There's a lot more to Sydney, Australia, than its famous opera house.Population: 5.1 million
Languages: English
Average temperature summer: 80 degrees (27 C)
Average temperature winter: 63 degrees (17 C)
Cultural Highlight: Sydney
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Over eight million people visit the Sydney Opera House every year, one of the world's most famous buildings.On the shore of Sydney Harbour, catch a concert or play at the iconic Sydney Opera House.
10. Basel, Switzerland
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Riverfront in Basel, with a view of the Munster Cathedral.Population: 175,940
Languages: Swiss German (primary), French
Average temperature summer: 78 degrees (26 C)
Average temperature winter: 40 degrees (4 C)
Cultural Highlight: Basel
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Basel is home to Kunstmuseum, which opened in 1661 and was the first public museum in the world.Home to more than three dozen museums, Basel calls itself the "Cultural Capital of Switzerland."
9. Geneva, Switzerland
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An aerial view of Leman Lake in Geneva, Switzerland.Population: 198,979 (city), 489,524 (metro area)
Languages: French (primary), Spanish, Italian, German
Average temperature summer: 80 degrees (27 C)
Average temperature winter: 40 degrees (4 C)
Cultural Highlight: Geneva
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The Old Town section of Geneva is home to great restaurants and historic buildings.The winding, walkable streets of Geneva's Old Town are lined with museums, shops and outdoor cafes.
8. Copenhagen, Denmark
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Copenhagen, home to Michelin-starred Noma, one of the most celebrated restaurants in the world, offers world-class restaurants as well as lots of outdoor adventures.Population: 613,288 (city), 1.3 million (metro area)
Languages: Danish
Average temperature summer: 72 degrees (22 C)
Average temperature winter: 38 degrees (3 C)
Cultural Highlight: Copenhagen
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The Rosenborg Castle is a 17th-century landmark with extensive gardens that attract about 2.5 million people each year.Historic buildings, monuments, statues and formal gardens fill the gorgeous Rosenborg Castle Gardens (aka King's Garden), which dates to the 17th century.
7. Frankfurt, Germany
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"Old Town" in Frankfurt, Germany.Population: 732,688 (city), 5.6 million (metro area)
Languages: German
Average temperature summer: 78 degrees (26 C)
Average temperature winter: 40 degrees (4 C)
Cultural Highlight: Frankfurt
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The Historisches Museum is part of the Museumsufer on the Main.Museumsufer is a collection of 20 museums on the banks of the city's Main River.
6. Dusseldorf, Germany
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One of the many beautiful water canal parks in Dusseldorf, Germany.Population: 639,407 (city), 10.6 million (metro area)
Languages: German
Average temperature summer: 76 degrees (24 C)
Average temperature winter: 42 degrees (6 C)
Cultural Highlight: Dusseldorf
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The Rhine Tower is 789 feet tall.Get a lay of the land from the observation deck of the 789-foot-tall Rheinturm, or Rhine Tower.
3. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Tied)
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Getting new perspectives of Vancouver from the wing of Harbour Air.Population: 631,486 (city), 2.4 million (metro area)
Languages: English (primary), Cantonese, Chinese, Mandarin, Punjabi
Average temperature summer: 72 degrees (22 C)
Average temperature winter: 44 degrees (7 C)
Cultural Highlight: Vancouver
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Stanley Park is a 1,001-acre park that holds the Vancouver Aquarium, which received an $80 million expansion in 2006.The city's outdoor playground is forested Stanley Park, home to the excellent Vancouver Aquarium.
3. Munich, Germany (Tied)
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Munich is the capital of Bavaria in Southern Germany. It is located on the banks of the River Isar — just north of the Bavarian Alps.Population: 1.5 million (city), 6 million (metro area)
Languages: German
Average temperature summer: 76 degrees (24 C)
Average temperature winter: 38 degrees (3 C)
Cultural Highlight: Munich
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The Hofbräuhaus was built in 1589, and the general public has been drinking there since 1828. Head to the city center and hoist a brew at Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, one of the world's most famous beer halls.
3. Auckland, New Zealand (Tied)
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Take an evening stroll through Auckland's biggest marina, and you could see the cityscape from a whole new angle.Population: 1.5 million
Languages: English (primary), Maori
Average temperature summer: 66 degrees (19 C)
Average temperature winter: 52 degrees (11 C)
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Cultural Highlight: Auckland
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The Auckland Art Gallery has been open since 1888 and has over 17,000 works in its collection.The Auckland Art Gallery holds an impressive collection of national and international art
2. Zurich, Switzerland
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Can you imagine just how narrow and twisty Zurich's streets are?Population: 400,000 (city), 1.83 million (metro area)
Languages: German
Average temperature summer: 75 degrees (24 C)
Average temperature winter: 37 degrees (3 C)
Cultural Highlight: Zurich
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Stars light up the streets at Christmas time in the old town area of Zurich.Zurich's old town area brims with historic churches, museums and shops.
1. Vienna, Austria
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Vienna is Austria's federal capital city, with a population of about 1.8 million people.Population: 1.8 million (city), 2.6 million (metro area)
Languages: German
Average temperature summer: 80 degrees (27 C)
Average temperature winter: 39 degrees (4 C)
Cultural Highlight: Vienna
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Schonbrunn Palace is one of Vienna's most popular tourist destinations.The lavish, Baroque-style Schönbrunn Palace boasts exquisite gardens and architecture.