The most liveable cities of 2018 have been announced! What better excuse than to go on a trip and see what all the hype is about?
Of the 140 cities surveyed by The Economist Intelligence Unit, the top ten is full of some pretty great destinations… maybe you’ll head to number one city Vienna, or maybe number 8 Tokyo is more your style? Whatever your destination, we’ve got you covered with the travel costs, must do's and must-sees in the Top Ten Most Liveable Cities in the World!
Please note: average costs are in AUD and based on 'mid-range travel'. Each destination can be more or less expensive depending on your budget.
1. Vienna, Austria
The largest city in Austria, Vienna juuuuuuust beat out Melbourne for the number one spot this year - and for good reason! It’s a city full of palaces, history and baroque streetscapes and has a coffee house culture like no other.
Cost of travel per day $180
Cost of travel per month $5400
Must see:
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral: the centrepiece of Vienna, this cathedral has been around since the 12th century.
- Schonbrunn Palace: an expansive masterpiece that used to be a hunting lodge. It’s home to luscious gardens, the worlds oldest zoo as well as the room themselves.
- The Hofburg Palace: the official residence of the country’s president. It’s also home to many of the city’s top museums and galleries
Must dos:
- Visit Naschmarkt, Vienna’s biggest market for food and other goodies.
Try Sachertorte, Vienna’s signature cake consisting of chocolate sponge, dark chocolate ganache and apricot jam. - Try the different types of coffee! Vienna has more than 13 different kinds!
2. Melbourne, Australia
Bustling with music, restaurants, art and bars, stylish Melbourne has a lot to offer! There’s a great sports scene and the city is often referred to as the cultural capital of Australia.
Cost of travel per day: $160
Cost of travel per month: $4800
Must see:
- National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): there’s always an array of great exhibits on here. It’s Australia’s largest and most visited art museum for a reason!
- Royal Botanic Gardens: 36 hectares of gorgeous flowers with grassy stretches and lake views, perfect for a picnic.
- Great Ocean Road: if you need a break from the city, this coastal stretch will take your breath away.
Must dos:
- Eat, eat, eat! Melbourne has some of the best food from everywhere around the world!
- Find a hidden bar or cafe and indulge in a soy latte or craft beer.
- Visit the Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce, deli goods and cheap knick-knacks.
3. Osaka, Japan
Known for its contemporary architecture, buzzing nightlife and tasty food, Osaka is a must on any Japan bucket list. It’s busy, bustling and full of good times.
Cost of travel per day: $110
Cost of travel per month: $3400
Must see:
- Osaka Castle: one of Japans most famous landmarks, featuring stunning gardens and a museum.
- Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: one of the world’s largest aquariums.
- Universal Studios Oskaka: perfect for movie lovers, this theme park has attractions and rides inspired by blockbuster movies.
Must dos:
- Eat a fried Maple leaf at Minoo National park. It’s a 30-minute drive from the city and is a great spot to soak in nature and try a local speciality.
- Wander Dotonburi, an area filled with bright shopping arcades, delicious food and nightlife.
4. Calgary, Canada
This is a city that will surprise you. Tons of skyscrapers, cool eateries and a heap of personality makes it an addictive place to visit.
Cost to travel per day: $160
Cost to travel per month: $4750
Must see:
- National Music Centre: not your average museum! Discover Canada's musical history with entertaining artefacts and interactive displays.
- Glenbow Museum: another museum with a difference. Art, history and pop-culture lovers will all find something here.
- Heritage Park Historical Village: a large history museum with working antiques and, occasionally, recreations by actors!
Must dos:
- Head to Prince's Island Park for a slice of nature in the city.
- Visit Fish Creek Provincial Park for walks, bike trails, a manmade lake and wildlife.
5. Sydney, Australia
Best known for its iconic cityscapes and waterfront vibes, Syndey is Australia’s ‘wow-factor’. There’s plenty of great views, world-class beaches and great entertainment too.
Cost to travel per day: $175
Cost to travel per month: $5,280
Must see:
- Sydney Harbour Bridge: a Sydney icon, You can take in the views from below or climb the bridge if you’re feeling brave!
- Sydney Opera House: another iconic structure and home to performing art shows and concerts.
Must dos:
- Explore grungy Newtown
- Take a walk along one of the many coastal trails. The Bondi to Bronte is a favourite.
- Check out the beaches! These are some of the best in Australia.
6. Vancouver, Canada
An energetic city surrounded by dramatic landscapes and mountains, Vancouver has something for everyone. There are great outdoor activities and a thriving art and music scene.
Cost to travel per day: $155
Cost to travel per month: $4,650
Must see:
- Stanley Park: the city’s largest urban park, with walking trails, beaches and many other attractions.
- Grouse Mountain: a 12,000-metre mountain that offers sweeping views of the city, plus plenty of ski and hiking action.
- Vancouver Art Gallery: contemporary exhibitions and international shows make this gallery an important part of Vancouver’s cultural scene.
Must dos:
- Explore Gastown, an area known for its Steam Clock and quirky souvenir shops, art galleries and stores. There’s a trendy food and drink scene here too.
- Visit Granville Island Public Market and indulge in a range of fish, cheese and bakery treats.
7. Toronto, Canada
Something good must be happening in Canada! Soaring skyscrapers and a multicultural city await you here. There are great clubs, bars and eateries and the city is constantly buzzing.
Cost to travel per day: $215
Cost to travel per month: $6,460
Must see:
- Royal Ontario Museum: Canada's biggest natural history museum, you can easily spend a day exploring here!
- CN Tower: catch great views over the city from the top of the tower. Stunning both during the day or after dark.
Must dos:
- Wander the Distillery District, a pedestrian-only area, full of bars, restaurants and boutiques. They’re housed in quaint 19th-century building that was once a large whiskey distillery.
- Watch an ice-hockey game – just make sure you’re cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
8. Tokyo, Japan
Japan’s busiest city is the perfect mix of tradition and development. Sparkling skyscrapers sit next to historic temples, and there’s always something going on.
Cost to travel per day: $170
Cost to travel per month: $5000
Must see:
- Meiji Shrine: surrounded by thick forest, this pretty shrine features a seasonal iris garden.
- Tokyo Disney Land: indulge your inner child at this famous theme park.
- Senso-Ji Temple: a beautiful temple that's Tokyo's oldest!
Must dos:
- Visit Harajuku and Aoyama for the best shopping, art museums and fashion.
- Dive into the Shinjuku nightlife.
- Explore the Tsukiji Market where you can buy produce and snack on street food.
9. Copenhagen, Denmark
A city that’s the epitome of cool. Bright buildings, hoards of bicycles and pretty waterways area feast for the eyes.
Cost to travel per day: $215
Cost to travel per month: $6,460
Must see:
- The Little Mermaid: the iconic bronze statue of a mermaid by Edvard Eriksen.
- Tivoli Gardens: a dreamy collection of amusement park rides, carnival games and stage shows.
- Statens Museum for Kunst: Denmarks National Gallery has a great permanent collection and also hosts exciting temporary exhibitions.
Must dos:
- Check out the many palaces and castles, like Amalienborg, Christiansborg and Rosenborg.
- Explore Strøget, a car-free shopping area full of a variety of stores and boutiques.
- Eat up a storm in Christianshavn, known for its cafe culture and canals lined with houseboats.
10. Adelaide, Australia
It’s known as the city of churches, but Adelaide has so much more to offer. There are an incredible local produce scene, great wineries and historical architecture that create a welcoming vibe.
Cost to travel per day: $81
Cost to travel per month: $2,430
Must see:
- Art Gallery of South Australia: a diverse collection of Australian art and with a focus on Indigenous Australian work.
- Adelaide Zoo: operated on a non-profit basis, this zoo is home to thousands of furred, feathered and scaled creatures.
Must dos:
- Snack at the Central Market. It’s the place to go for cafes, deli goods and fresh produce.
- Climb Mount Lofty on a Sunday – you’ll feel like a local.
- Wander the esplanade at Glenelg. You can also sit on the sand and enjoy fish and chips.
