The World's Most Liveable City - Copenhagen

Always the bridesmaid... finally the bride. Copenhagen is ranked as the world's most liveable city by the bespoke magazine Monocle this year. Munich, last year's winner, was bumped down to number two. Monocle has been my favourite magazine for ages, now I love them just a little bit more.

Cyclist illuminated by Late Evening Light.
Apart from the traditional scientific and statistical parameters like cost of living, schools and health care, etc, the judges have taken quality of life aspects like lifestyle, design and culture into consideration.

Copenhagen is praised for its attention to environmental causes, it's rich design culture, a fantastic food culture, the swimmingly clean harbour, the city's many green areas, the Metro, the architecture and the use of bicycles. Then there are the many Michelin-starred restaurants and coffee bars and - according to Monocle - the many beautiful people who ride their bikes everywhere and recycle their garbage. See... it's NOT just us!

Two musicians ride along the harbour in the sunset.
Tyler Brûlé - the editor of Monocle and Wallpaper* is behind the Quality of Life Survey. He describes the Urban Manifesto for what makes a liveable city in an article on the International Herald Tribune's website. Here's the IHT's entry on Copenhagen last year, in light of our second place ranking.

Interior of Copenhagen Flat.
I'm going to take this opportunity to link to some of my photos that DON'T feature bicyles so you can take a little online promenade through Copenhagen:
Danish Architecture Photos
The Copenhagen Colour Street
Copenhagen People in Black and White
[Yes, I actually do take photos of other subject matter...]


Copenhageners at a beach bar - Halvandet - on the harbour.

The Top 20 for 2008 according to Monocle:
1. Copenhagen/København
2. Munich // 3. Tokyo // 4. Zürich // 5. Helsinki // 6. Vienna // 7. Stockholm // 8. Vancouver // 9. Melbourne // 10. Paris // 11.Sydney // 12. Honolulu // 13. Madrid // 14. Berlin // 15. Barcelona // 16. Montréal // 17. Fukuoka // 18. Amsterdam // 19. Minneapolis // 20. Kyoto





Via: DR & Politiken.dk