Chicago Line Cruises recently compiled a list of the top 25 waterfront cities in the world, using Mercer's Quality of Living survey and Euromonitor's measures of international tourist arrivals. They also used Numbeo's "Basket of Goods and Services" tool, which allows you to compare total prices across cities.
The total number they compared represents what it would cost to buy a new pair of jeans, a bottle of water, a movie ticket, and a one-kilometer taxi ride in each city.
Finally, they included a "wild card" factor for cities that offer a truly one-of-a-kind experience for travelers.
From Barcelona to Oslo, here are 25 of the best coastal cities around the globe.
25. After you've walked through the narrow streets of the Old Town in Edinburgh, Scotland, check out its many shops, top-notch restaurants, and bars. The city is also home to the Fringe Festival, which is the world's biggest international performing-arts festival. Last year, the festival spanned 25 days and featured more than 50,000 performances.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 46
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $88.49
Euromonitor Ranking: N/A
24. New Orleans, located on the Mississippi River in Louisiana, is famous for its around-the-clock nightlife and its bustling live-music scene. Besides its Mardi Gras celebrations, which include weeklong parties and parades, the city is also known for its delectable Cajun and Creole cuisine.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: N/A
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $89.30
Euromonitor Ranking: 49
23. The Italian city of Venice is built on more than 100 small islands on a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. Locals and tourists alike can enjoy its waterfront dining establishments, luxury shopping options, variety of Renaissance artworks, and the famous Carnival festival.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: N/A
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $81.89
Euromonitor Ranking: 30
22. In Bangkok, Thailand, you'll find a wide variety of breathtaking Buddhist art and architecture to admire. The city also hosts various Michelin-starred restaurants and fascinating floating markets where trade is conducted across small boats in canals.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 129
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $61.64
Euromonitor: 4
21. Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is famous for its pristine beaches and the wide variety of flora and fauna that can be found there. It also hosts the 'Iolani Palace, which is the only royal palace on US soil, and the Bishop Museum, which houses one of the largest natural-history-specimen collections in the world.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 35
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $53.03
Euromonitor Ranking: 81
20. Located at the southeastern tip of Florida, Miami is bursting with energy. Whether you're heading to the cafes and shops on Calle Ocho, or attending popular festivals like the Ultra Music festival, you're in for an unforgettable time.
Mercer Quality of Living Score: 66
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $49.06
Euromonitor: 18
19. Istanbul straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Home to famous attractions like the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, it's also known for its diverse culinary scene, which includes everything from freshly caught fish and succulent kebabs to Asian and Italian dishes.
Mercer Quality of Living Score: 122
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $49.15
Euromonitor Ranking: 10
18. Most of the city center and suburbs of Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, are located on the Swan Coastal Plain between the Darling Scarp and the Indian Ocean. The cosmopolitan city hosts a variety of top-notch restaurants, bars, and activities that include lounging on one of its pristine beaches or enjoying one of its annual music festivals.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 21
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $81.63
Euromonitor Ranking: N/A
17. Head to Oslo, Norway, for a thriving bar and cafe culture, impeccable restaurants, and a wide variety of nightlife options, ranging from live indie-rock gigs to opera performances. The city is known for its strong music scene, but it's also home to plenty of green spaces, like Frogner Park.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 30
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $112.37
Euromonitor Ranking: N/A
16. Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates, draws in travelers from around the world thanks to its famous shopping malls and its awe-inspiring modern architecture. The city is home to the Dubai Miracle Garden, which is the world's largest natural flower garden with over 109 million flowers. It's also home to the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 75
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $77.95
Euromonitor Ranking: 7
15. Lisbon, located on the bank of the Tagus Estuary, is the largest city in Portugal. The city is home to Oceanário de Lisboa, the largest indoor aquarium in Europe, as well as many cafes and eateries where you'll find incredibly fresh seafood.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 42
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $84.21
Euromonitor Ranking: 71
14. The second-largest city in the US, Los Angeles, California, is home to plenty of beaches and stunning ocean views to enjoy. In addition to being the epicenter of Hollywood and the celebrity culture, Los Angeles has plenty of galleries and museums and a thriving live-music scene.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 49
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $58.26
Euromonitor Ranking: 29
13. Helsinki, Finland's capital, is a bustling seaside city with stunning islands and parks to explore. The city hosts a vibrant film community through events like the Helsinki International Film Festival. When it's time to eat, you'll find everything from modern eateries to establishments dating back to 1917.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 30
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $107.40
Euromonitor: N/A
12. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is an autonomous territory on the southern coast of China. It's often considered one of the world's top culinary capitals and has a huge concentration of skyscrapers.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 70
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $91.87
Euromonitor Ranking: 1
11. Dublin, Ireland, the birthplace of some of the world's most noted authors, is said to boast more green space per kilometer than any other city in Europe. One of its most famous green spaces is Phoenix Park, which is one of the largest enclosed recreational spaces within any European capital city.
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Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 33
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $89.30
Euromonitor Ranking: 49
10. New York City sits surrounded by the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean. It's famous for many things, including its rich history of musical acts that have helped contribute to its vibrant nightlife scene. It's also home to one of the world's most-visited museums, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the most visited urban park in the US, Central Park.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 44
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $62.11
Euromonitor Ranking: 9
9. Japan's capital, Tokyo, is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on one side and by the Sea of Japan on the other. The ultra-modern city is home to prime shopping venues and world-renowned restaurants like Nihonryori RyuGin.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 44
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $76.89
Euromonitor Ranking: 25
8. Visitors to San Francisco, California, can expect stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and hundreds of miles of bike paths to enjoy. The city's Chinatown is packed with delicious bites, while Golden Gate Park offers more than 1,000 acres of vistas, mountain ranges, and hiking trails to explore. You can also catch views of migrating whales in the bay.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 28
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $64.36
Euromonitor Ranking: 52
7. Those who visit Sydney can enjoy one of its renowned beaches, or take in the view from its famous waterfront skyline. Nature lovers will enjoy attractions like the Royal Botanic Garden, while foodies can stop in at notable restaurants like Quay and Tetsuya's Restaurant.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 10
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $77.04
Euromonitor: 57
6. Chicago, which sits on the shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois, is the third-largest city in the US. Chicago is home to a skyline filled with stunning skyscrapers and famous sports stadiums like Wrigley Field and Soldier Field. The city is also known for hosting prime jazz and music events, including the Lollapalooza festival.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 43
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $55.32
Euromonitor Ranking: N/A
5. The city-state of Singapore includes a total 63 islands and is a paradise for both shoppers and foodies. It's also home to the world's largest infinity pool, which is located at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel at a height of 57 stories off the ground.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 26
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $77.04
Euromonitor Ranking: 3
4. The Danish capital of Copenhagen, which sits on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager, has plenty of bridges and waterside walkways. Besides having the world's oldest monarchy, it's also home to the second-oldest amusement park, Tivoli Gardens, and top-notch food that ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to quaint bistros.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 9
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $119.08
Euromonitor Ranking: N/A
3. Vancouver, located in British Columbia, Canada, is known for its eco-friendly practices and plans to become the world's greenest city by 2020. Grab a bike and wander through one of its renowned trails while sightseeing, or head to Stanley Park, where you can enjoy more than 1,000 acres of forests and waterfront.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 5
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $61.78
Euromonitor Ranking: 88
2. In Barcelona, Spain, travelers will be treated to stunning art and architecture, including Antoni Gaudí's famous works like La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. In addition, the city hosts top-notch restaurants that you can enjoy before taking part in its bustling nightlife.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 39
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $92.46
Euromonitor Ranking: 26
1. Auckland, nicknamed the "City of Sails," is home to pristine black-sand beaches and attractions like the Auckland Art Gallery, which holds more than 15,000 works of art. Plus, it's just a short distance to fun activities like tours of the "Lord of the Rings" filming locations, as well as dense areas of rainforests and thermal springs.
Mercer Quality of Living Ranking: 3
Numbeo Basket of Goods: $79.39
Euromonitor Ranking: N/A
