Quality of Life
Air-con has become the latest front in a culture war – but more hot air is the last thing our overheating cities need
Europe’s cities are woefully underprepared for rising temperatures. To stay competitive and comfortable in a changing world, they need to make bolder choices.
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The People’s charter for living well in cities: 13 rules for oafs, oiks and rapscallions
What can residents expect from their city – and what should it expect in return? Here, we present a 13-article charter laying out the rights and responsibilities of an ideal citizenry.
How a city splashed out on staying cool: Zürich’s best fountains
Summer is the perfect season to explore the Swiss city’s ubiquitous fountains. Here are five of our favourites.
A shore cure for urban fatigue: How Sydney, New York and Kobe are rethinking their waterfronts
A fish market revelling in theatrics, an amphitheatre-inspired hill uniting the sea and mountains, and a park acting as a flood defence. Smartly designed spaces are bringing people back to the water.
Fashion label +351’s Lisbon café kiosk lets you get to know the brand over coffee – and a game of backgammon
We visit a Lisbon ‘quiosque’ opened by Portuguese fashion label +351 that combines coffee, clothing and community gathering.
From Bangkok to Bogota, these 23 innovative urban initiatives keep people moving and joyful
Fitness is often framed as a personal endeavour but cities can help to nudge us into healthier lifestyles. A charming playground, safe cycle lanes and well-designed waterfronts are a start.
From Singapore to Tokyo, here’s what clean cities get right
Cities all across the globe have taken different approaches to keeping their streets clean. But what matters most is inspiring residents to take the lead
The Monocle Quality of Life Survey’s top cities throughout the past decade
We revisit the cities that have topped The Monocle Quality of Life Survey over the past 10 years to show how thoughtful planning can transform urban life.
New York’s mayoral candidates differ drastically on improving the city’s quality of life
Quality of life – but what kind of quality? And what kind of life? These are the questions now facing New Yorkers as they embark on the first steps in choosing their city’s next…
Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey 2025: The 10 most liveable cities in the world
We present our 18th annual Quality of Life survey: a ranking of the world’s municipalities according to what they do better than anyone else, be it health, safety, housing or nightlife.
We should follow the rules less – our quality of life depends on it
Strict rules make for dull lives. The best cities know when to look the other way…
