Urbanism
How Tokyo made it to the top of Monocle’s 2026 Quality of Life Survey
Our Tokyo bureau chief tells us about daily life in the calm, clean and ambitious Japanese capital.
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What makes Copenhagen a great city? Its ability to learn from its mistakes
The Danish capital is a regular frontrunner in Monocle’s Quality of Life surveys. But Copenhagen has also made its mistakes. Thankfully, the city continues to learn and grow.
Cities are like theatres, we the actors. What part do you want to play?
Ask not whether your favourite city placed in Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey, ask what you can do for your city (and friends).
Despite its enormous scale, Tokyo remains a city where good manners thrive
Depending on how you count it, Tokyo is a city of nine million (the central 23 wards), 14 million (Tokyo Metropolis) or 37 million (the Greater Tokyo Area). A densely populated urban area of…
Tyler Brûlé introduces Monocle’s 2026 Quality of Life survey on CNN
View the full city ranking here.
Our summer issue is out now and measures the immeasurable – what makes a city worth living in?
Monocle’s editor in chief explains why we delve into questions about urban living that no one else seems to ask – and has some advice if your city didn’t make the cut.
Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey 2026: The 20 most liveable cities in the world
Welcome to Monocle’s 2026 Quality of Life Survey. What started 19 years ago as an antidote to bloodless, data-heavy city rankings has become central to the debate on what it means to live well.
The art of the amble: Exploring the social rituals of evening walks across Spain, Italy and Greece
A languid stroll is an enriching daily ritual in much of southern Europe. In Spain, Italy and Greece, it is an art form. We join the crowds to learn how it’s done.
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.
