Amsterdam is officially the 5th best city in the world to live

The Dutch capital ranked fifth in Time Out magazine’s 2022 ranking, based on the opinions of 20,000 people. 

Tolerant, diverse, and generally easy-going: nobody is surprised that Amsterdam is one of the world’s most liveable places. 

Time Out’s ranking is based on both locals’ and tourists’ impressions, measuring everything from culture to sustainability, from nightlife to food — all those necessary components for a great city life. 😎

The best of both worlds? 

As a ride or die The Hague lover it pains me to say it, but Amsterdam really has everything you could ask for. 

As Time Out acknowledges; the city is big enough to be interesting, but small enough to be walkable. It’s busy enough to be fun, but chill enough not to be stressful. Yeah, okay, I’ll give it that. 🤙🏽

READ MORE | 30 things to do in Amsterdam in 2022

As we all know, it’s quite easy to get around in Amsterdam, but did you know it’s actually the most bikeable city on the list? A baffling 100% of those surveyed said the Dutch capital is mega bike friendly, but we can’t help but ask: are you sure?

Most Dutchies from other parts of the country are likely to describe Amsterdam as a chaotic hellscape for cyclists. Perhaps the survey’s respondents never tried biking around Central Station during peak hours? 🥴

Expression and progression 

Other things highlighted in Time Out’s results are Amsterdam’s open and accepting nature, as well as its progressive culture. It’s even been described as a “model twenty-first-century metropolis”! 💅🏽

photo-of-amsterdam-canal
Ah, those picturesque Amsterdam canals, we never get tired of this view! Image: Depositphotos

Even better, the city is the place in the world where it’s the easiest to express who you are, say the surveyed respondents. 

The Dutch capital also ranked as the second most progressive city in the world. But honestly, who’s surprised? In other words: Amsterdam is living up to its stereotypes and age-old reputation! 

Sooo much to do

Amsterdam is also filled to the brim with activities, so no wonder it’s also filled to the brim with tourists (and locals, to be fair). 

READ MORE | Cruising Amsterdam’s canals is officially the top tourist experience (in the world!)

Especially during the summer (when the Dutch rain sometimes takes a break), there is no shortage of festivals, culinary experiences, art exhibitions, and all-over great city life vibes. 

Curious about who else made the list? Here are the top 10 of the Time Out ranking, which included a grand total of 53 cities:

  1. Edinburgh 
  2. Chicago
  3. Medellín
  4. Glasgow
  5. Amsterdam 
  6. Prague
  7. Marrakech 
  8. Berlin
  9. Montreal 
  10. Copenhagen

Has the ranking inspired you to visit, or even move to, Amsterdam anytime soon? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image:Depositphotos
Juni Moltubak
Juni Moltubak
Juni moved to the Netherlands after realizing how expensive tuition fees in the UK are, and never regretted her choice of studying in The Hague. After three years of Political Science, she is ready for a new adventure — an internship at DutchReview! When you don’t see her typing on her laptop she can be found strolling around Haagse Bos or sitting in her lovely garden scrolling through interior design TikToks.

12 COMMENTS

  1. Wtf did I just read? In what world is Medellin or Marrakesh suitable places to live from a social support system

  2. Let’s agree to disagree. We have to take into account that each individual had different perspective, needs and demands. Therefore, these rankings will always be biased. Sure Amsterdam will be great city for many people, but there will be as many who will feel that the city has very little to offer. Ordering a steak is always a gamble that most of the times leave you on loosing end, many restaurants go for this weird soviet era design style. And regards to the activities – there is very little diversity for adults.

  3. There are always pros and cons and as said above, opinions will always vary. However, this survey is certainly not accurate by taking into consideration tourists’ input. What do you know about how it’s like to live somewhere when you only spent a few days there without having the full experience of dealing with local administrations, taxes and so on? Amsterdam is beautiful city, don’t get me wrong but food here is one of the worst I’ve experienced so far and I travel a lot. Also, activities prices are pure extortion and it gets quickly boring for a capital.

  4. Wat een onzin is dit! Amsterdam is totaal verpest door het massatoerisme waardoor het centrum bijna onleefbaar geworden is! Ik weet niet wie er ondervraagd zijn maar in elk geval niet de bewoners van het centrum!

  5. Amsterdam isn’t even the best city in the Netherlands to live in… A not very convincing list to be frank

  6. Edinburgh, yes! one of my favourite small cities, educated citizens, good quality of life,
    Si, es muy buena ciudad para vivir!!
    Any city in Netherlands as well, dutch people are well organised, educated and tolerant.
    but Chicago, Medellín??
    Was security been considered for this ranking?

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