The Countdown Begins: What Makes a City Truly Shine in 2026?

There's a certain buzz, isn't there, when we talk about "the best." The best movies, the best restaurants, even the best dog breeds. But "the best cities"? Ah, now that’s a conversation that truly captures the imagination. And frankly, it’s one that carries a hefty weight for urban planners, investors, and even those of us just dreaming of our next adventure.

Well, get ready, because Resonance Consultancy — a name synonymous with meticulous city analysis — is gearing up to drop its ninth annual "World's Best Cities" report. This isn’t just any list; it’s the one we'll be talking about for 2026, and the official reveal is slated for October 2025. You could say it's an early look into tomorrow's urban champions, perhaps even a crystal ball moment for global metropolises.

But what, you might ask, truly makes a city "the best" in an ever-shifting world? Is it simply towering skyscrapers and bustling markets? Or is there something deeper at play? Resonance, in truth, has built its formidable reputation on a holistic, wonderfully intricate methodology – their so-called "6 P's." And honestly, it’s quite ingenious.

They look beyond the obvious, delving into a city's 'Place' (the perceived quality of its natural and built environment, for instance), its 'Product' (think infrastructure, museums, universities), and its 'Programming' (that's culture, entertainment, and culinary scene, for those wondering). Yet, it doesn't stop there. Crucially, they also consider the 'People' – how diverse, educated, and entrepreneurial the populace is. And of course, 'Prosperity' – economic health and opportunity – plays a significant role. Finally, there’s 'Promotion' – how well the city tells its own story to the world, how it markets itself. It’s a comprehensive framework, if ever there was one, ensuring a truly well-rounded assessment.

This upcoming report for 2026 feels particularly poignant, doesn’t it? As we navigate a post-pandemic landscape, with shifts in work, travel, and environmental consciousness, the criteria for urban success are constantly evolving. Will cities known for their digital nomad-friendly policies climb the ranks? Will sustainable initiatives take center stage? These are the fascinating questions that inevitably bubble up as we anticipate Resonance's findings.

For city leaders, tourism boards, and perhaps even for individuals contemplating a move, this report serves as an invaluable benchmark. It’s a tool, a guide, a conversation starter, frankly. It not only highlights current strengths but also, implicitly, points towards areas for future growth and development. It offers a snapshot, a moment in time, of where the world's cities stand in their perpetual quest for excellence.

So, mark your calendars for October 2025. The wait might feel long, but the insights promise to be well worth it. Because understanding what makes a city truly resonate, truly excel, is to understand a significant part of our collective human future. And that, I'd argue, is a story always worth following.