Barcelona, fourth-best city in Europe and among 20 most competitive in the world

Barcelona has been ranked the fourth-best city in Europe in the prestigious Europe’s Best Cities 2025 report, compiled by Resonance Consultancy, standing out for its exceptional quality of life, vibrant culture and growing innovation ecosystem.

World renowned for its architecture, Mediterranean lifestyle and vibrant economy, Barcelona ranks high in liveability, hospitality, restaurants, urban parks and walkability. The report highlights the city’s unique balance of heritage and modernity, making it a privileged destination for residents, tourists and investors. Its growing economic appeal, which already has it ranked twelfth in prosperity, attracts international investment from global companies banking on its future.

Additionally, the 2024 Barcelona Observatory Report, compiled by the Barcelona City Council in collaboration with the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, highlights the city’s strong economic moment in terms of international investment, research and development. This report, which analyses the Catalan capital’s position compared to other cities across several indicators, ranks Barcelona among the 20 most competitive cities in the world.

The Observatory reveals a significant leap in Barcelona’s global competitiveness, with the city ranking nineteenth on the Global Power City Index. Furthermore, the Catalan capital has excelled in attracting foreign investment projects and, in recent years, has also gained significant strength, appeal and competitiveness in the blue economy.

Barcelona’s rise in the global rankings is not only due to its international appeal but also to its strategic evolution towards a city model that prioritises long-term economic resilience, quality of life for its residents and global competitiveness.