quality of life
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Meet the best dressed at Monocle’s Quality of Life Conference
Though temperatures in Lisbon rose to 37C, our delegates still came dressed to impress with sharp linen jackets and polished sandals.
What are you doing next weekend? There’s still time to hop on a plane and join us in Lisbon
The forecast says 29C and not a cloud in the sky. Neither perfect weather nor the promise of a glass of wine sat under the shade of a jacaranda should really determine whether you…
Why Copenhagen’s design culture is central to its high quality of life
Copenhagen consistently ranks highly on Monocle’s annual Quality of Life survey. The listing appears in our out-now July/August issue, in which the Danish capital comes in second place. Key to its success as a liveable city…
Listen up! For cities to thrive, they need to sound as good as they look
Noise pollution in urban environments is on the rise but better acoustic planning could help to silence the issue.
A local’s guide to the best swimming spots in Vienna
It was only my second week in Vienna when a resident took me to swim in the Danube. It was an experience that moved me – quite literally. After relocating to the Austrian capital,…
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.
How to cool cities naturally, without resorting to air conditioning
Humanity has adapted to environmental challenges. But to mitigate the effects of a warming world, cities must look to the past to glimpse a better future.
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.
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.
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.
