Brussels has reclaimed its place among the world’s top urban destinations, rising to 48th in the 2025 Best Cities ranking compiled by Resonance, a tourism and real estate consultancy. The Belgian capital climbed eight positions from last year, marking a strong resurgence driven by its growing global appeal.
The report cites Brussels’ “record-breaking tourism momentum” in 2025, noting that the city has rapidly become one of Europe’s fastest-expanding visitor markets. Resonance said Brussels is now “positioned for transformative infrastructure investment and sustained real estate expansion” as it heads into 2026.
Much of this optimism stems from a construction boom that delivered significant new housing through 2025. Property analysts expect annual price growth of around 3% through 2027, reflecting stable demand and continued investor confidence.
Brussels’ urban charm also contributes to its success. The city’s iconic Grand Place, recognised worldwide, remains a key asset. It helped Brussels achieve a strong 27th place for walkability and 20th for biking, demonstrating the city’s commitment to accessible, people-focused public spaces.
The Resonance ranking, produced with Ipsos, evaluates cities based on liveability, lovability and prosperity. Brussels performed well across all metrics, with strong scores in air quality, cultural experiences, dining options and education levels. Its museums ranked 24th globally, underscoring the city’s cultural depth.
Tourism development remains a major driver of Brussels’ renewed growth. The report highlights the city’s “remarkable 2025 performance,” which is expected to build momentum for the coming years.
A major infrastructure milestone will be the construction of Brussels Airport’s Hub 3.0, set to begin in 2027. The $600-million project will expand the terminal, add an intermodal hub and integrate new hotels, with phased completion planned by 2032.
As home to the European Union’s key institutions, Brussels continues to attract international talent that enriches its cultural and economic landscape. Its universities also play a crucial role: the city ranks 24th worldwide in educational attainment, contributing to a well-qualified workforce.
Global competition remains strong. London tops the ranking for another year, followed by New York, Paris, Tokyo and Madrid. Still, Brussels’ return to the top 50 marks a significant achievement and signals its rising global influence.
With cultural diversity, infrastructure upgrades and sustained economic confidence, Brussels is entering a new phase—one that positions it as one of Europe’s most promising urban centres for residents, investors and visitors alike.
