Warsaw once again proves it belongs to Europe’s top tier. In the prestigious ranking “European Cities of the Future: 10 Places To Visit In 2026,” published in Forbes, Poland’s capital took first place, surpassing cities such as Vienna, Madrid, Geneva and Edinburgh. The ranking was prepared by European Best Destinations, which analysed 58 European cities and selected the most visionary ones – offering more than classic sightseeing and souvenir photos. Factors considered included quality of life, safety, greenery, mobility, culture, gastronomy and ease of getting around the city. Warsaw proved unbeatable.

A City with Vision and a Future

As Forbes emphasises, Warsaw has consistently pursued a clear development strategy for years, making it increasingly friendly for both residents and visitors. Nearly half of the city’s area consists of green spaces, which means it is one of Europe's greenest metropolises.

The modern and eco-friendly public transportation system also earned high praise, along with the efficient use of digital technologies in everyday municipal services. It is this harmonious blend of nature, innovation and functionality that makes Warsaw today perceived as a city of the future.

An Icon of Modern Warsaw

A symbolic sign of this transformation is the Varso Tower – the tallest building in the European Union, designed by the renowned studio Foster + Partners. Its observation deck, opened to visitors in the fall of 2025, offers a spectacular panorama of the city and has quickly become one of Warsaw’s new icons.

A City to be Discovered

Forbes draws attention not only to the centre but also to dynamically developing districts such as Powiśle and Praga, where former industrial spaces have been transformed into galleries, cafés and intimate cultural centres. The Vistula River, its boulevards, numerous outdoor events and the urban rhythm of life create an atmosphere that attracts more and more tourists from around the world.

Importantly, Warsaw was recognised as an exceptionally safe city, easy to explore on foot and still very affordable for a European capital.

Europe's Elite Cities

In the Forbes ranking, Warsaw outperformed metropolises such as:

• Vienna – repeatedly recognised as the world’s most livable city,
• Madrid – the cultural and culinary heart of Spain,
• Geneva – a symbol of calm and elegance,
• Edinburgh – a city of festivals, literature and history.

First place for Warsaw shows that the Polish capital not only matches the best but increasingly sets the direction for the development of European cities.

Warsaw – A Destination of the Future

This distinction is not only a source of pride but also confirmation that Warsaw has become a fully-fledged, modern tourist destination, combining history with innovation, dynamism with relaxation in numerous green areas and local character with European scale.

As Forbes summarises: Warsaw is a city worth visiting today, but one that will delight even more tomorrow.