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Amsterdam top rankings

Let the facts and figures speak for themselves. This is how Amsterdam ranks globally:

Amsterdam top rankings

#5 among world’s best cities for smart mobility

Amsterdam is among the world's best cities for smart mobility, according to Urban Mobility Readiness Index. The city currently has an ambitious plan to make Amsterdam the global capital of emission-free mobility.

#5 Europe’s densest and most innovative life sciences and health community

Amsterdam is a world leader in life sciences and health. The region has internationally renowned universities, academic hospitals and research institutions, including the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI) and the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience. The life sciences and health industry thrives on cooperation and the proximity of businesses and academic institutions, which creates a unique synergy few other locations can offer.

#6 city for international association meetings 2021 in Europe

The International Convention Destination compiles a global ranking of destination’s performance in attracting international conferences. Amsterdam places #6 as most competitive convention destination in Europe and #17 in the global ranking.

#1 safest city in Europe and #6 worldwide

The The Safe Cities Index annually reveals the world’s safest cities in terms of digital, health, infrastructure and personal security. Amsterdam scores high in all four areas, topping the Europe rankings and placing sixth worldwide.

#1 sustainable European city

Ranking over 50 cities based on 13 equally weighted environmental policies, Schroders European Sustainable Cities index covers subjects like renewable energy, cleaner public transport, electric vehicle charging, single use plastic, air quality, climate plans, carbon neutrality goals and waste policy. Amsterdam holds the #1 position in 2021.

#11 most sustainable city worldwide

The Sustainable Cities Index ranks global cities on three pillars of sustainability: People, Planet and Profit. The three pillars are closely aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Amsterdam ranks 11th globally.

#3 best airport in Western Europe

The annual World Airport Awards declared Amsterdam Airport Schiphol the third best airport in Western Europe in 2022 and #7 in Europe overall. Schiphol is the third-busiest airport in Europe in terms of passenger volume and the busiest in Europe in terms of aircraft movement.

#1 for direct connectivity and hub connectivity 

Airports Council International (ACI) Europe publishes the yearly Airport Industry Connectivity Report. Amsterdam took the number one spot in 2022, and has been a top performer throughout the pandemic ranking #3 for global hub connectivity.

#17 Smart City Index 2021

According to the Smart City Index 2021, Amsterdam is in the world’s top 20 smart cities “that apply technology to enhance the benefits and diminish the shortcomings of urbanisation for its citizens”. Amsterdam scores highly in internet speed and reliability, cultural activities and public transport.

#1 proficiency in English

The Netherlands ranks #1 in Europe as well as worldwide with very high proficiency in English language.

Interested in discovering more areas where Amsterdam is leading the way? Find more international rankings for Amsterdam.