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The Spanish city of Barcelona leapfrogged Moscow and Singapore to reach fifth place in the latest list of World’s Best Cities, compiled by global consultancy Resonance.

Describing it as “an almost ideal European city”, the tourism, real estate and development advisor noted Barcelona’s climate, public spaces and architecture. The city achieved its placing behind London, Paris, New York and Tokyo.

The ranking drew upon surveys of travellers and experts, looking at each city’s environment, the diversity of its communities and what activities it offers to visitors and residents. Barcelona did particularly well on ‘the perceived quality of a city’s natural and built environments,’ together with its arts, culture, entertainment, shopping and food, noted the report.

The Catalan capital, on the Mediterranean coast close to the French border, can be proud of its rising popularity. It now attracts around 32 million visitors each year, on top of its 2.5 million permanent residents.

Maintaining its charm and easy-going ambience while welcoming so many visitors is among the reasons that Barcelona appears higher in the list than rivals such as Madrid (11th), Rome (14th) and Sydney (23rd).

GRE Assets has major residential developments in Barcelona