Europe's 10 Best Places To Live - by Vidya Ram
The cost of living in Europe may seem astronomic--$6 for a cup of coffee in Copenhagen, Denmark, anyone? But in many cities, you get what you pay for. Take Frankfurt. Germany's financial capital is home to some spectacular architecture, including the Old Opera House and Saint Bartholomeus Cathedral, and a vibrant cultural scene. The city has excellent hospitals and shops and a thriving economy (with Europe's second-largest stock exchange and banks such as Deutsche Bank (nyse: DB - news - people ) headquartered there). What drags it to the No. 7 spot--tied with another German city, Munich--in Mercer Consulting's 2008 Worldwide Quality of Living Survey, which we used to compile our own list, is the city's dearth of high-quality housing close to the city center and heavy traffic.
The number one sport - Zürich's tiny population--376,815 at the end of 2007--is spoiled with over 2,000 bars and restaurants, (including one with original Picasso and Cezanne paintings on the walls) and a breathtaking view of the Alps and Lake Zürich. Taxes are also among the lowest in Switzerland, and residents pay no inheritance tax. The city has top scores practically across the board, whether for its medical facilities or international banking services, though its gloomy weather and traffic bring it down.
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