Brisbane leads the global ranking of ideal cities for families in 2026

A new report reveals the best cities for raising children in 2026. Factors such as safety, green spaces and family activities make the difference. Barcelona appears among the top twenty, alongside major European and Australian cities.

Choosing where to start a family can completely change the experience of growing up and raising children. For those who live in Barcelona or are planning to move there, knowing which cities stand out for family quality of life is more relevant than ever, especially in an urban context where the availability of services and green spaces is key.

A recent international study has analysed fifty major cities, assessing everything from safety and the cost of living to access to children’s activities and public investment in education. Brisbane, in Australia, tops the global list thanks to its high score for safety, vaccination rates and a striking amount of green space per inhabitant. Australian cities dominate the ranking, with Sydney, Perth and Melbourne also in the top 10, while Auckland and Wellington represent New Zealand among the top twenty.

Europe retains its weight in the classification: London stands out for its broad range of family leisure activities and Helsinki excels in educational investment, surpassed only by Stockholm. Barcelona ranks 15th, consolidating its position as one of the continent’s best options for young families, alongside other capitals such as Paris, Berlin and Madrid.

The full list of the twenty most recommended cities for raising children includes, in order: Brisbane, London, Auckland, Helsinki, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Stockholm, Berlin, Seoul, Paris, New Delhi, Prague, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Lisbon, Wellington, Rome, Vienna and Madrid. The ranking is based on nine key indicators, from parental leave to national spending on family benefits and the amount of available green space.

For those seeking an urban environment that combines safety, services and quality of life for young children, this ranking provides a useful and up-to-date reference on global trends in family well-being.

In recent years, Barcelona has invested in expanding and improving its green spaces, with projects such as the transformation of the Superilla and the recovery of public spaces for neighbourhood use. In addition, the city has strengthened its offering of cultural and sports activities for children, making it easier to balance family life and access quality educational services. These initiatives have helped Barcelona remain among the European cities most highly rated by families, in a context where international competition to attract talent and residents is increasing.