Charter a Yacht in 2025’s Most Liveable Cities

Bahar O.

According to The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the world’s most liveable cities in 2025 are mostly the same as last year. But there was one big change: Vienna, which had been number one for three years, is no longer at the top. This year, Copenhagen took first place with perfect scores in stability, education, and infrastructure.

The EIU ranks cities each year based on how safe, easy, and enjoyable they are to live in. Clean streets, good hospitals, reliable transport, and cultural life all help these cities score high.

But there’s another side to livability that’s often overlooked: the water. Many of these top-ranked cities are also great places to charter a yacht. Whether it’s sailing on a lake in Zurich, cruising by modern architecture in Copenhagen, or exploring islands near Auckland, these cities offer unforgettable experiences from the deck of a boat.

Let’s take a closer look at how the most liveable cities in the world are also perfect for a day - or a week - on the water.

Copenhagen, Denmark — Urban Calm Meets Nautical Cool
Ranked #1, Copenhagen isn’t just bike-friendly - it’s boat-friendly. Locals regularly swim in the clean city harbors, and the city’s sprawling waterfront makes it perfect for yacht charters, especially electric or hybrid boats in line with Copenhagen’s green goals. From the colorful canals of Christianshavn to nearby sailing routes toward the Swedish coast, you can embark on a yacht day trip with a thermos of coffee and Danish pastries, or even charter a floating sauna boat.

Why charter here? Experience hygge at sea: hot chocolate in hand, anchored near a harbor bath, the city skyline glowing behind you.

Vienna, Austria — River Cruises with Classical Charm
Though landlocked, Vienna sits on the Danube - a river alive with charter possibilities. While it’s no Mediterranean coastline, elegant river yachts and canal boats offer a different kind of charter charm. Picture sipping Grüner Veltliner aboard a sleek vessel while passing by imperial facades, or chartering a day cruise to nearby wine-growing regions like Wachau Valley.

Why charter here? A refined, riverine escape blending urban grace with vineyard views and slow travel.

Zurich & Geneva, Switzerland — Lakeside Sophistication
Both Swiss cities score high for infrastructure, and their lakes are at the heart of urban life. In Zurich, Lake Zurich is a hub of leisure boat rentals, from electric yachts to solar-powered catamarans. In Geneva, Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) offers jaw-dropping backdrops, bordered by vineyards and snow-capped peaks. You can swim, sail, or toast with champagne on a sundown cruise while docked just minutes from luxury watch boutiques.

Why charter here? Precision and peace - Swiss-style. The clearest waters in Europe meet the most punctual boats.

Melbourne, Australia — Culture on the Coastline
Melbourne’s position at the head of Port Phillip Bay makes it a natural base for coastal yacht charters. From the Docklands precinct to the Mornington Peninsula, you can charter a sleek sailing yacht for wine-tasting trips, dolphin watching, or anchoring off secluded beaches. Melbourne’s love of arts and coffee extends to its marinas, where harborside cafes and design-led yachts coexist.

Why charter here? Blend laneway café culture with salty breezes - city meets sea in true Australian style.

Osaka, Japan — Japan’s Hidden Marine Gem
While Tokyo may hog the spotlight, Osaka’s harbor and nearby Seto Inland Sea islands offer an emerging charter market. Think sleek motor yachts weaving through scenic channels, mooring near temples or fishing villages untouched by mass tourism. With its perfect scores in stability and infrastructure, Osaka is also a safe and easy place for international travelers to explore Japan from the sea.

Why charter here? Underrated cruising grounds with a local flavor - sail, eat, repeat.

Auckland, New Zealand — The Superyacht Gateway
Tied at #7, Auckland is famously dubbed the “City of Sails,” and for good reason. It’s not just liveable - it’s sailable. Charter options range from luxurious catamarans to classic America’s Cup boats. Cruise the Hauraki Gulf, explore Waiheke Island’s wineries, or just enjoy a sunset sail from the Viaduct Marina, located in the heart of downtown.

Why charter here? Yacht culture is woven into everyday life - it’s not an add-on, it’s a way of life.

Vancouver, Canada — Nature and Navigation
Surrounded by water and mountains, Vancouver ranks 10th in the index but scores top marks for natural beauty. Yacht charter options here are plentiful - from whale-watching trips to multi-day cruises through the Gulf Islands or even up the Inside Passage toward Alaska. The contrast between wild landscapes and urban sophistication is hard to beat.

Why charter here? Paddleboard in the morning, sip a craft cocktail on deck by evening - Vancouver offers wild serenity minutes from downtown.