Unless you've lived there, and know the heart of it. Pictures don't tell the whole story, and you can't spend forever in your car. You're going to have to get out of your car sometime.

It's one of the worst cities to have a family in.

Posted by Hari Seldon | 23.02.10, 01:21 GMT

These Canadian cities are too big. All three have pretty surrroundings, drab architecture and truly pathetic rapid transit systems. Life in them is a drag. My Canadian faves would be St. John's, Quebec, Ottawa, Kingston and Victoria.

Posted by Ardillaun | 07.01.10, 01:38 GMT

I live in Vancouver, so out of fun I sent Tourism Vancouver a little video titled - Vancouver I Don't Care. I hope they like it. :) Check it out. You can even vote on it after Dec. 21.

http://insidevancouver.strutta.com/entries#10274

Posted by Ray Van Eng | 16.12.09, 22:45 GMT

Tom: I just returned from a month in Ireland and London. The cost of living in Belfast is much higher than in Toronto, very much higher in London and out of this world in Dublin.
But...we had a wonderful time travelling throughout your beautiful island and meeting many friendly people. If we win the lottery, we'll stay longer next time.

Posted by Denis | 13.12.09, 04:15 GMT

Toronto: home of the world's largest and most colourful Caribana Parade, Gay Pride Parade, Santa claus Parade! A to Z, pick your choice of restaurant, ethnic group, language and you'll find them from every country in the world. Almost 4 million people from every nation, more than half visible minorities. Major jazz and film festivals; third largest English speaking theatre in the world. Worst hockey, basketball, baseball and soccer teams in North America...well.. no-one's perfect!!!

Posted by Denis | 13.12.09, 04:09 GMT

I am from Belfast originally and have lived in most of the cities in the top 10 and have even spent time in the emerging cities Abu Dhabi, Singapore and others. I have lived in Toronto the past 15 years and it is by far the greatest city in the world when one balances all aspects of lifestyle. I spend 1 week per month in London UK and it is a dump compared to Toronto in terms of food, space, functional buildings, politeness, health and welfare. Yes I found my peace and contentment in Toronto. I love it.

Posted by david | 12.12.09, 19:20 GMT

A standing only made possible because we have a large Irish population and good breweries.

Posted by The Universal Curmudgeon | 11.12.09, 18:09 GMT

I just say how it is and you all start howling, I don't like norder Ireland but I love my Ireland all 32 counties of my country. We have a vibrant capital in Dublin as well as many smaller cities such as Cork, Galway, Belfast and Derry.

Posted by sean from co down Ireland | 10.12.09, 21:34 GMT

The best countries in my opinion to live in are Russia and Ukraine.
The people there have a good life, clean air, good nature and transport.
Womwn are women and men are men, for me its the best.

Posted by Paul | 10.12.09, 20:16 GMT

yeah, but try paying for a life in cities like that.... out of most of our reaches... have you seen the average price of a house in melbourne or perth?

Posted by Tom | 10.12.09, 10:24 GMT

It's funny, I just moved AWAY from Vancouver because it has become so much less live-able. The over-crowding, street killings, poor transport (although that's getting better), and near-constant overhead jet aircraft noise apparently weren't considered by the Economist Intelligence Unit.

Posted by Brian | 10.12.09, 04:38 GMT

Geesh thanks for the terrible picture ya give Brisbane NOT!!!

Posted by Brendan | 10.12.09, 03:49 GMT

Vancouver is a top City and well deserving to be No 1, i stayed in the Fairmont Hotel Canada Place, the shopping, restaurants and entertainment was superb, the Roxy on Granville Street got my vote as best live bar venue!! To be so close to Whistler is fantastic, a 90min journey on a greyhound and your there, the slopes are fantastic all year round depending on your chosen activity. Vancouver, i will see you again!!

Posted by John D | 10.12.09, 01:23 GMT

I'm embarassed for you Sean!
But also quite amazed how you can turn any topic/story/discussion into a sectarian slagfest!
I suggest you read the article or perhaps visit some of these places- it might broaden your seemingly narrow mind! I here Mogadishu is swell this time of year Sean- how about it? Do us all a favour!

Getting back to reality- Melbourne has my vote!

Posted by enlightened | 10.12.09, 00:15 GMT

How many Africans and Asians were on the voting panel?
How much of the voting related to "family" values and how much to "party" values?
Vancouver has one of the highest numbers of prostitutes, pimps, drug-dealers and gangs (if you get out of your BMW and walk a few blocks).

Posted by Hari Seldon | 09.12.09, 20:18 GMT

Sean, if you don't like Northern Ireland, why not try elsewhere?
So negative, you drain people:(

Posted by Daz from Co. Antrim N. Ireland | 09.12.09, 19:59 GMT

Sean, the bore from Co Down, Northern Ireland, spreads his verbal bile yet again!
For me though, Belfast is the best City in the world, hands down!

Posted by P. downey | 09.12.09, 19:56 GMT

What about the prostitution problem, the organised crime gangs, major heroin problems, and third world service. This must be a joke. It is #1 for beauty and cleanliness, but it is a typical city, which will go downhill from now on.

Posted by Realist | 09.12.09, 15:45 GMT

Canada is nice. Kinda like the US with out all the poor people. However I'll still take may American home, they have the natural resources/wealth up there; here in US Calvinist work ethic creates the wealth (for those who have it). I guess what I'm sying if you have the means and advantages and luck the US is more rewarding of individual initiative than Canada (I once lived in Montreal).

Posted by Chris M | 09.12.09, 14:15 GMT

I notice people here are becoming like the English were a number of years back, screaming for third world immigration to make their country better, now look at the state of England. Better be careful what you wish for.

Posted by joan | 09.12.09, 12:45 GMT