TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A smart city is not necessarily the one with the most futuristic skyline or the most visible technology. Increasingly, the measure of an intelligent city is how effectively technology, infrastructure and public services improve everyday life for residents.
Acccording to Time Out, the 2026 IMD Smart City Index reflects that approach, ranking 148 cities based largely on residents' perceptions of their quality of life and how well their cities address challenges such as mobility, health, sustainability, governance and access to opportunities. IMD's latest findings also highlight the importance of transparency and public trust in determining how successfully cities use technology and infrastructure.
Zurich retained the top position for the seventh consecutive year, followed by Oslo and Geneva. The top 10 also include major global hubs such as London, Singapore and Dubai, as well as Australia's capital Canberra.
Here are the 10 highest-ranked cities in the 2026 IMD Smart City Index and some of the features that help make them stand out.
1. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich remains the world's top smart city, securing first place for the seventh consecutive year. Its strength comes from combining efficient infrastructure with technology and services designed around residents' needs.
The city stands out for its public transportation, green spaces and environmental management. Its digital governance systems also give residents greater access to public information and opportunities to participate in civic matters.
Despite its strong performance, affordable housing remains a major concern for residents, reflecting the pressure created by Zurich's high cost of living.
IMD's broader findings show why Zurich continues to lead: the highest-performing cities tend to combine strong institutions and infrastructure with effective technology rather than relying on technology alone.
2. Oslo, Norway
Oslo ranks second, with sustainability and environmental quality among its strongest features. The Norwegian capital has developed extensive renewable-energy systems and strong environmental standards while investing heavily in cleaner urban mobility.
The city's electric-vehicle infrastructure and traffic-management systems support its smart-mobility credentials. At the same time, residents remain concerned about commuter traffic as the city continues to expand.
Oslo's second-place position also reflects the broader pattern identified by IMD, where infrastructure and institutions play a major role in shaping perceptions of a city's overall smart performance.
3. Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva takes third place, supported by reliable public services, healthcare infrastructure, sanitation and public safety.
The city also performs strongly in digital government, allowing residents to access civic documents and administrative services online. These systems help reduce friction in dealing with public institutions.
However, the cost of living remains one of Geneva's most significant challenges, particularly as housing and other daily expenses continue to put pressure on residents.
Geneva's place in the top three reinforces the importance of combining strong physical infrastructure with effective governance and digital services.
4. London, United Kingdom
London ranks fourth and remains one of the world's leading cities for culture, education, public spaces and economic opportunities.
Its smart-city strengths include extensive digital public transport systems, contactless payment infrastructure, open data and technology-driven employment opportunities. These systems make it easier for residents and visitors to navigate the city and access services.
London nevertheless faces familiar big-city challenges. Air quality and the high cost of housing and everyday life remain key concerns for residents.
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen ranks fifth, building its smart-city credentials around sustainable urban design and cycling infrastructure.
The Danish capital is widely recognized for integrating cycling into everyday transportation, helping support low-carbon mobility. It also uses smart-grid technology to manage renewable energy, including wind power, while applying technology to waste-to-energy systems.
The city's housing market remains a concern, however, with rising rents and limited housing availability in central areas presenting challenges for residents.
6. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai ranks sixth, making it one of two cities from the United Arab Emirates in the global top 10.
Its rapid development has produced modern airports, highways and public facilities, while its government has invested heavily in digital services. Paperless government systems, artificial intelligence and other smart technologies have become central to the city's approach to urban management.
Dubai's challenge is ensuring that its rapid development remains accessible beyond its luxury market. Affordable housing for middle-income residents remains an important concern.
IMD notes that Dubai and Abu Dhabi demonstrate how government-led investment in digital technology can contribute to strong civic confidence when accompanied by high-quality service delivery.
7. Lausanne, Switzerland
Lausanne ranks seventh, with education, research and innovation playing a major role in its smart-city profile.
The Swiss city benefits from strong links between research institutions, scientific organizations and public authorities. It also applies technology to utilities, including water management and district heating.
As Lausanne grows, maintaining its green spaces while managing population density is becoming an increasingly important urban challenge.
Its position alongside Zurich and Geneva also highlights Switzerland's strong presence among the world's leading smart cities.
8. Canberra, Australia
Canberra ranks eighth and is the highest-ranked Australian city in the 2026 index.
The Australian capital benefits from deliberate urban planning, spacious neighborhoods, green areas and relatively good air quality. Its digital infrastructure also supports public services, including fast internet access and technology-enabled education.
Residents, however, want improvements to public transportation, particularly connections between outer suburbs and the city center. Affordable housing is another significant concern.
Canberra's eighth-place ranking puts it ahead of Sydney, which climbed to 22nd, while Brisbane ranked 57th and Melbourne 60th in the 2026 index.
9. Singapore
Singapore ranks ninth, continuing its position as one of Asia's strongest smart-city performers.
The city-state combines high standards of public safety and healthcare with an extensive technology ecosystem. Public Wi-Fi, digital payments and Smart Nation technologies are integrated into many aspects of daily life.
Singapore's dense urban environment also creates challenges. Rising living costs, inflation and population density remain concerns for residents despite the city's strong infrastructure and digital connectivity.
IMD's 2026 findings place Singapore among the world's leading cities while emphasizing that smart-city performance ultimately depends on how technology contributes to quality of life.
10. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi completes the top 10, giving the United Arab Emirates (UAE) two cities among the world's smartest.
The capital stands out for public safety, healthcare and emergency infrastructure, alongside increasingly integrated digital city management. Automated municipal services, traffic-management systems and cybersecurity are part of its technology-driven approach.
The city also faces the challenge of diversifying employment opportunities, particularly by creating more opportunities in technology and other non-oil sectors for younger residents.
Together with Dubai, Abu Dhabi's ranking illustrates the UAE's growing prominence in smart urban development. IMD says the two cities show how government-directed digital investment can generate civic confidence when technology is paired with effective services.
The 2026 ranking shows that being a smart city is about more than advanced technology. Strong infrastructure, sustainability, digital services and good governance all contribute to a better quality of life. But for many residents and travelers, safety is just as important. To see which destinations stand out on that front, explore “10 Safest Cities in the World in 2026.”
Read: Best Cities in Europe for Holidays with Kids in 2026
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