Melbourne has not only overtaken Sydney on the list of the world's top 20 most liveable cities, but leap-frogged Paris into the top 10 in the quality-of-life stakes.

Compiled by the uber chic design and lifestyle magazine, Monocle, the rankings will be published on June 19, crowning Copenhagen as the world's number one city. Munich, the winner last year, dropped down to number two while London - financial and cultural behemoth of Europe, did not even squeak it into the best 20 list.

The list defines Tokyo as the third best city in the world with the Nordic capitals of Stockholm and Helsinki joining the top ten. Berlin took out the cultural capital prize while Paris's pioneering Mayor, Bertrand Delanoe - and new innovations like the bike hire scheme and the 'Nuits Blanches' when museums stay open all night - have reinvigorated the city to win the Best Global city.

For Sydney, disappoinment: the Emerald City dropped from number 7 on the list to number 11 while Melbourne's rankings climbed from number 11 to number 9.

Melbourne, says the magazine, is vibrant, art loving, booming - and sprawling: "Melbourne's economy is humming, its arts scene is thriving, and more than 1000 new people a week are calling the city home."