London is the world’s second favourite city, according to a new global survey, beaten only by New York.

Not only did the UK capital finish ahead of dozens of global commercial centres including Shanghai, Tokyo and Abu Dhabi, the capital was also voted as the top European city.

Market research firm Ipsos Mori polled people from 24 countries, giving them a list of 48 major cities and asking them to choose which ones were the best to do business in, which were best to live in and which people most wanted to visit. London was one of only two cities to make the top five in every category – the only other city was New York. It was second to New York in the favourite city category, while it was third in the best-place-to-live category, top in the European city table, fifth in the best-place-to-do-business category and judged fourth as the best place to visit.

New York was the best place to do business in, while Zurich was voted the best place to live and Paris was the best place to visit.

“The citizens of the world have spoken and given a massive vote of confidence in London and the UK,” said Ipsos Mori chief executive Ben Page.

“Together with positive signs for the UK economy and London generally, and after a brilliant Olympics in 2012, this survey reaffirms London as not only the most important city in Europe, but also affirms Britain continuing to punch above its weight globally.”

Things are indeed looking up in London, as house prices in the capital recently soared to record highs following growth of 8% in a year.

The increase - the biggest for two and a half years - pushed the average cost of a residential property in June to £425,000.

Harry Wigram, from national estate agency Strutt & Parker's Chelsea office, confirms this: “The demand and confidence for Central London property continues to astonish with a relentless demand for prime investment. The market is unfailing and constant in what is officially a global brand.”