Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate ways to attract and retain knowledge workers in a globally successful knowledge city or a city aspiring to become one. Design/methodology/approach - The paper reviews the literature on knowledge work and workers and provides useful recommendations on the fundamentals of how to attract and retain knowledge workers. Findings - The paper sheds light on attracting and retaining knowledge workers that knowledge industries, knowledge-based development and knowledge cities rely on. Originality/value - The paper provides an in-depth discussion on the concepts of knowledge work, knowledge workers and what these workers want when they are not at work.