Edinburgh has been named the friendliest city in the UK, with Glasgow and Aberdeen also making the top 10 in a new ranking based on votes from travellers.
The Scottish capital finished first in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, knocking Glasgow off the top spot after the city had held the title for two years.
Edinburgh scored 93.47 out of 100, ahead of Liverpool in second place and Birmingham in third. Glasgow was fourth with 88.34, while Aberdeen completed a strong showing for Scotland by taking eighth place with a score of 82.15.
Condé Nast Traveller said Edinburgh had risen from third place in last year’s rankings and described the capital as “good-humoured, open-minded, and pulsing with creative energy”.
The magazine said: Having come in third place in 2025, Edinburgh is a consistent favourite with our readers, and it’s easy to see why. The Scottish capital is good-humoured, open-minded, and pulsing with creative energy, while widespread patriotism means that all are eager to provide superb standards of hospitality as well.
“Head up to Edinburgh during the Fringe, famed for being the world’s largest arts festival, and witness the cobbled streets come alive with every talent imaginable. Here you can discover the pinnacle of Edinburgh’s playful yet supportive atmosphere, as residents and visitors unite to celebrate remarkably experimental performers, from singing impressionists and quirky DJs to witty circus troupes.”
Edinburgh finished narrowly ahead of Liverpool, which scored 92.86 after climbing from joint eighth position in 2025.
Condé Nast Traveller said Glasgow represented some of the best of Scotland’s “heartfelt hospitality” and praised Glaswegians for their sociability as well as the city’s nightlife and cultural scene.
The magazine said: “Aside from being sociable, Glaswegians also have a reputation for knowing how to party. Think of cool cocktail bars, historic boozers, and, the cherry on top, legendary music venues, which have given rise to Glasgow’s UNESCO City of Music status.
“Art lovers are also spoilt for choice by the thousands of masterpieces housed in extravagant galleries, or, for something more spontaneous, follow the colourful trail of street murals dotted across the centre. With so much to offer, we challenge you to resist the irresistible Glaswegian charm.”
Aberdeen was the third Scottish city to make the list, finishing eighth and placing ahead of Bath and Brighton.
The Granite City was awarded a score of 82.15, with its relatively compact size and community atmosphere singled out for praise.
Condé Nast Traveller said of Aberdeen: “Located on Scotland’s east coast, the city is home to a bustling oil port as well as several sandy beaches, where it’s no rarity to spot a frolicking dolphin or languid crowd of seals. But it’s the people who really bring Aberdeen to life, as its relatively small population has a heart-warming community feel compared to the larger cities on our list.
“Wander the silvery granite streets, a remnant of its industrial powerhouse past, and hear the soft tones of Doric conservation, Aberdeen’s charming local dialect.”
The results come from Condé Nast Traveller’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards, with readers voting on their favourite destinations and travel experiences.