It comes as the annual report by Resonance Consultancy, a leading advisor in tourism, real estate and economic development, was published. Resonance's rankings quantify and benchmark the relative quality of place, reputation and competitive identity for the continent’s major urban centres.
To rank the performance and perception of Europe’s Best Cities for 2025, Resonance analysed the principal cities of metropolitan statistical areas with populations of more than 500,000 (according to Eurostat, Demographia and National Statistical Offices, our population sources). They determined the top cities using a combination of core statistics and user-generated data from online sources such as Google, Tripadvisor and Instagram to measure quality of place when it comes to experiential factors.
In total, 100 cities feature on the list – but we've broken it down to the Top 21, such are the heights Edinburgh has risen to in this year's ranking. Take a look through our photo gallery to see Europe’s Best Cities for 2025 – and where Auld Reekie is placed on the list.
9. Vienna, Austria
Rank 8th. 'The Austrian capital is done waiting for others to save the planet. Investment and visitors flowing into the city validate its bold vision.' Photo: Pixabay
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Rank 9th. Bold reclamations focused on resident needs created a more accessible city while tourists weren’t looking. Photo: Pixabay
11. Stockholm, Sweden
Rank 10th. 'Ambitious tech and transit investment activate an enterprising and educated citizenry that keeps attracting the planet’s boldest and brightest.' Photo: Pixabay
12. Lisbon, Portugal
Rank: 11th. 'You’re not imagining it: everyone you know is going to Lisbon.' Photo: Pixabay