The Scottish capital ranked third in Time Out’s Best Cities 2026 list, which ranks cities across the globe based on the views of locals.
Beaten only by Melbourne, Australia, and Shanghai, China, Edinburgh was named as not only the best UK city but also the highest-placed European city.
Explaining the reasons behind Edinburgh’s third-place ranking, Time Out said: “ Edinburgh turns everyday life up a notch, blending historic grandeur with modern vibrancy.
“Built around a towering castle and crowned by an extinct volcano, Edinburgh boasts cherry-blossom-lined parks, cobbled alleyways whose stories stretch back to the medieval period, and distinctive neighbourhoods that offer hours of exploration - from Stockbridge for independent boutiques to Leith for trendy new restaurants.
“The Scottish capital came joint-first for walkability in this year’s survey, meaning it's easy to navigate between comedy shows at the Fringe each August, while a thriving food and arts scene keeps locals and visitors coming back for more. 94% of residents rate the food highly, 91% love the green spaces, and 90% rate its culture, cementing Edinburgh as one of the happiest cities surveyed.”
Of course, we here at Edinburgh Evening News have some clue as to why the city has trumped the likes of Tokyo, London, and New York City in the rankings.
But we firmly believe that there is plenty of reason to have Edinburgh go even further and occupy the number one spot - here are a few of the reasons why Edinburgh is one of the best cities in the world.
13. Distinctive architecture
Edinburgh isa one of the most interest cities to walk around with its buildings and street steeped in history. The Old Town is the oldest part of the city, with its medieval street plan, and Reformation-era buildings that are unmistakably Edinburgh. This is contrasted with the Georgian neoclassical townhouses that call the New Town home. It's easy to step back in time and lose track of your day when exploring, making Edinburgh one of the best places in the world to explore. | Corbis via Getty Images
14. Sporting Culture & stadiums
Edinburgh has a rich culture concerning sport in the city. From the Edinburgh Derby between Hibs and Hearts dominating Edinburgh's football scene, to Scottish Rugby calling Murrayfield home, there's always something happening for sports fans in the city. Alongside football and rugby, the city's stadiums also regularly welcome some of the biggest music acts in the world, including the likes of Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and Harry Styles. | Getty Images
15. Transport
Some people might scoff at transport in Edinburgh being praised but the interconnected transport links in the city are some of the best in the UK. With regular trams offering easy transport to and from Edinburgh Airport at regular intervals, as well as bus services that connect the whole city and beyond, there's nothing more you could ask for to explore one of the world's best cities with ease. | Lisa Ferguson Photo: Lisa Ferguson
16. Rich music heritage
Edinburgh is home to some huge musical names including the likes of The Proclaimers, Bay City Rollers, Shirley Manson, and Young Fathers. The city also boasts plenty of music venues for up-and-coming acts to make their name in the industry, including La Belle Angele, Liquid Rooms, Sneaky Pete's and The Mash House. | Getty Images