Condé Nast Traveller's readers have spoken, and for 2026 the UK's best city — and its friendliest — is Edinburgh. The Scottish capital claimed both crowns in the magazine's Readers' Choice Awards, dethroning Glasgow, which had held the friendliest-city title two years running.
Glasgow hasn't fallen far. The west-coast city slips to fourth place, sitting behind Bath (last year's best-city winner) and London. But the top spot moving east means Scotland still dominates the friendliness conversation — both Scottish cities remain fixtures in the rankings, even if the weather doesn't always cooperate.
So what's the appeal? Edinburgh's looks do a lot of the heavy lifting. Its skyline is anchored by a castle perched on an ancient volcanic plug formed some 350 million years ago, and the city layers elegant Georgian New Town terraces over the cobbled lanes of the Old Town. Stockbridge brings colour with its independent shops and cafés, while the leafy path along the Water of Leith offers a quieter side of the capital. Climb Arthur's Seat for the classic panorama — the view holds up even in the rain.
But beauty alone doesn't win a friendliness vote. Readers clearly responded to the city's down-to-earth streak: the ease of chatting to strangers in a packed pub on a wet afternoon, or asking for directions and walking away with a list of recommendations. The writer behind the piece recalls a first visit at 18, joining locals at what was then a much smaller Hogmanay street party — an event that has since grown into a major international New Year celebration.
Edinburgh also scores as a genuinely liveable city break. Restaurants, museums, galleries and independent shops sit alongside a dense calendar of cultural events, yet you're never far from open air — one minute on the Royal Mile, the next following the river or gazing out towards the sea. That mix of urban culture and easy access to nature is rare in a capital city of this size.
Why it matters: if you're planning a UK city break in 2026, this gives you two for one. Edinburgh is the headline act, but Glasgow is a short train ride away, and the old east-versus-west debate is best settled by trying both. Who it suits: anyone who wants history and architecture without the standoffishness that can come with them — plus festival-goers, foodies and walkers.
Whether you visit for the August festivals, a cosy winter Hogmanay or a quiet off-season wander along the Water of Leith, the readers have made their case: Edinburgh is the UK city to beat right now.
Original source: Condé Nast Traveller UK
