Every year, Resonance Consultancy takes it upon itself to decide which cities in Europe are the very best. For its ranking, considered one of the most comprehensive out there, it looks at more than 180 European cities and evaluates them according to three core themes: liveability, lovability and prosperity. Within each of those categories, researchers rate each place on a whole host of factors, from nightlife and cycling routes to airport links and the number of business HQs.
For 2025, London was crowned the number one city in Europe (again), but there was one other UK city that made it into the top 20. Edinburgh was named the 18th best city in all of Europe.
Special shoutouts were given to the recently renovated Scottish Portrait Gallery, the Hidden Doors Festival, the redevelopment of St James Quarter and the ongoing £2 billion West Town development. Then, of course, you have to mention the world famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which Resonance said ‘will be bigger than ever this year, fuelled by increased federal funding’. It also ranked second in Europe for air quality and number six for universities.
Resonance said: ‘The Scottish capital has long enchanted creative souls with its UNESCO World Heritage-designated Gothic architecture, moody weather and the legacy of the literary masters who’ve flocked here for both.
‘But a growing appreciation of the city’s arts programming (long powered by the storied University of Edinburgh and the sixth-most educated citizenry in Europe) has inspired hotel investment to accommodate tourists and talent.’
Here at Time Out, we ranked Edinburgh the 13th best city in the entire world for 2025. It’s got impeccable public transport, some of the UK’s most legendary clubs, dozens of charming pubs and an incredible food scene. And in the near future, its transport is set to get even more high-tech and the Hoxton will be the newest addition to its collection of brilliant hotels.
You can see which other UK cities made it onto the Resonance Best Cities in Europe 2025 list here.
ICYMI: The two small UK cities recently named among the happiest places to live in the world.
Plus: One of the world’s most walkable cities is in the UK.
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