Scottish cities joins London and Paris in best of Europe list
TWO Scottish cities have been recognised in a list of the best destinations in Europe.
Resonance Consultancy assessed the livability, lovability and prosperity of each city to determine the top locations.
Factors analysed include air quality, rent, nightlife, restaurants, and education.
Edinburgh and Glasgow were both named in the top 30 this year.
Coming in at number 18, the Scottish capital was hailed by researchers for its "Gothic architecture" and arts and culture scene.
It was ranked sixth for its world-renowned university and second for its air quality.
Read more travel
Resonance Consultancy said: "Edinburgh 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.
"The renovated Scottish National Gallery project reopened two years ago to showcase the Scottish collection right in the heart of the city, while the upstart Hidden Doors Festival takes over unused spaces for art shows for a third year.
"The city’s world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe will be bigger than ever this year, fuelled by increased federal funding."
Most read in News Travel
Meanwhile, the city of Glasgow was named the 28th best city in Europe by researchers.
It was ranked sixth for educational attainment and fourth for air quality.
Resonance Consultancy praised its "working-class authenticity" and thriving culture scene.
They said: "Glasgow powers to its Top 100 ranking on the strength of education, with the planet’s #6 spot for educated citizenry and a world-renowned university founded in 1451, the fourth oldest in the English-speaking world (ranked #14 in Europe).
"The University of Glasgow counts economist Adam Smith and U.S. Founding Father James Wilson as alumni. And the world is taking notice.
"Tech start-ups hungry for cheap space and talent are drawn to the city’s working-class authenticity over pricier European capitals, even though the business investment metrics have yet to reflect the influx. Glasgow ranks #42 in our Large Companies subcategory and a middling #94 for GPD Per Capita.
"Still, the city is among the UK’s fastest-rising property markets and new hotels are planned for the rest of the decade, with the recently opened The Address Glasgow now welcoming guests. But it’s not like Glasgow has gone corporate.
"This is the home of Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and the National Theatre of Scotland, and Glasgow is still buzzing from its 2020 designation as the U.K.’s top cultural and creative city by the European Commission."
Elsewhere, a tiny seaside town with stunning beaches was crowned the best place to live in Scotland.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
The Sunday Times recently revealed its annual list of the top places to live in Britain.
North Berwick in East Lothian was hailed for its unbeatable combination of lovely beaches, quality schools and thriving independent businesses.
Europe's Best Cities 2025
- London
- Paris
- Berlin
- Barcelona
- Rome
- Madrid
- Amsterdam
- Vienna
- Prague
- Stockholm