Where does Scotland rank in a list of Europe's top 100 cities?

Glasgow and Edinburgh have been ranked as two of the best cities in Europe, according to a major report.

Europe’s Best Cities in 2025 by Resonance Consultancy, economic development advisors, shows Scotland’s two largest cities have soared up the rankings into the top 30.

Glasgow has been named Europe’s 28th best city – jumping 33 places from its ranking of 61st in 2024.

Resonance said that Scotland’s biggest city “powers to its Top 100 ranking on the strength of its education, with the planet’s sixth spot for educated citizenry and a world-renowned university founded in 1451, the fourth oldest in the English-speaking world” and that “start-ups hungry for cheap space and talent are drawn to the city’s working-class authenticity over pricier European capitals”.

View of Kelvingrove Park and the University of Glasgow. iStock

The researchers also praised the city for its culture, adding “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 UK’s top cultural and creative city by the European Commission,” the report said.

The news has been welcomed by Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken, who called it a “remarkable endorsement”.

She said: “Glasgow’s top 30 ranking in the list of Europe’s Best Cities is another remarkable endorsement of our ongoing transformation as a city working to address the legacies of our post-industrial history and recognition of the strides we continue to make – on our streets and in our neighbourhoods and on the international stage.

“Resonance’s rankings of the world and Europe’s best cities carry genuine influence and credibility. They inform global investment decisions, economic development and international tourism. I’m sure that Glasgow’s prominence in this latest report will show what our city has to offer to new international audiences.

“We know that our universities and reputation as a centre of culture and creativity have been critical to Glasgow’s profile. But I’m particularly pleased to see distinct attributes including our authenticity and values have been recognised as key selling points for our city.”

Edinburgh has managed to crack the top 20, with the Scottish capital being named the 18th best city in Europe – up from 28th last year.

Edinburgh has been named the 18th best city in Europe. iStock

The report noted Edinburgh was a “long-overlooked European capital” which “shines bright and welcomes the world once more”.

It added: “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.

“These days the buzz is all around the massive redevelopment of St James Quarter, anchored by the 244-room W Edinburgh (hotel). Equally exciting is the landmark, £2-bn West Town development, a new neighbourhood comprising 7,000 homes, two schools, retail and community facilities, a 300-bed hotel, and 300 student apartments.”

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “I’m delighted that Edinburgh features as one of Europe’s best cities, and I couldn’t agree more. Both as a resident and as Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, I’m never surprised when our city tops lists like this – and it’s clear the many people who visit here agree.

“Edinburgh is a stunning city, steeped in history, but we also boast a diverse and exciting cultural events calendar, world-famous festivals and vibrant food and drink scene. It’s walkable, liveable, and filled with green spaces – and, just this year, Time Out ranked the Capital as both one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We were also recognised for our access to nature and this latest listing cites Edinburgh’s air quality rating as one of the best in Europe.

“As we celebrate our 900th anniversary, there’s so much to love about Edinburgh – and that’s thanks to all those who live, work, visit and promote our capital city.”

Resonance is an international advisor on tourism, real estate and economic development, carrying out consultancy work for cities and national agencies across the world.

Its rankings are based on statistics, user-generated reviews, social media and online activity, quantifying and benchmarking qualities of place, reputation and competitive identity.

The top ten cities in the report were London, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Madrid, Amsterdam, Vienna, Prague, and Stockholm.

You can read the full report at https://www.worldsbestcities.com/.