IF YOU are thinking about where to visit on your next UK staycation, 17 UK cities have just been named among the best in Europe.
A report revealing Europe‘s best cities for 2026 has been released and 17 UK cities feature including the ‘Athens of the North’, one of the best cities in Europe for weather and the UK’s ‘newest second city’.
Cities across Europe were ranked across several categories using data from numerous sites such as social media and core statistics.
The categories include Livability, which looks at things such as biking options, public transport, air quality and green spaces; Lovability which looks at Instagram posts, theatres, museums and reviews and Prosperity, which looks at airports, business systems and universities – here are all of the UK entries.
London – 1st
Coming out on top of all 100 cities, is the UK’s capital – London.
Dubbed the ‘Capital of Capitals’, London secured the top position in three of the 34 subcategories, which was the most out of any city, including Prosperity and Lovability.
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It also came second on the Livability index.
The index states: “London’s magnetic appeal continues to draw a global audience, from students and entrepreneurs to tourists and corporate titans.”
The report notes how London & Partners’ Tourism Vision has set ambitious goals of making London the most visited, sustainable and diverse global city destination by 2030.
Laura Citron, CEO of London & Partners said: “2026 is another year to watch for London, as the capital city undergoes major growth and transformation including the opening of two major museums (London Museum and V&A East), new theatres and world-first events like Pro Climbing League.
“London is truly Europe’s global city: with a trillion-dollar economy, more green space than any city on the continent and unrivalled connections to the rest of the world.”
Edinburgh – 23rd
The capital of Scotland is the second location in the UK to feature on the list, with the index noting how it is “rich with history” and “ambitiously
planning for the future“.
Dubbing it the “Athens of the North”, the index commended Edinburgh for its work to become net-zero by 2030.
In in particular, it highlighted how it is the second-most visited city in the UK after London thanks to its “cinematic views, among the freshest air in Europe (fourth for Air Quality), an array of sights (including its famed castle), and a happening citizenry that puts on the world’s premier Fringe Festival each year”.
The city is also planning 17 more hotels by 2028 as it prepares to host the start of the Tour de France in 2027.
Manchester – 27th
Naming Manchester “England‘s worker bee city”, the report highlights how the city boasts both industrial history and literary history as a UNESCO City of Literature.
The city’s opening of the 23,500-seat Co-op Live arena in 2024 – the largest indoor arena in the UK – has helped Manchester attract one million fans in less than a year.
In addition, the city was noted for its regeneration projects such as Old Trafford and its expansion of its airport, ranking it in the top five for connectivity in Europe.
Other top things to do in the city include heading to The Lowry which houses L.S. Lowry’s paintings and exploring Gothic architecture such as the John Rylands Library.
Glasgow – 51st
Described as “Scotland’s artful, urban heart”, Glasgow placed 51st.
The vibrant city that is the home of Scottish Opera, Ballet and the National Theatre of Scotland is a former European Capital of Culture.
It is also a top city for music and its tourism is on the rise, with around five million overnight visitors staying in the city in 2024, a 20 per cent increase from 2023.
If visiting the city, make sure to head to its free museums like the Burrell Collection and do a bit of shopping on Buchanan Street.
Bristol – 56th
Highlighting its creative industry, the report named Bristol in 56th place.
Stand out features of the city include the opening of the YTL Arena at Brabazon Hangars in 2028, which will be on the city’s former Filton Airfield which was once home to Concorde.
The venue will include a festival hall, community hub, food hall, work spaces and leisure facilities.
If heading to the city, make sure to explore the street art and try and look out for pieces by Banksy…
Birmingham – 57th
Following Bristol in 57th place is Birmingham.
According to the report, few cities entertain like Birmingham does, “where
classic pubs and underground clubs power a happening nightlife scene, ranked 23rd in Europe”.
And the city has a number of new projects in the works include the Powerhouse Stadium, which will be a 62,000-seat arena and the future home of Birmingham City Football Club.
If you love chocolate, make sure to visit Cadbury World.
Liverpool – 66th
The city of Liverpool placed 66th on the table with its cultural quarters and regeneration works noted.
Projects in the city include the regeneration of the North Docks and the revitalisation of the city’s International Slavery Museum.
The city’s nightlife is also great, with a range of pubs and bars scoring it 16th best for nightlife in Europe.
If you are a fan of The Beatles, you can head to The Beatles Story, which is the world’s largest permanent exhibition dedicated to the band.
Oxford – 68th
The historic university city of Oxford came in at 68th.
Under an hour from London on the train, Oxford is home to Europe’s best university.
The city is also home to historic pubs and fascinating architecture, including Gothic spires.
In addition the report noted how the city is “an understated green space gem” with several connections to famous literary figures such as CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien.
Many of the historic buildings in the city and on the university campus offer tours such as the Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera.
Leeds – 71st
In 71st place is Leeds – described as being “ripe for fun and investment”.
Currently, the city is undergoing a massive terminal expansion at its airport to accommodate visitor demand.
And the city has a number of other visitor-focused projects, with Premier Inn opened a 143-room hotel atop Leeds City Market.
When in the city, visit the Victorian Corn Exchange to discover independent boutiques.
Sheffield – 82nd
The city that George Orwell once called “the ugliest town in the Old World” is now “Yorkshire’s brainy, prosperous hub” according to the report.
Placing 82nd, the report celebrates Sheffield for its “glassy university centres, myriad green spaces, and some of the cleanest air in Europe (32nd)”.
Close to the city, you can also head to the Peak District National Park for walks and amazing views of the countryside.
Nottingham – 83rd
One place behind Sheffield is Nottingham in 83rd place.
The city is currently undergoing a number of ambitious projects including the development of the €1.61billion Island Quarter, which will feature restaurants, an events hall and homes.
As the “Home of English Sport”, the city also has a plethora of great pubs to explore.
Make sure to check out the City of Caves when in Nottingham – it boasts over 800 caves hand-carved into the sandstone.
Southampton – 85th
Coming in 85th place is Southampton.
Dubbed the “rising star of England’s southern coast”, Southampton has a lots of maritime history, including being the departure point for the Titanic.
And you’re not short of green space in the city either, with 11 Green Flag-certified parks.
Another spot worth exploring in the city is Tudor House and Gardens, which is Southampton’s most important historic building.
Belfast – 89th
Placing 89th is Belfast in Northern Ireland.
The city which is famous for the Titanic, is also undergoing one of Europe’s largest urban waterfront regeneration projects as Titanic Quarter.
The redeveloped area will include a new addition to the Titanic Museum and establishing the former Bank of Ireland into a new visitor attraction.
Portsmouth – 95th
Scooping up 95th place is Portsmouth.
This year, the seaside city will see the reopening of Hilsea Lido as well as a number of other coastal projects that will create more green spaces and public areas.
Also this year, Portsmouth 100 will kick off to celebrate the century of the destination being a city.
It will be a year-long celebration with a number of exhibitions and events.
Coventry – 98th
Securing 98th place is Coventry, with “the third-best weather in Europe”, according to the report.
The city is currently working on a City Centre project as well, which should create a new district in the heart of the city.
One top spot to explore in the city are the ruins of the Cathedral.
Cardiff – 99th
Coming in at 99th is Cardiff, which according to the report could be the UK’s new second city.
Being the closest European capital to London via train (under two hours), the city has a lot to offer including mountains, beaches and castles.
And the city’s station will start a massive rebuild this year set to cost €162million.
The city is also home to a number of recent projects including the regeneration of Cardiff Bay and The Bay Wetlands.
Another new project is Atlantic Wharf which will feature new homes, hotels and an indoor arena set to open in 2028m along with a 120-room floating hotel.
Newcastle – 100th
Last but not least and securing the final spot on the table, is Newcastle.
Just two-and-a-half hours from London by train, Newcastle features a number of new attractions.
For example, you can head to Freight Island, with street-food and events.
EasyJet has also launched a new base at Newcastle Airport, adding 11 flight routes.
Top 10 cities in Europe
ACCORDING to the report on the Best Cities in Europe for 2026, here are the top 10 spots:
- London, UK
- Paris, France
- Berlin, Germany
- Rome, Italy
- Barcelona, Spain
- Madrid, Spain
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Vienna, Austria
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Stockholm, Sweden
In other city news, these are the 39 best European city break destinations – and the number one spot is VERY cheap.
Plus, here are the best city breaks for every month of the year that even your kids will love… and these trips won’t break the bank.