The best cities in the UK: 2024 Readers' Choice Awards
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What is the best city in the UK? In 2024, we asked our readers just that – and your responses rank the top 10 of the UK's cities in some surprising ways. Cardiff took the top spot in 2023 but has fallen off the list to be replaced with an all-time big-hitter. Brighton and Cambridge are among the other cities replaced by alternative city break destinations.
Our annual Reader's Choice Awards are the biggest and most influential in the business, shining a light on the best places around the world. In collaboration with our sister title in the USA, we can now reveal the urban destinations that scored the highest marks when it comes to nightlife, restaurants and friendliness. For more inspiration, see our pick of the best places to visit in the UK.
These are the best cities in the UK, according to the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards. The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.
Getty Images10. Aberdeen. Score 85.11
The Scottish port city of Aberdeen has more than enough to occupy culture vultures and foodies on a long weekend escape. For all the praise we could put on the city, it also makes for a great launch pad for some of the iconic Lochs and wilder areas of this land.
Where to stay: It's a bit of a walk from the main attractions, but The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa is the perfect place for a cosy Scottish escape.
Getty Images9. Glasgow. Score 85.33
This buzzy Scottish city has made the list for the seventh year in a row. Read our feature on the best things to do in Glasgow to find out why, or tap into the Glaswegian food scene.
Where to stay: See our round-up of the best Airbnbs in Glasgow from which to base yourself – including this handsome studio in a classic townhouse that sleeps two.
Getty Images8. Manchester. Score 85.93
Vibrant Manchester is packed with excellent chefs, music and culture. Grand libraries, street art, record shops and galleries are among the best things to do in the city, while excellent restaurants in Manchester range from Korean cooking to doughnut shops via Spanish, Italian, Vietnamese and Indian cuisine. There's a thriving LGBTQ+ scene in Manchester, too.
Where to stay: Whitworth Locke comprises apartments painted in dreamy pastels in an old cotton mill. See more of the best hotels in Manchester.
Getty Images7. York. Score 85.98
We've long regarded York as one of the UK's most underrated cities. In fact, it could be the perfect escape – a cultural hub surrounded by endless opportunities to unwind in the surrounding countryside.
Where to stay: For a country house feel in the heart of the action, look no further than Grays Court Hotel.
Getty Images6. Bath. Score 86.54
There's plenty to do in Bath, making it a favourite among Brits in search of a wholesome long weekend and international tourists. Tick off the main historic attractions, savour a taste of the Somerset food scene, and dream of a slower pace of life in one of the surrounding villages.
Where to stay: Our guide to the best hotels in Bath provides all the inspiration you'll need. However, for a lush country escape, check into The Bath Priory.
5. Liverpool. Score 89.33
Liverpool comes in fifth place on our list this year. The once-gritty city is now a capital of cool, where vintage shops, art galleries and art venues inject a creative atmosphere into the streets – see our guide to things to do in Liverpool for ideas on how to spend a visit here.
Where to stay: Book a room at Titanic Hotel Liverpool, converted from a soaring, cavernous former warehouse.
Getty Images4. Belfast. Score 89.35
This underrated Irish city is famous for being the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, but it is also known for its vibrant culture and art scene and welcoming locals. Set against a backdrop of handsome cobbled streets and dapper Edwardian buildings, Belfast is a must-see destination.
Where to stay: At The Harrison, set in Victorian merchants' residences, given a colourful, light-hearted makeover. The hotel is close to some of the city's best cultural highlights, too. For more ideas, read our guide to the best hotels in Belfast.
Getty Images3. Oxford. Score 90.91
There's more to Oxford than its world-class university. Exploring one of the historic colleges is undoubtedly at the top of tourists' agendas for looking for things to do in Oxford. Still, the city makes for a great cultural trip thanks to its museums and art galleries. Hop on a punt to see the sights from the water, then settle on an itinerary.
Where to stay: The Old Parsonage Hotel is a gorgeous 17th-century property that has been transformed into an exquisite boutique bolthole.
Getty Images2. Edinburgh. Score 91.19
Edinburgh, famed for its festival and varied architecture, has come third in our list of the best cities in the UK. For first-time visitors, see our Edinburgh travel guide and the best things to do in the Scottish capital. In the last few years the city has developed into a foodie hotspot – these are the best restaurants in Edinburgh.
Where to stay: Gleneagles Townhouse is the most exciting newcomer on the scene. For a private stay, this loft Airbnb overlooks the city's most famous street. For more options, see our pick of the best Edinburgh hotels and the best Airbnbs in Edinburgh.
Getty Images1. London. Score 93.02
London is not just a major city but a thriving hub of 32 boroughs, each with their own, distinct character, from hip Dalston to colourful Notting Hill and buzzing Soho. Stay up to date with the latest happenings via our weekly roundup of the best things to do in London this weekend, as well as our list of the best restaurants in London (even better, sign up to our weekly newsletter on London's hottest restaurants right now too).
Where to stay: For something smart and classic, you can't get much better than Claridge's, in splashy Mayfair. For a cooler, more casual stay, look further east to One Hundred Shoreditch, which has a gorgeous rooftop bar. For more, see our edit of the best London hotels.