Two major Scottish city earn honours of being in the top 100 cities of Europe

Daily Record

08-05-2025

The list was topped by London, followed by Paris and Berlin
Two major Scottish cities have received significant international recognition, with a major new report placing them among the leading cities in Europe.
The report, "Europe's Best Cities in 2025" by Resonance Consultancy, advisors on economic development, highlights a notable surge for Scotland's two largest cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, both climbing into the top 30.
‌
Glasgow with a metro population of 1,831,000 is now ranked as the 28th best city in Europe. This represents a substantial advancement, jumping 33 places from its 61st position in the 2024 rankings and reflecting a period of significant progress for the city.
‌
Delving into the report's sub categories, Glasgow was ranked 20th for Livability, 39th for Lovability, and 50th for Prosperity.
Resonance stated that Scotland's biggest city "powers to its Top 100 ranking on the strength of its education," pointing to its sixth place globally for educated citizenry and its world renowned university, founded in 1451, which is the fourth oldest in the English speaking world.
The consultancy also noted that "start ups hungry for cheap space and talent are drawn to the city's working class authenticity over pricier European capitals."
The city's cultural landscape also garnered praise from the researchers, who observed that "it's not like Glasgow has gone corporate."
The report highlighted Glasgow as being "the home of Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and the National Theatre of Scotland," adding that the city "is still buzzing from its 2020 designation as the UK's top cultural and creative city by the European Commission."
‌
Edinburgh, with a metro population of 894,000, also achieved a strong ranking, entering the top 20. The Scottish capital was named the 18th best city in Europe, moving up from 28th place last year.
The report provided more detailed rankings for Edinburgh, placing it 13th for Livability, 20th for Lovability, and 38th for Prosperity.
‌
The report noted Edinburgh was a "long overlooked European capital" which now "shines bright and welcomes the world once more." Resonance highlighted that the city "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."
Edinburgh's thriving arts programming was also a key factor, supported by the esteemed University of Edinburgh and its population ranking as the sixth most educated citizenry in Europe.
‌
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This has encouraged investment in the city's hotel sector, including the 244 room W Edinburgh within the significant St James Quarter development.
The report also mentioned the substantial £2 billion West Town development, a landmark project that will create a new district featuring 7,000 homes, two schools, retail and community facilities, a 300 bed hotel, and 300 student apartments.
‌
Resonance Consultancy operates internationally, advising on tourism, real estate, and economic development. Their city rankings are based on a comprehensive analysis that incorporates statistics, user generated reviews, social media activity, and online content to quantify and benchmark a city's quality, reputation, and competitive identity.
The top ten cities listed in the report were London, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Madrid, Amsterdam, Vienna, Prague, and Stockholm. The full report is available online.