Scottish city known for arts and heritage named among best in the world for culture

Daily Record

15-05-2025

It's the only UK city to make the top 20
A Scottish city known for being a popular tourist destination for art and history lovers has just been named one of the best in the world for its cultural scene.
The Scottish capital of Edinburgh has secured an impressive third place in Time Out's new global ranking of the world's top cities for culture, standing out as the only UK city to make the top 20.
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The list, based on surveys of over 18,000 residents worldwide and input from the magazine's network of global editors and writers, celebrates cities that go beyond the traditional boundaries of culture to create thriving, dynamic scenes rooted in both heritage and innovation.
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Time Out's study assessed cities on the quality, quantity, accessibility and affordability of their cultural offerings.
Importantly, the ranking focused not just on legacy institutions like museums and theatres but also the creativity found in pop-up events, grassroots festivals, and surprising experiences.
From raves in caves to community gallery trails and nature-themed literary gatherings, the list celebrates the fresh and unconventional sides of culture just as much as the established highlights.
And when it came to the UK, only Edinburgh made the cut, and with flying colours.
'This Scottish city has it all: a world-leading arts festival, fantastic museums, a rich literary heritage… just when you think you've got to grips with Edinburgh's culture scene, a new thing pops up to prove you wrong,' said Chiara Wilkinson, Time Out's UK Deputy Editor.
Wilkinson highlighted the city's cultural heavyweights, including the world-famous Fringe Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival and the long-running Jazz & Blues Festival. But Edinburgh's cultural identity isn't stuck in the past.
"The widely popular Days Festival made its debut last year, and is returning with a stacked daytime lineup of underground dance music this May.
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"Also in May, the city will open Europe's first ever museum dedicated to contemporary Palestinian art.
"And then there's the blockbuster Edinburgh Summer Sessions, which is hosting Chappel Roan for two nights, the star's only announced UK gigs outside of Reading and Leeds. And that's not even half of it."
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Survey results showed 85 percent of locals gave their city's cultural scene a positive rating, and 61 percent said galleries and museums were reasonably priced, an important factor as affordability becomes a growing concern in many major cities.
Paris claimed the top spot in the list, bolstered by the reopening of major cultural landmarks like the Grand Palais and strong support from locals, with 96 percent of Parisians rating their culture as either 'good' or 'amazing.'
But Edinburgh's third-place ranking puts it well ahead of global cultural giants like Florence, Chicago, and Hanoi, showcasing its continued global relevance.
For anyone planning a visit, Time Out recommends taking advantage of Edinburgh's full cultural offering, from its iconic theatres and art galleries to hidden gems and new creative ventures that keep the city's pulse alive all year round.