Edinburgh named among world’s best cities for culture, surpassing global heavyweights
Edinburgh has once again affirmed its position on the world cultural stage, being crowned the third-best city for culture globally in Time Out’s newly released rankings. The Scottish capital not only secured an enviable place on the prestigious list but also stood tall as the only UK city to break into the top 20.
The ranking, curated by Time Out’s global editors, writers, and a survey of more than 18,000 city residents worldwide, shines a spotlight on cities that boast vibrant, dynamic cultural scenes rooted in both heritage and innovation. The study looked beyond the traditional confines of museums and theatres, instead celebrating destinations that offer eclectic cultural experiences ranging from grassroots festivals to pop-up exhibitions and underground events.
Edinburgh’s placement at number three is a testament to its rich, multifaceted cultural landscape. Chiara Wilkinson, Time Out’s UK Deputy Editor, described the Scottish capital as a place that “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.”
Indeed, Edinburgh’s cultural allure is steeped in tradition yet remains refreshingly contemporary. Its globally renowned Fringe Festival, the largest arts festival in the world, continues to draw artists and audiences from across the globe, while the Edinburgh International Festival and the Jazz & Blues Festival serve as enduring pillars of the city’s annual cultural calendar.
However, what sets Edinburgh apart is not solely its legacy institutions but also its ever-evolving contemporary scene. Wilkinson noted the recent debut of the Days Festival, a vibrant daytime celebration of underground dance music, which is returning to the city this May following a highly successful first edition. Furthermore, the city is set to make cultural history by opening Europe’s first museum dedicated to contemporary Palestinian art, reflecting Edinburgh’s commitment to amplifying diverse artistic voices.
Adding to the buzz is the return of the Edinburgh Summer Sessions, which this year will host breakout pop sensation Chappel Roan for two nights—her only announced UK performances outside of the Reading and Leeds festivals. These events, coupled with countless smaller happenings from raves in caves to nature-themed literary gatherings, exemplify the city’s cultural versatility and inclusivity.
The survey revealed that 85 per cent of Edinburgh residents rated their city’s cultural scene positively, while 61 per cent said galleries and museums were reasonably priced—an increasingly significant metric as concerns over affordability mount in major cultural hubs.
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Edinburgh’s high placement on the list saw it outshine cultural titans such as Florence, Chicago, and Hanoi, underscoring its enduring global appeal and relevance. Paris took the top spot, buoyed by the much-anticipated reopening of major landmarks like the Grand Palais and strong local support, with an impressive 96 per cent of Parisians describing their city’s cultural offerings as either “good” or “amazing.”
Despite this, Edinburgh’s third-place finish is no small feat and reaffirms the city’s stature as a cultural powerhouse. Time Out’s editors encourage visitors to embrace the city’s full spectrum of culture, from its iconic art galleries and majestic theatres to hidden creative spaces and grassroots events that keep the Scottish capital’s cultural heartbeat alive throughout the year.
As the only UK representative in the global top 20, Edinburgh not only carries the flag for Scotland but also for the entire United Kingdom’s cultural landscape. Its recognition serves as a reminder that culture thrives not only in grand institutions but in the unexpected corners, diverse communities, and constantly evolving narratives that define a city’s spirit.
For travellers seeking an experience that blends history, creativity, and innovation in equal measure, Edinburgh now ranks firmly among the world’s finest.
