It’s official: Glasgow is the UK’s friendliest city

It’s official—Glasgow is the friendliest city in the UK.

After landing itself in fourth place last year, Glasgow stormed back to the top, claiming the number one spot in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards with an impressive score of 97.14 per cent.

The travel mag asked its readers to vote on “the places on our home turf where you can expect a warm reception,” then collated all of the answers and gave each location a “friendliness score” out of 100.

And while London or Edinburgh usually tend to take the spotlight, this time round it was Glasgow’s, as they were deemed equally—if not more—talented in the arts. As noted in the original listing: “As the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music and Scottish base for institutions like ballet and theatre, this humble port city pulses with the energy of creatives and audiences alike.”

Glasgow’s arts scene, from live gigs to theatre performances, continues to grow, making it a cultural hub in its own right. But it’s not just the talented culture, it’s the people themselves that have won Glasgow this top spot. Glaswegians have always been famous for their warmth, generosity, and friendly nature. 

Cities were rated on a variety of criteria, and Glasgow’s winning score reflects its welcoming atmosphere and the spirited energy of its people.

The full rankings were as follows: 

1. Glasgow – 97.14
2. London – 93.00
3. Edinburgh –  91.11
4. Oxford – 90.91
5. York – 90.77
6. Bath – 89.41
7. Belfast – 87.50
8. Manchester – 86.67

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9. Liverpool – 86.13
10. Birmingham – 80.00

It’s clear that Glasgow’s winning charm isn’t just in its vibrant arts scene or stunning architecture, but in its people—the true heart of the city. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to soak in its unforgettable atmosphere, it’s no wonder that Glaswegians continue to make the city the UK’s friendliest. As the rankings show, the people really do make Glasgow.