Glasgow bags a top spot in Best Cities in the World 2022 Time Out ranking
Amazing! ❤️🙌
Last updated 12th Jul 2022
We all know that Glasgow is a brilliant city, but it's nice to have it made official! The 2022 Best Cities in the World Index from Time Out has now been released with Glasgow ranking highly and even making it into the Top 5.
Compiled from 20,000 survey responses from around the world, the results show two Scottish cities in the Top 10 alongside the likes of Chicago, Amsterdam, and Prague.
The index is based on places to visit, things to do to, and community spirit to create a 'global snapshot of city living' and see where locals are raving about.
Glasgow came in at an incredible Number 4 out of all 53 cities in the ranking, as well as being voted the friendliest city, with 78% of Glaswegians describing the city as being friendly.
The high placement on the list came as the city was praised for its music and club scene, green spaces, and variety of things to do.
People also liked the restaurants on offer, particularly the amount of vegetarian and vegan options, the two Michelin-star restaurants, and the fact you can get good value for money when dining out. In fact, Glasgow was voted the second most affordable city in the world with 87% of residents saying it wasn’t expensive.
Time Out's Scotland correspondent Arusa Quershi said of the result: "When it comes to music, nightlife and other forms of arts and culture, Glasgow is without a doubt one of the best places to be. Its world-class venues, clubs, restaurants and bars make it impossible not to have a great day or night out in the city, whatever your taste.
"Glasgow is also a city with passionate locals that are forever looking out for the most vulnerable in society".
What an amazing result! Check out the full list of cities below.
- Edinburgh
- Chicago
- Medellin
- Glasgow
- Amsterdam
- Prague
- Marrakech
- Berlin
- Montreal
- Copenhagen
- Cape Town
- Madrid
- Manchester
- Mumbai
- Melbourne
- Taipei
- London
- Porto
- Lyon
- New York
- Buenos Aires
- Birmingham
- Stockholm
- Tokyo
- San Francisco
- Delhi
- Toronto
- Lisbon
- Boston
- Mexico City
- Tel Aviv
- Paris
- Kuala Lumpur
- Manila
- Athens
- Dublin
- Sao Paulo
- Miami
- Barcelona
- Dubai
- Rome
- Los Angeles
- Accra, Ghana
- Singapore
- Abu Dhabi
- Sydney
- Auckland
- Rio de Janeiro
- Johannesburg
- Istanbul
- Bangkok
- Hong Kong
- Doha
Here are just a few of the great things you can do in and around Glasgow:
Kelvingrove Art Galleries
Not only is the Kelvingrove Art Galleries an impressive building to look at, it also hosts a huge collection of natural history and art inside.
The gallery is child friendly, and includes an interactive room for them to explore. It is open seven days a week and admission is free.
Riverside Museum
The award-winning transport museum is located on the River Clyde and has over 3,000 objects on display.
It is full of transport from history, with vintage cars, trams, trains and buses on display, as well as interactive displays and an old Glasgow street you can walk down.
It is easily accessible by public transport, and there is also a car park.
Loch Lomond
You can take in the incredible views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding area from multiple points and towns including Luss and Balmaha.
There are some little shops and cafes you can grab an ice-cream from and enjoy the sun, but be warned the roads get very busy during the summer!
The Kelpies
The Kelpies are a 40-minute drive from Glasgow city-centre and make a great day trip. Take in the incredible 30-metre-tall sculptures and walk or cycle around The Helix parkland.
This is also the sight of the Falkirk Wheel, however, there is an admission fee to go on the boat lift.
People's Palace
People's Palace is a museum that explores the history of Glasgow and how people used to live through objects, photos and film. The musuem is typically open every day, however it does close from time to time for events so check opening times before you go.
The museum is located in the vast Glasgow Green, which is an amazing park to walk around and there are several playparks too.
Botanic Gardens and Kibble Palace
The Botanic Gardens are the perfect place for a walk when the weather is nice, and there are plenty of flowerbeds to admire and a playpark for kids. The Kibble Palace and glasshouses are a must-see and are great to visit when the weather isn't so nice.
Largs
If you're planning a day trip, Largs is a lovely little seaside town located on the Firth of Clyde in the West of Scotland.
Gallery of Modern Art
All of the exhibits in the Gallery of Modern Art are free and showcase artworks from around the world.
It's also where you'll find the iconic Duke of Wellington statue which is normally wearing a cone on his head.
The Hunterian Museum and the Hunterian Art Gallery
Take a trip to the oldest public museum in Scotland, which hosts a variety of artefacts including the Romans in Scotland, geology, and Ancient Egypt.
Located in the west end of Glasgow, it is part of the University of Glasgow, and exhibits in the Hunterian Museum and the Hunterian Art Gallery are free to visit.
Mugdock Country Park
Located 10 miles from the city centre, Mugdock is the perfect park for a day trip, especially if you have dogs or kids! The huge park has lots of trails of varying lengths and difficulties, as well as castle ruins, a playpark, and an adventure course.
Millport
Millport is located on the Isle of Great Cumbrae, off the coast of Ayrshire. Ferries to the island are regular and once you get there, you'll find plenty of things to keep you entertained.
Choose to relax on the beach or wander around the local shops, and you can take in more of the island by hiring a bike and cycling the 10 mile road that goes around the island.
Ayr Beach
Take a trip to Ayr beach and enjoy everything the seaside town has to offer. If you're looking for more of an adventure, you can walk along the beach to explore the ruins of 16th-century Greenan Castle.
Glasgow Mural Trail
The Mural Trail takes you all over the city centre, so you can pace yourself and take in all of the street art at your leisure. The project was started to add a splash of colour and life to the streets of Glasgow and features a diverse collection of art by local artists.
Glasgow Cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral is a stunning medieval building in the city centre, which you can appreciate from the outside as well as the inside. While you're there you can wander around the Victorian Necropolis which is right next to the cathedral.
You might also have seen the landmarks in TV shows and films, as the cathedral was used for scenes in Outlander, and The Batman with Robert Pattinson used the Necropolis for some scenes.
Now read:
7 amazing parks to explore in Glasgow
The best spots for a scenic walk around Glasgow and the West
9 famous film locations in Glasgow