Edinburgh voted Best City in the World in Time Out 2022 ranking
Amazing! ❤️🙌
Last updated 12th Jul 2022
We all know that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh taking the top spot.
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, and community spirit, to create a 'global snapshot of city living' and see where locals are raving about.
Edinburgh came in at Number 1 out of all 53 cities in the overall ranking, largely for its beauty, with the many incredible landmarks, architecture, and scenic views on offer. In fact, it even ranked as the most beautiful city in the world, with 95% of residents thinking that the city is beautiful.
Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said of the result: “It’s fantastic that Edinburgh has topped the Time Out Index as the best city to visit in the world right now. I’m incredibly proud to call Edinburgh my home and its clear so many other people also want to spend time in this beautiful city.
“Not only is the Capital stunning, but it’s extremely walkable, filled with historical charm and green spaces and diverse in its outlook. That’s not to mention our vibrant cultural scene, programme of festivals and thriving hospitality industry, which attract so many people here every year.
"All this is despite an extremely challenging couple of years, which businesses, festivals and hospitality venues have weathered. It’s our outstanding mix of restaurants, cafes and bars, green spaces, events and attractions, shops and hotels - and every single person who works in these industries - who we have to thank for the city’s continued appeal."
The capital city also ranked for being rich in art, culture, nightlife, and the food and drink scene, and was voted the most walkable city. It is seen as a welcoming and progressive city, with 88% of locals saying that it is easy to 'express who you are' in Edinburgh.
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
Check out these incredible scenic walks in and around Edinburgh:
Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park
Nestled in the heart of the capital, Arthur's Seat is a hill walk that has it all. The views and surrounding areas are breathtaking and full of historical importance.
There is a nice steep incline for those who like to walk uphill, and the surrounding landscape provides the perfect escape from the city.
How long does it take to climb Arthur's Seat?
The summit sits proudly at 279m and in decent weather conditions an average walker would complete the walk in around 2.5 hours.
How difficult is it to climb Arthur's Seat?
Although there is a steep climb, the overall distance to cover is approximately 4.75km, which means it is manageable for most walkers.
The climb is pretty steep, and the terrain is rocky, so even though it is a relatively short distance, it can be tricky for an inexperienced walker, or if weather conditions are bad.
River Tyne: Haddington to East Linton
If you are looking for a nice long walk, with beautiful views without a steep hill, this is the one for you. The riverside walk begins in Haddington and follows the river downstream to East Linton. There is so much to see along the way, the area is swathed in history, and you can see Hailes Castle amongst other treats.
How long does it take to walk from Haddington to East Linton?
The flat walk stretches for 10.25km and is comprised of footpaths, although watch out as they can get a bit muddy in wet weather. An average walker would complete the walk in less than 3.5 hours.
How difficult is it to walk along River Tyne?
This is an easy walk, it is flat and comprised of footpaths. If you are comfortable walking for around 3 hours, it's a straightforward walk.
Scald Law and Carnethy Hill, Flotterstone
Scald Law is the highest point of the Pentland Hills. Just south of Edinburgh, the Pentlands are easily accessible from the city.
Scald Law peaks at 609 metres so is a good test of the old walking legs! The most popular route takes walkers along Carnethy Hill and a switchback ridge. The descent follows the lovely Loganlea Reservoir and Glencorse Reservoir.
How long does it take to walk up Scald Law?
As the total route adds up to around 12km, it takes an average walker around five hours, in average weather conditions. There are clear pathways throughout the route, although some sections can be rough underfoot.
How challenging is it to climb Scald Law?
This is a high climb at 609 metres. It has good paths, but at around five hours total walking time, it isn't one we would recommend for a beginner.
Aberlady Bay and Gullane Point
This is one of our favourite walks for the sheer beauty of it. Aberlady Bay is a nature reserve and there is so much to admire as you walk. The route is wonderfully varied, as it goes through a lovely sandy beach and then on to the village before returning inland.
How long does it take to walk to Gullane Point?
From Gullane Beach To Aberlady Bay is around 3 miles/4.5 km long, and takes roughly 2-3 hours to walk at a relaxed pace.
How difficult is it to walk along Aberlady Bay?
This is a flat walk, and around 6km in total, so manageable for even beginners.
Lammer Law and Hopes Reservoir
The Lammermuirs are a series of hills and moorland in East Lothian, and Lammer Law is one of these hills. It is the most popular of the Lammermuirs and although it is not the highest peak, its summit affords breath taking views as far as the eye can see.
The walk itself is very satisfying. It is an expansive circular route which is beautiful and also takes in the Hopes reservoir.
How long does it take to climb Lammer Law?
The terrain is easy to navigate with good hill tracks throughout. The peak sits at 352 metres, and the average walker would complete the route in around five hours.
How difficult is it to walk up Lammer Law?
The route is easy to navigate with good paths, so the main challenges are the height and overall distance (14.5km). Any walker comfortable with five hours of walking, and some steep sections will find this more than manageable.
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