WHEN it comes to the world’s top cities, the ones everyone wants to visit, we all think of the likes of New York, Paris and Tokyo.
So it might come as some surprise to some (but not us Scots) to find that one of our cities has made the top 30 in the world on a new hot list.
Travel experts at Time Out have just released their Best Cities in the World list – a global snapshot of city living, with an emphasis on the factors which they believe make cities great places to live and visit.
They quizzed thousands of city-dwellers to rank the best cities in the world right now for their sixth annual list.
And coming in at No.30 this year is Glasgow.
New York, of course took top spot, with Cape Town in South Africa coming second and Germany’s capital Berlin in at third.
When it comes to Glasgow the experts said it was the people and our fabulously affordable food who made the city a must visit destination.
They added: “Plenty of cities boast world-class food, beautiful scenery and popping nightlife. Only one is full of Glaswegians.
“Good food, happy people.
“Glasgow’s identity and sense of community are infused into its soul, and spare no newcomer. Expect to be welcomed with open (albeit playfully mocking) arms as you explore a world of unique museums, indie bookshops, and £1 shots.”
And they raved about our fabulous restaurants, architecture and culture, adding: “Your wallet will escape Glasgow unscathed, with restaurants like Sugo and Topolobamba offering cheap but delicious grub, and in a place that was recently named the best UK city break for architecture, simply walking around becomes an event in itself.
“Plus, culture is taken seriously. It’s no surprise Glasgow has produced most of Scotland’s best bands and actors, considering the city’s thriving live music scene and the enduring appeal of the near century-old Glasgow Film Theatre. Whoever you are, Glasgow awaits with great patter and a cool pint of Tennent’s.”
They also noted the host of independent shops selling locally handmade gifts and produce for tempting treats and gifts and recommended a trip to the iconic Barrowlands Markets as it celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, saying: “It remains a perfect distillation of the city’s good-hearted chaos.”
Summing up the city, Time Out’s travel experts said: “Glasgow’s got it nailed, with a 92 per cent food quality and happiness rating.”
Time Out – the global media and hospitality brand that helps people experience the best of the city – surveyed thousands of locals to get a unique insight into the reality of living in the world’s greatest cities right now.
This year, city-dwellers were asked about the quality and affordability of the food, culture and nightlife scenes in their city and how their city makes them feel, from happiness to romance.
Survey respondents were also asked about which other city they would most like to live in. These insights were combined with those of more than 100 well-travelled Time Out staff writers and editors, based in cities all over the world, who were polled for their take on which cities are the most exciting right now.
All these factors contributed to the ranking of Time Out’s Best Cities in the World for 2024.
Grace Beard, Travel Editor at Time Out said: “Time Out knows cities like no-one else, and that’s thanks to the opinions and insights of our global network of local expert journalists on the ground in cities around the world. Our annual survey lets us keep a finger on the pulse of city-dwellers to create a global snapshot of city living right now.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
“Every city that made the list did so because locals rate it highly – so whether a city ranked at one or fifty, it’s still one of the greatest among the thousands of cities around the globe. This year, the top cities are not only incredible places to visit and go out in, with world-class restaurants, culture and nightlife, but they’re also great places to live, with strong community spirit and an undeniable vibe.”
Top Ten:
1. New York City, USA
2. Cape Town, South Africa
3. Berlin, Germany
4. London, UK
5. Madrid, Spain
6. Mexico City, Mexico
7. Liverpool, UK
8. Tokyo, Japan
9. Rome, Italy
10. Porto, Portugal
