Prettiest UK city has ‘stunning’ views and iconic landmarks – it’s not London

In a quest to find , the team at evaluated the number of heritage sites, landmarks, and social media popularity.

A emerged as the UK’s winner of the Global Aesthetic Cities Index, boasting over 2,000 per 100,000 inhabitants and a buzz on social media platforms.

Edinburgh, a city renowned for its annual Fringe Festival, quaint cobblestone alleys, and the iconic , attracted 2.3 million international visitors in 2023 alone.

It was a popular year for drawing visitors to the , with the total figure representing a 28 per cent increase from the previous year and exceeding 2019 pre-pandemic levels by four per cent.

The city’s idyllic landscape is vast, and many landmarks are steeped in history. After her first Scottish sojourn in 1842, Queen Victoria herself revealed that she was utterly enchanted by Edinburgh, exclaiming: “The view of Edinburgh from the road before you enter Leith is quite enchanting. It is, as Albert said, fairy-like and what you would only imagine as a thing to dream of, or to see in a picture.”

Literary icon Oscar Wilde offered a more measured account, calling it “quite lovely- bits of it”.

Edinburgh Old Town, arguably the city’s crown jewel, is its most pedestrian-friendly zone. A traveller gushed on Tripadvisor about its charm: “The old town has so much character!”

Edinburgh Castle, perched atop an extinct volcanic crag, offers breathtaking city views and consistently receives high ratings on Google Reviews and TripAdvisor. Visitors can explore its rich history, including the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

A recent Google Review read: “It’s amazing this castle is still so well preserved. Lots of rooms and glass windows. Cannons and prisons with audio tours available. Stunning views. Great fun doing the royal mile afterwards too (downhill).”

Another visitor chimed: “This iconic castle holds everything you want to see as a history fan. Great architecture, beautiful collection of historical artefacts and every stone tells a story. Time flies when you’re visiting this stunning landmark of Edinburgh.”

Among the city’s most iconic viewing points is Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano that provides panoramic views of the city and beyond. Hiking to the summit is a favorite activity for both locals and tourists, with many praising its beauty and the sense of accomplishment it brings.

You can’t miss out on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, a bustling street that runs through the heart of the Old Town which is lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings . It’s a perfect place to soak in the atmosphere of Edinburgh, with many visitors leaving glowing reviews about their experiences.

A recent visitor shared in a Google Review: “So much history crammed into one place. Definitely needed more time to explore. Had a fabulous afternoon and would love to return. So much to see and do. Souvenirs and cashmere and whisky galore!”

Another went as far to say: “I fell deeply in love with Edinburgh while walking on this street.”

Princess Street Gardens, located in the New Town, is another highlight and is especially enchanting during the winter months when the city is adorned with festive lights and decorations.

Every year, part of the Gardens is transformed into the city’s very own “Winter Wonderland” with a Christmas Market, an ice rink, and many other fun attractions, including a 108-foot (33-meter) Ferris wheel, often called The Edinburgh Eye.

Edinburgh’s charm extends beyond its landmarks and attractions; its food and drink scene is highly praised, with an ever-evolving selection of forward-thinking bars and eateries.