The likes of York, Liverpool and Manchester pride themselves on theirfriendliness and hospitality, but it turns out you need to go north of the border for the warmest welcome.
In the Conde Nast Traveller Readers Choice Awards 2024, Glasgow was revealed to be the UK’s friendliest city, reclaiming its position with an overall score of 97.4 after a brief stint in fourth place last year.
In what may come as a surprise to many, the Scottish city just pipped London to the post as winner, with the capital’s residents being described as ‘some of the most considerate people around, accepting and accommodating of all in its diverse community.’
This was followed by Edinburgh in third, while Oxford and York rounded up the top five. And in contrast to their neighbourly image, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham were ranked eighth, ninth, and tenth respectively.
Glaswegians have a similarly good-natured reputation, so this win isn’t a total shock. But despite tourism campaigns like ‘People Make Glasgow’, it was also once known for being the murder capital of Europe and the home of some of the most deprived areas in the UK.
Travel blog Wandertooth highlighted ‘unsavoury’ pre-conceived notions from the 1970s and 1980s of it being a ‘gritty post-industrial city,’ while Tripadvisor user presidentmrIreland claimed: ‘Glasgow probably has a good heart but is rough around the edges’/
The UK’s friendliest cities
- Glasgow
- London
- Edinburgh
- Oxford
- York
- Bath
- Belfast
- Manchester
- Liverpool
- Birmingham
However, although things have improved drastically due to increased investment over the decades, locals (lovingly referred to as Weegies) are still ‘as unpretentious as it gets’, and reviewer Stephen D echoed many visitors in praising its ‘rugged charm’.
‘The city is magic,’ said another, scotschicky. ‘The people are fantastic, salt of the earth.
Proving it isn’t just bias from a fellow Scot, a third poster called puddsYorkshire added: ‘Everyone is so friendly and obliging, we only had to get a map out and passersby were offering to give us directions.’
Some also compared it to the capital, Edinburgh – which tends to be more popular with tourists – with ColoradoTravel_steve saying: ‘Edinburgh is good to see for the historical sites, but believe me the people in Glasgow are much, much friendlier.
‘The difference in the two cities is like chalk and cheese,’ added madscotsman115. ‘Glasgow is far more vibrant than Edinburgh.’
Alongside great company from residents and a convivial atmosphere though, there’s plenty for tourists to enjoy.
Things to see and do in Glasgow
To get a feel for Glasgow’s rich culture, there are no shortage of museums and galleries, from the Burrell Collection, GoMa and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to the Riverside Museum and Glasgow Science Centre.
Many of these are located in the numerous parks which earned Glasgow its moniker of ‘dear green place’, and it’s well worth taking a wander around Pollok Park or Kelvingrove Park during your trip.
Alternatively, see the whole city from the Necropolis, a Victorian garden cemetery adjacent to Glasgow Cathedral filled with architecture and history.
Fancy a break? There are bars and restaurants galore here, and the city is known for its food scene.
Try Irn Bru pulled pork at Bloc+ and Napoletana pizza at Paesano, explore cafes and coffee shops like Singl-end andPapercup, or enjoy a Michelin star meal at Ox and Finch or Cail Bruich – you’re really spoilt for choice.
The West End offers vintage shopping and an arty atmosphere, but Ashton Lanespecifically is a must-visit, with its cobbled streets and fairy lights proving a glorious backdrop for a pint or two.
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Speaking of which, why not take a tour of the Wellpark Brewery in Dennistoun, the country’s oldest and the home to its favourite beer, Tennent’s? Plus, the Clydesdale Distillery offers tours and whisky tastings, and no visit to Scotland is complete without a wee dram, after all.
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