This Destination Was Just Named the Top ‘Cultural City’ in Europe

Any traveler who’s planned a trip to Europe knows one of the biggest struggles is plotting out which cities and small towns to explore. There are countless places to check off the list — from the ancient ruins in Rome and the snow-capped Swiss Alps to Portugal’s tiny seaside village and the always-chic South of France. Only one destination, however, was recently named the “Leading Cultural City Destination” in the World Travel Awards.

Edinburgh received the category’s top honors, overtaking fellow nominees like Athens, Paris, London, Lisbon, and Venice to reach the No. 1 spot. If you’ve ever ventured to the Scottish capital, this shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise; Edinburgh bats well above average across several cultural components.

For starters, Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town were added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1995, serving as examples of “significant changes in European urban planning.” In just a short walk, you can go from seeing the majestic Edinburgh Castle, which was built in 1103 CE, to the neoclassical white sandstone buildings constructed between the years of 1767 and 1890.

The culinary scene also plays a major role in Edinburgh — and it’s one of the reasons T+L readers voted “Auld Reekie” one of the best cities to visit in Europe this year. There are five Michelin-starred restaurants in the capital, as well as an impressive roster of cafes and bistros serving up everything from traditional and contemporary Scottish delicacies to international fare.

In between meals, travelers should make the effort to see as many of Edinburgh’s museums, monuments, and points of interest as possible. On dreary days, spend a few hours at the National Museum of Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland; when the weather cooperates, journey down the Royal Mile (Old Town’s main thoroughfare) and hike up to Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano and the highest peak in Holyrood Park. Other highly photographed spots in the city include the Scott Monument, the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles’ Cathedral, and Greyfriars Bobby.

Of all the facets that allowed Edinburgh to become a “leading cultural city destination,” its renowned festivals may be the most exciting. Every year, the city welcomes the Edinburgh Science Festival in April and the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival in July. Come August, the days and nights are filled with events by the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Edinburgh Art Festival, the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Ready for the ultimate cultural vacation? Use our Edinburgh city guide to start planning your trip, and see the full rankings from the World Travel Awards at worldtravelawards.com.