In a plot twist nobody saw coming, London’s no longer the best city in the UK.
Yes, you read that right.
The 2025 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards have shaken things up, with London sliding down to third place behind Bath and Manchester.
Why London is no longer the best city in the UK
The capital still dazzles with its iconic landmarks, sprawling parks, and game-changing nightlife, but other cities are catching up – and fast. Bath snagged the top spot with its jaw-dropping Roman baths, cosy streets, and a dining scene that’s making waves far beyond the city limits.
Meanwhile, Manchester’s stormed up from eighth to second, fuelled by new restaurants, buzzy bars, and a hospitality scene that’s impossible to ignore.
Londonmeanwhile, is battling its old foes: the chaos of overcrowded streets, sky-high prices, and the kind of hustle that wears even the toughest Londoners down.
The new rules of being the best city in the UK
Being the UK’s best city now means more than history and fancy postcodes. It’s about culture that’s alive and evolving, friendliness that feels genuine, and spaces where newcomers aren’t just visitors but welcomed insiders. Bath and Manchester get this – their streets pulse with new energy, and their locals know the tricks to enjoying the city beyond the tourist traps.
So what’s London’s secret? The metropolis still holds a fiercely loyal following among the approximately nine million souls who call it home.
Comprising 32 boroughs, each with its own distinctive personality, London is a patchwork of vibrant neighbourhoods from the cool, creative buzz of Dalstonto the pastel charm of Notting Hill, and the ever-buzzing beat of Soho.
London may have lost the top spot, but she’s far from done. For those willing to seek out the hidden gems, the quiet cafés, and the offbeat theatres, London remains a city of endless surprises. The crown may have slipped, but the heart? Still there!
