UK’s friendliest cities revealed: Glasgow is number 1 followed by Manchester and Liverpool

The UK’s friendliest cities for 2022 have been named – and it’s Glasgow that ranks #1.

The Scottish city topped the ‘Friendliest City in the UK’ category of the 2022 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, with Manchester in second and Liverpool in bronze.

The poll put Belfast in fourth place and Cardiff in fifth.

Manchester (above) has been voted the UK’s second friendliest city

Conde Nast Traveler writer and Glasgow resident Steve King explained that the city is one “where complete strangers talk to you like you went to school together.”

But he said that “Glaswegian kindness is not unconditional or evenly distributed,” showing that “the English are generally not cherished,” but rather, “the French are adored.”

He added: ‘French friends of mine have been given free taxi rides in Glasgow simply because they are French.’

He suggests that the origins of this fondness for the French can be traced to the 13th-century alliance between Scotland and France to support each other against England.

Liverpool (above) has been voted the UK’s 3 Friendliest City

Upstairs is the UK’s fourth friendliest city, according to the poll – Belfast

According to Visit Scotland, top Glasgow attractions and experiences include the city center mural, the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Botanic Gardens, Pollok Country Park, Sharmanka Kinetic Theater and guided walking tours of the music of the city ​​scene.

Ken Massie, VisitScotland Head of Regional Leadership and Development, said: ‘We are thrilled that Glasgow has been voted the friendliest city in the UK.

Glasgow is a destination bursting with world-class attractions, including the revamped Burrell Collection, recently reopened by King Charles. It has lively neighbourhoods, fantastic food and drink and legendary venues like the UK’s first Unesco music city.

‘The city’s slogan is ‘People make Glasgow’ and this Readers’ Choice Award proves it. We hope this award will inspire more people to visit Scotland’s largest city and experience our world-famous warm welcome for themselves.”

Runner-up Manchester also offers plenty for visitors.

There’s fine dining at the Midland hotel’s French restaurant, plays at the famous Royal Exchange Theatre, the super hip Ancoats neighborhood to explore, home to exceptional places to eat and drink such as the natural wine bar Flawd, and paintings to see and performances to watch at The Lowry arts center.

Football fans, meanwhile, can visit Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, and the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City.

Activity options in third place Liverpool include exploring the acclaimed Beatles Story exhibition, performing at the legendary Cavern Club, where the band’s fame began, and looking at fascinating art at Tate Liverpool.

Cardiff, above, has been named the UK’s fifth friendliest city in the Conde Nast Traveler poll