This UK destination has been named the top city in the world to visit

The UK city of Edinburgh has been ranked the top city to visit in the world. (Getty Images)
The UK city of Edinburgh has been ranked the top city to visit in the world. (Getty Images)

If you're looking to visit some of the world's best cities, you need not travel far at all – because according to a new survey the UK is home to the leading global destination.

According to the newly released fifth annual Time Out Index, it is none other than Edinburgh that ranks the highest.

The historic Scottish city – which beat the likes of Chicago, Amsterdam and Berlin – is also joined in the top 10 by another nearby spot, Glasgow.

Other destinations to be given the seal of approval were Prague and Copenhagen, with Marrakech and Medellín both new entries.

Read more: The most picturesque 'secret' beaches in the UK revealed

Meanwhile, London and Manchester both made it into the top 20, along with New York, Melbourne, Porto and Cape Town.

In order to compile their list, Time Out looked at everything from the food and drink scenes of a location, to the abundance of culture, affordability, sustainability and attractiveness of its architecture.

Let's take a look at which global cities made the top 10...

1. Edinburgh

The historic Scottish city has been ranked highest. (Getty Images)
The historic Scottish city has been ranked highest. (Getty Images)

Coming in at first place is Edinburgh, which ranked highly for beauty and historic landmarks.

According to the survey, it also scores well for walkability and access to nature.

There's likewise an abundance of culture – which culminates in the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

2. Chicago

The American city has a vibrant food and drink scene. (Getty Images)
The American city has a vibrant food and drink scene. (Getty Images)

Second place goes to former winner Chicago, which is praised for its food and drink options.

There's also plenty of art to take in, and a buzzing clubbing scene.

However, if you simply want to relax, then you can spend time chilling beside Lake Michigan.

3. Medellín

This colourful Colombian city is a new entry to the rankings. (Getty Images)
This colourful Colombian city is a new entry to the rankings. (Getty Images)

The highest ranking new entry is Medellín in Colombia.

It tops the charts for its food and drink options, as well as nightlife and partying scenes

You can stay in several design-conscious boutique hotels that have recently popped up.

4. Glasgow

The Scottish city is known for its friendliness. (Getty Images)
The Scottish city is known for its friendliness. (Getty Images)

According to the survey, Glasgow is the friendliest city in the world this year.

It is also the second most affordable city – but this doesn't mean you can't treat yourself at its two Michelin-star restaurants.

Additionally, have some fun at SWG3, the world’s first body-heated club where the dancing literally helps keep the lights on.

5. Amsterdam

The Dutch capital is perfect for wandering around in. (Getty Images)
The Dutch capital is perfect for wandering around in. (Getty Images)

Amsterdam is the best city in the world in which to express who you are, and the second most progressive.

It is also very easy to get around, with plenty of walking and cycle routes.

There's likewise plenty going on – with a number of top music festivals happening this year.

6. Prague

Stunning scenes await in this beautiful eastern European spot. (Getty Images)
Stunning scenes await in this beautiful eastern European spot. (Getty Images)

The eastern European destination of Prague is without a doubt one of the most beautiful spots in the world.

Indeed, the recently completed riverbank at Náplavka has been nominated for a prestigious architecture award.

What's more, it is also very easy to get around on public transport – something that is always handy for a city break.

7. Marrakech

The Moroccan hotspot is one of the least stressful places to visit. (Getty Images)
The Moroccan hotspot is one of the least stressful places to visit. (Getty Images)

If you're after a holiday romance, Marrakech tops the charts as the easiest city in the world for a fling.

For travellers who just want to be platonically sociable, it comes second in the rankings for those wanting to make new friends.

What's more, the survey found that it is the least stressful city in the world, perhaps thanks to its culture of lounging in cool courtyards sipping Moroccan mint tea.

8. Berlin

For those wanting a cool getaway, the German capital is perfect. (Getty Images)
For those wanting a cool getaway, the German capital is perfect. (Getty Images)

Berlin ranks second for ‘variety of things to do’ – including everything from fine dining to weekend-long parties.

You can also enjoy an abundance of walking tours and contemporary art shows.

To top it off, it also has a highly praised transport system to make your stay a seamless experience.

9. Montreal

There's plenty of culture in this Canadian city. (Getty Images)
There's plenty of culture in this Canadian city. (Getty Images)

While you might not have considered Montreal before, the Canadian city has a vibrant food and drinks scene.

It is also home to great art and museums, and regularly holds free concerts and waterfront festivals, not to mention the famous Montreal Jazz Festival.

There are also plenty of green spaces to relax and enjoy nature.

10. Copenhagen

The Danish capital is one of the world's greenest cities. (Getty Images)
The Danish capital is one of the world's greenest cities. (Getty Images)

Head to Copenhagen if sustainability is important to you, as the Danish capital is one of the world's greenest cities.

It has also seriously embraced its waterways, with hydrofoil bikes, floating saunas, jacuzzis and even kayak bars galore.

You can also easily get around by foot or by bike.

Remaining cities to make the top 20:

11. Cape Town

12. Madrid

13. Manchester

14. Mumbai

15. Melbourne

16. Taipei

17. London

18. Porto

19. Lyon

20. New York

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