Liverpool has been named the second friendliest city in the UK and one of the country’s top five destinations in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.
The city has received two major accolades in the annual awards, which are based on the opinions of more than 295,000 readers and celebrate some of the world’s most popular travel destinations.
Liverpool secured second place in the UK’s Friendliest Cities ranking, climbing from joint eighth position in 2025, while also claiming fifth place in the UK’s Best Cities list.
The results highlight Liverpool’s growing reputation as a leading visitor destination, with its famous hospitality, vibrant cultural scene, musical heritage and iconic waterfront continuing to impress travellers.
In the friendliest cities category, Liverpool achieved an impressive score of 92.86, finishing just behind Edinburgh, which took the top spot with 93.47.
The city was also the biggest climber in the friendliness rankings, moving up six places in just one year.
Condé Nast Traveller praised Liverpool’s welcoming atmosphere, outgoing residents and inclusive character, highlighting the city’s lively nightlife, maritime history, football culture and connections to The Beatles.
Liverpool’s fifth-place finish among the UK’s best cities provides further recognition of its appeal, with the travel publication highlighting its independent shops, art galleries and creative atmosphere.
The awards come as Liverpool continues to attract visitors from across the UK and internationally, offering everything from world-class museums and galleries to major sporting events, festivals, live music and cultural attractions.
Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership, said:
“To be recognised by more than 295,000 Condé Nast Traveller readers as one of the UK’s best cities and its second-friendliest city is a fantastic endorsement of Liverpool as a visitor destination.”
“These rankings reflect the combination of world-class culture, heritage, music, sport and hospitality that makes Liverpool such a memorable place to visit. Just as importantly, they recognise the warmth of the welcome that visitors receive and the role that local businesses, attractions, venues and communities play in creating exceptional experiences.”
“At a time when destinations across the UK and beyond are competing harder than ever for visitors, this recognition reinforces Liverpool’s reputation as a city that people not only enjoy visiting, but actively recommend to others.”
Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership is also continuing its Destination Welcome Training programme, helping frontline staff across the visitor economy become knowledgeable ambassadors for the region.
The latest recognition adds to Liverpool’s reputation as one of Britain’s most welcoming destinations, celebrating not only its attractions and cultural heritage but also the people who make visitors feel at home.
For more information about visiting Liverpool and the wider city region, visit the website.
