Some even said Leeds should have topped the list
Leeds local Ahmed Zai, who came to the city as an Afghan refugee(Image: Samuel Port)
Leeds was ranked the 71st best city throughout Europe.
The Yorkshire city ranked below fellow UK city’s Oxford, Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester, Edinburgh and London, with the latter topping the list made by WorldsBestCities.com. Leeds also came out as having the 39th best theatre scene and 29th best nightlife.
The table, named 2026 Europe’s Best Cities Report, was devised by weighing up the “livability, lovability and prosperity” of each city. Describing Leeds, the website said: “Ripe for fun and investment, it’s hard not to fancy Leeds.”
Listing some of the city’s positives, website mentioned the Leeds Bradford Airport terminal expansion, the rejuvenation of Sovereign Square near Leeds train station, the wide range of six universities and branded Roundhay Park “a massive outdoor draw”.
Ahmed Zai, 38, moved to Leeds as a refuge from Afghanistan when he was 16 years old. He is currently studying business and tourist management. He thinks Leeds should have topped the list.
Ahmed said: “I hope that next year, or in a couple of years, that Leeds city centre comes top of the list. If I go and stay anywhere like London or Manchester, I’m thinking that Leeds is my home.
“I grew up in Leeds, and it’s full of lots of smiles and friendly people. I never think of myself as foreign, I think of it as my own home, my own country. This country has given me good respect. Bless the country, God save the country.”
Leeds nurse Hannah Swift(Image: Samuel Port)
Hannah Swift, 38, works as a nurse at Leeds General Infirmary. Hannah hailed the walkability of the city.
Hannah said: “I think Manchester is better than Leeds – I shouldn’t say that, but I do – Edinburgh is nicer than Leeds, London, yep. Glasgow, I haven’t been, so I can’t comment. I’d say we were about equal to Liverpool – but definitely not above. From what I’ve heard about Glasgow, I’d have thought not, but that’s maybe me being judgemental.”
She added: “Leeds is good because it’s quite condensed so you can walk around the city centre pretty easily. I suppose we have quite a lot of culture in Leeds, like museums, art galleries, and lots of restaurants. I‘d describe the people of Leeds as welcoming.”
Leeds Beckett student Oscar Webster(Image: Samuel Port)
Oscar Webster, 19, from Leicester, studies Product Design at Leeds Beckett University. He was “a bit annoyed” that Leeds wasn’t in the top 10 for nightlife.
Harry said: “As a student, I’d say the night life is brilliant. Where I’m walking [from town] in Headingley is about a five-minute car journey. Everything is walking distance. That really helps as a student getting around the place, not having to spend as much money on petrol or Ubers. Nightlife is 29? I’d say Leeds is top 10 for cities I’ve been to.
“I definitely don’t think Glasgow or Oxford [should be above Leeds]. Surely Leeds is better than Oxford, I’d say. I’m a bit annoyed about that…no, I’m joking! I’d say Oxford and Glasgow, Leeds is definitely better than. Liverpool and Manchester are very good, and London is the capital, so it’s fair enough it’s number one.”
Caroline Hack(Image: Samuel Port)
Textile artist Caroline Hack, 60, from Norfolk, was visiting the circular fashion concert at Leeds Beckett. She was excited to check out the museums and galleries the city has to offer.
Caroline said: “From I’ve seen, which isn’t a lot, Leeds is a nice friendly place. Free museums and art galleries are always a great thing. It always makes me feel good when a local council understands the value of culture. It feels like a walkable city.”
2026 Europe’s Best Cities Report can be viewed, here.
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