Edinburgh has been named one of the best places in the world for Gen Z to live, according to Time Out's 2026 survey. The Scottish capital took fourth place in the magazine's top 10 list for people born between 1997 and 2012, and was also ranked the safest city out of the entire list.
Survey highlights
The ranking is based on responses from over 24,000 people across 150 cities, with the results narrowed down to reflect the views of those under 30. Tokyo, Japan, took the top spot, followed by Porto in Portugal and Melbourne in Australia.
Edinburgh was the only UK city to make the top 10, beating London and Bath, which both featured in the original top 50. In the broader annual survey, Edinburgh took bronze position with Intrepid Travel in 2026, but dropped to fourth when considering only Gen Z responses.
What Gen Z said about Edinburgh
Gen Z respondents gave the Scottish capital high praise. A total of 90 per cent said they were happier living in Edinburgh than anywhere else, while 94 per cent described locals as "positive". The city also scored highly for wellness and quality of life for under-30s.
Edinburgh was ranked the safest city to live in out of the whole list, with 55 per cent of respondents describing it as such. Time Out described it as an "extremely liveable city" thanks to its walkability, green spaces, world-class cultural offering and excellent restaurants.
Nightlife and culture
One standout aspect for Gen Z was the city's unique nightlife. The Cowgate is lined with underground clubs and live music events, combining historical settings with entertainment and fostering a lively community feel. Edinburgh is also home to the Fringe Festival, which draws acts from across the globe throughout August, flooding the streets with comedy, musical, dance and exhibitions.
Time Out said: "Edinburgh takes everything that makes life worth living and turns the dial up several notches: outstanding food, beautiful green spaces, and a vibrant arts and culture scene." It added: "It's little wonder people living here are among the happiest of all cities surveyed this year, with 91 per cent of respondents agreeing that they find joy in their everyday experiences."
