The United Kingdom is a treasure trove of history, culture, and vibrant city life, attracting millions of tourists each year. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK offer something for every traveler. Whether you’re drawn to London’s bustling streets, Edinburgh’s historic charm, or Bath’s Roman heritage, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences. In 2023, the UK welcomed 38 million international visitors, with London alone hosting over 20 million. This comprehensive guide dives into the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK, highlighting their must-see attractions and the best, cheapest, and top-rated hotels to make your stay affordable and memorable. Let’s explore the UK’s tourism hot spots and plan your 2025 adventure
Why Visit the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK?
The Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK are popular for good reason: they blend rich history, modern attractions, and diverse cultures. Here’s why these cities are must-visits:
- Rich Cultural Blend: Whether it’s London’s international flair or Liverpool’s musical roots with The Beatles, every city brings its own cultural flavor.
- Famous Attractions: Explore renowned sites like the towering Big Ben, the historic Edinburgh Castle, and the ancient Roman Baths—each telling a unique story.
- Accessibility: Efficient public transport, like trains and buses, makes exploring the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK easy and convenient.
- Affordable Stays: With options ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels, there’s something for every traveler’s wallet.
- Year-Round Appeal: Whether it’s summer festivals or winter markets, these cities shine in every season.
Ready to discover the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK? Below, we’ve detailed each city’s highlights and handpicked the best, cheapest, and top hotels to suit your budget and style.
Here are the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK based on tourism data and popularity among travelers:
| Rank | City | Number of Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | London | 20,277,000 |
| 2 | Edinburgh | 2,324,000 |
| 3 | Manchester | 1,721,000 |
| 4 | Birmingham | 934,000 |
| 5 | Liverpool | 900,000 |
| 6 | Glasgow | 685,000 |
| 7 | Bath | 569,000 |
| 8 | Oxford | 450,000 |
| 9 | Cambridge | 444,000 |
| 10 | York | 441,000 |
Exploring the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK: Attractions & Hotels
1. London
As the UK’s capital and a global tourism powerhouse, London tops the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK with over 20 million international visitors in 2023. Famous for landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum (5.8 million visitors in 2023), and West End shows, London offers endless adventures. Stroll through Hyde Park, ride the London Eye, or explore vibrant neighborhoods like Camden and Knights bridge.
Best Hotels in London:
- Top-Rated: The Savoy – A legendary 5-star hotel on the Thames, known for its timeless elegance and exceptional service. From £500/night. Perfect for luxury seekers near West End theaters.
- Best Value: Premier Inn London Waterloo – Centrally located near the London Eye, offering clean, modern rooms from £100/night. Ideal for families and budget travelers.
- Budget-Friendly Pick: Point A Hotel London Shoreditch – A stylish, compact stay in trendy Shoreditch, starting at just £70 per night. Perfect for young travelers looking to enjoy the city’s nightlife without breaking the bank.
2. Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital ranks second in the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK, with 2.3 million visits in 2023. Edinburgh captivates with its medieval beauty, from the historic Royal Mile and majestic Edinburgh Castle to the globally celebrated Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Climb Arthur’s Seat for stunning views or explore the city’s haunted underground vaults.
Best Hotels in Edinburgh:
- Top-Rated: The Balmoral – A historic 5-star hotel with a clock tower, offering luxurious rooms and fine dining from £300/night. Steps from the Royal Mile.
- Best Value: Motel One Edinburgh-Royal – Enjoy sleek, modern rooms just steps from Edinburgh Castle, with rates starting around £90/night. A smart choice for comfort and location.
- Cheapest: ibis Budget Edinburgh Park – Simple, clean rooms near the airport and tram stops, from £50/night. Great for budget-conscious visitors.
3. Manchester
Manchester, a cultural and sporting hub, welcomed 1.7 million visitors in 2023, securing its spot in the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK. Famous for its legendary football clubs—Manchester United and Manchester City—plus a dynamic music scene and attractions like the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester buzzes with energy and culture. Explore the Northern Quarter for street art and nightlife.
Best Hotels in Manchester:
- Top-Rated: The Edwardian Manchester – A 5-star Radisson Collection hotel with a spa and rooftop bar, from £200/night. Ideal for luxury near Deansgate.
- Top Value Stay: Hampton by Hilton Manchester Northern Quarter – Contemporary rooms with complimentary breakfast, starting at just £80/night. Ideal for city explorers.
- Cheapest: easyHotel Manchester – Compact, no-frills rooms in the city center, starting at £40/night. Perfect for budget travelers.
4. Birmingham
Birmingham’s central location, shopping, and food scene make it a key player in the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK, with 934,000 visits in 2023. Visit the Bullring Shopping Centre, Cadbury World, or cruise the city’s picturesque canals. Its culinary scene stands out with everything from award-winning fine dining to flavorful street eats, making it a top attraction for food lovers.
Best Hotels in Birmingham:
- Top-Rated: The Grand Hotel Birmingham – A historic 5-star hotel with opulent rooms, from £180/night. Near the Bullring and train stations.
- Best Value: Holiday Inn Express Birmingham City Centre – Comfortable rooms with breakfast, from £70/night. Great for families and shoppers.
- Cheapest: ibis Budget Birmingham Centre – Basic, affordable rooms near canals, from £35/night. Ideal for budget stays.
5. Liverpool
Liverpool, birthplace of The Beatles, is a historic port city in the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK. Its maritime history, Anfield Stadium, and Beatles attractions like the Cavern Club draw crowds. The UNESCO-listed Albert Docks house museums and vibrant nightlife.
Best Hotels in Liverpool:
- Top-Rated: The Titanic Hotel Liverpool – A stylish 4-star hotel in a converted warehouse, from £150/night. Perfect for dockside luxury.
- Best Value: Premier Inn Liverpool City Centre (Albert Dock) – Modern rooms near the docks, from £80/night. Great for Beatles fans and families.
- Cheapest: Tune Hotel Liverpool – Simple, budget-friendly rooms in the city center, from £40/night. Ideal for young travelers.
6. Glasgow
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is a cultural gem in the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK, known for its art, music, and Victorian architecture. Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery, enjoy live music, or stroll through lush parks like Glasgow Green. Glasgow experienced a remarkable 47.3% increase in tourist visits in 2023, highlighting its growing popularity as a must-visit cultural hub in the UK.
Best Hotels in Glasgow:
- Top-Rated: Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel – A 5-star spa hotel with elegant rooms, from £200/night. Near George Square.
- Best Value: Motel One Glasgow – Chic, central rooms with modern design, from £80/night. Perfect for art and music lovers.
- Cheapest: easyHotel Glasgow City Centre – No-frills rooms in the heart of the city, from £35/night. Great for budget stays.
7. Bath
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bath’s Roman history and Georgian architecture place it in the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK. The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and Thermae Bath Spa offer a blend of history and relaxation. Its literary connection to Jane Austen adds charm.
Best Hotels in Bath:
- Top-Rated: The Gainsborough Bath Spa – A 5-star hotel with a thermal spa, from £250/night. Ideal for luxury and relaxation.
- Best Value: Premier Inn Bath City Centre – Enjoy comfortable and modern rooms just steps from the historic Roman Baths, with nightly rates starting at £90. Perfect for travelers seeking convenience and value in the heart of Bath. Great for families.
- Cheapest: YHA Bath – Budget hostel with dorms and private rooms, from £30/night. Perfect for backpackers.
8. Oxford
Oxford, home to the world-renowned University of Oxford, is a historic gem in the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK. Tour its ancient colleges, visit the Bodleian Library, or explore nearby Blenheim Palace. Oxford’s scholarly atmosphere and picturesque, historic streets offer a captivating experience for visitors seeking both intellectual and scenic charm.
Best Hotels in Oxford:
- Top-Rated: The Randolph Hotel by Graduate – A 5-star hotel with Oxford charm, from £220/night. Near university colleges.
- Best Value: Holiday Inn Oxford – Modern rooms with easy city access, from £80/night. Ideal for families and couples.
- Cheapest: YHA Oxford – Budget-friendly hostel near the station, from £25/night. Great for students and backpackers.
9. Cambridge
Cambridge, another university city in the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK, is famous for punting on the River Cam and its stunning college buildings, like King’s College Chapel. Its blend of history and innovation draws global visitors.
Best Hotels in Cambridge:
- Top-Rated: Hotel du Vin Cambridge – A boutique 4-star hotel in a historic building, from £200/night. Perfect for romantic getaways.
- Best Value: ibis Cambridge Central Station – Enjoy sleek, modern rooms right next to the train station, with rates starting at just £80/night. Ideal for travelers looking for comfort, convenience, and easy city access. Great for convenience.
- Cheapest: Travelodge Cambridge Central – Simple, affordable rooms in the city center, from £40/night. Ideal for budget travelers.
10. York
York – A medieval marvel, this historic city rounds out the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in the UK. Explore iconic sights like York Minster, The Shambles, and the ancient city walls, offering a captivating journey back in time. Its cozy cafes and ghost tours add a quirky charm.
Best Hotels in York:
- Top-Rated: The Grand, York – A 5-star hotel with a spa, from £180/night. Near York Minster and historic sites.
- Best Value: Premier Inn York City (Blossom St) – Comfortable rooms with breakfast options, from £80/night. Great for families.
- Cheapest: YHA York – Budget hostel with private and dorm rooms, from £30/night. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
Tips for Visiting the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK
To make the most of your trip to the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK, consider these tips:
- Book Hotels Early: Popular cities like London and Edinburgh fill up fast, especially during festivals or holidays. Use platforms like Booking.com for deals.
- Use Public Transport: Trains connect most of these cities, and city buses or trams (e.g., Edinburgh’s trams) are cost-effective.
Why Plan Your 2025 Trip to the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK Now?
With Visit Britain forecasting 43.4 million inbound visits in 2025, the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK are gearing up for a busy year. These cities contribute £257 billion to the UK economy, supporting 3.8 million jobs, and their appeal is only growing. From London’s iconic landmarks to York’s medieval charm, each destination offers unique experiences that blend history, culture, and modern flair. Plus, with affordable hotel options starting at £25/night, you can explore these cities without breaking the bank.
Book Your Stay in the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK Today!
The Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK—London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow, Bath, Oxford, Cambridge, and York—are calling your name. Whether you’re seeking luxury at The Savoy in London, budget stays at YHA Oxford, or value at Motel One Edinburgh, there’s a perfect hotel for every traveler. Start planning your 2025 trip now to experience the history, culture, and vibrancy of these incredible destinations. Book Hotel Rooms Online, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK!