Want to know where the most popular tourist hot spots are in the UK? Well, we've done the hard work for you. Here are the top 10 with visitor numbers according to some local sources in 2022. We have no reason to think that any of these gems or cities of global fame won't be even more popular in 2024!

1. London: The Royal Capital

   • Overview: Welcome to the vibrant heart of the UK, London! This royal capital boasts a rich history and diverse culture. From the historic Tower of London to the modern Shard, London offers a blend of tradition and innovation.

   • Estimated Annual Visitors Over 30 million. Source: London & Partners

   • Attractions:

     • Tower of London

     • Buckingham Palace

     • British Museum

     • The Shard

     • Covent Garden

   • Dining:

     • Dishoom for authentic Indian cuisine

     • Borough Market for diverse food stalls

     • Sketch for a unique dining experience

     • Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill for British classics

   • Tips:

     • Take a stroll along the South Bank for picturesque views of the Thames.

     • Explore the West End for world-class theatre and entertainment.

2. Edinburgh: The Scottish Capital

   • Overview: Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Edinburgh, the Scottish capital. With its historic castle, charming Old Town, and lively festivals, Edinburgh is a city that captivates visitors year-round.

   • Estimated Annual Visitors: Around 4 million. Source: Edinburgh Tourism Action Group

   • Attractions:

     • Edinburgh Castle

     • Royal Mile

     • Arthur's Seat

     • Holyrood Palace

     • National Museum of Scotland

   • Dining:

     • The Witchery by the Castle for Scottish fine dining

     • The Elephant House for a literary cafe experience

     • Angels with Bagpipes for modern Scottish cuisine

     • Oink for a classic Scottish hog roast

   • Tips:

     • Visit during the world famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe for a lively arts experience

     • Take a ghost tour through the historic streets of the Old Town.

3. Manchester: The Music City

   • Overview: Discover the musical heritage and industrial history of Manchester. From the vibrant Northern Quarter to the iconic Old Trafford, Manchester is a city that combines culture, innovation, and a lively atmosphere.

   • Estimated Annual Visitors: Over 1.3 million. Source: Marketing Manchester

   • Attractions:

     • Manchester Museum

     • Northern Quarter street art

     • Old Trafford

     • Science and Industry Museum

     • Manchester Art Gallery

   • Dining:

     • Mackie Mayor for a food hall experience

     • Rudy's Neapolitan Pizza for authentic pizza

     • Federal Cafe & Bar for brunch delights

     • The French by Simon Rogan for fine dining

   • Tips:

     • Explore the musical history at the Manchester Music Walk of Fame

     • Catch a live gig at the iconic Manchester Arena.

4. Birmingham: The Cultural Hub

   • Overview: Immerse yourself in the cultural diversity of Birmingham. From the historic Jewellery Quarter to the modern Library of Birmingham, this city offers a mix of tradition and contemporary charm. It is also the home of Peaky Blinders - Visit Birmingham

   • Estimated Annual Visitors: Over 1.1 million. Source: Visit Birmingham

   • Attractions:

     • Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

     • Bullring shopping center

     • Cadbury World

     • Library of Birmingham

     • Symphony Hall

   • Dining:

     • Digbeth Dining Club for street food delights

     • Adams for Michelin-starred cuisine

     • Original Patty Men for gourmet burgers

     • Purnell's for modern British dishes

   • Tips:

     • Visit the Custard Factory in Digbeth for art and creativity.

     • Explore the canalside area of Brindleyplace for dining and entertainment.

5. Glasgow: The Artsy Gem

   • Overview: Dive into the cultural scene of Glasgow, known for its vibrant arts and music. From the Kelvingrove Art Gallery to the trendy West End, Glasgow is a city that celebrates creativity and innovation.

   • Estimated Annual Visitors: Over 3.3 million. Source: Glasgow City Marketing Bureau

   • Attractions:

     • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

     • West End

     • Glasgow Science Centre

     • Riverside Museum

     • The Lighthouse

   • Dining:

     • Ubiquitous Chip for Scottish cuisine

     • Ox and Finch for contemporary dining

     • Shilling Brewing Co. for craft beer and pizza

     • The Finnieston for seafood delights

   • Tips:

     • Explore the street art scene in the Barras Art and Design (BAaD) area.

     • Attend a live performance at the iconic King Tut's Wah Wah Hut.

6. Liverpool: The Maritime Marvel

   • Overview: Follow in the footsteps of The Beatles and explore the maritime history of Liverpool. From the historic Albert Dock to the lively Mathew Street, Liverpool is a city that combines musical heritage with waterfront charm.

   • Estimated Annual Visitors: Over 1.5 million. Source: Visit Liverpool

   • Attractions:

     • Albert Dock

     • The Beatles Story

     • Liverpool Waterfront

     • Tate Liverpool

     • Walker Art Gallery

   • Dining:

     • The Philharmonic Dining Rooms for a historic pub experience

     • The Baltic Social for creative comfort food

     • Mowgli Street Food for Indian cuisine

     • The Panoramic 34 for panoramic views and fine dining

   • Tips:

     • Take a ferry across the Mersey for scenic views of the city.

     • Explore the Cavern Club on Mathew Street for live music.

7. Oxford: The Scholarly Oasis

   • Overview: Immerse yourself in the scholarly atmosphere of Oxford, home to the prestigious University of Oxford. From the historic colleges to the beautiful Botanic Garden, Oxford is a city that exudes intellectual charm.

   • Estimated Annual Visitors: Over 7 million. Source: Oxford City Guide

   • Attractions:

     • University of Oxford

     • Bodleian Library

     • Christ Church College

     • Ashmolean Museum

     • Botanic Garden

   • Dining:

     • The Eagle and Child for a literary pub experience

     • The Turf Tavern for a historic pub setting

     • G&D's for ice cream and desserts

     • The Trout Inn for riverside dining

   • Tips:

     • Take a punt ride along the River Cherwell for a leisurely experience.

     • Explore the Covered Market for eclectic shopping and dining.

8. Cambridge: The University Town

   • Overview: Experience the intellectual charm of Cambridge, home to the renowned University of Cambridge. From the historic colleges to the beautiful Backs, Cambridge is a city that celebrates learning, culture, and scenic beauty.

   • Attractions:

     • University of Cambridge

     • King's College Chapel

     • The Backs

     • Fitzwilliam Museum

     • Mathematical Bridge

   • Dining:

     • The Eagle for historic pub dining

     • Fitzbillies for iconic Chelsea buns

     • Midsummer House for Michelin-starred cuisine

     • The Mill for riverside dining

   • Tips:

     • Punt along the River Cam for a quintessential Cambridge experience.

     • Explore the Wren Library at Trinity College for rare manuscripts.

9. Bristol: The Maritime Haven

   • Overview: Immerse yourself in the maritime history and vibrant arts scene of Bristol. From the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge to the lively Harbourside, Bristol is a city that embraces creativity, culture, and historic charm.

   • Estimated Annual Visitors: Over 2 million. Source: Visit Bristol

   • Attractions:

     • Clifton Suspension Bridge

     • Bristol Harbourside

     • SS Great Britain

     • Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

     • Bristol Zoo Gardens

   • Dining:

     • The Lido for a historic poolside dining experience

     • St. Nicholas Market for diverse food stalls

     • The Ox for British steakhouse cuisine

     • Pieminister for gourmet pies

   • Tips:

     • Explore the street art scene in Stokes Croft and Bedminster

     • Visit the Bristol Old Vic for live performances in a historic theatre.

10. York: The Medieval Treasure

    • Overview: Step back in time and explore the medieval treasure that is York. From the iconic York Minster to the charming Shambles, York is a city that preserves its rich history while offering a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary experiences.

    • Estimated Annual Visitors: Over 8 million. Source: Visit York

    • Attractions:

      • York Minster

      • The Shambles

      • York City Walls

      • York Castle Museum

      • National Railway Museum

      • The 800 year old Clifford's Tower

    • Dining:

      • Betty's Tea Rooms for traditional afternoon tea

      • The Star Inn for Michelin-starred cuisine

      • Ye Olde Starre Inne for a very historic pub setting

      • Brew York for craft beer and pizza

    • Tips:

      • Walk along the city walls for panoramic views of York.

      • Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre for an immersive Viking experience.