York is streets ahead of this year's European Capital of Culture when it comes to its blend of music, dance, theatre, film and literature, according to new research.

In a study by local information website locallife.co.uk, York was ranked in the top ten for its cultural activity - more than almost anywhere else, relative to its population size.

City tourism bosses have welcomed the news, saying it showed York was well placed to consider entering the race to become a European Capital of Culture.

For every 10,000 residents, York has 4.59 art galleries, bookshops, museums, theatres, dance and drama schools, film venues, music studios, opera, ballet, arts and crafts shops and musical instrument retailers.

Meanwhile, Liverpool - 2008's Capital of Culture - ranked 124th, with 2.97 cultural pursuits per 10,000 Liverpudlians.

"It's clear York would have been well placed for European Capital of Culture status," said Tony Martin, chairman of locallife.co.uk. "The city has a wealth of cultural events and venues for its people to enjoy, not least the Theatre Royal and Grand Opera House."

Gillian Cruddas, York Tourism Bureau's chief executive, said: "York is incredibly diverse when it comes to culture. We have world-class museums, quality theatres, a rich food and drink culture, popular festivals and beautiful architecture.

"Although the city's heritage is key to its attraction, York is visionary. York has a stronger cultural offer today than ever before. With news of this latest survey we believe York now stands in a good position to consider entering the Capital of Culture initiative."

Janet Barnes, of York Museums Trust, said: "York deserves its reputation as one of the best places to live in the country. There is such a rich diversity of places to visit and things to do and all in such a compact and vibrant city centre.

"What we can improve on is the contemporary aspect of culture, so young people see their own cultural practice being valued. With so much to celebrate, York certainly could be a future European Capital of Culture."

Tim Hornsby, of Fibbers, agreed: "There's lots to do here. But wherever you are, residents never really appreciate what's on their doorstep."

He said: "There's definitely an opening for a room in York which can do the occasional 600 to 800 capacity show. But otherwise York is very well served with small music venues."

Olivia Gore, of City Screen, said: "If we are eligible for Capital of Culture status, we should go for it.

"I am not surprised we have come out so well. We might be small, population wise, but we do have an awful lot going on. It helps we have the universities because we have a lot of people willing to contribute to the cultural scene."