The Friendliest Cities in the World, According to Our Readers
For years, we’ve asked our readers to vote on the friendliest cities in the world in the Readers’ Choice Awards, focusing on where you felt welcome when you traveled. Did an outgoing local go out of their way to give you directions? Was the city easy to navigate? Did you simply get good vibes from the people around you? For our 37th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey, we called on all of you to rank the friendliest cities in the world—from Canada to Southeast Asia. Here are the 10 global cities you loved the most this year.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
Peter Adams/Getty10. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is a jewel of a destination, with both ocean and mountain views adjacent to all the great restaurants and shopping you’d expect from a large city. It strikes that perfect blend of nature and modernity—one minute you can be in the heart of town eating a Michelin-starred meal, and the next you’re driving along a mountain road or hiking through old-growth forests. Wherever in (or around) the city you decide to go, you’re guaranteed to encounter friendly people, always happy to give their recs for the best bike paths or Chinese restaurants.
Steven_Kriemadis/Getty9. Quebec City, Canada
Visiting Quebec City is like being in Europe without having to cross the Atlantic. The city is historic and attractive, and its “Frenchness” is clearly reflected in its food (and its charm). Old Québec, a UNESCO-protected area of the city, exudes romance with its cobblestone streets and charming cafés—and the people you’ll encounter while exploring are guaranteed to be friendly and helpful.
Claudio Fonte/Unsplash8. Cape Town, South Africa
Complex, diverse, and steeped in history: Cape Town has all of South Africa’s best personality traits. The city lures travelers in with its scenic coastline (one of the best in the world), then invites them to stay with world-class restaurants and culturally rich museums—not to mention the stunning parks, beaches, and wineries that are just a quick drive away. Wander down Long and Bree streets for friendly, reliable eateries where you can mingle with local Cape Towners and drink excellent wine.
Clarinta/Unsplash7. Sydney, Australia
Let’s face it: You can’t beat Sydney. The beautiful seaside city has always been beloved by our readers, and now it’s even earning high marks for its friendliness factor. This should come as no surprise (Aussies are famously chummy), but the next-level lifestyle of Sydneysiders really must be experienced in person. And if you need another reason to visit, consider that Sydney has some of the best beaches and coffee shops in the entire country.
Sean Pavone/Getty6. Kyoto, Japan
Visiting Kyoto is a bit like stepping back in time to Imperial Japan, where you can visit 10th-century temples and pass geishas in the street. But there’s also a fully modern side to the city, thanks to an influx of young artists setting up photography galleries and chic concept stores. This juxtaposition of ancient traditions and 21st-century vibrance makes for one of the most interesting cities in Japan, and the locals and expats are more than happy to welcome you into their world.
Daniel Welsh/Unsplash5. Singapore
Singapore might just be the ideal destination. It has tons of hotels and galleries for tourists to enjoy, and it continues to be one of the safest, cleanest, and friendliest cities in the world. Most Singaporeans can speak English or Mandarin (or both), meaning most foreign visitors don’t have to worry about language barriers when navigating through town. If you want to feel immediately included in local culture, head straight to one of Singapore’s hawker centers, where friendly vendors will lead you to the best katong laksa and chili crab of your life.
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Nathan McGuire/Getty4. Melbourne, Australia
While most first-time Australia visitors flock straight to Sydney, there are plenty of top museums, public art, and green spaces to set Melbourne apart from its larger counterpart. Melbourne shines with all of Australia’s best traits—it is sophisticated, stylish, and free-spirited—and continues to attract travelers-in-the-know with its melting pot of culture and famed coffee and brunch scene. With so many cool neighborhoods and some of Victoria’s most stunning nature within day-tripping distance, it’s little wonder the locals are so happy and friendly here.
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3. Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is like nowhere else in Europe—and we mean that as a compliment. The world’s most northerly capital city offers a crash course in how to make an oftentimes inhospitable climate feel warm and inviting all year long, courtesy of Icelanders’ deep sense of culture, sophistication, and friendliness. You’ll encounter amazing hospitality in hotels and shops across the city; though there’s no better way to get to know the city than by hitting the nightclubs after dark. Nightlife is the beating heart of Reykjavik—there are enough trendy bars and international clubs here to guarantee you’ll bond with at least a few locals before your vacation is over.
Alexander Spatari/Getty2. Oporto, Portugal
Porto may be known for its wine and port, but oenophiles aren’t the only ones who have fallen in love with this cozy northern city. Aside from booze, Portugal’s second city has some of the best scenery in the country—and some of the happiest locals, too. After maxing out your credit card at the city’s coolest galleries and chocolate shops, plop yourself down at a sidewalk cafe and smile at everyone who walks past (we guarantee they’ll all smile back).
Reid Naaykens/Unsplash1. Victoria, Canada
A taste of Old World charm in North America (it’s often considered the most British city in Canada), Victoria is both a standalone destination and an easy day trip from Vancouver. The city is a great base point for exploring Vancouver Island, but it is also worth sticking around for the beautiful city gardens, great museums, bustling harbor, and afternoon teas at chic hotels. And though it’s the capital of British Colombia, Victoria boasts a distinct small-town energy thanks to its small population and abundance of nature around every corner.
