World’s Friendliest Cities

Every year, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on their favorite cities around the globe in our annual World’s Best Awards survey. While some are wooed by famed landmarks and ancient relics, or the sheer number of prized artworks preserved within a city’s museums, others are won over by the people. Friendliness, be it instinctual hospitality or a warm smile at every storefront, does a lot to make a city more accessible to travelers. Like the U.S. cities that topped the charts in our annual America’s Favorite Places survey and appeared on our Friendliest Cities in America list, these destinations—both far-flung and near to home—know how to charm.

30. Key West, Florida

Key West is one of the most eccentric and seductive cities in the nation. Don your tropical linen shirts with pride and check out one of the colorful artist havens, such as Studios of Key West, newly relocated to Eaton Street. Or perhaps catch a show at the new resident theater company, On the Rock.

Score: 84.983

29. Santa Fe, New Mexico

“Locals are sincerely friendly, and it’s safe,” said a World’s Best voter about Santa Fe. Artists and jewelers flock here in droves for handmade Native American crafts, silverwork, and turquoise.

Score: 85.000

28. Lisbon, Portugal

Hilly Lisbon is best explored via historic trolley, though a great pair of walking shoes allows you to see the sights on foot. Portuguese food emphasizes fresh fish and wine: order fish stew with lemongrass and ginger at Alma or 1300’s Taberna’s grilled sea bass with crab rice. Readers applauded the locals for their helpfulness and grace.

Score: 85.023

27. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Pushy peddlers notwithstanding, Puerto Vallarta received praise for being ideal for couples as well as families on holiday. “There are plenty of things to do,” observed one reader, “yet it somehow retains its small-town feel.” With many white-sand beaches and tropical jungles, its archeological sites and bustling boardwalks ensure you’ll never be at a loss for a diversion.

Score: 85.248

26. Amsterdam, Netherlands

There’s something inherently warm about Amsterdam, especially in spring when the parks are full of blooming tulips. Making friends is easiest when cycling; in this city, cyclists are prioritized, pedestrians second, and automobiles come last.

Score: 85.459

25. Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minnesota

Thanks to the Minnesota Institute of the Arts, the Sculpture Garden (now in its 20th year), and the stunning conservatory at the Como Zoo & Conservatory—among countless other free attractions—the city is known for being welcoming to visitors and locals alike.

Score: 85.932

24. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is known for its avant-garde cuisine and striking architecture, but it also ranks as one of the friendliest cities in the world. The Danes are renowned for their friendliness, honesty, and hospitality. Plus, the food is superb.

Score: 85.960

23. Cuzco, Peru

There’s more to Cuzco than Machu Picchu. “Cuzco is a tourist town,” noted one voter, “and for that, the people are quite outstanding. [They] really look out for their visitors.”

Score: 86.111

22. Portland, Maine

This modest city along the northern coast attracts a laid-back, outdoorsy crowd. The people of Portland live up to their reputation for friendliness as easily as the lobster rolls and blueberry pies.

Score: 86.275

21. Fort Worth, Texas

The heart of cowboy country beats with an enthusiastic and zealous group of locals hanging out at the Old Fort Worth Stockyards and enjoying the city’s much-loved barbecue. Many museums are free, and the residents take pride in being less formal than their neighbors in Dallas.

Score: 86.296

20. Bangkok, Thailand

For three years in a row, Bangkok held the No. 1 spot on the World’s Top Cities list: and it wasn’t just the long-tail boats lazing down the Chao Phraya river or the aroma of fried pathong ko doughnuts that made Bangkok beloved worldwide. “The people are accommodating—almost to a fault,” noted one visitor, while another observed that the generosity of strangers is Bangkok’s most impressive quality.

Score: 86.495

19. Victoria, British Columbia

Victoria is a storybook city, best known for its magnificent Butchart Gardens and windswept seafront. “[The] city had a lot of character,” remarked one voter. Taking the ferry from Vancouver showcases the region’s wildness. While the city has moved past its staid English reputation, you can—and should—enjoy afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress. The William Edwards china, sterling silver service, and live piano music create a distinctly British ambiance.

Score: 86.593

18. Reykjavik, Iceland

Despite its glaciers, raging volcanoes, and misting geysers, Iceland’s capital has consistently ranked high: this year, it placed No. 2 on the World Happiness Report. A reader suggested visitors take an evening dip in a municipal pool. “That’s where everyone goes to relax and connect with the community.” Extraordinary sites and an otherworldly atmosphere are clearly part of why everyone here feels cheerful.

Score: 86.870

17. New Orleans, Louisiana

The irrepressible people of New Orleans have demonstrated, 10 years after Hurricane Katrina, that they will let nothing dampen their historically vibrant personalities and extraordinary culture. “Communal happiness,” said Thomas Beller, “is something New Orleans does effortlessly.” Likely, the year-round parties, jazz fests, and indulgent Creole cuisine contribute to this lively spirit.

Score: 86.991

16. Kraków, Poland

A quiet cultural revolution has ushered a wave of bohemian artists (and a laid-back attitude) to Kraków. Enjoy a drink at Bar Propaganda (with a Lenin bust to admire) or savor pierogis from Officyna.

Score: 87.467

15. Asheville, North Carolina

Thanks to its position on a reported vortex, these North Carolinians embrace their positive energy. “Asheville makes you feel young, even if you aren’t!” remarked a reader. Like any good mountain town, Asheville boasts beer-of-the-day donuts and Friday night drum circles in Pritchard Park.

Score: 87.490

14. Nashville, Tennessee

No one knows how to make you feel welcome quite like a Tennessean. Music City’s singers and songwriters create a constant feel-good vibe, further amplified by the local twang and numerous top-notch barbecue joints.

Score: 87.609

13. Kyoto, Japan

The No. 1 city in the world earned praise for its stunning Japanese design, cozy inns that confirm Asia’s hospitality expertise, and its beautiful shrines. Cherry blossom trees in the summer and kind locals rival the trained staff at leading hotels, such as the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, making the city especially friendly to travelers.

Score: 88.293

12. Austin, Texas

Texas’ capital has a reputation for being talkative, laid-back, and attractive. Join locals around Lady Bird Lake or Barton Springs, or strike up a conversation over brisket at Franklin’s Barbecue.

Score: 88.456

11. Cape Town, South Africa

Few cities offer travelers the chance to browse amazing boutiques (pick up silk-and-leather sandals at Woodstock’s Neighborgoods Market), take a safari, and indulge at a stylish restaurant (try Seelan for duck with Mozambican spices) all in one weekend. Cape Town deserves a gold star for its warm, welcoming people, too.

Score: 89.023

10. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah has long charmed locals and visitors alike with its antebellum architecture, romantic boughs of Spanish moss, and good-natured residents.

Score: 89.167

9. Edinburgh, Scotland

Readers referred to this city of medieval lanes and intimate squares, of fairytale stone castles and Georgian storefronts as “enchanting” and “magical:” an “unexpected jewel” worth revisiting.

Score: 89.422

8. Sydney, Australia

The positive vibe of this down-under destination is enhanced by the natural beauty of the harbor and diverse cultural offerings. Catch a performance at the Sydney Opera House, explore new urban spaces like Good Lines, and visit the recently expanded MCA Australia.

Score: 89.910

7. Melbourne, Australia

“Melbourne natives haven’t met a stranger,” said one reader. This Australian city stands out for its approachable public transportation system, such as the free City Circle tram, and its walkability makes it easy to initiate conversations.

Score: 90.229

6. Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand’s largest city combines the comfort of a small town with the thrills of a major metropolis. Travelers consistently remark on the city’s clean, safe streets and cheerful residents. Discover Victorian-style houses in Ponsonby and the white-sand beaches of Takapuna. Take the ferry northeast to Waiheke Island for an evening at The Oyster Inn.

Score: 90.517

5. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Adventurous travelers may flock to Siem Reap for Khmer ruins and mountainous jungle terrain, but they stay for the peace and tranquility found in Buddhist temples such as Angkor Wat. “Kind, calm, and helpful,” said one reader about their experiences with locals. Don’t miss Ta Prohm, a ruin brought to life by strangler figs and silk roots.

Score: 90.667

4. Cork, Ireland

In Ireland’s largest county, verdant hills bloom with wildflowers, rivers run through ancient ruins, and courteous locals welcome visitors warmly. If you need a break from socializing among friendly crowds, the new Wild Atlantic Way offers a scenic driving route stretching 1,500 miles along the coast.

Score: 90.840

3. Dublin, Ireland

The gregarious, cosmopolitan nature of Dublin can be best experienced in the vibrant Hipster Triangle, where creative locals offer unique “only-in-Ireland” ice cream flavors at Murphy’s (such as toasted Irish oats and brown bread made with milk from Kerry cows) and enjoy Joy-Burger. Here, picnic tables fill up during lunch hour with jars of house-made lemonade and Charolais burgers.

Score: 91.342

2. Charleston, South Carolina

Recent tragedy has cast a dark cloud over Charleston, yet the city’s famous compassion and resilience have helped it to recover while locals consistently seek ways to be more welcoming. No one is quicker to support their city than those who live there, exemplified by “born and bred Charlestonian” Miriam McManus, who wrote that “the Charleston community showed the country, and the world, their spirit as well…coming together with love and support. We all have a deep respect for one another.”

Score: 91.633

1. Galway, Ireland

“The hospitality and the humor of Ireland’s people make it a perfect destination,” stated one iBestTravel reader. Another voter claimed Galway was home to the “friendliest people [they had] ever met.” How does it rank as the friendliest city in the world? Galway won readers’ hearts with its festive nature, lively population, and musicality. Fiddlers and banjo players, flautists and whistlers perform traditional Irish reels on pedestrian streets and in the pubs. It’s no surprise that it’s known countrywide (and beyond) as the “most Irish” city.

Score: 92.025