This Year’s Top 10 Friendliest Cities in the World
Friendliness reigns supreme in these cities!
Ever wonder what the most welcoming cities in the world are? Booking.com did the hard work for us and found the year’s top ten friendliest cities in the world, chosen for their welcoming residents, great hospitality and overall friendly cultures. They range from small towns in Italy to resort destinations in Australia. Curious to learn which cities made the list? Click through this slideshow to see them all.
Polignano a Mare, Italy
Polignano a Mare, Italy isn’t an instantly recognizable town name, but its region has been trending in recent years. Located in Puglia along the Adriatic coastline, this scenic town is a cliff diver’s paradise, with a wealth of natural oceanic beauty. The ocean’s splendors, the charming white-walled houses and an incredibly welcoming atmosphere makes this town the most welcoming place on Earth.
Hualien City, Taiwan
Hualien City, Taiwan is the second most welcoming place on Earth. Besides extremely friendly residents, this city is home to Taiwan’s stunning Taroko National Park, where travelers can find incredible natural wonders as well as temples. It’s also home to one of Taiwan’s greatest night markets, the Dongdaemun Night Market, which isn’t to be missed during a trip here. Travelers can also enjoy the Taiwanese coastline and beach.
San Sebastián, Spain
The third most welcoming place on Earth is located in the scenic Spanish Basque Country. San Sebastián is known not only for its welcoming atmosphere, but for its quaint seaside appeal and mouthwatering gastronomy. Michelin-starred restaurants, locally produced wines and plenty of historical landmarks make this city an ideal vacation destination for all.
Dresden, Germany
Considered the “Florence of the North” due to its beautiful architecture and the second-largest city in Germany takes the fourth spot on this list. Dresden, Germany is home to beautiful Baroque architecture (thankfully restored following their destruction in World War II), the photo-worthy Augustus Bridge and the scenic Frauenkirche church. It’s a great destination to explore Germany art, history and culture, but also to experience German hospitality!
Klaipeda, Lithuania
Klaipeda, Lithuania ranks as the fifth friendliest city on this list and boasts several attractions to excite the traveler. The port city is located between a river and the Baltic Sea, giving it a great location from which to view the water, and offers both industrial and Old World charm. It’s also the gateway to the UNESCO-designated Curonian Spit National Park, which is a sand dune peninsula.
York, United Kingdom
Medieval England comes alive in York, which is considered the sixth friendliest city in the world. Its Cathedral of York boasts a history as far back as the 600s CE, while the city’s historic area dates back to the 1300s and is called The Shambles. Tea shops, filming locations, boutiques and other attractions are perfect stops for the first-time traveler to England.
Ushuaia, Argentina
The southernmost city in the world is also the seventh most welcoming place on the Earth! Avid cruisers might recognize the name Ushuaia, for its where many Antarctica cruises begin before heading further south. The Argentinian city offers some special experiences even for those who aren’t cruising, though: it’s home to a gorgeous national park featuring glaciers, mountains and even penguin colonies, making it a great city for the outdoor adventurer.
Porto De Galinhas, Brazil
Moving to a more warm-weather destination is our eighth city on this list. The Brazilian city of Porto de Galinhas offers the best of beach culture, with beautiful beaches, ample water activities, incredible restaurants and even unique tide pools, perfect for the wildlife photographer. While there, make sure to enjoy a scenic ride on the region’s colorful single-sail sailboats, called jangadas.
Mexico City, Mexico
While Mexico City might not seem like a friendly city at first glance, it’s made the ninth spot on this list due to its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. There’s plenty to do in this economic powerhouse of a city, from incredible art museums and historical sites to experiencing more of Mexican gastronomy (though tacos are also incredible here, too).
Gold Coast, Australia
Last on this list is a popular resort destination in Australia: the Gold Coast, located south of the city of Brisbane. Known for its white sand beaches, great surfing conditions and luxury resort scene, the Gold Coast has decades of experience welcoming travelers from all over the world. Today, it’s home to plenty of theme parks, as well as Nerang National Park and Lamington National Park.