The 10 Most Tourist-Friendly Cities in the World, According to Our Readers
It isn’t possible for the Condé Nast Traveler team to see and do everything, everywhere, all at once—though we try our best! Fortunately, we also have you, our readers. This year you cast an astonishing 757,109 votes in the 38th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey, sharing your opinions on the very best in travel. You told us you were enchanted by Italian hotels, went on safari in Botswana, took to semiprivate aviation, and advocated for newcomers to the top American cities. We loved poring over the results to find out what’s sticking with readers and editors and spinning the data into a snapshot of the current moment in travel. Ahead: your manual for planning that next adventure, whether it's to a top-rated hotel or resort, or centered around a worthy cruise, spa, or island. These are the friendliest cities in the world, as voted by our readers.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
- Travel-Fr/Getty
10. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is undoubtedly a global hub for companies and expats, but it refuses to be anything other than quintessentially Irish. Notably friendly residents give Midwesterners in the United States a run for their money, and you’ll never get shoved aside on a busy street—it’s par for the course to slow down to a stroll through St. Stephen’s Green or linger over a meal at a buzzy restaurant. Nearly every street has (at least) one pub filled with people coming together to celebrate life, and that welcoming vibe lasts even after a couple of pints.
I Nyoman Yuda Wirawan/Unsplash9. Denpasar, Bali
Home to Bali’s international airport, Denpasar is often people’s first glimpse of island life—and it sets the tone perfectly. After touching down, you’ll be greeted with genuine smiles and a sense of Balinese hospitality, felt everywhere from traditional markets to cutting-edge galleries. The bustling capital often serves as a jumping-off point to Bali’s more popular beaches and upland landscapes, but that same community-minded energy extends to every far reach of this openhearted island.
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.
Steven_Kriemadis/Getty7. 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.
Susanne Neumann/Getty6. Edinburgh, Scotland
Whether you’re looking for Gothic architecture, buzzy restaurants, or a few hearty shots of whisky, Edinburgh fits the bill. Honored as the sixth most welcoming city in the world this year, the Scottish capital has an artsy-cool vibe that appeals to both locals and travelers. Despite its global renown, Edinburgh still exudes a sort of small-town charm thanks to its tight community and wealth of local businesses. Follow the locals into any tiny bakery or neighborhood bar, and you’ll feel at home in minutes.
Getty5. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Phnom Penh is one of Southeast Asia’s most welcoming gems, making its debut on this year’s list. The Cambodian capital’s youthful population imbues the area with energy while still maintaining a firm sense of tradition—just ask anyone to point you in the direction of their favorite experimental art gallery or longstanding street food stall along the Tonlé Sap. The city may be constantly evolving, but the kindness and connection here are unmovable.
Sean Pavone/Getty4. 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.
Peter Adams/Getty3. 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.
Daniel Welsh/Unsplash2. 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.
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.
