The World's Friendliest Cities in 2026: 10 Places Worth Visiting

A beautiful skyline is great. Good food makes a trip memorable. But sometimes, what you remember most about a destination is how people treated you.

A local helps you find your hotel. A restaurant owner explains a dish you have never tried. Someone notices you are lost and offers directions without being asked.

Those small moments can make a new city feel surprisingly welcoming.

In October 2026, Condé Nast Traveller revealed its latest Readers' Choice Awards for the world's friendliest cities. Melbourne, Australia, claimed first place, with Porto in Portugal and Seoul in South Korea completing the top three.

Here are the 10 cities on the list, what makes each one interesting, and ideas for exploring them on your next trip.

The top 10 friendliest cities in 2026

The following rankings and scores come from Condé Nast Traveller's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards.

Source: Condé Nast Traveller, 2026 Readers' Choice Awards.

1. Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺

Why it stands out: Coffee culture, creative neighborhoods and a welcoming city atmosphere.

Melbourne has taken the number-one position in the 2026 ranking. The Australian city is known for its historic architecture, street art, independent cafés, cultural venues and lively food scene.

You could spend the morning exploring the famous laneways in the city centre, stop for coffee at a neighborhood café, and visit the National Gallery of Victoria or the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Melbourne also has an extensive public transport network, making it possible to explore many parts of the city without driving everywhere.

Best for: Coffee lovers, food enthusiasts, art fans and travelers who enjoy exploring neighborhoods on foot.

Plan your visit: Official Melbourne visitor guide

2. Porto, Portugal 🇵🇹

Why it stands out: Riverside scenery, historic streets and a relaxed food culture.

Porto brings together colorful buildings, tiled churches, historic streets and views across the Douro River.

Explore the Ribeira district, walk along the waterfront or cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia for views back toward the city. Local restaurants offer petiscos — small Portuguese dishes designed for sharing — alongside regional specialties.

Porto is also an appealing choice for travelers who enjoy architecture and history without needing to fill every hour with planned activities.

Best for: Couples, food lovers, photographers and fans of historic city breaks.

Plan your visit: Official Porto tourism guide

3. Seoul, South Korea 🇰🇷

Why it stands out: A mix of tradition, modern culture and memorable food.

Seoul offers a fascinating contrast between traditional palaces and one of Asia's most energetic modern cities.

Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace to learn about Korea's royal history, explore the shops and cafés around Insadong, and try Korean street food at a local market. Later, you can experience the city's shopping districts, design spaces and evening entertainment.

Although Seoul can feel fast-paced at first, its public transport system makes many attractions accessible once you understand the subway routes.

Best for: Food lovers, K-culture fans, shoppers and travelers interested in history and modern city life.

Plan your visit: Official Seoul tourism guide

4. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹

Why it stands out: Scenic viewpoints, old neighborhoods and Portuguese culture.

Lisbon is famous for its hills, traditional yellow trams, tiled buildings and views over the Tagus River.

Start in the historic Alfama neighborhood, visit a viewpoint at sunset, and make time to try pastéis de nata, the country's well-known custard tarts. Music fans may also enjoy hearing live fado, a traditional Portuguese musical style.

Because the city is built across steep hills, comfortable shoes will make your visit easier. Trams and other public transport can help when walking becomes tiring.

Best for: Architecture, local food, romantic city breaks and cultural experiences.

Plan your visit: Official Lisbon tourism guide

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱

Why it stands out: Canals, cycling, museums and a diverse international community.

Amsterdam offers a different kind of city experience. Its historic canals, narrow streets, independent shops and museums make it rewarding to explore slowly.

You can take a canal cruise, visit the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum, or discover quieter cafés and boutiques around the Jordaan neighborhood.

Cycling is part of everyday life, but visitors should learn local cycling rules and stay aware of bike lanes before renting a bicycle. Walking or taking public transport is also an easy way to explore.

Best for: Museum lovers, cyclists, architecture fans and travelers seeking a multicultural city atmosphere.

Plan your visit: Official Amsterdam guide

6. Perth, Australia 🇦🇺

Perth offers a more relaxed pace, with riverside spaces, outdoor markets, beaches and leafy parks.

Visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden for green spaces and city views, or spend time around Elizabeth Quay. Its outdoor lifestyle makes it appealing to travelers who enjoy combining city attractions with fresh air.

Best for: Outdoor activities, parks, relaxed weekends and coastal scenery.

Explore: Visit Perth

7. Jaipur, India 🇮🇳

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur combines colorful architecture, historic forts, royal palaces and lively markets.

Explore the Hawa Mahal, visit Amber Fort outside the city centre, and browse the traditional textile and jewelry shops around Johari Bazaar. Local food and chai offer another way to experience Rajasthan's culture.

Best for: History, architecture, shopping and Indian cuisine.

8. Buenos Aires, Argentina 🇦🇷

Buenos Aires mixes European-influenced architecture with a distinctive Argentine identity.

Explore the colorful streets of La Boca, discover cafés and bookstores, and experience the city's strong tango and music traditions. Food lovers can try empanadas and a traditional Argentine asado, a barbecue meal often shared with family and friends.

Best for: Food, architecture, nightlife and cultural experiences.

9. Bangkok, Thailand 🇹🇭

Bangkok is busy, colorful and full of contrast. Golden temples sit alongside shopping centres, street-food stalls and modern high-rise buildings.

Visit the Grand Palace area, explore local markets and sample dishes such as pad thai or mango sticky rice. River transport can also offer a practical way to see different parts of the city.

The heat and traffic can be intense, so plan outdoor sightseeing for cooler parts of the day and allow extra time to travel.

Best for: Street food, temples, shopping and energetic city breaks.

10. Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦

Cape Town combines mountains, beaches and city life in one destination.

Table Mountain offers remarkable views, while the V&A Waterfront provides restaurants, shops and access to waterfront activities. Visitors can also explore the Cape Peninsula, nearby beaches and the area's history and cultural attractions.

Check weather and official local advice before hiking or visiting remote areas, and use reliable transport after dark.

Best for: Nature, scenic views, food and combining city experiences with outdoor adventures.

What does “friendliest city” actually mean?

A friendly city is more than a place where people smile at visitors. It can also be a destination where travelers feel comfortable asking for directions, trying local food, navigating transport or learning about another culture.

However, there is no single scientific measure of friendliness that applies equally to every destination.

Condé Nast Traveller's 2026 ranking is based on its Readers' Choice Awards, where readers rated travel experiences and destinations. The survey gathered ratings from April 1 to June 30, 2026. It is a useful snapshot of traveler opinion, not proof that every visitor will have the same experience.

Your own experience can depend on language, expectations, the neighborhood you visit and how you approach local customs.

How to choose the right destination for you

Before booking a trip, think about what you actually want from it.

• Want cafés, art and creative neighborhoods? Start with Melbourne.
• Prefer historic streets and riverside views? Consider Porto or Lisbon.
• Love food, markets and energetic city life? Look at Seoul or Bangkok.
• Want nature close to a city? Cape Town and Perth are worth exploring.
• Interested in architecture and cultural traditions? Jaipur and Amsterdam offer very different experiences.

Compare the full cost of flights, accommodation, local transport, meals and attractions before deciding. Check entry requirements for your passport, seasonal weather, official travel advice and cancellation rules as well.

A highly ranked city can still be expensive for your dates, and a destination that suits one traveler may not suit another.

The takeaway

Melbourne has earned the title of the world's friendliest city in Condé Nast Traveller's 2026 reader-voted ranking, but each of the 10 destinations offers a different reason to visit.

Porto is a great option for riverside scenery and food, Seoul brings together history and modern culture, and Lisbon offers beautiful streets and a rich musical tradition. Further down the list, Perth, Jaipur, Buenos Aires, Bangkok and Cape Town offer their own distinctive experiences.

Use the ranking for inspiration, then choose a place that fits your interests and budget.

Sometimes the best part of traveling is not the famous landmark you photograph. It is the meal you discover, the neighborhood you wander through, or the unexpected kindness that makes you feel welcome.

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Sources and further reading

• Condé Nast Traveller — The friendliest cities in the world: 2026 Readers' Choice Awards
• Condé Nast Traveller — How do the Readers' Choice Awards work?
• Official Melbourne visitor guide
• Official Porto tourism guide
• Official Seoul tourism guide
• Official Lisbon tourism guide
• Official Amsterdam guide
• Visit Perth