Exploring the Heartwarming Charm of the World’s Friendliest Cities

Travel and tourism, vital signs of global economic health, are making a remarkable recovery, capturing the hearts of wanderlust enthusiasts worldwide. In this journey, we delve into the 30 friendliest cities that beckon travelers with open arms, offering not just scenic beauty but warmth that lingers in the heart. From the resurgence of international tourism to emerging travel trends and the top friendliest cities, this guide promises an immersive experience into the welcoming embrace of destinations across the globe.

UPDATE from Bangkok, “Thailand named 4th Friendliest City in the World“

The Revival of International Tourism: A Glimpse into Global Travel Trends

Before we embark on our exploration of the friendliest cities, let’s take a moment to appreciate the resurgence of international tourism. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to the travel and tourism sector, causing the loss of millions of jobs and trillions in GDP. However, recent data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) paints a promising picture. Between January and September 2023, international tourist arrivals increased by a substantial 38%, reaching 87% of pre-pandemic levels. The Middle East surpassed 2019 levels by 20%, making it a standout region, while Europe accounted for 56% of global tourism, reaching 94% of pre-pandemic levels.

As we look ahead, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects a thriving future for the travel sector. By 2030, it is anticipated to contribute $15.5 trillion to the global economy, employing 430 million people worldwide. This resurgence is fueled by changing travel trends, with a focus on rest, recharge, and immersive experiences over material possessions.

Unveiling the Friendliest Cities: A Reddit-Inspired Odyssey

Now, let’s dive into the heart of our journey – the friendliest cities in the world. Compiled using a consensus opinion-based rankings approach, we turned to the diverse and authentic narratives on Reddit. Subreddits such as r/AskReddit, r/solotravel, r/digitalnomad, r/TravelHacks, and r/travel provided a rich tapestry of experiences and recommendations. Each city earned a score based on the number of mentions, reflecting the genuine warmth felt by travelers.

The Top 10 Friendliest Cities in the World

1. Calgary, Canada: A Warm Embrace in the Canadian Rockies Calgary in Alberta, Canada, claims the top spot with its warm hospitality that welcomed nearly 7.7 million visitors in 2018, contributing over $2 billion to the economy.

2. Madrid, Spain: Retaining Identity with Open Arms Spain’s capital, Madrid, strikes a balance between accommodating tourists and preserving its unique identity. Over 10 million visitors experienced its welcoming atmosphere in 2019.

3. Lisbon, Portugal: Coastal Charm and Expat Happiness Lisbon, Portugal’s hilly capital, captivates with its welcoming residents. It ranked high in the Expat City Ranking 2022, with 86% of expats expressing happiness in their life abroad.

4. Melbourne, Australia: Coastal Capital Delights Expats Melbourne, the coastal capital of Victoria, Australia, holds the eighth spot in the Expat City Ranking 2022, making it a favored destination for expats.

5. Toronto, Canada: Vibrant, Diverse, and Safe Toronto, the capital of Ontario, Canada, stands out for its vibrancy, diversity, and safety, hosting over 27.5 million visitors annually.

6. Abu Dhabi, UAE: A Global Hub with Local Warmth Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, extends a friendly welcome to its diverse expat population, constituting over 80% of the city’s residents.

7. Venice, Italy: Canals, Gondolas, and Welcoming Smiles Venice, Italy, enchants with its scenic canals and architectural wonders. Its friendly residents host over 52,000 tourists daily, reaching up to 110,000 during peak season.

8. Porto, Portugal: Coastal Charm Acknowledged by Condé Nast Porto, a coastal city in Portugal, earns its friendliness accolades with a nod from Condé Nast’s 2023 Readers’ Choice awards.

9. Sydney, Australia: Inclusive Locals Embrace Cultural Diversity Sydney, Australia’s iconic city, secures its spot among the friendliest with inclusive and understanding locals, hosting 9.7 million visitors in 2022.

10. Dublin, Ireland: Always Friendly, Helpful, and Approachable Dublin, the capital of Ireland, completes the top 10 with its consistently friendly, helpful, and approachable residents, as noted by various travelers on Reddit.

Beyond the Top 10: Exploring More Friendliest Cities

11. Montreal, Canada: A Safe Haven for Diversity Montreal, in the province of Quebec, Canada, embraces diversity, making it an ideal place for newcomers to thrive.

12. Bangkok, Thailand: A Hub of Respectful and Helpful Residents Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital, is known for its friendly, respectful, and helpful residents. It ranked as the most popular travel destination worldwide in 2019.

13. Munich, Germany: Warmth Amidst Cultural Heritage Munich, in Bavaria, Germany, combines rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes with the warmth of its citizens.

14. Barcelona, Spain: Welcoming Visitors to Northeastern Charms Barcelona, located in Northeast Spain, stands out for its welcoming and friendly demeanor. In 2022, it hosted 9.7 million visitors.

15. Mexico City, Mexico: Humble and Welcoming Cultural Gem Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, earns praise for its humble and welcoming residents. It ranks as the third-best city for expats to work and live.

16. Auckland, New Zealand: Positive Experiences in the City of Sails Auckland, a major city in New Zealand, leaves travelers with positive experiences, hosting about 1.8 million foreign visitors in 2019.

17. Dubai, UAE: Inclusivity and Understanding of Cultures Dubai, a global city in the UAE, secures its place as the second-best city for expats to live and work, known for its inclusivity and understanding of various cultures.

18. Edinburgh, UK: Kindness, Accommodation, and Approachability Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, UK, earns praise for its kind, accommodating, and approachable residents, as reported by several travelers on Reddit.

19. Hanoi, Vietnam: Humble and Hospitable Capital Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is recognized for the humility and hospitality of its residents, welcoming around 18.7 million visitors in 2022.

20. Cape Town, South Africa: History, Nature, Food, and Hospitality Cape Town, a coastal city in South Africa, boasts a rich variety of history, nature, food, and attractions, welcoming 98,260 tourists in January 2023.

Continuing the Odyssey: Friendliest Cities 21-30

21. Muscat, Oman: Invitations and Warm Hospitality Muscat, the port capital of Oman, embraces visitors with incredible friendliness. It’s common to receive invitations and experience warm hospitality when exploring this city.

22. Stockholm, Sweden: Rich History and Friendly Residents Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, captivates tourists with its rich history and wonderful attractions. Travelers on Reddit express admiration for the city’s friendly residents.

23. New Orleans, USA: Spirited Nightlife and Southern Hospitality New Orleans, in Louisiana, USA, stands out for its spirited nightlife, unique cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. The city welcomed 18.51 million visitors in 2018.

24. Nairobi, Kenya: Friendly and Welcoming Capital Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is known for its friendly and welcoming people. Many positive experiences have been reported by travelers on Reddit.

25. Seville, Spain: Historic Churches, Palaces, and Outgoing Residents Seville, located in southern Spain, is famous for its historic churches, palaces, and flamenco dancing. Residents are known for being friendly, fun, and outgoing.

26. Tokyo, Japan: Safe Haven and Stellar Welcome Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, is among the top ten safest cities globally according to the 2021 Safe Cities Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). Its residents are renowned for their warm welcome.

27. Izmir, Turkey: Historical Beauty and Great Hospitality Izmir, a city on Turkey’s Aegean coast, boasts historical buildings, great fish restaurants, and gorgeous beaches. The city’s hospitality is a notable feature.

28. Jaipur, India: Perceived Welcoming of Visitors Jaipur, known as the Pink City, is a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan, India. Residents are perceived to be welcoming to visitors exploring the city’s historical charm.

29. Geneva, Switzerland: Low Crime, Amiable People Geneva, a city in Switzerland, is marked by its low crime rate and amiable and hospitable residents. In 2018, over 3 million overnight stays were recorded.

30. Liverpool, UK: Friendly Residents in North West England Liverpool, located in North West England, completes our list of the friendliest cities. Many travelers on Reddit express admiration for the city’s friendly residents.

The Heartwarming Essence of Friendliest Cities

As we conclude our exploration of the world’s friendliest cities, we find that their charm goes beyond architectural marvels and scenic landscapes. The true essence lies in the warmth exuded by the residents, creating an unforgettable experience for every visitor. Whether it’s the lively streets of Madrid, the inviting canals of Venice, or the cultural richness of New Orleans, each city leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those who wander through its welcoming embrace.

Friendliness is not just a characteristic of these cities; it’s a cultural phenomenon embedded in the spirit of the community. As global tourism continues to recover, these cities stand as beacons, inviting travelers to not just witness their beauty but to become a part of the stories woven by their friendly residents.

So, pack your bags, embark on this heartwarming journey, and discover the magic that unfolds when you step into the friendliest cities in the world.