The friendliest cities in the world: 2022 Readers' Choice Awards
The survey for the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards is open, vote now for your favourite places, hotels, airports, cruise ships, travel fixers and more.
There are many practical considerations when travelling: budget, distance and the length of time you have to play with. We spend days, weeks even, planning trips – from relaxing weekend getaways to those once-in-a-lifetime, perspective-shifting long-haul holidays - going through lists, double-checking details and ensuring everyone joining is catered for. So when we arrive at our destination, we deserve a warm welcome – and there are a plethora of cities across the globe that are ready to lavish it on you in abundance. We called on all of you to rank the friendliest cities in the world as part of our 2022 Readers' Choice Awards. Here are the top 10 in the world, as voted for by you.
Getty Images10. Cape Town, South Africa
Home to the glitzy V&A Waterfront, the imposing Table Mountain and the notorious Robben Island (which holds the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years) the port city of Cape Town in South Africa is bursting at the seams with things to do and see. And the residents here are an asset to their hometown, delivering efficient, friendly services in hotels and restaurants, as well as extending a warm welcome out and about.
Getty Images9. Dublin, Ireland
It will likely come as a surprise to hardly anybody, that Dublin has made it into the list of friendliest cities in the world. The population here are famed for their warm spirit and striking up an animated conversation with a stranger in a pub is almost as certain here as enjoying a freshly-pulled pint of Guinness. While you're here, walk in history's footsteps at Dublin Castle, pick up unique pieces on Grafton Street and check out the ever-changing exhibitions at the National Gallery of Ireland.
Getty Images8. Bangkok, Thailand
Unsurprisingly, for a city with tourism at its very core, Bangkok is always ready to put its best smile on for those who visit it. From the opulent Grand Palace (a complex of buildings at the heart of the city, and the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782) to the striking Buddhist temple, Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, and of course the bustling markets that unfurl across large areas, there's never a dull moment to be had here.
Getty Images7. Copenhagen, Denmark
Long reputed to be the happiest city in the world, it's unsurprising that the people of Copenhagen are some of the friendliest in the world. Known for its interwoven canal network, experimental and diverse foodie scene and, of course, for being the home of The Little Mermaid author, Hans C Andersen, the capital of Denmark is nothing short of a fairytale itself.
Getty Images6. Reykjavik, Iceland
The most northern capital city in the world, Reykjavik is a web of bright-hued buildings, creative design and a cosmopolitan spirit that seems to defy its size. It dwindles in comparison to key cities like London and yet every corner is enriched with achingly-cool cafes, bars that buzz into the morning, art exhibitions and inventive restaurants known for their daring culinary creativity.
Getty Images5. Mexico City, Mexico
Not only is Mexico City one of the largest capital cities in the world, but it is also one of the liveliest, with a vibrant arts and culture scene, an upbeat spirit and a hub of historical stories and influences. There are no less than three UNESCO World Heritage sites dotted around the former Aztec capital, where visitors can step back in time within the crumbling walls of five Aztec temples and visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes (known as the Cathedral of Art), which hosts an ever-exciting stream of notable events in music, dance, theatre, opera and literature.
Getty Images4. Bruges, Belgium
Just over three hours from London via Eurostar, Bruges is much more than the sum of its waffles, craft beer and chocolate-box, chocolate shops. Its network of cobbled-street-flanked canals and medieval architecture help create an enchanting atmosphere that lends itself to the seamless intermingling of tourists and locals. Marvel at the picture-perfect quality of Rozenhoedkaai (Quay of the Rosary), climb the Belfry of Bruges – a medieval bell tower built around 1240 – and soak up the atmosphere in Bruges’ main market square, hosting medieval festivals, summer fairs and craft markets all year round.
Getty Images3. San Sebastián, Spain
A resort town that winds its way up the hillside of the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastián's ethereal location alone – in Spain's mountainous Basque Country - earns it visiting rights. On top of this though, the picturesque stretches of shore that line the bayfront makes it a popular destination for those looking to relax beside azure waters and lush vegetation, without flying long-haul.
Getty Images2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Your runner-up and this year's second friendliest city in the world, Rio de Janeiro is a sprawling sea-fronted city in Brazil. Renowned for its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the destination is framed by the larger-than-life Christ the Redeemer statue that lords it over the city from its perch atop Mount Corcovado. The symbolic protector of the people stands 38 metres high and takes around 90 minutes to hike up to. Below it, sprawling favelas (shanty towns), exemplary examples of Brazilian architecture and, every year just before lent, the Rio Carnival - considered the biggest carnival in the world – sees two million people spill out onto the streets to join the flamboyant, party atmosphere.
Getty Images1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Swooping in to steal the number one spot as the friendliest city in the world, San Miguel de Allende is a city peppered with pink limestone facades, winding, cobbled streets and impressive religious and civic landmarks. The Parroquia de San Miguel Archangel, a grand, neo-Gothic, 17th-century church, is perhaps the most famous building in the city, with its soaring spires visible from all corners. The foodie scene here is also a real attraction, with many using locally grown, organic produce and serving locally produced wines, cheeses and olive oil.