Have you been to any of the friendly cities on our list?
There are many practical considerations when planning out your vacation. One must think about distance, budget, and the duration of a stay. We spend weeks, sometimes months, planning a trip.
From relaxing weekend getaways to once-in-a-lifetime trips, we go through lists, double-checking details and ensuring everyone in our party is catered for. So when we FINALLY arrive at our destination, we think that we deserve a warm welcome, right?
Well, guess what? There are many places across the world ready to lavish it on you in abundance. It doesn’t matter how fancy the resort is or how great the food is. One thing is clear: What sticks with everyone when traveling is the people they meet along the way.
We talked to our readers and asked them to rank the most sociable cities in the world, and you did NOT let us down. Here are our top 6 most friendly cities on the planet.
Gothenburg, Sweden
While the capital city of Stockholm is the main location to begin after arriving in the country, we think you should consider Gothenburg as a side trip.
Sweden’s second biggest city is a mere three hours away from Stockholm by train and has made huge strides as a travel destination.
Gothenburg has become the most friendly and open-minded city worldwide. Locals place their highest value on the planet, socializing, and are the third most liberal city regarding their attitudes towards other people’s lifestyles.
While here, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time in the Haga district. The cobblestone streets and timber houses hark back to a long-lost life. But what has changed is that it’s no longer a dense residential area for the city’s workers.
It’s now mainly known for its upscale restaurants and coffee shops. One thing has remained the same, though. The family-owned chocolatier “Bräutigam’s” has been running its business for 150 years!
We’re confident that if you choose to visit, you’ll also consider this place one of the most friendly cities in the world.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An has a standing for being one of the loveliest cities in the country, and the Old Town there was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its 800 historic buildings.
There is a definite feeling like stepping back into Vietnam of ancient times here, and the city is also well known for never being bombed during the Vietnam War.
Nestled between rice paddies, rivers, and beaches, this is one of those friendly cities with all the elements of a timeless destination. Its wild blossoms, yellowing shophouses, and green countryside set the tone for an enriching and magical vacation.
And as for that “friendliest cities” list? Well, this is the first time this ancient city in Vietnam, famous for its well-preserved historic buildings, including temples dating back to the 1600s, has earned this fantastic honor.
Travelers have referred to locals as charming, lovely, and exceptionally friendly.
Milan, Italy
Milan is one of the friendliest cities on our list, making it the perfect spot for travelers interested in getting to know the locals. Its residents are also the most eager to mingle while traveling themselves.
This is one of those friendly cities that has an ethereal quality that can’t be faked, an unmistakable sense of style that saturates almost every neighborhood and courses through the veins of those from here.
Stunning structures and lodgings are everywhere and don’t even get us started on the food. Shopping, anyone? Get ready to do some serious damage to your credit card because you’ll love what Milan has to offer.
Oh, and be sure you take advantage of all the fantastic Airbnbs if you need somewhere to stay. The best thing to do in this city is to look your best and feel as stylish as ever. But the city also includes many traditional tourist activities for you to enjoy.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Long reputed to be one of the happiest cities on the planet, it doesn’t surprise us that the residents of Copenhagen are some of the friendliest in the world.
Known for its experimental and diverse foodie scene, interwoven canal network, and, of course, for being the birthplace of The Little Mermaid author Hans Christian Andersen, the capital of Denmark is nothing short of a fairytale itself.
And there’s no shortage of entertainment here, either. You get your pick of immersive canal tours led by locals. And there are many lush urban gardens to enjoy and floating hot tubs that sail the city’s famed canals.
So whether you’ve spent many weeks coming up with a carefully crafted itinerary or just arrived on an impromptu getaway, you’ll find lots of things that will convince you to stay just a bit longer in one of the most friendly cities in the world.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is already well-known for being one of Europe’s most vibrant and friendly cities. It offers its visitors the best of both worlds: beautiful natural landscapes and urban attractions. So there are more than enough choices to suit everyone.
No trip to the capital of Scotland is complete without exploring the medieval streets of Old Town and sampling the brews on the craft beer scene. And there are lots of exciting things to do in this city.
With endless winding streets to explore, gorgeous architecture, and an awe-inspiring castle perched on an inactive volcano, there’s nowhere in the world quite like it. And no matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re never far from cultural attractions in.
During the day, you can climb a monument dedicated to a wordsmith, admire artworks in galleries and cherished marvels in museums, or stroll through the grounds of Holyrood Palace.
And at nighttime, you can enjoy music and theatre performances or find your favorite drink in a quaint whisky pub.
Pro Tip: This is one of those friendly cities you’ll want to bring a camera to snap some shots of all the incredible sights!
Savannah, Georgia
Some classic good old-fashioned Southern hospitality put this coastal Georgia city high on everyone’s list of the most friendly cities to visit. And let’s not forget the picturesque tree-lined streets and top-notch restaurants!
Much of this city’s charm lies in wandering through the Historic District’s green squares, all 22 of them! To get an authentic feel of the Historic District’s top interests, sign up for a guided tour or take your pick of the many hop-on, hop-off trolley tours.
Along the way, you’ll see several must-visit historic homes like the Mercer Williams House, popularized by the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” as well as the home of Juliette Gordon Low, who you’ll recognize as the founder of the Girl Scouts.
While this location is well-known for its signature cobblestoned River Street, the neighboring Plant Riverside District is a booming scene of riverfront dining, high-end shopping, live entertainment, and elegant rooftop bars.
Outside the downtown area, take a stroll through the eerily magnificent Bonaventure Cemetery or check out the moss-filled Wormsloe State Historic Site.
On a hot summer day, you can even take a quick ride to the Tybee Island beach to enjoy some much-needed relaxation.
And if you decide to visit some of Savannah’s previous citizens on a ghost tour, don’t be surprised if your tour guide brings their ghost-hunting equipment with them!
Don’t forget to leave us a comment to let us know which of these friendly cities you’ve visited or wish to explore!
And if you enjoyed reading about some of the most friendly cities in the world, we highly recommend you also check out: Top 8 Most Popular Summer Destinations for Americans This Year
