The friendliest cities in the world: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards
The survey for the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards is open, vote now for your favourite places, hotels, airports, cruise lines, travel fixers and more.
There are many practical considerations when travelling: budget, distance and the 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 hope for a warm welcome – and there are many cities across the globe 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 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. Here are the top 10 in the world, as voted for by you, with a special shout-out to Canada who took four of this year's top spots.
Getty Images10. Mexico City, Mexico. Score 92.97
Mexico City is one of the world's largest capital cities and 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 Images9. Cartagena, Colombia. Score 93.02
Cartagena's appeal is far more profound than its scenic cobbled streets and thriving restaurant scene. The grid of the walled city is great for exploring on foot: street vendors selling mango juice, courtyards with fountains and palm trees and churches with lavish gold embellishments. A treat for all the senses.
Getty Images8. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Score 93.13
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. 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 Images7. Izmir, Turkey. Score 93.85
Turkey's third-largest city may be best known as the gateway to the spectacular ruins of Ephesus nearby, but it is most definitely a destination in its own right. Less touristy than Istanbul, this coastal town is welcoming and boasts lovely beaches, great fish restaurants, plenty of historical sites and a bustling bazaar full of treats.
Getty Images6. Malaga, Spain. Score 94.19
Not only was Malaga voted one of the best cities for food in 2023, but it's also taking one of the top spots for being exceptionally amiable. This Mediterranean city still has the salty flavour of a genuine working harbour with a proper old town, but is now also having a cultural and food renaissance with an influx of notable restaurants serving fresh-as-you-like seafood and an abundance of new galleries.
Getty Images5. Quebec City, Canada. Score 94.92
If you’re looking for all the charm of a European city with the friendliness of a Canadian one, visiting Quebec City is a must. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is as beautiful as it is welcoming, with a rich cultural heritage that can be seen in everything from the architecture to the food. Line your stomach with the signature dish of poutine before a tour of the vineyards and lavender fields on the island of Île d’Orléans.
Getty Images4. Dublin, Ireland. Score 95.37
It will likely surprise 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 Images3. Victoria, Canada. Score 95.51
Another Canadian city known for its exceptionally friendly folks, Victoria is less hectic than nearby Vancouver and is another city perfect for those who love exploring the great outdoors. Watch whales while kayaking, taking in the stunning scenery from a seaplane, zipline through the treetops, explore the city's impressive parks and chill out by the waterfront.
Getty Images2. Edmonton, Canada. Score 95.71
The capital of the Canadian province of Alberta, Edmonton, is fast becoming a sought-after destination thanks to its slower pace and community-oriented atmosphere. Locals are friendly and ready to welcome newcomers to check out the city's frozen castles, ice hockey and maybe even the Northern Lights in winter and a wealth of festivals and riverside frolics in the summer.
Getty Images1. Calgary, Canada. Score 97.86
Don't let the endless swath of prairie out the airplane window trick you. Calgary may be flat, but it's just 60 miles from the Rocky Mountains, making it an adventurer's playground. Nature and urban living go hand in hand here. You can see mountains from practically everywhere, and outdoor wonderlands like Lake Louise and Banff National Park are just a couple of hours away. Meanwhile, the understated city has great steak restaurants, independent boutiques and a welcoming multi-cultural community.