Every city has its own vibe. Some thrill you with skyscrapers and speed, others charm you slowly—but then there are places that make you feel welcome the moment you arrive. The kind where strangers smile easily, locals go out of their way to help, and travellers leave feeling like they truly belonged.
According to Booking.com’s 14th Annual Traveller Review Awards, these are the 10 most welcoming cities in the world, based on insights from over 370 million verified traveller reviews globally. From wine-soaked Italian hill towns to laid-back coastal escapes and storybook mountain villages, this list proves that warmth and hospitality transcend borders.
Here’s where travellers felt most at home.
Image: Canva
1. Montepulciano, Italy
Topping the global list is Montepulciano, a postcard-perfect medieval town perched high in southern Tuscany. With a population of just around 14,000, Montepulciano punches well above its weight when it comes to hospitality. Tourism has been central to the town’s economy for over six decades, and it shows—visitors are treated less like tourists and more like guests. Think car-free cobblestone streets, Renaissance-era palazzos, golden Tuscan sunsets and locals happy to recommend their favourite trattoria.
Image: Wikipedia
2. Magong, Taiwan
Warm smiles meet island calm in Magong, the main city of Taiwan’s Penghu archipelago. Known for its sea temples, basalt rock formations and fresh seafood, Magong has earned praise for its relaxed pace and genuinely helpful locals. Travellers often highlight how easy it is to navigate the city and how welcoming residents are—whether you’re asking for directions, food recommendations or ferry tips. It’s a perfect blend of cultural richness and coastal serenity.
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3. San Martín de los Andes, Argentina
Nestled in Argentina’s Lake District, San Martín de los Andes feels like a warm hug wrapped in mountain air. Surrounded by forests, lakes and snow-capped peaks, this charming Patagonian town is beloved for both its natural beauty and its people. Visitors frequently mention friendly hotel hosts, helpful shop owners and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re visiting in winter for skiing or summer for hiking, the hospitality here is as consistent as the scenery is stunning.
Image: Canva
4. Harrogate, United Kingdom
Classic British charm shines through in Harrogate, a spa town in North Yorkshire known for its elegant architecture, historic bathhouses and famous afternoon teas. Travellers describe Harrogate as polite, welcoming and refreshingly calm. Locals are quick with directions, café owners love to chat, and the town’s well-kept gardens and walkable streets make it easy to feel at home—even on a short visit.
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5. Fredericksburg, Texas, USA
Small-town warmth meets German heritage in Fredericksburg, a charming destination in Texas Hill Country. Known for its vineyards, historic main street and vibrant local festivals, Fredericksburg consistently earns high marks for friendliness. Visitors praise the relaxed pace, family-run inns and locals who are always ready to recommend the best winery or barbecue spot. It’s the kind of place where conversations start easily—and often last longer than planned.
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6. Pirenópolis, Brazil
Colourful, colonial and full of heart, Pirenópolis is one of Brazil’s most welcoming hidden gems. Located near Brasília, this heritage town is famous for its cobbled streets, waterfalls and lively cultural scene. Travellers often highlight how open and friendly the locals are, especially during festivals and community events. From guesthouse hosts to street vendors, hospitality here feels genuine and joyful.
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7. Swakopmund, Namibia
Set between the Atlantic Ocean and the Namib Desert, Swakopmund is unlike anywhere else on this list. With its German colonial architecture and adventure-driven tourism, the town offers a unique mix of cultures. Visitors consistently note how approachable and helpful people are—from tour guides to café owners—making it an ideal base for desert safaris, dune boarding and coastal exploration.
Image: Canva
8. Takayama, Japan
While Japan is often praised for politeness, Takayama stands out for its deeply personal hospitality. Located in the Japanese Alps, this beautifully preserved town is known for its wooden houses, morning markets and traditional ryokan stays. Travellers feel especially welcomed here thanks to attentive hosts, thoughtful gestures and a slower, more intimate travel experience that leaves a lasting impression.
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9. Noosa Heads, Australia
Sun, surf and smiles define Noosa Heads, a relaxed beach town on Australia’s Sunshine Coast. Beyond its stunning coastline and national parks, it’s the friendly, easygoing locals that keep travellers coming back. Visitors often mention how safe, welcoming and inclusive the town feels—perfect for solo travellers, families and first-time visitors to Australia.
Image: Wikipedia
10. Klaipėda, Lithuania
Rounding out the list is Klaipėda, Lithuania’s charming port city on the Baltic Sea. Often overlooked by mainstream tourists, Klaipėda surprises visitors with its friendliness, compact Old Town and coastal appeal. Travellers say locals are eager to help, proud of their city and happy to share recommendations—making it an ideal gateway to the Curonian Spit and Lithuania’s quieter side.
Image: Canva
Why Welcoming Cities Matter
In an age where travel can feel rushed and impersonal, welcoming destinations stand out. These cities remind us that the best memories aren’t just made by landmarks—but by people.
Whether you’re planning your next holiday or simply dreaming of destinations where you’ll feel instantly at ease, these 10 welcoming cities offer something priceless: a sense of belonging, no matter how far from home you are.
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