these are the 10 friendliest cities in the world for your 2022 bucket list
each year, conde nast traveller asks its readers where they think the friendliest cities in the world are. part of their infamous slate reader’s choice awards, the survey asked readers to rate cities based on their friendliness - anything from its vibe to how easy it was to navigate was taken into consideration. from the scottish highlands to the caribbean, these are the cities we’ll be visiting in 2022.
10. edinburgh
scotland
whilst very much a cosmopolitan city today, edinburgh’s medieval past is still front and centre, with a bustling old town filled with tenements, vennels, and wynds. the ancient architecture is the perfect backdrop for a charming visit to scotland’s capital that’s always buzzing with life. from a different festival every month of the year (food, jazz, and of course, the famous Fringe Festival), to michelin-starred restaurants and a thriving nightlife scene, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone.
9. singapore
not only is singapore one of the safest countries in the world to visit, but it boasts some of the friendliest people. the island city-state ranks high in terms of host count on websites like couchsurfing and airbnb, who will happily extend their welcome and show you some of the best local haunts. the family friendly city is easy to navigate, with beautiful parks and waterfronts for visitors of all ages.
8. istanbul
turkey
sitting at the intersection of east and west, istanbul is an incredibly complex city that straddles that spot between past and the present. its cultural sites epitomise this union, with bustling bazaars, imperial mosques, and ottoman palaces. its local inhabitants exude warmth and a zest for life- join them in an afternoon tea ceremony at çay bahçesis (tea gardens), or at a kahvehan (coffee shop).
7. copenhagen
denmark
with a reputation for being one of the happiest countries in the world, it’s no surprise that the danish capital boasts friendly inhabitants too. it’s also one of the most navigable cities - be it on foot or two wheels, the copenhagen has less car traffic than other cities. in the summer time, the city’s famous canals become the hottest social spot, with restaurants spilling out onto cobblestone streets and friends meeting for picnics.
6. dublin
ireland
the irish have a reputation for their warmth and hospitality, and dublin may just be the perfect place to experience it for yourself. streets are beautiful and walkable, with ancient cathedrals and homes to marvel at, whilst a world-class food scene will satisfy hungry bellies. visit one of the city’s historic pubs afterwards, filled with a mix of travellers and locals, for a full display of irish charm.
5. lisbon
portugal
cradled between seven mountains, the historic city of lisbon is as dynamic today as it was in the day’s of portugal’s empire. on the surface, the city is one of the most beautiful in the world - filled with cobblestone streets, gorgeous architecture, and houses paved with hand painted tiles. stop for a bite to eat at the time out market, a world class food hall, sample pastéis de nata, and visit MAAT, the art, architecture, and technology museum.
4. bangkok
thailand
a visit to bangkok is an experience like no other. bangkok is one of the world’s most visited cities, and it’s not hard to see way. a pulsating mix of food, art, history, nightlife, and shopping, the city has a palpable energy that’s hard not to love. in recent years, the city has seen a rising class of creatives come through, refreshing the city’s culinary and artistic scenes.
3. marrakech
morocco
if you’ve been reading aweventurer for a while, you’ll know that marrakech is one of our favourite cities in the world. the site of our next expedition with author bri lee, the city was, and continues to be, a thriving hub for artists, writers, and wanderers. spend a day wandering the labyrinthine medina and the city’s spice markets, before returning to your luxury riad hotel for the perfect night’s sleep.
2. san miguel de allende
mexico
the winner of the title for friendliest city in 2020, san miguel de allende has much to offer in terms of history, culture, and cuisine. the small city in southern mexico is a charming mish mash of cultures, with spanish colonial architecture and over 350 restaurants boasting local cuisine. the vibrant cities attracts artists, writers, and expats from all over the world, and weekend festivals in the city’s historic town squares boast lively music and dance.
1. kralendijk
bonaire