Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards ranks the world’s friendliest cities based on nearly 300,000 votes. One Indian city has made the gl…
(Photo Credit : Wikimedia Commons)
1/101. Melbourne, Australia | Melbourne claims the top spot for 2026, scoring 98.52 out of 100 based on nearly 300,000 reader votes. Condé Nast Traveller credits the city’s distinct artsy vibe, European-style laneway culture, and buzzing café scene for making visitors feel instantly welcome. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
(Photo Credit : Wikimedia Commons)
2/102. Porto, Portugal | Porto ranks second globally and tops the European leaderboard, edging out Lisbon for the continent’s friendliest-city title. The city’s rise is linked to its growing popularity among food- and culture-focused travellers, with many visitors returning. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
(Photo Credit : Wikimedia Commons)
3/103. Seoul, South Korea | Seoul takes third place, standing out as one of the highest-ranked Asian cities on the list and reinforcing South Korea’s growing reputation as a warm, visitor-friendly destination despite its massive urban scale. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
(Photo Credit : Wikimedia Commons)
4/104. Lisbon, Portugal | Lisbon climbs to fourth place in 2026, a sharp jump from eighth position the previous year. Its vibrant café culture, traditional fado music, and lively street life continue to charm travellers year after year. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
(Photo Credit : Wikimedia Commons)
5/105. Amsterdam, Netherlands | Amsterdam ranks fifth worldwide and third in Europe, with its canals, cycling culture, and cosy café scene cited as key reasons visitors feel so at home in the Dutch capital. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
(Photo Credit : Wikimedia Commons)
6/106. Perth, Australia | Perth becomes the second Australian city to crack the global top 10, ranking sixth with a score of 97.28. Condé Nast Traveller attributes this to the city’s relaxed, laid-back warmth — a quieter counterpart to Melbourne’s buzz. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
(Photo Credit : Wikimedia Commons)
7/107. Jaipur, India | India’s Pink City makes a striking entry at seventh place, the only Indian city to feature on this year’s global list. Jaipur’s reputation for warm hospitality and rich Rajasthani culture clearly resonated with international travellers in 2026. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
(Photo Credit : Wikimedia Commons)
8/108. Buenos Aires, Argentina | Buenos Aires ranks eighth, marking Latin America’s sole representative on this year’s list — a nod to the city’s famously passionate, expressive culture and welcoming street life. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
(Photo Credit : Wikimedia Commons)
9/109. Bangkok, Thailand | Bangkok rounds out ninth place, continuing Thailand’s long-standing reputation for hospitality. From locals offering directions to restaurant owners translating menus with enthusiastic gestures, the city’s charm lies in small, memorable moments. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
(Photo Credit : Wikimedia Commons)
10/1010. Cape Town, South Africa | Cape Town closes out the top 10, representing Africa on this year’s global list. Its dramatic coastal scenery paired with consistently warm, welcoming locals helped it edge out several major European capitals. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
