<ol><li>Kralendijk, Bonaire</li><li>San Miguel de Allende, Mexico </li><li>Marrakech, Morocco</li><li>Bangkok</li><li>Lisbon</li><li>Dublin</li><li>Copenhagen </li><li>Istanbul</li><li>Singapore</li><li>Edinburgh</li></ol>

The 10 Friendliest Cities In The World

<figure><picture class="ResponsiveImagePicture-jIKgcS fArnhQ ContentHeaderResponsiveAsset-MZuHf bhAhpP responsive-image"><source media="(max-width: 767px)" srcset="https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5b983aa42d52f27f6ce7ecdb/1:1/w_120%2Cc_limit/GettyImages-452951527.jpg 120w, https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5b983aa42d52f27f6ce7ecdb/1:1/w_240%2Cc_limit/GettyImages-452951527.jpg 240w, https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5b983aa42d52f27f6ce7ecdb/1:1/w_320%2Cc_limit/GettyImages-452951527.jpg 320w, https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5b983aa42d52f27f6ce7ecdb/1:1/w_640%2Cc_limit/GettyImages-452951527.jpg 640w, https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5b983aa42d52f27f6ce7ecdb/1:1/w_800%2Cc_limit/GettyImages-452951527.jpg 800w" sizes="100vw"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcset="https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5b983aa42d52f27f6ce7ecdb/16:9/w_320%2Cc_limit/GettyImages-452951527.jpg 320w, https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5b983aa42d52f27f6ce7ecdb/16:9/w_640%2Cc_limit/GettyImages-452951527.jpg 640w, https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5b983aa42d52f27f6ce7ecdb/16:9/w_960%2Cc_limit/GettyImages-452951527.jpg 960w, https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5b983aa42d52f27f6ce7ecdb/16:9/w_1280%2Cc_limit/GettyImages-452951527.jpg 1280w, https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5b983aa42d52f27f6ce7ecdb/16:9/w_1600%2Cc_limit/GettyImages-452951527.jpg 1600w, https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5b983aa42d52f27f6ce7ecdb/16:9/w_1920%2Cc_limit/GettyImages-452951527.jpg 1920w, https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5b983aa42d52f27f6ce7ecdb/16:9/w_2240%2Cc_limit/GettyImages-452951527.jpg 2240w, https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5b983aa42d52f27f6ce7ecdb/16:9/w_2580%2Cc_limit/GettyImages-452951527.jpg 2580w" sizes="100vw"><img alt="The Friendliest Cities in the World From Bangkok to Edinburgh" src="https://media.cntraveler.com/photos/5b983aa42d52f27f6ce7ecdb/16:9/w_320%2Cc_limit/GettyImages-452951527.jpg" width="689" height="387"></picture><figcaption dir="auto">Getty</figcaption></figure><UL><LI><div>Getty</div><h2><span>7. Copenhagen</span></h2><p dir="ltr">Denmark is known for being one of the world’s <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/the-10-happiest-countries-in-the-world" dir="ltr">happiest countries</a>, and we suspect Copenhagen has a lot to do with that. The city is filled with public parks, free galleries, and world-renowned restaurants that would bring a smile to anyone’s face. It also happens to be one of the <a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2015-06-10/the-most-bike-friendly-cities-in-the-world" dir="ltr">most bike-friendly</a> places in the world, which means less car traffic and healthy citizens. Get a dose of that joy at Tivoli Gardens (which famously inspired <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-to-plan-a-trip-to-disneyland" dir="ltr">The Happiest Place on Earth</a>), or stop by one of the <em dir="ltr">many</em> places to eat and drink.</p></LI><LI><div>Getty</div><h2><span>6. Dublin</span></h2><p dir="ltr">Sure, the capital city of <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/story/beyond-the-basics-dublin" dir="ltr">Dublin</a> has seen a spike in global companies and expats putting down roots, but it maintains its hospitable Irish core. Notably friendly residents give Midwesterners a run for their money, and you never get shoved aside on a busy street; it's par for the course to slow down to a stroll through <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/dublin/st-stephens-green" dir="ltr">St. Stephen’s Green</a>, or linger over a meal at one of the <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-restaurants-in-dublin" dir="ltr">city’s buzzy restaurants</a>. Nearly every street has (at least) one pub filled with locals and tourists coming together to celebrate life—and that welcoming vibe lasts long after a couple pints.</p></LI><LI><div>Getty</div><h2><span>5. Lisbon</span></h2><p dir="ltr">Lisbon is the perfect jumping off point for first-time visitors to Portugal, with enough coastal views, historic architecture, and pastéis de nata to fill an entire vacation. It’s growing popularity means you’ll definitely run into fellow tourists or backpackers while exploring, as well as tons of families and kids playing in parks until sundown. Mingle with like-minded folks in one of Lisbon’s <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-places-for-fado-music-in-lisbon" dir="ltr">fado restaurants</a> or coffee shops, then rest up for another day of adventure at any number of <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-hotels-in-lisbon" dir="ltr">fantastic hotels</a>.</p></LI><LI><div>Getty</div><h2><span>4. Bangkok</span></h2><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/destinations/bangkok" dir="ltr">Bangkok</a> consistently ranks as one of the most-visited cities in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The Thai capital has a multifaceted identity that blends history and culture with modern luxury, with high-rise hotels sharing skyline space with ancient temples and Buddha statues. You’ll want to arrive with some sort of game plan (lest you get lost in that infamous traffic)—we recommend setting aside some time to visit the <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/bangkok/bangkok-national-museum" dir="ltr">Bangkok National Museum</a>, <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/bangkok/wat-pho" dir="ltr">Wat Pho</a>, and the countless street food stalls backed by smiling vendors.</p></LI></UL><UL><LI><div>Getty</div><h2><span>3. Marrakech, Morocco</span></h2><p dir="ltr">Morocco has always been a gateway; not only to the African continent but to the Arab world as a whole. Marrakech stands out as one of the more accessible cities, with a pleasing mix of traditional (spice markets, the labyrinthine medina) and modern (luxury hotels, the <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/a-look-inside-the-new-musee-yves-saint-laurent-marrakech" dir="ltr">Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech</a>). While it is by no means a new destination, Marrakech has earned a recent reputation for being a hub for <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/story/africas-contemporary-art-world-is-finding-a-home-in-marrakech" dir="ltr">Africa’s diasporic art world</a>—stop by the Museum of Contemporary African Art Al Maaden to sample some of the best.</p></LI><LI><div>Getty</div><h2><span>2. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico</span></h2><p dir="ltr">Also voted the <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-10-20/top-25-cities-in-the-world-readers-choice-awards-2014" dir="ltr">best small city in the world</a> this year, San Miguel de Allende’s appeal extends beyond its Spanish Colonial architecture and colorful facades. A hub for expat artists, this highland city features a diverse and gregarious class of locals—although its far-from-the-coastline location has helped the area remain insulated and authentically Mexican. Take your pick from more than 350 restaurants ranging from five-star restaurants to local mom-and-pop eateries, then take a step back in time with a stroll along the well-preserved cobblestone streets.</p></LI><LI><div>Alamy</div><h2><span>1. Kralendijk, Bonaire</span></h2><p dir="ltr">Making its Friendliest Cities list debut this year is Kralendijk, the capital of the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire. While the island is primarily known as a hot spot for diving and snorkeling, our readers are discovering just as much appeal inland. Kralendijk’s colorful and compact downtown area is lined with Dutch gable-roofed buildings, while an array of boutiques and galleries invite you to explore beyond the main street. Meanwhile, Bonaire’s eclectic mix of cultures provides a welcoming environment for almost any visitor. “I was surrounded by people who were constantly flitting between tongues, musical genres, and cuisines,” writes Rosie Bell, on her experience <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-i-found-home-among-bonaires-fascinating-mix-of-cultures" dir="ltr">visiting the island</a>. “Bonaire, I realized, was filled with people who were a wonderful mishmash of cultures and identities—people who were chameleons, just like me.”</p></LI></UL><div data-testid="TagCloudWrapper" data-event-boundary="click" data-event-click="{&quot;pattern&quot;:&quot;TagCloud&quot;}" data-in-view="{&quot;pattern&quot;:&quot;TagCloud&quot;}" data-include-experiments="true"><span>Topics</span></div>

The places inspiring your return to travel.

The places inspiring your return to travel, as voted by you in our most recent Readers’ Choice Awards.

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<ul><li><div>Getty </div><h2><span>7. Copenhagen </span> </h2><p>Denmark is known for being one of the world’s <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/the-10-happiest-countries-in-the-world">happiest countries </a>, and we suspect Copenhagen has a lot to do with that. The city is filled with public parks, free galleries, and world-renowned restaurants that would bring a smile to anyone’s face. It also happens to be one of the <a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2015-06-10/the-most-bike-friendly-cities-in-the-world">most bike-friendly </a>places in the world, which means less car traffic and healthy citizens. Get a dose of that joy at Tivoli Gardens (which famously inspired <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-to-plan-a-trip-to-disneyland">The Happiest Place on Earth </a>), or stop by one of the <em>many </em>places to eat and drink. </p> </li><li><div>Getty </div><h2><span>6. Dublin </span> </h2><p>Sure, the capital city of <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/story/beyond-the-basics-dublin">Dublin </a>has seen a spike in global companies and expats putting down roots, but it maintains its hospitable Irish core. Notably friendly residents give Midwesterners a run for their money, and you never get shoved aside on a busy street; it's par for the course to slow down to a stroll through <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/dublin/st-stephens-green">St. Stephen’s Green </a>, or linger over a meal at one of the <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-restaurants-in-dublin">city’s buzzy restaurants </a>. Nearly every street has (at least) one pub filled with locals and tourists coming together to celebrate life—and that welcoming vibe lasts long after a couple pints. </p> </li><li><div>Getty </div><h2><span>5. Lisbon </span> </h2><p>Lisbon is the perfect jumping off point for first-time visitors to Portugal, with enough coastal views, historic architecture, and pastéis de nata to fill an entire vacation. It’s growing popularity means you’ll definitely run into fellow tourists or backpackers while exploring, as well as tons of families and kids playing in parks until sundown. Mingle with like-minded folks in one of Lisbon’s <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-places-for-fado-music-in-lisbon">fado restaurants </a>or coffee shops, then rest up for another day of adventure at any number of <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-hotels-in-lisbon">fantastic hotels </a>. </p> </li><li><div>Getty </div><h2><span>4. Bangkok </span> </h2><p><a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/destinations/bangkok">Bangkok </a>consistently ranks as one of the most-visited cities in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The Thai capital has a multifaceted identity that blends history and culture with modern luxury, with high-rise hotels sharing skyline space with ancient temples and Buddha statues. You’ll want to arrive with some sort of game plan (lest you get lost in that infamous traffic)—we recommend setting aside some time to visit the <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/bangkok/bangkok-national-museum">Bangkok National Museum </a>, <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/bangkok/wat-pho">Wat Pho </a>, and the countless street food stalls backed by smiling vendors. </p> </li> </ul>

<ul><li><div>Getty </div><h2><span>3. Marrakech, Morocco </span> </h2><p>Morocco has always been a gateway; not only to the African continent but to the Arab world as a whole. Marrakech stands out as one of the more accessible cities, with a pleasing mix of traditional (spice markets, the labyrinthine medina) and modern (luxury hotels, the <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/a-look-inside-the-new-musee-yves-saint-laurent-marrakech">Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech </a>). While it is by no means a new destination, Marrakech has earned a recent reputation for being a hub for <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/story/africas-contemporary-art-world-is-finding-a-home-in-marrakech">Africa’s diasporic art world </a>—stop by the Museum of Contemporary African Art Al Maaden to sample some of the best. </p> </li><li><div>Getty </div><h2><span>2. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico </span> </h2><p>Also voted the <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-10-20/top-25-cities-in-the-world-readers-choice-awards-2014">best small city in the world </a>this year, San Miguel de Allende’s appeal extends beyond its Spanish Colonial architecture and colorful facades. A hub for expat artists, this highland city features a diverse and gregarious class of locals—although its far-from-the-coastline location has helped the area remain insulated and authentically Mexican. Take your pick from more than 350 restaurants ranging from five-star restaurants to local mom-and-pop eateries, then take a step back in time with a stroll along the well-preserved cobblestone streets. </p> </li><li><div>Alamy </div><h2><span>1. Kralendijk, Bonaire </span> </h2><p>Making its Friendliest Cities list debut this year is Kralendijk, the capital of the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire. While the island is primarily known as a hot spot for diving and snorkeling, our readers are discovering just as much appeal inland. Kralendijk’s colorful and compact downtown area is lined with Dutch gable-roofed buildings, while an array of boutiques and galleries invite you to explore beyond the main street. Meanwhile, Bonaire’s eclectic mix of cultures provides a welcoming environment for almost any visitor. “I was surrounded by people who were constantly flitting between tongues, musical genres, and cuisines,” writes Rosie Bell, on her experience <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-i-found-home-among-bonaires-fascinating-mix-of-cultures">visiting the island </a>. “Bonaire, I realized, was filled with people who were a wonderful mishmash of cultures and identities—people who were chameleons, just like me.” </p> </li> </ul>

The Friendliest Cities in the World, From Bangkok to Edinburgh

The 10 Friendliest Cities In The World

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