The friendliest cities in the world: 2025 Readers' Choice Awards
The Readers’ Choice Awards are back, and once again, we reveal the world's friendliest cities as voted by you. Venturing to unfamiliar places can be daunting, particularly when in a thronging metropolis, so the urban communities which make you feel at home are always appreciated. You may not share much in common – you may not even speak the same language – but the warmth of a friendly local surpasses cultural differences.
With thousands of cities to choose from, singling out just ten for praise is no small feat. That’s why we asked our readers for a helping hand in identifying those which stand out from the crowd. Some winners are found in the furthest corner of the globe, while others lie within our very borders, but in all these charming pockets, you will find abundant beaming smiles and endless generosity. Ranking from least to most, these are your choices for the friendliest cities in the world for 2025.
- Kyoto which stole the hearts of our readers. Peppered with <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/where-to-find-cherry-blossoms-in-japan/">blossom trees</a> and historic temples, this peaceful city is one of Japan’s oldest municipalities, making it the prime destination for those seeking tradition. Book into an <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-ryokans-for-an-authentic-trip-to-japan/">authentic ryokan</a>, roughly translating to “inn”, to experience Kyoto’s most endearing hospitality, where guests share home-cooked meals on cushioned floors and communal baths powered by natural springs, before retreating to intimate sleeping spaces lined with snug floor beds. Good manners and mutual respect are both fundamental here too, so make sure to brush up <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://www.cntraveller.com/article/unwritten-rules-to-know-before-travelling-to-japan/">Japan’s unwritten rules</a> of splendid etiquette before you visit.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Getty Images","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":480,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34d48a0adcf15cc51cd/master/w_320,c_limit/Kyoto_270825_GettyImages-82971405.jpg"},{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34d48a0adcf15cc51cd/master/w_640,c_limit/Kyoto_270825_GettyImages-82971405.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":960,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34d48a0adcf15cc51cd/master/w_640,c_limit/Kyoto_270825_GettyImages-82971405.jpg"},{"height":1919,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34d48a0adcf15cc51cd/master/w_1280,c_limit/Kyoto_270825_GettyImages-82971405.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1536,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34d48a0adcf15cc51cd/master/w_1024,c_limit/Kyoto_270825_GettyImages-82971405.jpg"},{"height":3071,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34d48a0adcf15cc51cd/master/w_2048,c_limit/Kyoto_270825_GettyImages-82971405.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1919,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34d48a0adcf15cc51cd/master/w_1280,c_limit/Kyoto_270825_GettyImages-82971405.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1919,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34d48a0adcf15cc51cd/master/w_1280,c_limit/Kyoto_270825_GettyImages-82971405.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Getty Images10. Kyoto, Japan. Score: 92.73
Last year, Japan’s glitzy capital, Tokyo, made our shortlist of world’s friendliest cities, but in 2025, it’s Kyoto which stole the hearts of our readers. Peppered with blossom trees and historic temples, this peaceful city is one of Japan’s oldest municipalities, making it the prime destination for those seeking tradition. Book into an authentic ryokan, roughly translating to “inn”, to experience Kyoto’s most endearing hospitality, where guests share home-cooked meals on cushioned floors and communal baths powered by natural springs, before retreating to intimate sleeping spaces lined with snug floor beds. Good manners and mutual respect are both fundamental here too, so make sure to brush up Japan’s unwritten rules of splendid etiquette before you visit.
- restaurants, artisan <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://www.cntraveller.com/article/best-bakeries-in-edinburgh/">bakeries and chic <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://www.cntraveller.com/gallery/best-bars-in-edinburgh/">bars, but what really brings Edinburgh to life is the warm spirit of its people. Join the cheery crowds as they spill out of <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://www.cntraveller.com/article/best-pubs-edinburgh/">pub doors, and you may just find yourself forming friendships for life.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Getty Images","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":213,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34e1bc7274eabe89e99/master/w_320,c_limit/Edinburgh_270825_GettyImages-655414358.jpg"},{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34e1bc7274eabe89e99/master/w_640,c_limit/Edinburgh_270825_GettyImages-655414358.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34e1bc7274eabe89e99/master/w_640,c_limit/Edinburgh_270825_GettyImages-655414358.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34e1bc7274eabe89e99/master/w_1280,c_limit/Edinburgh_270825_GettyImages-655414358.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":683,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34e1bc7274eabe89e99/master/w_1024,c_limit/Edinburgh_270825_GettyImages-655414358.jpg"},{"height":1365,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34e1bc7274eabe89e99/master/w_2048,c_limit/Edinburgh_270825_GettyImages-655414358.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34e1bc7274eabe89e99/master/w_1280,c_limit/Edinburgh_270825_GettyImages-655414358.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34e1bc7274eabe89e99/master/w_1280,c_limit/Edinburgh_270825_GettyImages-655414358.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Getty Images=8. Edinburgh, Scotland. Score: 93.04
Edinburgh is the only city on our shortlist representing the UK, and while we may be biased, we can vouch for the locals here as some of the friendliest around. There are several wonderful reasons to visit the Scottish capital, but a Traveller favourite is its iconic Fringe, the world’s largest performance arts festival and crown jewel in the city’s creative repertoire. There’s also a plethora of distinguished restaurants, artisan bakeries and chic bars, but what really brings Edinburgh to life is the warm spirit of its people. Join the cheery crowds as they spill out of pub doors, and you may just find yourself forming friendships for life.
Getty Images=8. Lisbon, Portugal. Score: 93.04
Tied with Edinburgh for eighth place, Lisbon has an approach to travellers that seems to mimic its strong emphasis on family, with all who visit their beloved home greeted like long-lost relatives. Few European cities are more picturesque than the sunny Portuguese capital, too, famously built upon seven hills dotted beside the Tagus River. Weave between red-roofed clusters and iconic yellow trams as they tumble down sloping alleys, while keeping a close watch for glossy hand-painted tiles called azulejos as they adorn townhouse walls. No trip to Lisbon is complete without listening to fado, either, and these touching traditional melodies are sure to give a glimpse into Lisbon’s beating heart.
Getty Images7. Sydney, Australia. Score 93.85
Sydney may have dropped from its second position in 2024, but it still deserves a noteworthy mention. Despite being the furthest from the UK on our shortlist, Sydney’s reputation for laid-back positivity withstands the 10,000-mile distance and 20+ hour flight time, and the allure of its outdoorsy lifestyle is not lost on us either. After all, who doesn’t want to eat, sleep, and breathe stunning beaches? Those who are lucky enough to hop on a plane Down Under fall hard for the way of life here, not to mention the outgoing bunch of Aussies they meet along the way.
- most livable places in the world</a>, where the friendly locals are just a bonus.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Getty Images","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":400,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34fabdc8e2711a47888/master/w_320,c_limit/Melbourne_270825_GettyImages-1583001270.jpg"},{"height":800,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34fabdc8e2711a47888/master/w_640,c_limit/Melbourne_270825_GettyImages-1583001270.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":800,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34fabdc8e2711a47888/master/w_640,c_limit/Melbourne_270825_GettyImages-1583001270.jpg"},{"height":1600,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34fabdc8e2711a47888/master/w_1280,c_limit/Melbourne_270825_GettyImages-1583001270.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":1280,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34fabdc8e2711a47888/master/w_1024,c_limit/Melbourne_270825_GettyImages-1583001270.jpg"},{"height":2560,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34fabdc8e2711a47888/master/w_2048,c_limit/Melbourne_270825_GettyImages-1583001270.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":1600,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34fabdc8e2711a47888/master/w_1280,c_limit/Melbourne_270825_GettyImages-1583001270.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":1600,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34fabdc8e2711a47888/master/w_1280,c_limit/Melbourne_270825_GettyImages-1583001270.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Getty Images6. Melbourne, Australia. Score: 94.00
Aussie praise is abundant this year, with another Australian city ranking in our top ten friendliest cities. Yet, while Melbourne differs only marginally from Sydney by score, this former city’s cooler climates and distinct artsy vibe could not be more different to its sun-kissed sister. Some may even say Melbourne has a European feel, and with nostalgic Victorian architecture, atmospheric bars in graffiti-covered alleyways, and a booming coffee culture, it’s no wonder that our readers connected with its people. Splendid standards of public transport, public institutions, and work-life balance also make Melbourne one of the most livable places in the world, where the friendly locals are just a bonus.
Getty Images=4. Florence, Italy. Score: 95.00
Florence has left a lasting impression on our readers this year, first earning a silver medal in the list of Europe’s friendliest cities and now securing a spot in the worldwide top five as well. A romantic city in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is perhaps most famous as the birthplace of the Renaissance period in the 14th century, and the enchanting memory of this momentous artistic rebirth lingers through its grand terracotta-tiled dome, manicured palace garden, and unparalleled collection of creative masterpieces. There’s plenty to go around in the wealth of culture here, so it’s easy to see why the lovely Florentine people greet our readers with open arms.
- shopping malls, and sprawling parks filled with futuristic Supertrees, this city has it all. Plus, pristine streets, great public transport, and assured <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://www.cntraveller.com/article/the-worlds-10-safest-countries-to-visit-are/">safety mean visits not only guarantee enjoyment, but also unrivalled comfort. To top it all off, enjoy the diverse company of friendly residents here, all of whom share impeccable manners.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Getty Images","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":213,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e350eee124871947d905/master/w_320,c_limit/Singapore_020925_GettyImages-590050726.jpg"},{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e350eee124871947d905/master/w_640,c_limit/Singapore_020925_GettyImages-590050726.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e350eee124871947d905/master/w_640,c_limit/Singapore_020925_GettyImages-590050726.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e350eee124871947d905/master/w_1280,c_limit/Singapore_020925_GettyImages-590050726.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":683,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e350eee124871947d905/master/w_1024,c_limit/Singapore_020925_GettyImages-590050726.jpg"},{"height":1365,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e350eee124871947d905/master/w_2048,c_limit/Singapore_020925_GettyImages-590050726.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e350eee124871947d905/master/w_1280,c_limit/Singapore_020925_GettyImages-590050726.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e350eee124871947d905/master/w_1280,c_limit/Singapore_020925_GettyImages-590050726.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Getty Images=4. Singapore. Score 95.00
As the 2024 defending champion, Singapore is once again a strong contender for the world’s friendliest city, narrowly missing out on the podium with a fourth-place tie. This glittering metropolis is the only city-state on our shortlist, and this is just the first thing which makes Singapore extraordinary. A hub of forward-thinking architecture, shiny shopping malls, and sprawling parks filled with futuristic Supertrees, this city has it all. Plus, pristine streets, great public transport, and assured safety mean visits not only guarantee enjoyment, but also unrivalled comfort. To top it all off, enjoy the diverse company of friendly residents here, all of whom share impeccable manners.
Getty Images3. Cape Town, South Africa. Score: 96.10
Creeping up the ranks, Cape Town improves both in position and score since last year’s Readers’ Choice Awards, where it held fifth place with 91.30 points. The colourful port city sits on the cusp between ocean shores and mountain ranges, so drift up by gentle cablecar to the flat-topped peak of Table Mountain, or marvel at the penguin colonies on Boulders Beach. A traditional South African barbecue, or “braai”, is also essential to understanding the social culture here, where loved ones gather to share stories, laughter, and plenty of flame-grilled food. While the complex history of apartheid means communities are far from perfect, many will agree that they also represent a hopeful symbol of resilience. Continued efforts to rebuild society and a proud multicultural identity are what make Capetonians truly special.
Getty Images2. Vienna, Austria. Score: 96.10
This year saw this charming city named as the host for Eurovision 2026, where hopeful musicians will follow in the footsteps of classic Viennese legends, like Mozart and Beethoven. Elegant yet cosy, the architecture seamlessly shifts from imposing Baroque palaces to humble coffee houses, and this perfect combination is reflected in the personality of the people. Oddly, Vienna’s own tourism board claims that its locals are some of the grumpiest on the planet, but perhaps we can agree to disagree. Our readers believe the Austrian capital is teeming with friendly faces, so if it’s a warm reception you’re after, Vienna is the place to go.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site</a> stamp of approval in 1978. Churches, monasteries, and plazas all display a beautiful fusion of European and indigenous architectural elements, while the eclectic art scene is not one to miss either. Not only is Quito the oldest of all South American capitals, but it is also the only South American city on our shortlist. With such ground-breaking charisma, we can all agree that Quito is a worthy winner of the world’s friendliest crown.","contentType":"photo","credit":"Getty Images","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":213,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34f48a0adcf15cc51ce/master/w_320,c_limit/Quinto%20Equador_270825_GettyImages-1312881567.jpg"},{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34f48a0adcf15cc51ce/master/w_640,c_limit/Quinto%20Equador_270825_GettyImages-1312881567.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34f48a0adcf15cc51ce/master/w_640,c_limit/Quinto%20Equador_270825_GettyImages-1312881567.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34f48a0adcf15cc51ce/master/w_1280,c_limit/Quinto%20Equador_270825_GettyImages-1312881567.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":683,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34f48a0adcf15cc51ce/master/w_1024,c_limit/Quinto%20Equador_270825_GettyImages-1312881567.jpg"},{"height":1365,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34f48a0adcf15cc51ce/master/w_2048,c_limit/Quinto%20Equador_270825_GettyImages-1312881567.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34f48a0adcf15cc51ce/master/w_1280,c_limit/Quinto%20Equador_270825_GettyImages-1312881567.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/68b6e34f48a0adcf15cc51ce/master/w_1280,c_limit/Quinto%20Equador_270825_GettyImages-1312881567.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Getty Images1. Quito, Ecuador. Score: 98.75
A new, potentially unexpected winner for 2025 – Quito is having a moment. The Ecuadorian capital may be one of the least trodden on our list, secluded on the highland slopes of snowcapped Andes volcanoes, but its frozen-in-time mystique continues to capture the attention of travellers across the globe, including our readers. Once a Spanish colonial city founded on Incan ruins, Quito’s historic centre was one of the first ever to be awarded a UNESCO World Heritage Site stamp of approval in 1978. Churches, monasteries, and plazas all display a beautiful fusion of European and indigenous architectural elements, while the eclectic art scene is not one to miss either. Not only is Quito the oldest of all South American capitals, but it is also the only South American city on our shortlist. With such ground-breaking charisma, we can all agree that Quito is a worthy winner of the world’s friendliest crown.
