Melbourne has been named the friendliest city in the world for 2026 in the annual Readers' Choice Awards published by Condé Nast Traveller.
The coastal capital of Victoria in southeastern Australia topped the global survey with a score of 98.52 out of 100 points. Readers evaluated destinations based on how welcoming local residents were to international visitors, measuring interactions such as helping tourists navigate public transport or explaining dining menus.
Condé Nast Traveller highlighted Melbourne for its distinctive artistic atmosphere and European spirit. Earlier this year, the city also placed first in a separate ranking of the world's best cities compiled by media brand Time Out, earning particularly strong ratings from Generation Z respondents.
The survey is conducted annually by Condé Nast Traveller, a luxury travel publication owned by mass media company Condé Nast. Voters score international destinations on a 100-point scale based on personal experiences during their travels.
European and Asian Destinations Rank High
Porto in northern Portugal secured second place in the global survey with a score of 98.33 points. The historic city along the Douro River was followed closely by South Korea's capital, Seoul, which finished third with 97.94 points.
Condé Nast Traveller noted that small acts of everyday kindness contributed to Seoul's strong performance. The publication cited instances where restaurant owners personally explained dishes to foreign guests or residents stepped in to assist visitors struggling with subway navigation.
Portugal made a strong showing overall in the 2026 awards. The capital city of Lisbon climbed from eighth position last year to take fourth place with a score of 97.50 points.
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands known for its historic canal network, finished fifth with 97.35 points. The publication praised the Dutch city for its inclusive atmosphere toward international travelers.
Global Leaderboard Shows Major Shifts
Perth gave Australia a second entry in the top ten by securing sixth place with 97.28 points. The publication attributed the popularity of Western Australia's coastal capital to its warm and laid-back environment that puts visitors at ease.
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan in India known as the Pink City, placed seventh with 96.67 points after readers commended the generosity of local market vendors. Eighth place went to Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, which scored 96.37 points. The publication highlighted social customs such as the traditional Sunday asado barbecue as key factors in welcoming guests.
Bangkok took ninth place with 96.16 points, reinforcing Thailand's long-standing reputation as the land of smiles. South Africa's legislative capital, Cape Town, rounded out the top ten with a score of 96.00 points.
The 2026 results reflected substantial turnover compared to the previous year. Only Lisbon and Cape Town managed to retain positions in the top ten from 2025, with Cape Town falling from third place to tenth.
The previous year's winner, Quito in Ecuador, fell out of the top ten entirely in 2026. Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, which was the sole representative from the United Kingdom in the 2025 rankings, also dropped out of the top ten.
Full Top Ten Friendliest Cities
The complete top ten list of the world's friendliest cities for 2026, according to Condé Nast Traveller readers, comprises:
- Melbourne, Australia: 98.52 points
- Porto, Portugal: 98.33 points
- Seoul, South Korea: 97.94 points
- Lisbon, Portugal: 97.50 points
- Amsterdam, Netherlands: 97.35 points
- Perth, Australia: 97.28 points
- Jaipur, India: 96.67 points
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: 96.37 points
- Bangkok, Thailand: 96.16 points
- Cape Town, South Africa: 96.00 points
Overtourism Challenges Historic Destinations
While high ratings reflect positive visitor experiences in major cities, tourism growth continues to create friction in smaller heritage locations across Europe.
In Bibury, a village in Gloucestershire, England, a married couple was forced to move out of their home along Arlington Row due to tourists peeking through their windows. Tens of thousands of visitors travel to the site every year.
The 17th-century weavers' cottages along Arlington Row are managed by the National Trust conservation charity. The historic buildings have featured in major motion pictures including Bridget Jones's Diary and Stardust, turning their popularity into a growing strain for local residents.
