The friendliest cities in Europe: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards
The survey for the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards is open, vote now for your favourite places, hotels, airports, cruise lines, travel fixers and more.
Many factors must come together in judging a city: its history, world-renowned architecture and arts scene, to name a few, as well as the more contemporary considerations such as its gastronomy offering. However, as with anything, it's the people that can elevate a place, and Europe's cities are home to some of the friendliest inhabitants worldwide. In this year's Readers' Choice Awards, you voted for the friendliest cities in Europe, from the historic streets of Dubrovnik to the beaches of San Sebastían and beyond.
These are the friendliest cities in Europe, according to the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.
Getty Images10. Ljubljana, Slovenia. Score 92.31
Slovenia's capital is one of the leafiest cities in Europe and one of the most liveable thanks to its car-free centre and friendly residents. It's also fast becoming a foodie destination with influences from neighbours Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia and a new generation of chefs focussing on local producers and sustainable farming methods.
Getty Images9. Bucharest, Romania. Score 92.5
The city is often dubbed the 'Paris of the East' thanks to its grand avenues and architecture. Today, there's a crumbling elegance with a dynamic edge and welcoming attitude. There are museums-a-plenty to explore, lush parks in each sector, ornate 17th- and 18th-century Orthodox churches tucked away and a buzzing nightlife scene.
Getty Images8. Dubrovnik, Croatia. Score 92.61
On the southern coast of Croatia, stacking up the mountains from the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik's old town is fringed by 16th-century stone walls. Pedestrianised shopping streets, baroque architecture (most notably St. Blaise Church) and, of course, the glistening azure sea backdrop help cast an ethereal feel across the municipality.
Getty Images7. San Sebastián, Spain. Score 92.67
Famous for its Basque cuisine as the home of the pintxo (Basque for ‘spike’ and referring to an appetiser similar to tapas, often enjoyed as a meal strung between three or four pintxo bars), San Sebastián’s charm is already well-known by gourmands. However, its people – perhaps somewhat eclipsed by their impeccable tastebuds – are officially, according to our readers, among the friendliest in Europe. Plan a trip with our guide to the best hotels in San Sebastián.
Getty Images6. Malaga, Spain. Score 94.19
In the last few years, the historic city of Málaga has become a magnet for young Spanish creatives thanks to its affordable rents, authentic cuisine and reliable sunshine. There's been a slew of hot new restaurant openings and stylish places, making it a must-visit destination.
Getty Images5. Belgrade, Serbia. Score 94.55
A creative enclave, on first impressions, the Serbian capital may not be the most classically beautiful city. Still, its cobbled streets, brutalist buildings and contrasting architecture have a certain charm. Fashion, art and music scenes are bubbling away here, which are well worth exploring.
Getty Images4. Helsinki, Finland. Score 95.00
The Finish capital has knocked Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm out of the list this year and is now, according to our readers, the friendliest of all Nordic cities. In other respects, Helsinki is also catching up to the other capitals with a strong art and design scene and a wave of new restaurants pushing it into the well-deserved spotlight.
Getty Images3. Dublin, Ireland. Score 95.37
Perhaps an unsurprising inclusion in our readers' list of the friendliest European cities, Dublin is at ease with revelry. From curb-side fiddle-playing to lively nightlife that rages on into the early morning, Ireland's capital seamlessly combines its zest for life with nods to its radical history in the form of landmarks, museums, and the stories told by strangers-turned-friends met along the way.
- DestinationsThe best restaurants in Puglia, Italy
- Eating & DrinkingThe new London restaurants to try in April 2024
- Places to StayThe best hotels on Capri
Getty Images2. Cork, Ireland. Score 97.00
Although Cork might be the Republic of Ireland's second-largest city, the port town is even more friendly than the capital, according to our readers. This place has a big personality, an exciting culinary scene, plenty of coffee shops, galleries, museums, and an iconic food market.
Getty Images1. Siena, Italy. Score 98.33
The stunning Tuscan enclave of Siena is a pulsating city full of medieval buildings and lively café-culture. The main action happens in Piazza del Campo, where the Palio, a bareback horse race, is held every summer, but it's strolling through the Gothic streets to explore artisan boutiques and authentic family-run restaurants where you'll meet the real soul of the place and discover why it's been crowned the friendliest city in Europe.