Top 10 Friendliest Cities in the World

Traveling to a new city or country can be intimidating. You don't know the people, the places are unfamiliar, and it is completely out of your comfort zone. But one of the best feelings in the world is when you travel to a city that naturally has such a pleasant environment. The places are spectacular, the food is delicious, and the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming.

Every year, top travel companies like Travel+Leisure, CNN, and Condé Nast Traveler poll their readers to find out what the friendliest (and sometimes unfriendliest) cities in the world are. Today I'm highlighting some of those places and sharing some of the top 10 friendliest cities in the world.

10. Reykjavik, Iceland

It seems like most of the world has been rushing to get to Iceland lately--and with good reason! The rolling glaciers, colorful lakes and geysers, and stunning natural landscape are all amazing sites to see. It's no wonder people are so cheerful here with all the beauty around them!

9. Kraków, Poland

The city of Kraków has been taken over by a cultural revolution in the recent century making this a wonderful hub for people who enjoy a relaxed, bohemian lifestyle. Enjoy the Old Town with it's medieval influence, take in the 14th century Gothic-style architecture, or spend the afternoon people watching in the Main Market Square. Any city that is this artsy and laid-back is bound to be friendly for travelers.

8. Auckland, New Zealand

Image via iceangels.co.nz — *Image via* *iceangels.co.nz*

This New Zealand metropolis is the perfect marriage between big city living and small town comforts. Despite it being the country's largest city, Auckland has been said to have remarkably clean, beautiful, and safe streets, gorgeous Victorian-style architecture, and very friendly citizens. Here you can spend the day at the beach, hang in the city, or lay low at a cozy B&B.

7. Cape Town, South Africa

Imagine waking up early morning to take an African safari, then heading to the local boutiques to shop in the afternoon, and finally ending the evening dining at an upscale restaurant in downtown. You can do all of this in 1 day (or weekend) in Cape Town, South Africa. Travelers have also noted that the people of the city are incredibly warm and welcoming as well.

6. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto has been getting a lot of love on the tourism front lately. People are beginning to rediscover the beauty and charm of this town making it a popular destination for lovers. There is so much to admire from the bamboo gardens, to the cherry blossom trees, to the stunning Japanese architecture and design seen all over the town. It's no wonder Kyoto is so friendly since it oozes romance!

5. Edinburgh, Scotland

This elegant, classic medieval city is gem for all travelers to enjoy. The romantic streets, exquisite castles, and welcoming townspeople make Edinburgh an enchanting city to visit over and over. Try exploring the town squares, heading to the outskirts to take in the nature, or spending your time seeing the beautiful Scottish castles.

4. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap is wonderful because it offers travelers so many different experiences. You can come to hike around the mountainous jungle terrain, explore the ancient Khmer ruins or temples of Angkor Wat, walk through the town to grab some local food, or take in the gorgeous ruins of Ta Prohm that are surrounded by strangler figs and silk roots. But what makes this city so friendly is the undeniable energy of peace and tranquility that surrounds it.

3. Sydney, Australia

It's no secret that the Aussies have a special and friendly way of living down-under. Sydney is full of natural and urban beauty from every corner you look. Hang out or surf at the beach by day, cruise the harbor or city by afternoon, and catch a show at the Opera House by night. The city, which is continuously expanding, has so much culture to enjoy making it a great destination to continuously return to!

2. Charleston, USA

The great American town of Charleston, South Carolina boasts some of the friendliest and most beautiful streets in the world. It's southern charm and comfort all the way here. In Charleston you'll find romantic cobblestone streets, pre-war architecture and houses, horse-drawn carriages, and smiling locals who are proud to call this city their home.

1. Galway, Ireland

Many of Ireland's cities (such as Dublin or Cork) have made the lists of friendliest cities, but Galway consistently took the top spot. This destination is known countrywide for being the "most Irish" city of Ireland! The people of Galway see their town as the cultural hub of Ireland and do everything they can to preserve and share it with visitors. Come here and enjoy music in the streets, partake in seasonal festivals, and hang out around the sprawls of pubs and bars that line the medieval streets of the town.

These places just barely begin to scratch the surface of wonderful and friendly cities around the world. What are some other friendly destinations around the world that you love?

PS - See my favorite travel things that I can't live without here!