December 1, 2024, 6:48 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Big cities are rough and unfriendly? Not at all! A recently published ranking shows otherwise and lists the ten friendliest European cities. One rank is likely to come as a particular surprise to Germans.
Culture, shopping, and nightlife: There are countless compelling reasons to embark on a city trip! However, vacationers who live in more tranquil climes feel often overwhelmed by the big city and the often harsh tone and interaction that prevail there. For all those – and also simply for those looking for travel inspiration – the magazine “Condé Nast Traveller” has compiled a list of the top 10 friendliest cities in Europe as part of its “Reader’s Choice Awards”.
Among them are many cities popular with German vacationers – and one German city that few would have expected to be on this list.
Overview
The Friendliest City in Europe is Located in the Heart of Scandinavia
With a score of 94.07 points, Stockholm is the undisputed number 1 in this ranking. But what exactly endears Sweden’s capital to so many, earning it the title of the friendliest city in Europe? According to “Condé Nast Traveller”, the Swedes are open-minded, polite, and cheerful – an unbeatable combination. The authors particularly highlight the cherished tradition of “fika” – a coffee break accompanied by pastries, where the true essence lies not in the treats themselves but in the genuine concern for the well-being of one’s company.
In second place with 91.88 points is the picturesque Hungarian metropolis of Budapest. According to “Condé Nast Traveller”, the locals take particular delight in sharing the city’s beauty with tourists and visitors. Directly behind it, the Spanish city of Valencia secured third place with 91.00 points. Although it is not the best-known Spanish destination for a city trip, the friendly people here left a particularly lasting impression on readers.
German-speaking Capitals Surprise With Top Ratings
The fourth and fifth places might come as a surprise, especially to those in German-speaking countries. The international readership of “Condé Nast Traveller” voted Vienna into fourth place! And this despite the fact that the city and its people are not only regarded as unique in German-speaking countries. In the past, it has also been voted the most unfriendly city for expats in Internations’ renowned “Expat Insider Ranking”. According to the authors and readers of “Condé Nast Traveller” however, the term “Gemütlichkeit” perfectly captures the essence of Vienna. The city shines with warmth and friendliness.
Even more surprising is probably fifth place. Because this one goes to Berlin. Exactly, to the Berlin that the TRAVELBOOK community has already voted both the most unfriendly city and the most unfriendly federal state in the past. But perhaps this merely mirrors the complex relationship that we Germans share with our capital city. After all, it’s no secret that Berlin has long been an international favorite. “Condé Nast Traveller” also emphasizes that Berlin has entered a new era as a symbol of Germany’s dark and difficult history, and that the values of “diversity” and “freedom” are now paramount there.
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The Top 10 Friendliest Cities at a Glance
Except for Copenhagen, only southern European cities are ranked sixth to tenth. So, if you’re looking to bask in some warmth – in both the literal and figurative sense – during the darker months, you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice with these friendly cities for your next urban getaway.
- Stockholm, Sweden, score 94.07
- Budapest, Hungary, score 91.88
- Valencia, Spain, score 91.00
- Vienna, Austria, score 89.73
- Berlin, Germany, score 89.71
- Palma de Mallorca, Spain, score 89.52
- Copenhagen, Denmark, score 89.36
- Lisbon, Portugal, score 88.38
- Milan, Italy, score 88.00
- Naples, Italy, score 87.81