10 FRIENDLIEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

Have you ever wondered what the friendliest countries in the world were?

Did an outgoing local go out of their way to give you directions? Was the city easy to navigate? Did you simply get good vibes from the people around you?

Here are the 10 global cities you loved the most this year.

1. Cape Town, South Africa

Complex, diverse, and steeped in history: Cape Town has all of South Africa’s best personality traits.

The city lures travelers in with its scenic coastline (one of the best in the world), then invites them to stay with world-class restaurants and culturally rich museums, not to mention the stunning parks, beaches, and wineries that are just a quick drive away.

Wander down Long and Bree streets for friendly, reliable eateries where you can mingle with local Capetonians and drink excellent wine.

2. Dublin, Ireland

The capital city of Dublin has seen a spike in global companies and ex-pats putting down roots, but it maintains its hospitable Irish core.

Notably friendly residents give Midwesterners a run for their money, and you never get shoved aside on a busy street; it’s par for the course to slow down to a stroll through St. Stephen’s Green, or linger over a meal at one of the city’s buzzy restaurants.

Nearly every street has (at least) one pub filled with locals and tourists coming together to celebrate life and that welcoming vibe lasts long after a few pints.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

A taste of Old World charm in North America, it’s often considered the most British city in Canada, Victoria is both a standalone destination and an easy day trip from Vancouver.

The city is a great base point for exploring Vancouver Island, but it also is worth sticking around for the beautiful city gardens, great museums, bustling harbor, and afternoon teas at chic hotels, and though it’s the capital of British Colombia, Victoria boasts a distinct small-town energy thanks to its small population and abundance of nature around every corner.

 

4. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is the perfect jumping-off point for first-time visitors to Portugal, with enough coastal views, historic architecture, and pastéis de nata to fill an entire vacation. Its growing popularity means you’ll definitely run into fellow tourists or backpackers while exploring, as well as tons of families and kids playing in parks until sundown.

Mingle with like-minded folks in one of Lisbon’s fado restaurants or coffee shops, then rest up for another day of adventure at any number of fantastic hotels.

 

5. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok consistently ranks as one of the most-visited cities in the world, and it’s easy to see why.

The Thai capital has a multifaceted identity that blends history and culture with modern luxury, with high-rise hotels sharing skyline space with ancient temples and Buddha statues.

You’ll want to arrive with some sort of game plan, we recommend setting aside some time to visit the Bangkok National Museum, Wat Pho, a spa day, and the countless street food stalls backed by smiling vendors.

 

7. Copenhagen, Denmark

Denmark is known for being one of the world’s happiest countries, and we suspect Copenhagen has a lot to do with that.

The city is filled with public parks, free galleries, and world-renowned restaurants that would bring a smile to anyone’s face. It also happens to be one of the most bike-friendly places in the world, which means less car traffic and healthy citizens.

Get a dose of that joy at Tivoli Gardens ,which famously inspired The Happiest Place on Earth, or stop by one of the many places to eat and drink.

 

7. Reykjavík, Iceland

No longer just a stopover city for travelers en route to the European continent, Reykjavík has emerged as a quirky-cool standalone destination.

The city is extremely easy to get to and navigate once you’re there, with plenty of great restaurants, hotels, cafes, artsy shops, and stunning landmarks to launch a thousand Instagram stories.

And with the recent opening of the five-star Reykjavík Edition hotel, we have yet another reason to plan a trip to Iceland’s capital this year.

 

8. Mexico City

Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge art, buzzy restaurants, or chic shopping streets that put Europe to shame, Mexico City is the destination for you.

Honored for the first time this year as one of the friendliest cities in the world by our readers, the Mexican capital has an exciting, complex vibe that’s appealing to both locals and travelers alike.

There’s no way you can see (or taste) everything in one trip, but residents will be more than happy to welcome you back for repeat visits.

 

9. Bruges, Belgium

When you picture a charming European city, it probably looks exactly like Bruges:

We’re talking cobblestone streets, tree-lined canals, and a central market square that becomes even lovelier with an annual Christmas market.

Join a canal tour to get some of the best views of the city, then mingle with friendly locals at one of the city’s many breweries and coffee shops.

 

10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio is one of the most vibrant cities on the planet, the land of samba, beaches, football, and carnaval.

It’s a place where it’s easy to get caught up in the laid-back atmosphere, where detailed itineraries are typically abandoned once you start wandering the bustling streets.

Rio de Janeiro seems to have a premium on joy and celebration regardless of the season (or hour of night), and it’s easy to see why so many were so enamored with the locals this past year.

Contents per cntraveler.com