From Porto To Cape Town, A Look At World's Top 10 Friendliest Cities In 2025

Travel is not just about ticking off landmarks or checking in at famous viewpoints. It is also about how a place makes you feel. The warmth you sense when a stranger helps with directions. The smile you get at a neighbourhood cafe. The way a city welcomes you as if you already belong there. For many travellers, those small moments often matter more than any skyline or monument. 

TimeOut recently leaned into this idea and asked 18,500 people across major cities one simple thing: how friendly is your home? The answers painted a very real, very human picture of urban warmth around the world.

And the results? Porto in Portugal came out on top of the list of 20 friendliest cities, with 85 percent of locals saying their neighbours were genuinely nice. Bilbao followed in second place, and Medellin took the third spot - proving once again that friendliness is not tied to size, wealth, or continent. It is about people. 

Also Read: Top 10 Safest Countries To Travel In 2026: Where Peace Of Mind Is The Real Luxury

Here. we focus on the top 10 friendliest cities in the world, according to the TimeOut survey, and what makes each of them such a welcoming place to explore.

Top 10 Friendliest Cities In The World

1. Porto, Portugal

Porto, Portugal

Porto has a warm, unhurried charm that wins you over instantly. People greet you with genuine smiles, and conversations start easily. Locals here are proud of their traditions and love sharing them. There is a sense of calm in the way they treat visitors - more like guests than tourists. 

2. Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao blends modern city life with a strong community spirit. Locals are open, lively and quick to help, especially if they see you looking lost. The culture here is rooted in togetherness - long meals, shared stories and a real sense of belonging. Travellers often say that it is the kindness of people that makes the city special.

3. Medellin, Colombia

Medellin's friendliness comes from pure warmth. The people - known as "Paisas" - are famously welcoming and love to engage with visitors. Ask for help and they will not just point; they will often walk with you to make sure you reach the right spot. 

Also Read: Why Bengaluru Is Now One Of The World's 30 Best Cities

4. Cape Town, South Africa
 

Cape Town's beauty is well known, but its people make it even better. Locals are relaxed, helpful and easy to talk to. There is a deep cultural mix here, and that diversity shows in the way people connect - open-minded, curious and warm. Whether you are at a weekend market or striking up a chat on a scenic walk, you will find Cape Town welcoming in a very grounded, human way.

5. Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos has an energy that hits you the moment you arrive. It is busy, bold and full of personality, but the hospitality stands out the most. Lagosians are expressive, fun and supportive. They love good conversations and make visitors feel involved rather than distant. 

6. Brighton, UK

Brighton has a playful, easygoing spirit. People here are open-minded and cheerful, which makes it a very welcoming place for travellers. Locals love chatting, giving recommendations and sharing little snippets about their city. There is a casual friendliness in the way people interact - nothing over the top, just comfortable and kind. 

7. Madrid, Spain

Madrid, Spain

Madrid's hospitality comes wrapped in warmth, humour and a love for social life. People here enjoy long conversations, lively gatherings and inclusive energy. Even if you do not speak Spanish, locals will try their best to make you feel part of the moment. 

8. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has a gentle, nostalgic vibe and its people mirror that softness. Locals are polite, patient and happy to engage with travellers. There is a quiet pride in their culture, and they welcome visitors into it with ease. It is the kind of city where neighbours chat across balconies and strangers offer help before you even ask. 

9. Chicago, USA

Chicago, USA

Chicago is big, but it does not feel distant. The people are grounded, approachable and known for their Midwestern warmth. You will hear "How's it going?" and "Let me help you with that" more than you would expect in a major global city. Locals enjoy sharing their favourite spots and often go out of their way to make visitors comfortable. 

10. Belfast, UK

Belfast has a reputation for storytelling, humour and bighearted people. Locals enjoy long chats, friendly banter and making sure travellers feel at home. There is a strong sense of community, and visitors often say they felt included from the moment they arrived. 

Also Read: Top 10 "Coolest Streets In The World" In 2025 And What You Should Know About Them

Rest of the cities in  the list of top 20 friendliest citites in the world:

11. Hanoi, Vietnam
12. New Orleans, USA
13. Valencia, Spain
14. Glasgow, UK
15. Abu Dhabi, UAE
16. Chiang Mai, Thailand
17. Montreal, Canada
18. Seville, Spain
19. Brisbane, Australia
20. Dubai, UAE

So if you are chasing good vibes on your next trip, these cities will not just show you around - they will make you feel at home.