Here are the most hospitable cities in the U.S. for travelers, according to reviews

Booking.com just released its 2026 Traveler Review Awards, including honors for the most hospitable cities in the world. In a year when travelers say friendliness matters almost as much as price or scenery, one small Texas town has impressed global travelers and topped the list of the most hospitable cities in the U.S.

Booking.com analyzed more than 370 million verified reviews to determine the world's best cities for traveler hospitality. The list celebrates destinations where local accommodation partners consistently deliver standout service and genuinely warm welcomes. And among global heavyweights from Italy to Australia, only one U.S. city made the cut: Fredericksburg, Texas.

Topping the global ranking is Montepulciano, Italy, followed by Magong, Taiwan; San Martín de los Andes, Argentina; and Harrogate in the United Kingdom. Fredericksburg lands at an impressive number five, ahead of destinations in Brazil, Namibia, Japan, Australia and Lithuania. For a Hill Country town with a population just north of 11,000, it’s quite an achievement.

Set among rolling vineyards and peach orchards, Fredericksburg has long been known for its easygoing charm. Founded in 1846 by German settlers, the town still wears its heritage proudly, from half-timbered buildings and beer halls to bakeries serving up Bavarian style strudel and pretzels. That sense of place, paired with unmistakable Texas warmth, is a big part of its appeal.

Visitors can hike the pink granite dome at Enchanted Rock, browse art galleries and boutiques along Main Street or join a walking tour through the Historic District. There’s also a thriving food scene, local wineries and live music venues. It’s the kind of place where shop owners strike up conversations and hotel hosts share personal tips, not just directions.

Booking.com’s research shows that nearly half of travelers say friendly locals influence where they choose to go, and Fredericksburg embodies that approach. The town leads the list of the most hospitable cities in the U.S. for 2026, which includes Palm Desert, California; Cape May, New Jersey; Broken Bow, Oklahoma; Waikoloa, Hawaii; Bryson City, North Carolina; Snowmass Village, Colorado and Oakhurst, California.

While it may not appear on many travel bucket lists, Fredericksburg is a destination that will leave a mark with its warmth and outstanding hospitality.

Most hospitable cities in the U.S. according to reviews

1. Fredericksburg, Texas
2. Palm Desert, California
3. Cape May, New Jersey
4. Broken Bow, Oklahoma
5. Waikoloa, Hawaii
6. Bryson City, North Carolina
7. Snowmass Village, Colorado
8. Oakhurst, California