Cities considered "friendly" are warm and welcoming, home to well-disposed citizens, lively entertainment and a slew of other lifestyle-related factors.
Time Out recently polled 18,500 residents around the world to find out which cities locals consider to be "welcoming and friendly," a survey that's at the heart of our list of 20 friendliest cities in the world.
Topped by Porto, Bilbao and Medellín, the ranking includes two U.S. cities—Chicago and New Orleans—that may seem vastly different but, it turns out, are equally welcoming.
Chicago, the number nine entry on the list, is a big city with a big heart. The town may be known for its brutal winters, but its people have the ability to warm you up in no time. Locals still greet strangers on the El, chat over coffee in corner diners and keep their neighborhood ties tight. Despite being one of America’s largest cities, Chicago feels surprisingly personal—courtesy of its walkable neighborhoods, community festivals and an overall sense of belonging. Whether it’s a quick smile or a pleasant conversation, friendliness here isn’t performative: it’s instinctive.
The south is known for its hospitality and charm, but New Orleans—number 12 on the list—takes it up a notch. The town radiates a different flavor of friendliness. It's laid-back, soulful and inclusive. Hospitality is a way of life here. Locals will chat with you and share recommendations without hesitation, making visitors immediately feel like they belong. The culture is communal, and locals are eager to share. Don't be surprised if you make a new friend every time you visit.
The friendliest cities in the world according to Time Out
- Porto, Portugal
- Bilbao, Spain
- Medellin, Colombia
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Lagos, Nigeria
- Brighton, UK
- Madrid, Spain
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Chicago, USA
- Belfast, UK
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- New Orleans, USA
- Valencia, Spain
- Glasgow, UK
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Montreal, Canada
- Seville, Spain
- Brisbane, Australia
- Dubai, UAE