Condé Nast Traveller's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards have named the friendliest cities in Europe, based on reader scores representing overall satisfaction — and the list is a nice mix of big capitals and smaller, characterful places.
Krakow and Vienna are locked together in joint eighth place, both scoring 91.43. That's fitting for Vienna, where readers praised the café culture — sitting down for a slice of sachertorte and lingering over a newspaper is practically a local institution. Krakow's appeal needs little explaining: a beautiful medieval old town, low prices by western European standards, and a pub scene that makes conversation with strangers easy.
Edinburgh is the highest scorer named in the published ranking so far, coming in sixth with an impressive 94.55. Scotland's capital has long punched above its weight for atmosphere — the Festival crowds, the pub culture along the Royal Mile, and a city that's compact enough to feel walkable and sociable rather than overwhelming.
Spain puts two cities on the list. Palma, Mallorca's capital, scores 90.00 in ninth, while Granada takes tenth at 88.57, thanks to its tapas tradition — order a drink and free food typically comes with it, which naturally turns a night out into a social event. Italy contributes Rome (87.38, 14th) and Genoa (88.18, 11th), the latter being a gritty, under-visited port city that rewards travellers who skip the usual Italian hotspots.
Ireland's entry is Cork, at 12th with 88.05. Readers flagged its independent spirit — a city of small food producers, markets and a strong local identity that sets it apart from Dublin. Further north, Reykjavík (87.14, 15th) proves that even a small, pricey capital can feel welcoming, while Paris managing a respectable 87.46 in 13th will surprise anyone who still believes the rude-Parisian stereotype.
The teaser for the full list hints that two 'sister cities' are battling it out for the very top spot — so the eventual winner is still a talking point. But even from positions six to fifteen, this ranking works as a practical shortlist. These aren't just pleasant places; they're cities where friendliness is backed up by concrete traveller-friendly traits: walkability, strong food culture, and locals used to visitors.
For anyone planning a European city break in 2026, the takeaway is simple: if warmth and welcome matter to you as much as sights, this list is a better filter than the usual 'best cities' round-ups. Cork, Krakow and Genoa in particular offer the friendly-slash-affordable sweet spot, while Vienna and Edinburgh deliver polished, well-touristed experiences where the social scene is part of the appeal. Full scores and the top five are in the original feature.
