Feeling welcome in a city while traveling is not always a sure bet. Some cities overrun with tourism aren’t keen on the idea of tourists infiltrating their cities. While other cities are more closed off to outsiders due to cultural differences. Feeling unwelcome can ruin a vacation, which is why Booking.com came up with this handy list of the world’s most welcoming cities to visit in 2023.
Online travel agency, Booking.com has come up with the 10 most welcoming cities on earth for 2023. Booking.com uses its Traveller Review Awards to determine which cities and regions are the most welcoming. The most welcoming cities are those with a high proportion of award recipients to eligible properties and an above-average number of winners. Travelers looking for a warm welcome and top-rated accommodations can’t go wrong with a trip to these cities:
10. Gold Coast, Australia
Australia’s Gold Coast is famous for its 35 miles of coastline and the world-class surfing. The Gold Coast’s 21 beaches each have their own character, meaning visitors will have plenty to explore. But the adventure doesn’t stop with the sea. The Gold Coast also has beautiful golf clubs, fascinating wildlife reserves, a wild party scene, and loads of outdoor activities in the nearby hinterland.
9. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world and is choc-full of Mexican culture. The city boasts over 150 museums and galleries and is home to beautiful parks and public squares. The distinct neighborhoods that make up the city offer visitors incredible food – every region of Mexico’s unique cuisine is represented in the capital city.
8. Porto De Galinhas, Brazil
Porto De Galinhas is just over an hour’s drive south of Recife and is a popular vacation destination for locals and international visitors. What once was a small fishing village is now a happening resort town with plenty of hotels to choose from. The area is best known for its white sand beaches and picturesque tide pools. The waters are teeming with tropical fish and coral reefs, making it an incredible snorkeling destination.
7. Ushuaia, Argentina
Ushuaia, Argentina’s claim to fame is that it is the End Of The World. Located on the southern tip of Argentina, Ushuaia is the gateway to the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. The resort town serves as a launch point for many traveling to Antarctica, but it has plenty to offer on its own. Adventure seekers could spend a lifetime exploring the nearby national park and its beautiful waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife. Kayaking, hiking, fishing, and climbing are all popular activities with tourists who choose to stay a while in Ushuaia.
6. York, UK
York is a beautiful city full of history and charm. Located halfway between Edinburgh and London, York’s roots go back to Roman times. The ancient walls surround the city, and walking them provides visitors with a unique perspective of the city. York is known as the most haunted city in Europe, an accolade it proudly promotes through city tours and a multitude of events during the Halloween season.
For visitors who aren’t into getting spooked, York has also been crowned Britain’s Home Of Chocolate and has a self-guided chocolate trail that takes visitors throughout the city in search of the best chocolate.
5. Klaipeda, Lithuania
Klaipeda, Lithuania is a port city on the Baltic Sea that dates back to the early 13th century. It has long been an industrious city and has recently become a popular tourist destination, in large part because of its proximity to Palanga, Lithuania’s beach resort area. Klaipeda’s old town is an interesting place to explore and is home to a collection of statues that reflect the city’s history and folklore.
4. Dresden, Germany
Dresden is a city in eastern Germany, not far from the Czech border. Once considered one of the most beautiful cities, much of Dresden was destroyed during World War II. After the war, a few important buildings were rebuilt, but much of the city is now home to more modern developments. Dresden has a strong cultural tradition in music and the arts. It is home to a famous Opera House as well as several impressive museums.
3. San Sebastián, Spain
San Sebastián is a beautiful coastal city situated in Basque Country in northern Spain. While the city offers beautiful sites in its Old Town and a great urban beach, it is perhaps most notorious for its cuisine. San Sebastián’s culture revolves around its food – and visitors can experience it in many different ways. The city’s dining options range from Michelin-starred restaurants to low-key pintxos bars. Visitors who want to explore the region’s culinary traditions further can take a food tour or cooking class with locals.
2. Hualien City, Taiwan
Hualien City is a laid-back city close to Taroko Gorge National Park, the world’s largest marble canyon. The region is surrounded by stunning natural sites, including scenic waterfalls, hot springs, and cloud forests. The city itself is home to top-notch restaurants and vibrant street markets, as well as a thriving arts scene.
1. Polignano a Mare, Italy
According to Booking.com, the most welcoming city on earth is Polignano a Mare in Puglia, Italy. Polignano a Mare sits atop a 65-foot cliff above the Adriatic Sea and is an incredible Italian destination. The beach below is popular with locals and tourists for its crystal clear waters and is a great place to watch the many local cliff divers splashing into the sea. This quintessential Italian coastal city, with its old churches and winding streets, is a truly charming destination.
