There are two kinds of travel “research.” The first one is the classic office-chair version: charts, dry conclusions, and a serious face that hasn’t packed a suitcase since 2007. The second kind is much more useful – it’s based on what travelers actually say after a real trip.
This list comes from the second camp. Booking.com published it as part of the Traveller Review Awards 2026, based on verified traveler reviews collected worldwide. In other words, it’s not “what should be nice in theory,” but “what felt genuinely welcoming in practice.” And yes – people matter: a big share of travelers say friendly locals heavily influence where they choose to go.
Below are 10 cities that made the 2026 “most welcoming” list. Format is simple and info-first: what to do, who it’s for, where to stay, and how to get there.
1) Montepulciano, Italy
Quick vibe: A Tuscan hilltop classic – medieval beauty, vineyard views, and that slow-life feeling that makes you forget what day it is (in a good way).
What to do: Wander to Piazza Grande, sip Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and plan at least one “food day” around hand-rolled pici and a proper Florentine steak.
Who it’s for: Tuscany lovers who want charm without chaos – scenic, tasty, unhurried.
Where to stay: Villa Cicolina – a former noble retreat turned into a boutique-style base with gardens and serious local character.
How to get there: A few hours north of Rome Fiumicino Airport. Train + bus works, but a rental car feels like the natural habitat of Tuscany.
2) Magong, Taiwan
Quick vibe: A lively harbor city on the Penghu Islands – temples, night markets, seafood, and breezy coastal scenery.
What to do: Explore old streets, visit the ornate Tianhou Temple, eat your way through the night market (oyster omelets, grilled squid), and head out for cliffs, coves, and clear water.
Who it’s for: Island fans who want culture + coastline without a big-city tempo.
Where to stay: Beachcastle & Sea View Villa – close to Shanshui Beach, with gardens, a pool, and an easygoing, family-friendly setup.
How to get there: Frequent short flights (around 40–50 minutes) from mainland Taiwan, or ferries from Chiayi Budai or Kaohsiung to Magong Harbor.
3) San Martín de los Andes, Argentina
Quick vibe: Patagonia with a soft landing – lake views, mountain air, cozy streets, and nature that looks like a desktop wallpaper… but real.
What to do: Lakeside walks on Lake Lácar, hikes and paddles in Lanín National Park, and in winter (June–August) skiing or snowboarding at Cerro Chapelco.
Who it’s for: Outdoorsy travelers who want adventure without turning the trip into a survival documentary.
Where to stay: El Refugio Ski & Summer Lodge – a warm, mountain-style retreat with comforts that actually matter after a long day outside.
How to get there: About a 30-minute drive from Aviador Carlos Campos Airport.
4) Harrogate, United Kingdom
Quick vibe: An elegant spa town in North Yorkshire – Victorian façades, leafy gardens, and calm energy that feels instantly restorative.
What to do: Stroll through Valley Gardens, browse the Montpellier Quarter (indie shops + wine bars), and don’t skip the famous Turkish Baths.
Who it’s for: Anyone craving quiet England: pretty streets, green parks, slow mornings, and a proper spa day.
Where to stay: York Place One – bright, modern apartments near the huge green space called The Stray, plus handy parking.
How to get there: Leeds Bradford Airport is under 30 minutes away by car, and trains connect Harrogate with cities like Leeds and York.
5) Fredericksburg, Texas, USA
Quick vibe: A small Texas Hill Country town with German roots, festivals, great food, and a friendly “come as you are” atmosphere.
What to do: Walk Main Street (boutiques, galleries, bakeries), take a Historic District tour, and get outside at Enchanted Rock for hiking and surprisingly good stargazing.
Who it’s for: Road-trippers, food lovers, and anyone who wants the U.S. in cozy small-town form – not skyscrapers and traffic.
Where to stay: Luxury Shipping Container The Desert Escape – a sleek one-bedroom villa that’s close to wineries, parks, and quiet nights in.
How to get there: Just over an hour from San Antonio International Airport or about 1.5 hours from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
6) Pirenópolis, Brazil
Quick vibe: A charming historic town in Goiás with cobblestone streets, colorful façades, baroque churches, and waterfall-packed hills all around.
What to do: Explore the Old Town, browse artisan markets, then go waterfall hopping – there are dozens (80+ in the region). Between April and June, the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo adds music, dance, and local flavors to the streets.
Who it’s for: Travelers who love “culture + nature” and prefer real atmosphere over tourist crowds.
Where to stay: Confraria da Prata Flats – in the heart of the Old Town, with a garden, sun terrace, and a year-round outdoor pool (plus breakfast included).
How to get there: About 3 hours by car from Brasília or roughly 2 hours from Goiânia.
7) Swakopmund, Namibia
Quick vibe: Where golden dunes meet the Atlantic – desert drama, ocean air, and a town that’s full of surprises.
What to do: Sandboard on the dunes, kayak with seals near Pelican Point, wander the streets for historic architecture and cafés, and lean into the local food scene (seafood + German-inspired classics). Events like Oktoberfest highlight the city’s lively side.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a “this doesn’t look real” landscape, but still appreciates having a proper town base.
Where to stay: Fritz Manor Bed and Breakfast – a welcoming boutique stay close to the beach and the town center.
How to get there: Fly into Walvis Bay Rooikop Airport, then drive a bit over 20 miles to Swakopmund.
8) Takayama, Japan
Quick vibe: A mountain town in the Hida region where Edo-period charm is not a costume – it’s the real vibe.
What to do: Walk the Sanmachi Suji district (wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, crafts), visit the morning Miyagawa Riverside Market, and join a sake tour with tastings. Nearby, Hida Folk Village and UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go add a deep rural-Japan layer. Food-wise: try Hida beef (yakiniku or ramen) and Hoba miso grilled on magnolia leaves.
Who it’s for: Travelers who want traditional Japan – calm, authentic, and delicious.
Where to stay: Ryokan Tanabe – in the Old Town, with tatami rooms, futon bedding, kaiseki dining, and a soothing onsen for post-exploration recovery.
How to get there: Easy by train or car. Takayama Station is reached via a scenic rail ride from Nagoya, and the ryokan is a 7–10 minute walk from the station. From regional airports like Toyama or Matsumoto, it’s roughly a two-hour drive.
9) Noosa Heads, Australia
Quick vibe: Sun, surf, and nature – a coastal escape where you can do a lot or do nothing and still feel like you made the right decision.
What to do: Catch waves at Main Beach, paddleboard or swim at Little Cove, hike the coastal trails in Noosa National Park (koalas, dolphins, epic lookouts), and slow it all down with a Noosa Everglades Serenity Cruise through mirror-calm waterways.
Who it’s for: Beach + nature fans, and anyone who likes a relaxed town with good cafés and real outdoor options.
Where to stay: Noosa Boutique Apartments & Elkhorn Villas – modern apartments/villas near Hastings Street and Noosa Beach, with a heated outdoor pool, spa, and easy parking.
How to get there: Around 30 minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport, or about two hours from Brisbane Airport (more international flights).
10) Klaipėda, Lithuania
Quick vibe: Baltic seaside energy – pine-scented dunes, maritime heritage, and a city that feels breezy and unpretentious.
What to do: Explore the Old Town and harbor, then take a ferry to the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit for dunes, forests, cycling, and beaches. Back in the city: Smiltynė Beach, the Sea Museum & Dolphinarium, sculpture parks, and summer festivals. Evenings by the Dane River are quietly magical.
Who it’s for: Anyone who loves the Baltic: fresh air, long walks, dunes, and coastal calm.
Where to stay: Adler Aparthotel – a stylish base in a restored historic building, with modern design, Baltic character, and smooth self check-in.
How to get there: Fly into Palanga International Airport, then it’s about 40 minutes by car to Klaipėda.
Final thoughts
This top-10 is useful because it’s not chasing “the most hyped places.” It’s pointing to destinations where the human side of travel feels good – where service, mood, and local warmth actually show up in your day-to-day experience.
Use it like a menu:
- Want wine + slow Italy? Montepulciano
- Need coast + calm? Noosa Heads or Klaipėda
- Craving big nature? Patagonia or Namibia
- Looking for culture with zero rush? Takayama
