Porto has been named Europe’s friendliest city in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, with Lisbon taking second place. The result places two Portuguese destinations at the head of a ranking focused on warm hospitality and residents’ willingness to assist travellers, from explaining a restaurant menu to helping someone navigate the underground. Portugal is frequently regarded as a welcoming country, with international studies and surveys repeatedly highlighting its people’s popularity among tourists.
The magazine associates Porto’s recognition with its growing appeal as a city-break destination for food lovers and culture enthusiasts, while emphasising its authentic character and unhurried atmosphere. Squares decorated with tiles and neighbourhood restaurants, where visitors can share small portions of local dishes with residents, illustrate that appeal. Lisbon, meanwhile, is described through its setting on seven hills beside the River Tagus, its winding alleys, traditional music and creamy custard pastries. Beyond these attractions, the magazine highlights a youthful, inclusive atmosphere. Its café culture offers opportunities to join residents over morning coffees, while the Festival of Saint Anthony brings open-air celebrations to the cobbled streets.
Amsterdam, Stockholm and Valletta occupy third, fourth and fifth places respectively. The remainder of the 15-city European ranking comprises Edinburgh in sixth place, followed by Vienna, Krakow, Palma and Granada. Genoa ranks eleventh, ahead of Cork, Paris and Rome, with Reykjavík completing the list in fifteenth place. Porto and Lisbon therefore lead a selection of destinations spread across Europe.
