List of the World’s Most Welcoming Cities for 2026

Booking.com has unveiled its World’s Most Welcoming Cities for 2026 as part of the 14th edition of its Traveller Review Awards, highlighting destinations that consistently deliver outstanding hospitality and memorable stays.

Backed by more than 370 million verified traveller reviews, this year’s list recognises cities where accommodation partners have gone above and beyond in service and guest experience. The announcement comes as nearly half of global travellers (44%) say friendly locals play a major role in deciding where to visit, reinforcing the growing demand for destinations that feel warm, authentic and inviting.

Here’s a closer look at the 10 cities that made the cut for 2026:

Montepulciano, Italy

Perched above the rolling Tuscan countryside, Montepulciano enchants visitors with medieval streets, Renaissance palaces and panoramic vineyard views. Travellers can explore Piazza Grande, indulge in regional cuisine, or embark on a unique Cinta Senese pig farm experience through olive groves and vineyards. With its rich heritage and welcoming charm, the town offers a quintessential Tuscan escape.

Magong, Taiwan

Located on Penghu Island’s western coast, Magong blends centuries-old temples, red-brick lanes and stunning coastal scenery. Visitors can savour oyster omelets along Zhongyang Old Street, explore Tianhou Temple, or venture beyond the city to discover fishing villages and dramatic basalt cliffs, making it a distinctive island getaway.

San Martín de los Andes, Argentina

Set against the Andes and along Lake Lácar, this Patagonian town combines alpine charm with outdoor adventure. From hiking and kayaking in Lanín National Park to skiing at Cerro Chapelco, San Martín de los Andes offers year-round natural beauty and a laid-back mountain atmosphere.

Harrogate, United Kingdom

This elegant spa town in North Yorkshire is known for Victorian architecture, lush gardens and its historic Turkish Baths. With boutique shopping in the Montpellier Quarter and peaceful strolls through Valley Gardens, Harrogate delivers a refined yet relaxing English retreat.

Fredericksburg, Texas, United States

Nestled in Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg pairs small-town warmth with German heritage dating back to 1846. Visitors can hike at Enchanted Rock, explore its historic district, enjoy winery tours and savour farm-to-table dining, all wrapped in genuine Southern hospitality.

Pirenópolis, Brazil

Famed for its colourful façades, baroque churches and cobblestone streets, Pirenópolis offers both cultural vibrancy and natural beauty. Waterfalls, forest trails and traditional festivals like Festa do Divino Espírito Santo make this Goiás town a standout Brazilian escape.

Swakopmund, Namibia

Where golden dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean, Swakopmund offers adventure and charm in equal measure. Visitors can sandboard desert slopes, kayak alongside seals or explore streets lined with German colonial architecture before enjoying fresh seafood by the coast.

Takayama, Japan

Located in the mountainous Hida region, Takayama is celebrated for its preserved Edo-period streets, traditional wooden merchant houses and renowned sake breweries. With nearby heritage villages and famous Hida beef cuisine, the city offers an immersive cultural experience.

Noosa Heads, Australia

On Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Noosa Heads blends relaxed beach living with outdoor exploration. From surfing at Main Beach to spotting wildlife in Noosa National Park and cruising the tranquil Everglades, the destination balances adventure with laid-back luxury.

Klaipėda, Lithuania

This Baltic seaside city pairs maritime heritage with coastal tranquillity. Its charming Old Town leads to a bustling harbour, while the nearby Curonian Spit offers scenic dunes and beaches perfect for cycling and hiking. Summer festivals and canoe rides along the Dane River add to its appeal.