Subscribe to our social channels to get the latest news about Hungary!
Is Budapest among Europe’s friendliest cities? Condé Nast Traveler unveils the 2024 rankings
Change language:
Condé Nast Traveler has recently announced its 2024 list of Europe’s friendliest cities, showcasing destinations that offer travellers warmth, hospitality and an inviting atmosphere.
Stockholm tops the list, scoring an impressive 94.07 points and being praised for its polite and welcoming residents.
Budapest closely follows it, the capital of Hungary, with 91.88 points, praised for its charm and growing tourist appeal.
Valencia, Spain, came third, but cities such as Vienna, Berlin, and Palma also featured prominently. This year’s results show that a destination is memorable not only because of its beautiful sights but also because of its friendly attitude.
Stockholm, in particular, was recognised for its unique balance of modernity and tradition, offering a friendly environment without losing its Scandinavian charm. Meanwhile, Budapest’s growing popularity reflects its historic architecture, affordable living standards, and role as a cultural centre for Eastern Europe.
According to the survey, Copenhagen and Lisbon are cities where visitors feel particularly at home, thanks to their laid-back atmosphere, vibrant communities, and overall friendliness. These cities are attracting more tourists every year, thanks in part to their well-established reputation for hospitality and approachability.
The one thing I would say with these surveys is that they’re based on the experiences of tourists. Don’t get me wrong, I’m delighted that visitors are receiving a friendly welcome in Budapest these days which is eons better than a decade or two ago, but, there’s a yawning chasm between how Hungarians treat visitors and how they treat one another. Outside of the tourist bubble one can experience the sort of rudeness and hostility that takes one’s breath away, for example in the local supermarket and trying to speak in Hungarian can seem to aggravate the situation, therefore I stick to speaking only in English to give myself a fighting chance of getting through largely unscathed.