Portuguese hospitality has once again confirmed its reputation: according to the results of the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 of Condé Nast Traveller magazine, Porto has been named the friendliest city in Europe, while Lisbon took second place.
Readers of the magazine voted for cities where locals welcome guests with particular warmth — helping them make sense of the menu at a small restaurant or pointing out the way to the metro. Porto scored 98,33 points, Lisbon — 97,60. In the global ranking, Porto came second after Melbourne, and Lisbon — fourth.
Portugal has been leading hospitality surveys for several years now. Studies and travellers' votes regularly place the Portuguese among the most welcoming peoples. It is hardly surprising that it was the cities of this country that topped the European list.
The top 5 of Europe also included Amsterdam, Stockholm and Valletta. The jury notes that for today's tourists, not only sights and cuisine matter, but also the genuine warmth of the locals, which turns a short trip into a long-lasting memory.
The editors of Condé Nast Traveller emphasise the authentic character of Porto, its relaxed atmosphere, the colourful houses along the Douro and the traditional petiscos. Lisbon is described as a picturesque city on seven hills with fado and pastel de nata.
The voting results show that in the era of mass tourism, it is human warmth that remains the main advantage of Portuguese cities.
