This Small Texas City Was Just Ranked One of the World’s Most Welcoming—Here’s Why
It can be a real bummer to go on a trip to a bucket list location only to find that the locals are cold, rude, and totally unwelcoming. If you want to make sure you’re heading to a spot where the atmosphere is friendly, you might want to consult Booking.com’s list of the 10 friendliest cities in the world—which includes a U.S. location that you might not expect.
The Methodology
According to research conducted by Booking.com, 45 percent of travelers say welcoming locals are a major factor in deciding where they’re going to head on their next vacation. Reviews were consulted when compiling the list, which is part of Booking.com’s annual Traveller Review Awards for 2026.
The destinations were then sorted according to the share of Traveller Review Award recipients compared to the number of eligible accommodations in that area. According to the website, “Destinations also had to have an above-average amount of winners to be included on this list (200 award recipients or higher for cities and regions) and were curated for geographic spread.”
The 10 Friendliest Cities in the World
Topping the list is Montepulciano, Italy, thanks to “its blend of rich history, striking scenery, and refined hospitality.” The area boasts Renaissance-era architecture, delicious local cuisine like pici pasta and Bistecca alla Fiorentina, and fun excursions to visit the region’s Cinta Senese pigs.
Next up is Magong, Taiwan, a harbor city on the western coast of Penghu Island, thanks to its “mix of cultural heritage, scenic ocean vistas, and warm local hospitality [that] presents an authentic and memorable Taiwanese island escape.” It’s followed by San Martín de los Andes, Argentina, located on Lake Lácar and surrounded by the Andes Mountains, and Harrogate in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, “an elegant English spa town full of historic charm.”
Fifth is the only city in the U.S. to make the list, and no, it’s not Charlotte or San Diego or Nashville. It’s Fredericksburg, Texas.
Fredericksburg—which is located around an hour north of San Antonio and an hour-and-a-half west of Austin—was founded in 1846 by German immigrants and named in honor of Prussia’s Prince Frederick.
Per Booking.com, “it preserves its roots through traditional architecture, authentic cuisine, and energetic festivals celebrating its European origins” and “is known for its welcoming energy.” Fredericksburg has more than 400 events each year, including Oktoberfest. There’s also plenty for nature lovers to do, like heading to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to hike and stargaze. Visitors can take walking tours to learn local history. For those who like to relax, there are spas and yoga studios, and culinary enthusiasts will find both food trucks and fine dining establishments where they can get their fill.
Read on to see which other cities around the world made the list.