10 most welcoming cities in the world, according to a new study

A new study has ranked 200 cities around the world based on factors including safety, visa access, English proficiency, social support and tourism services.

For many travellers, choosing where to go involves more than finding attractions and planning an itinerary. How easy it is to enter a country, access information, communicate with residents and feel safe can also influence the experience.

A new ranking by eSIM provider Holafly has identified the cities that perform well across these areas, with Singapore taking the top position.

The study assessed 200 cities, made up of 100 of the world’s most visited destinations and 100 of the world’s most populous urban areas. Holafly considered factors linked to how welcome travellers may feel, including safety, visa access, English proficiency, social support, tourism and information services, and online searches containing terms such as “friendly” and “welcoming”.

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The data was weighted and used to produce an overall score. The ranking reflects data available through June 15, 2026.

Here are the 10 cities that topped the list.

1. Singapore, Singapore — 81.83

Singapore ranked first with a score of 81.83.

The city recorded a safety score of 77.7 and has 41 tourism and information services available to visitors. Its visa access also contributed to its position, with travellers from more than 160 countries and nationalities able to enter without obtaining a visa beforehand.

For visitors arriving in a new country, simple entry requirements and access to information can reduce some of the uncertainty that comes with international travel.

Singapore’s position also means travellers looking for a destination where safety, accessibility and visitor services come together have several factors to consider.

2. London, United Kingdom — 65.04

London came second with a score of 65.04.

The United Kingdom’s capital has long attracted visitors from different parts of the world, and the study found that it also performs well in the services available to travellers.

London has 54 tourism and information services, putting it among the cities with the highest number of such services in the top 10.

The city also recorded 61,700 online searches for phrases such as “friendly London” and “welcoming London”, indicating continued interest in how visitors experience the city.

3. Sydney, Australia — 64.80

Sydney ranked third with 64.80 points.

Its position was supported by a safety score of 66.1 and its performance in English proficiency.

For international travellers, the ability to communicate easily can affect everything from finding accommodation and navigating transport to asking for directions or seeking assistance.

Sydney’s place in the ranking reflects the importance of these factors alongside its tourism offering.

4. The Hague, Netherlands — 63.68

The Hague took fourth place with a score of 63.68.

Its appearance means the Netherlands has two cities among the 10 most welcoming in the study.

The city is known as the seat of the Dutch government and hosts international organisations, giving it a connection to visitors and residents from different countries.

Its ranking also places it ahead of several larger global cities included in the study.

5. Hong Kong — 63.55

Hong Kong ranked fifth, scoring 63.55.

The city was the highest-ranked destination in Asia after Singapore.

Its position reflects its performance across the different factors used in the study, including visitor services, safety and access for international travellers.

For people arriving in a city where they may not speak the local language, access to tourism information and communication services can play a role in making the journey easier.

6. Boston, United States — 63.39

Boston was the first US city to appear in the ranking, placing sixth with a score of 63.39.

The city is home to major universities, businesses and international communities, bringing visitors from different parts of the world.

Its place in the ranking shows that size alone was not the deciding factor. The study combined several measures to assess how cities can accommodate and support visitors.

7. New York City, United States — 63.36

New York City followed Boston at No. 7, scoring 63.36.

The city recorded the highest number of searches for “friendly” and “welcoming” phrases among the 10 cities, with almost 70,000 searches.

New York’s position also highlights the range of factors considered by the study. While the city receives millions of visitors, the ranking looks beyond visitor numbers to areas such as safety, services, social support and online interest in the city’s reputation.

8. Utrecht, Netherlands — 63.13

Utrecht placed eighth with a score of 63.13.

It was the second Dutch city to enter the top 10, alongside The Hague.

Its inclusion gives the Netherlands the joint-highest representation in the ranking, alongside the United States, with two cities each.

Utrecht’s position also shows that the ranking was not limited to the world’s largest or most visited cities.

9. Penang Island, Malaysia — 63.07

Penang Island ranked ninth with 63.07 points.

The Malaysian destination was the second city or urban area from the country to appear in the wider ranking and one of two Asian destinations in the top 10.

Its place reflects the combination of factors used by Holafly to measure the experience available to international visitors.

10. Aarhus, Denmark — 63.02

Aarhus completed the top 10 with a score of 63.02.

The Danish city was one of several European destinations to feature near the top of the ranking.

Europe had four cities in the top 10, with London, The Hague, Utrecht and Aarhus all making the list.