The survey, which polled 18,500 people from cities around the globe, asked locals how welcoming and kind they felt their hometowns were.

People enjoy the view near Hanoi's iconic Hoan Kiem Lake.

The results placed Hanoi among the top 20 friendliest cities worldwide, alongside Chiang Mai in Thailand, Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE, and other destinations across Europe, the Americas, Africa and Australia.

According to Time Out, the ranking also factored in elements like green spaces, art, culture and overall happiness, painting a broader picture of what makes a city vibrant and livable.

Porto in Portugal took the top spot, where 85% of residents described their neighbors as kind and welcoming. The city also ranked high for beauty, happiness and overall livability, and was recently named "World's Best City Destination" at the 2025 World Travel Awards.

Spain followed closely, with Bilbao in second place and three more Spanish cities: Madrid, Valencia and Seville joining the list. Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city, came third, praised for its lively atmosphere, diverse food scene and warm-hearted locals, with 69% of residents saying visitors would be greeted with open arms.

Hanoi’s inclusion highlights its growing global appeal not just as a travel destination, but as a city known for its warmth and hospitality, something many visitors say they feel the moment they set foot in Vietnam’s capital.

Founded in London in 1968, Time Out is a lifestyle and travel magazine now operating primarily online, offering trusted recommendations for restaurants, events and local experiences around the world.

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