Melbourne named the world's friendliest city, Sydney fifth

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 9 years ago

Melbourne named the world's friendliest city, Sydney fifth

By Kylie McLaughlin

Australia's 'capital of cool' has been voted most friendly in a survey undertaken by Conde Nast Traveler magazine.

Melbourne tied first place for friendliest city with Auckland in the survey, where voters were able to take a number of factors into consideration, not just the demeanour of a city's people.

Those behind the annual Readers' Choice Survey said it was "no surprise readers adore Melbourne", which was commended for being one of the "classiest cities in the world".

Loading

Called "capital of cool" Melbourne was praised for boasting an abundance of amazing nightlife, food and hotels, but was also praised for its parks and "fabulous" public art, and its people's "wonderful sense of humour".

But you don't need to tell us that, right?

We Melburnians may be hip, but across the ditch in "clean, youthful, adventurous and beautiful" Auckland, resident Kiwis were not only commended for their friendliness, but for their sense of humour and their view of life that is "something to aspire to attain".

Readers also raved about the Kiwi's biggest city's clear air, fresh food and amazing culture. "Such a gorgeous city on the water", gushed one. Culture also rated highly in voter's estimations, and a trip to Auckland Museum for its Maori collections is "a must".

"The most beautiful large city in the world" Sydney, also fared well, taking out fifth spot for its "breathtaking" harbour and beaches. According to Conde Nast, its inhabitants are renowned for being "always so helpful", and "they love Americans!"

Southernmost cities in the USA were also ranked highly - Savannah in Georgia and South Carolina's Charleston, which "embodied Southern hospitality at every turn". It earned accolades for its history, natural beauty and "incredible food".

Advertisement

"Vibrant" Dublin in Ireland scored points for being the city where you could "stop for a drink in the local pub, only to end up chatting with the locals for the next five hours".

The survey also ranked the world's least friendly cities, of which South Africa's "dangerous" Johannesburg took the top (or bottom) gong. Labelled a "city of crime and contrasts", if you can hold on to your wallets, was also a "burgeoning cultural capital" that had "great shopping".

The country most likely to take out a majority of world's unfriendliest cities, France, did exactly that, scoring three spots in the top ten. The "underwhelming" Cannes ranked as the least popular, described by readers as an "uninspiring and forgettable" European Vegas. Don't expect help to be on hand if you get lost in "cold and aloof" Paris, where people were found to be "downright rude" and in "unsavoury" Marseille, pickpocketing was a major concern for its visitors, with one visitor warning "Stay away! Threatening atmosphere for tourists".

Smoggy Beijing didn't win any love from Conde Nast readers, with its terrible pollution, "dirty streets and hideous traffic" quashing the city's charms. Meanwhile over in Italy, if you were looking for "traditional Italian friendliness and hospitality", you won't find it in Milan, voted eighth least friendly.

Do you think Melbourne and Sydney are among the world's friendliest cities? Post your comments below.

Keep up to date with Traveller on Facebook.

Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter

Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading