No one wants to feel like a tourist, even on vacation. Find out which cities are the most welcoming to travelers.
When you’re heading to a new city for a well-deserved vacation, it’s natural to wonder what vibe awaits you. Will the locals be friendly, or is it one of those travel destinations where tourists stick out like sore thumbs—and are treated accordingly? Before you book your trip, it sure would be nice to know how you’ll be received when you get there.
Well, you’re in luck! The online travel website Booking.com just released its 2026 “Best Cities for Traveler Hospitality” report, revealing the most welcoming cities for travelers in the United States and internationally. No more worrying like you’re the new kid in school—you can hold your head high and book with confidence. Of course, you also want fun things to do when you get there and plenty of great options for where to stay—and the No. 1 place definitely delivers.
Ahead, we’ll reveal the most hospitable, welcoming places for travelers in the U.S. and around the world. Keep reading to see which destination topped the list.
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How did Booking.com determine the most hospitable cities?
The travel site based their findings on more than 370 million reviews from real travelers who voiced their opinions on Booking.com. The rankings were compiled as part of their Traveler Review Awards, which honor Booking.com partners who go above and beyond.
To key in on the most hospitable places out of the millions of reviews, the Booking.com team compared the share of award-winning accommodations in each city or region to all eligible properties in the city or region. Only places with at least 200 winners and an overall above-average performance were considered, and the final list was curated for geographic balance.
The rankings describe the top destinations as places where guests consistently give high review scores for warmth, friendliness and overall hospitality. It reflects places where travelers repeatedly report feeling genuinely cared for throughout their stay.
What’s the most hospitable city in the U.S.?
According to the data, it’s Fredericksburg, Texas. A beautiful, relatively small city nestled in the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is about 70 miles north of San Antonio and 78 miles west of Austin. It’s home to around 11,000 residents, according to the 2020 census, and experiences hot summers and mild winters. To get there, you can fly into San Antonio International Airport (about an hour away by car) or Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (about an hour and a half away).
What makes Fredericksburg so welcoming?
Booking.com’s analysis points to the city’s live music venues and many farm-to-table dining options as two key ways Fredericksburg brings people together and makes them feel at ease. Fredericksburg is also famous for its German heritage, and it draws millions of visitors annually for its old-school Texas charm, delicious wines and many cultural attractions.
What’s there to do on a trip to Fredericksburg?
Fredericksburg’s German heritage is reflected in its historic architecture and local festivals, including its popular annual Oktoberfest. It’s also a major hub of Texas wine country, with more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms in the immediate area, making it one of the state’s top wine destinations. Historic Main Street offers more than 150 shops, galleries and restaurants in a walkable downtown district with limestone buildings and German-Texan character.
There are also a few notable outdoor attractions in Fredericksburg: The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a 5,388-acre reserve known for a stunning natural wonder, its massive pink granite batholith (aka rock dome). Old Tunnel State Park is home to more than 3 million bats, which you can watch take flight in the evenings.
Where to stay: Get the most out of your trip by staying in Fredericksburg’s walkable downtown district. The Inn on Barons Creek offers cozy guest rooms near the heart of town and is perfect for exploring the area on foot, while the Sunday House Inn is a mid-priced option right on Main Street, near many restaurants and boutiques.
What other cities are the most hospitable in the U.S.?
In addition to Fredericksburg, there are many other welcoming cities in the United States, coast to coast. Here are the top 10, according to Booking.com’s data:
- Fredericksburg, Texas
- Palm Desert, California
- Cape May, New Jersey
- Broken Bow, Oklahoma
- Waikoloa, Hawaii
- Bryson City, North Carolina
- Key Largo, Florida
- Snowmass Village, Colorado
- Sedona, Arizona
- Oakhurst, California
What are the most welcoming cities in the world?
The U.S. doesn’t corner the market on hospitality (though Fredericksburg made this list too!). Here are the top 10 most welcoming cities around the world:
- Montepulciano, Italy
- Magong, Taiwan
- San Martín de los Andes, Argentina
- Harrogate, United Kingdom
- Fredericksburg, Texas
- Pirenópolis, Brazil
- Swakopmund, Namibia
- Takayama, Japan
- Noosa Heads, Australia
- Klaipėda, Lithuania
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Why trust us
Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing, and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Booking.com: “Booking.com Announces the World’s Most Welcoming Cities for 2026”
- World Population Review: “Fredericksburg, TX”
- Tour Texas: “5 Reasons Fredericksburg is a Unique Texas Hill Country Experience”
