When we plan city breaks, there are plenty of criteria we seek. Food is often at the top of the list – we want a city we can eat our way around, learning more about the destination through its ingredients and culinary offerings. Weather is another key factor when choosing, be it for a dose of vitamin D, balmy evenings that require only a light jacket, or coolcation territory for a more bearable summer break. Culture, naturally, comes into play – cities that have an eclectic mix of galleries and museums are a big draw for art- and history-loving travellers.
But there’s one criterion that might not come into play when researching a city break, which can often make or break a trip. Judging levels of friendliness before you’ve visited a destination is easier said than done – but that’s where we come in. Each year, as part of our Readers’ Choice Awards, Conde Nast Traveller calls in the big guns (= our reliable readers) to vote on the destinations, hotels, spas and restaurants they deem better than any other. We asked our audience to select the European cities they consider the friendliest, and they didn’t disappoint.
After a tense count of the votes, the top 10 were revealed. And in first place was Austria’s capital, Vienna. The city, renowned for its deeply complex history, connection to the arts, and breathtaking design and architecture, has been awarded the title of most smiling, welcoming city in Europe.
Everything you’ll need for a trip to Vienna
