Mean or Nice?
The world is a welcoming place—or at least that's what we hope. Some cities have locals who are more likely to ignore you than greet you back, yet somewhere else, you might bond with just about everyone. From Los Angeles, USA, to Melbourne, Australia, here are 10 destinations with the most unfriendly locals and 10 of the most kindest.
1. Hong Kong, China
If you've never been to Hong Kong, it can be a bit overwhelming. Sure, the fast-paced life here means there can be pushy crowds and non-stop traffic, but step into an authentic Hong Kong-style cafe and it's like you've wronged the waiter for even reading the menu. It's okay; you'll get accustomed to it all soon enough.
2. Paris, France
Paris might be known as the City of Love, but it's often ranked as one of the world's unfriendliest cities. That likely has a lot to do with the language barrier; a capital as popular as Paris means locals are dealing with many visitors a day. Parisians can also be fairly direct, which may come off sounding cold.
3. New York City, USA
The Big Apple attracts millions of visitors a year flocking to Times Square, but past all the glitz and glamor, New Yorkers aren't the kindest. And with a population of over eight million, the hustle and bustle in one of America's biggest cities doesn't stop for anyone—least of all tourists.
4. Berlin, Germany
While Berlin has no shortage of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore or hotspots to party after dark, what it does lack is friendliness. Like Parisians, locals here are direct and, sometimes, almost to the point of just plain rude. While it might be hard, try not to take words to heart.
5. Los Angeles, USA
Since Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, it's not too surprising to bump into a few rude celebrities or two. But add in other aspiring creatives and YouTubers, influencers, and the like, and this sunshine city won't seem so nice and sunny after all.
6. Shanghai, China
The Chinese are also rather direct and responses can sometimes seem snippy. The overcrowded streets don't help, either; it only adds more to the intensity. Like most cities, you'll probably have a better time if you can speak the language. Otherwise, you're likely on your own.
7. Philadelphia, USA
Philadelphia is nicknamed the City of Brotherly Love, but when it comes to tourists and strangers, nothing is brotherly or loving. Locals don't like chatting with visitors, and if you're a sports fan... don't openly cheer against the home team for your own sake.
8. Moscow, Russia
Whether it's cultural divide or a number of different reasons, locals here are said to be unsympathetic towards visitors and often keep to themselves. The general tip for travelers in the Russian capital is to stay in groups to feel less alone.
9. Amsterdam, Netherlands
While some locals in Amsterdam can be nice and welcoming, the Dutch often don't have a hospitable attitude towards visitors. Whether the reason lies in their distaste for disrespectful tourists or something else, don't be surprised if you don't get a smile back here.
10. Budapest, Hungary
Come for the ruin bars and the buzzing nightlife—but maybe don't stay for the people. Locals in the Hungarian capital are typically said to be unfriendly and unwelcoming. But of course, don't let that stop you from enjoying what the rest of the city has to offer.
Now that we've covered 10 of the most unfriendly cities, let's dive into the 10 destinations around the world with the most welcoming locals.
1. Taipei, Taiwan
A tiny island off the coast of China, Taiwan isn't very densely populated. Locals here, and especially in the capital, are often patient, kind, and understanding. Whether you need directions somewhere or you just have a simple question about something, the Taiwanese are generally eager to help.
2. Kyoto, Japan
The Japanese are also widely regarded as friendly, welcoming people. Beyond the bustling capital of Tokyo, the historical, temple-riddled city of Kyoto reflects this attitude tenfold. If you're interested in learning more about the culture, locals are more than willing to indulge you.
3. Vancouver, Canada
It's often joked that Canadians have "sorry" and "thank you" permanently ingrained in their everyday vocabulary, but just how true is it? Step into Vancouver and you'll find that locals here, while initially quiet, are quite passionate about what their city has to offer. Ask a Vancouverite for a recommendation, and you'll be sure to get at least 10.
4. Melbourne, Australia
A foodie's paradise, Melbourne has something for just about every diet. Plus, if you're a coffee lover, then there's an endless list of cafes to hop through as well. With so many things to enjoy in this vibrant city, it's no surprise that the locals are kind, too, and you'll probably end up with a few new friends by the end of each day.
5. Singapore
Other than being one of the cleanest cities in the world (where even chewing gum is illegal here), Singapore is also one of the friendliest. That might have to do with the diverse community here, with locals being fluent in Mandarin, Malay, and English, among others.
6. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is as beautiful as it comes, and the people here are beautiful, too. After a packed itinerary of sightseeing, immersing yourself in African culture, and reaching the peak of Table Mountain, the welcoming throng of locals are more than happy to chat with you over a drink at a day's end.
7. Reykjavik, Iceland
Hospitality in Reykjavik is unrivaled, and it's a warmth that's likely much appreciated when you're in a city this up north. Even after dark, you're bound to find a new group of friends in unlikely faces in the capital's bars and clubs.
8. Bali, Indonesia
This gorgeous paradise island has more to offer than just breathtaking scenery. The locals here, like Icelanders, pride themselves in providing great hospitality, and their stories and kindness will stay with you long after your trip ends.
9. Glasgow, Scotland
The Scottish are consistently ranked as some of the nicest people in the world, and in Glasgow, that's no exception. Locals will make you feel right at home—so much so, that you'll probably find it difficult to part with the city and its people once your vacation comes to an end.
10. Porto, Portugal
Despite being the second-largest city in Portugal, Porto is small enough to be walkable. And maybe its size is what makes this city feel like home to visitors, or maybe it's the locals here, who are more than likely to smile right back the second you meet their eyes.
