Discover the World’s Most Welcoming Cities for Non-Natives

Eager to discover a new city but anxious about fitting in? Don’t worry! We’re here to help you navigate your adventure with confidence.

We know that stepping into unfamiliar places can be daunting, and feeling welcomed is essential. That’s why we created the Community Spirit Index—a detailed ranking of 53 cities across the globe, highlighting their friendliness and inclusivity for newcomers.

We’ve examined six essential metrics—such as visitor return rates, safety ratings, LGBTQ+ equality, and overall happiness—to identify the cities that offer the warmest welcomes for everyone.

If you’re looking to embark on a new journey in a different location or yearning for an exhilarating adventure, you’ve found the perfect destination!

What is community spirit?

Community spirit thrives on fostering a sense of belonging and connection among its members. At the heart of this vibrant atmosphere lies effective communication. When individuals engage in open and meaningful dialogue, they cultivate trust and understanding, dismantling barriers and forging strong bonds within the community.

Community spirit plays a vital role in welcoming newcomers. A vibrant and supportive community fosters a sense of belonging, making it easier for newcomers to adapt to their new surroundings. This sense of connection not only helps them overcome the challenges of adjustment but also allows them to forge valuable relationships and create lasting bonds with others.

To assess the sense of community spirit in the cities we examined, we focused on six key metrics that indicate a friendly and inviting atmosphere:

• Visitor Return Rate: This metric indicates the percentage of travelers who revisit a city, reflecting the location’s appeal and overall visitor satisfaction.
• Friendly staff: The percentage of accommodation reviews mentioning ‘friendly’, giving us an idea of how welcoming local staff are.
• Community respect: The city’s safety index score, which indicates if it’s a safe environment for both natives and newcomers.
• LGBTQ+ Equality Score: Measures each city’s acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ diversity.
• Happiness: The city’s overall happiness and wellbeing score, according to inhabitants.
• Ease of Communication: We assessed each city’s English-speaking proficiency score, as English is the world’s most widely spoken language, to evaluate communication ease.

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Community Spirit Index: The top 20 friendliest cities in the world

Toronto and Sydney are the friendliest cities for non-natives in 2023

Our Community Spirit Index reveals that in 2023, Toronto and Sydney share the title of the friendliest cities in the world for newcomers, each earning an impressive friendliness score of 7.97 out of 10.

Toronto enjoys an impressive visitor return rate of 15%, highlighting how much people cherish their experiences in the city. This love for Toronto is no surprise, especially considering its happiness score of 7.03 out of 10 and an outstanding LGBTQ+ equality rating of 90 out of 100. These factors make Toronto a truly inclusive and welcoming destination for all.

Sydney shines when it comes to safety, boasting an impressive score of 65.87 out of 100. It also rates highly for LGBTQ+ equality, achieving an outstanding 84 out of 100. The city’s residents report a happiness score of 7.13 out of 10, and an impressive 16% of visitors choose to return—both of which surpass Toronto’s ratings.

Plus, since English is the official language in both Toronto and Sydney, communication won’t be a problem here!

Both Toronto and Sydney offer distinct charms and strengths, making them ideal spots for newcomers seeking a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Whether you’re drawn to Toronto’s vibrant cosmopolitan energy or Sydney’s relaxed beach lifestyle, you can count on finding a warm and inviting community in either city.

Edinburgh and Manchester are the second and third friendliest cities in the world

Edinburgh and Manchester rank as the second and third friendliest cities in the world for non-natives, respectively.

Edinburgh shines in second place with an impressive overall friendliness score of 7.78. Notably, it boasts a safety index of 68.92 out of 100, the highest among the top 10 cities, highlighting its reputation as a secure and welcoming destination.

Manchester ranks third with an impressive score of 7.72 out of 10. Renowned for its warm and inviting vibe, 14.76% of reviews specifically highlight the city’s friendliness, surpassing all other cities we examined.

Although Manchester has a safety index score of 45.09, its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for the LGBTQ+ community, rated at an impressive 88 out of 100, along with a notable 12% return rate among visitors, makes it an attractive destination for travelers.

And, since both cities are located in the UK, communicating in English should be nice and easy!

The 10 least friendly cities in the world

Accra, Ghana is the least friendly city for newcomers

Accra, the vibrant capital of Ghana, has garnered a reputation as the least welcoming city for non-locals worldwide, scoring a mere 3.12 out of 10 on the friendliness scale.

Only 2% of accommodation reviews in Accra highlight the word “friendly,” indicating a lack of warmth in the hospitality experience. Coupled with a low visitor return rate of just 9%, it’s clear that many travelers are hesitant to revisit this city. Furthermore, Accra’s LGBTQ+ acceptance score stands at a mere 22 out of 100, pointing to a significant challenge in embracing diversity within the community.

Marrakech, Morocco, is ranked as the second least friendly city globally, scoring 3.69, just ahead of Accra. This ranking places it below cities like Mumbai (3.91), Kuala Lumpur (3.93), and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (4.36) in terms of friendliness.

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Top 10 cities with the highest demand for connection

Are you eager to dive into the vibrant world of socializing? Discover our exclusive insights into the top cities worldwide where individuals are actively seeking advice on forging new friendships.

Recent search volume data reveals that São Paulo leads the way with an impressive 23,160 annual queries for “how to make friends.” Close on its heels is New York City, attracting 22,800 searches. If you’re heading to the romantic streets of Paris, you’ll want to refine your social skills, as the City of Love ranks third with 16,680 searches for friendship tips.

No matter if you’re a socialite at heart or a reserved introvert, these cities offer the perfect backdrop for broadening your social network and connecting with new friends.

Making friends in a new language

Navigating a new culture can be challenging, especially when the language is unfamiliar. Gaining a basic understanding of the local language can significantly ease the process of making new friends while traveling. Explore our helpful guides below to master the essentials and enhance your journey!

Spanish

• How to speak Spanish fluently
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Italian

• How to learn Italian: your step-by-step guide from basics to fluency
• 90+ basic Italian words and phrases every tourist needs 
• Online Italian courses: 10 Resources to learn “La Bella Lingua”
• Find an Italian tutor

German

• How to learn German: an ultimate guide for beginners 
• Top 10 online German classes in 2023
• Best apps to learn German and become fluent fast
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French

• How to learn French: A step-by-step guide for beginners
• Best websites to learn French online in 2023
• How to speak French fluently
• Find a French tutor

How to adapt to a new city

Whether you’re traveling or relocating to a new area, demonstrating respect and kindness can foster a positive exchange with the local community. Here are some valuable tips to help you connect with and honor local cultures and customs.

Research local customs before your move

To honor the local community, invest some time in understanding their customs and traditions. Even small gestures, like pointing with your fingers or using the wrong hand while eating, can be seen as disrespectful in certain cultures. By educating yourself about these cultural nuances, you show that you truly value and respect the local way of life.

Learn local dress codes

As you prepare for your next adventure, keep in mind the significance of dressing appropriately for the local culture and climate. Different social occasions often come with specific dress codes, and understanding these norms demonstrates your willingness to embrace and respect your new environment.

Practise curiosity

Embracing curiosity about your new surroundings can inspire you to venture out and discover all they have to offer. Consider making a list of must-visit locations and exciting activities to experience. Additionally, engage with the local community to enrich your exploration and create meaningful connections.

After discovering your favorite places, such as a charming café or an intriguing museum, take the time to immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Engaging in some people-watching can provide valuable insights into the local culture and customs, enriching your experience.

Form friendships

Forming friendships in a new city can be tough, yet it’s a vital step toward embracing your new environment. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to ease the process. Consider joining local apps or social media groups to connect with residents, explore a new hobby or sport to meet like-minded individuals, or take the initiative to chat with your neighbors. These simple actions can help you build a supportive social circle in no time!

Explore local cuisine

Delving into the local cuisine is not only a delightful experience but also a fantastic way to immerse yourself in a new culture. Consider visiting nearby food markets to taste unique dishes and interact with residents. You might also enjoy enrolling in cooking classes to learn how to prepare some traditional meals yourself!

Learn the local language

To truly impress and connect with the locals, consider learning some essential travel phrases in the local language. This simple effort not only bridges cultural gaps but also demonstrates your genuine interest in their way of life. Additionally, it can enhance your ability to navigate your new environment with confidence.

No matter which city you choose to visit or call home, we’re here to help you get ahead. Begin your language learning adventure today with one of our skilled tutors and elevate your confidence in speaking!

Methodology and Sources

To uncover the most welcoming cities for newcomers, we developed a Community Spirit Index that evaluates 53 cities globally. This ranking is based on six key metrics that measure their friendliness and warmth towards non-natives.

• Number of accommodation reviews mentioning ‘friendly’
• Visitor return rate
• Safety index score
• LGBTQ+ equality
• Happiness index
• English proficiency index

Cities were evaluated and assigned scores to determine their overall friendliness, rated out of 10. To ensure a diverse representation, only the top two rated cities from each country were selected for the final ranking.

To identify the top 10 cities with the greatest demand for social connections, we analyzed the average annual search volume for the phrase “how to make friends” in both the local language and English.

Data is correct as of March 2023.