The 35 Most Welcoming Places On Earth, According To Visitor Reviews -

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A view of St, Augustine, Florida, one of the most welcoming cities on earth and the most welcoming city in the U.S., according to a new Booking.com report.

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What makes a place feel truly welcoming? Is it the warm hospitality of the locals, the charm of a hidden gem waiting to be discovered or the seamless travel experience that makes a trip unforgettable? According to Booking.com, it’s all of the above—and more.

The company recently released its annual list of the most welcoming places on earth. Like the Booking.com reports that I covered in 2024, 2023 and 2022, this year’s list features amazing destinations spread across multiple continents.

For 2025, the list is broken into several categories with 35 places total making the cut: the 10 most welcoming cities in the world, the 10 most welcoming regions and—new this year—the 10 most welcoming cities in the U.S. and the five most welcoming U.S. states and districts.

Most Welcoming Places: The Methodology

To rank the most welcoming places, Booking.com tapped into more than 360 million verified customer reviews. The awards recognize destinations where travelers consistently receive outstanding hospitality, whether at boutique hotels, B&Bs or vacation rentals. The rankings are determined by the share of Traveler Review Awards that accommodation partners receive in a certain city.

But the winning destinations are more than just a place to stay—each offers authentic local experiences and a warm welcome, going “above and beyond to extend their hospitality, making those travel experiences unforgettable for guests,” Ben Harrell, Booking.com’s managing director, U.S. said in a release.

The World’s 10 Most Welcoming Cities

Topping the list of this year’s most welcoming cities in the world is Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, known for its ancient rock fortress, stunning villages and elephant-filled national parks. “Located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s ‘Cultural Triangle,’ Sigiriya is a must-see destination that seamlessly combines natural splendor with deep history,” Booking.com says in its report.

A sunset view of the Sigiriya Lion’s Rock, in Sri Lanka, the most welcoming place on earth.

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It’s not easy to get to this exotic spot, located deep in the Sri Lankan countryside: You’ll need to fly into Bandaranaike International Airport in the capital of Colombo, then take a three-hour drive. Once you reach Sigiriya, the payoff is real. From the Sigiriya Rock Fortress—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—you can see stunning views of the ancient countryside. You can take a private Jeep safari to spot the area’s iconic elephants. There are also charming villages selling fabrics and handicrafts. Booking.com recommends staying at Roo Mansala, with views of the fortress, or Back of Beyond, which has bungalows hidden in the forest.

Cazorla, Spain—a pretty Andalusian town surrounded by olive groves and medieval castles—comes in number two. Urubici, a cozy retreat in the mountainous highlands of Brazil, comes in number three. At number four is Taupo, New Zealand, a lakeside retreat with geothermal wonders.

For the first time, a U.S. city has cracked the top five: St. Augustine, Florida. “Whether delving into centuries-old stories, savoring fresh coastal cuisine or relaxing along the Atlantic shoreline, St. Augustine has the perfect combination of history, culture and seaside relaxation,” Booking.com writes in its report. Keep reading to see the other global cities on the top 10 list.

The 10 Winning Regions

The Booking.com list also reveals the most welcoming regions on earth. At the top of the list is Osijek-Baranja, Croatia, an area in the eastern part of the country that’s known for its medieval towns, castles, outdoor adventures, rich culinary scene and—of course—its welcoming hospitality. This area also topped Booking.com’s list in 2023.

A vineyard in Osijek-Baranja, Croatia, the most welcoming region on earth, according to Booking.com

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Coming in second is Kakheti, Georgia, a wine region celebrated for its centuries-old vineyards and dramatic mountain landscapes. Madeira, Portugal takes third place. This Portuguese island is known for its rugged coastline and gorgeous botanical gardens. Explore the full list below.

The Top Places In The U.S.

For 2025, Booking.com also unveils the most welcoming places in the United States, proving that great hospitality can be found right at home. The list includes historic destinations, scenic beach towns and outdoor adventure spots that travelers rave about.

Coming in at the top of the list of U.S. cities is St. Augustine, Florida, founded in 1565. Besides its deep history, the city is known for its cobblestone downtown, Castillo de San Marcos (a 17th-century stone fortress with views of Matanzas Bay) and miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. Booking.com recommends staying at the St. George Inn, set in a pedestrian-friendly zone, or the waterfront Marker 8 Hotel & Marina.

Victorian houses in Cape May, New Jersey, the second most welcoming city in the U.S.

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Coming in second on the list of most welcoming U.S. cities is Cape May, New Jersey, a Victorian-era beach town with charming inns and scenic boardwalks. With its historic mansions and coastal beauty, Newport, Rhode Island comes in at number three, followed by Joshua Tree, a desert escape in California with a bohemian vibe and otherworldly landscapes. Sedona, Arizona rounds out the top five, thanks to its spiritual energy.

In its list, Booking.com also ranks the top five states and districts, recognizing entire regions known for their outstanding hospitality. At the top of the list is Hawaii, where the “aloha spirit” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a way of life. Maine, with its lighthouses and rugged coastlines, comes in second, followed by Washington, D.C., a city known for its historic landmarks and diverse cultural scene. Utah (home to stunning national parks) and Idaho (nirvana for outdoor lovers) round out the list.

From the top cities and regions around the world to the top U.S. states, you can check out the full rankings of the most welcoming places, below.

A view at dusk of Cazorla, Spain, the second most welcoming city on earth.

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