Secret lies in hospitality: Porto named Europe's most welcoming city, Lisbon close behind
Portuguese hospitality is again winning over international travellers: Porto has been named Europe’s most welcoming city, with Lisbon second in Condé Nast Traveller readers’ ranking.
Published on 13/10/2026 - 18:44 GMT+2
Portugal is often regarded as one of the most welcoming and hospitable countries in the world, with international studies and surveys repeatedly placing the Portuguese people at the top of tourists' preferences. It is therefore no surprise that Porto has been awarded the title of "most welcoming city in Europe".
The distinction comes from readers of Condé Nast Traveller magazine in the Readers' Choice Awards 2026 (source in Portuguese), who also rank Lisbon second in this category.
The vote seeks to identify cities where "hospitality is at its warmest" and "you find local residents eager to help, whether you are trying to make sense of a neighbourhood restaurant's menu or looking confused on the metro".
The recognition now given to Invicta, as Porto is known, "reflects the significant rise in Porto's popularity as an ideal urban escape for a city break, both for good-food aficionados and culture lovers", the publication says, also underlining the city's authenticity and relaxed atmosphere.
"Relax in a dazzling square clad in azulejo tiles or share petiscos – small portions of local delicacies – with residents in a neighbourhood restaurant", Condé Nast urges, "and you will quickly see how generous hospitality has turned Porto into a destination to which many of us end up returning time and again".
Lisbon appears next. "Few European cities are as picturesque as the sun-soaked Portuguese capital, famous for being built on seven hills that dot the banks of the River Tagus", the magazine explains, describing it as "a marvellous city of winding alleyways, soulful fado and creamy pastéis de nata".
"But what really brings everything together is the people. A youthful, inclusive atmosphere pulses through the steep neighbourhoods, and there are plenty of opportunities for travellers to get involved as well. Experiencing the vibrant café culture is a must, as groups gather to savour their ritual morning espressos, or visiting during the Festival of Santo António to see the cobbled streets packed with open-air parties", the publication recommends.
Rounding out the European ranking, the top five is completed by Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, Stockholm, in Sweden, and Valletta, in Malta.
