Porto has been named Europe’s most welcoming city in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, with Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, ranking second in a result that highlights the country’s appeal to international travellers.
The ranking, based on votes from readers of the travel magazine, recognises European cities where visitors are made to feel welcome by local residents. The publication highlights the everyday encounters that can shape a travel experience, from getting help understanding a restaurant menu to finding directions on public transport.
Porto, widely known as the Invicta, earned the top position for its relaxed atmosphere, local character and growing appeal as a destination for short city breaks. According to Condé Nast Traveller, the city attracts visitors interested in food and culture while retaining a sense of authenticity that encourages travellers to return.
The magazine points to Porto’s tiled public squares, neighbourhood restaurants and tradition of sharing petiscos, the small Portuguese dishes often enjoyed with others, as part of the experience. These everyday settings offer visitors opportunities to engage with local life beyond the city’s best-known attractions.
Lisbon followed closely in second place, earning recognition for its scenic setting along the River Tagus, historic streets and distinctive cultural traditions. Built across seven hills, the Portuguese capital is known for its winding alleys, fado music and pastéis de nata, the country’s popular custard tarts.
However, the magazine’s assessment goes beyond Lisbon’s architecture and food. It highlights the city’s youthful and inclusive atmosphere, along with opportunities for visitors to experience local routines and community celebrations. Lisbon’s cafe culture, where residents gather for their morning espresso, offers one way to experience daily life, while the annual Festival of Saint Anthony brings street parties and celebrations to neighbourhoods across the city.
The strong performance of both Portuguese cities places local hospitality at the centre of the country’s appeal to international visitors. While scenery, cuisine and cultural attractions remain important reasons to visit, the ranking also draws attention to the role residents play in shaping how travellers experience a destination.
Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Stockholm in Sweden and Valletta in Malta completed the top five in the European ranking.
For Porto and Lisbon, the recognition offers further international exposure at a time when both cities attract travellers seeking a combination of historic surroundings, food, cultural experiences and opportunities to explore neighbourhood life. The awards reflect the preferences of Condé Nast Traveller readers rather than a universal measure of hospitality, but their choices place the two Portuguese cities at the forefront of this year’s list.
