If you’re looking for a friendly European driving holiday destination this summer or autumn, then your eye might be drawn to a new Condé Nast poll, which aimed to identify the world’s most friendly cities.
A big part of any holiday is how friendly the locals are. In fact, even if you’re in one of the most beautiful cities or landscapes in the world, the effect can be minimised by having to put up with rude or unfriendly people.
Firstly, let’s take a look at how UK cities did. Sadly, none of our settlements were deemed worthy of the top 10. Only Edinburgh got close, at number 18.
Across the sea in Ireland, however, Kilkenny made it to number 9. There are reportedly 88 pubs in this city, meaning there is a drinking hole for every 250 inhabitants; one reason, perhaps, for the friendliness of the locals? There is also an annual comedy festival, Cat Laughs, which must only add to the good humour of the residents. Sadly it took place in June, but there are plenty of other reasons to visit Kilkenny this year: 88 at least.
Moving up from number 9, you might be hoping for some more friendly locations nearby, where you can head off with your short term European cover. But regrettably, there are no more European destinations in the top 10 list. Florianopolis in Brazil made the top spot, offering beautiful beaches and markets, and, as you would expect, lots of friendly locals.
The top 10:
- Florianopolis, Brazil
- Hobart, Australia
- Thimpu, Bhutan
- Queenstown, New Zealand
- Charleston, USA
- Paro, Bhutan
- Margaret River, Australia
- Mandalay, Burma
- Kilkenny, Ireland
- Ubud, Bali
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