Melbourne has been named the friendliest city in the world in 2026, giving travellers another reason to visit Australia’s cultural capital. The city took first place in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards with a score of 98.52 out of 100, based on almost 300,000 votes.
The result is especially impressive because Melbourne was ranked sixth in the previous year. Its move to first place shows how highly travellers regard the city’s people, atmosphere and visitor experience.
Melbourne is known for being welcoming and easy to explore. Visitors can walk through the city centre, stop at a local cafe, explore its famous laneways or simply ask a local for advice. The city has a relaxed atmosphere that makes it comfortable for both first-time visitors and regular travellers.
Coffee is a major part of Melbourne life. The city is filled with cafes, from small neighbourhood spots to popular places in the city centre. Melbourne’s food scene is just as diverse. Its multicultural population means visitors can find food from almost every part of the world.
The city’s laneways are another major attraction. Hosier Lane is famous for its street art, while nearby streets are packed with restaurants, bars, shops and hidden cafes. Exploring these streets is one of the easiest ways to experience Melbourne.
Melbourne is also one of the world’s most liveable cities. It was named the world’s most liveable city for seven consecutive years, from 2011 to 2017. That record helped make Melbourne famous internationally for its quality of life.
The city continues to perform strongly in global rankings. Melbourne has consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities because of its healthcare, education, infrastructure, culture and environment.
There is plenty to do beyond the city centre too. Visitors can walk along the Yarra River, relax in Melbourne’s parks and gardens, visit museums and galleries, watch major sporting events or take a short trip to the coast.
Sport is another important part of Melbourne’s identity. The city hosts major events including the Australian Open, the Melbourne Cup and AFL matches, attracting visitors from Australia and around the world.
Melbourne’s combination of friendly people, excellent food, culture, sport and quality of life makes it easy to understand why travellers rate it so highly. Being named the world’s friendliest city in 2026 adds another achievement to its long list.
For travellers looking for a city that is welcoming, diverse and easy to enjoy, Melbourne is a city worth visiting — and perhaps a city worth falling in love with.
