What makes a travel destination welcoming? Hospitality is surely key, with inviting accommodations and friendly locals to complete the feel-good holiday vibes.
Now, the verdict is out on the city that's most likely to give you all the warm and fuzzy feelings. Travel booking platform Booking.com has just revealed the 10 Most Welcoming Cities on Earth for 2025 as part of its 13th annual Traveller Review Awards. It looked at 360 million verified customer reviews of travel partners across accommodations, activities, and transportation options and sussed out the places with the greatest share of top reviews.
That city is none other than Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. Technically, it's not a city but an ancient rock fortress near the actual city of Dambulla. This cultural hotspot dates back to 477 AD and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site prized as one of Asia's best-preserved examples of urban planning, with a complex water system, one of the world's oldest landscaped gardens, and fascinating age-old artwork on the rock walls. With a lush national park and cultural village to explore nearby, it's no wonder Sigiriya also snagged the top spot on Time Out's list of most spectacular places to visit in Asia.
To best experience Sigiriya, Booking.com recommends Roo Mansala Boutique Villas for an unparalleled view of Sigiriya Rock or Back of Beyond – Pidurangala for a peaceful jungle getaway with adventurous excursion options like an elephant-watching safari to Minneriya National Park. Otherwise, there are tons of incredible stays, experiences, and travel options you can find on Booking.com – after all, it's the most welcoming place on earth for 2025.
Another Asian destination on Booking.com's list is Koh Lanta, Thailand. This island is just a short ferry ride from its famous sibling, Phi Phi Island, which couldn't be more different in atmosphere. Quiet and tranquil, Koh Lanta boasts laidback resorts and elegant villas on gold-washed coasts, as well as spectacular diving (with a chance of whale sharks) at multiple sites in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.
Booking.com also identified the most welcoming regions in the world, with Osijek-Baranja (Croatia) topping the list and Asia's very own Kien Giang, Vietnam at No. 9. Find out more here.
These are Booking.com's Most Welcoming Cities on Earth for 2025:
- Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
- Cazorla, Spain
- Urubici, Brazil
- Taupo, New Zealand
- St. Augustine, United States
- Orvieto, Italy
- Manizales, Colombia
- Quedlinburg, Germany
- Ko Lanta, Thailand
- Chester, United Kingdom
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