10. Ubud, Bali
Coming in at number 10 is Ubud in Bali, a cultural and tourism centre and home to a number of spa hotels.
9. Kilkenny, Ireland
No British city made the top 10 (Edinburgh came 18th), but across the Irish sea lies Kilkenny. The warm welcome might be explained by the number of pubs... when Minty Clinch visited in 2003, she found 88 - one for every 250 inhabitants. There's also an annual comedy festival.
8. Mandalay, Burma
The last royal capital of Burma, Mandalay is - according to Tim Jepson, who visited for Telegraph Travel in 2011 - "a pleasing place, especially on the river, where men fish from the front of small boats as their wives paddle gently at the stern; where the lakes are full of the scented pale mauve of water hyacinth; and where the Mandalay Palace and ancient Mahamuni Buddha, covered by the faithful over the centuries in layers of gold leaf now six inches thick, still hark back to the old Burma."
7. Margaret River, Australia
The first of two Australian entries, Margaret River - a town, rather than a city - is ideal for wine-lovers. There are also pristine beaches and a number of national parks nearby.
6. Paro, Bhutan
Paro was deemed to be the sixth most welcoming city. Rosie Thomas, who wrote about Bhutan for Telegraph Travel last month, said: "Paro itself is a quiet little place set among rice paddies, with a decent museum and a spectacular fortress." The only thing likely to wipe the smile off your face is the landing at Paro Airport. Surrounded by towering peaks, it is one of the world’s most challenging for pilots. Indeed, only eight in the world are currently certified to land here.
5. Charleston, US
The fifth friendliest city is Charleston in South Carolina, according to the survey. It has been described as "quintessential Old South... one of the most beautiful and historic places in the United States... a heady mix of Gothic southern charm and antebellum style, offering a wealth of history and beauty,"according to the author Kathy Reichs. Justin Webb, the journalist, said it was "like Edinburgh or Bath transferred to an exotic-palm-tree-lined setting, with wonderful architecture and a humid heat which I adore".
4. Queenstown, New Zealand
The world's adventure capital came fourth in the poll. If surviving a bungee jump isn't enough to cheer you up, the incredible surroundings should do the trick.
3. Thimpu, Bhutan
The capital of Bhutan came third. So jovial is this Himalayan country that gross national happiness is an official measure.
2. Hobart, Australia
The Tasmanian capital, Hobart, came second in the reader survey. It was described as a "unique part of the world", with "pristine beauty" and "kind, friendly" locals. Mark Chipperfield, our Australia expert calls it "one of the prettiest capital cities in the world". He adds: "Unlike its mainland counterparts, Hobart has not been scarred by modern skyscrapers and giant shopping malls. Much of the original colonial fabric is still intact, especially around Sullivans Cove with its lovely old warehouses and civic buildings."
1. Florianopolis, Brazil
You'll receive the warmest welcome in this Brazilian city, apparently. It is known for its white sand beaches, markets, and - of course - friendly locals. Even the airport staff were described as "courteous".
No comments:
Post a Comment