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The friendliest cities in Europe

What do you first think of, when considering a new destination you are about to travel to? History, food, architecture, or maybe people?

In this article, we feature some of the friendliest cities in Europe. As per our experience, traveling to these destinations is always pleasant. Their people are welcoming too. Hopefully, we will help you to feel at home there.

Lugano, Switzerland

Lugano is the third most important financial center of Switzerland. Usually, this city is a conference, banking, and business hotspot. Additionally, it is the largest town in the holiday region of Ticino. It has many beautiful parks and flowers, villas, and sacred buildings. With Mediterranean flair, Lugano offers all the advantages of a world-class city, combined with the cachet of a small town.

Even if It lies in a bay on the northern side of Lake Lugano, it has a Mediterranean charm.

It is surrounded by stunning mountains with numerous viewpoints. The two closest mountains to Lugano are  Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè. They provide an unparalleled panorama of the town and Lake Lugano.

Salamanca, Spain

UNESCO World Heritage city, just two hours drive from Madrid but with a completely different vibe. Its elegant architecture and fascinating history make this city one of the most beautiful in Spain. It is the capital of Salamanca province, part of the Castile and León region. The way people from Salamanca speak is often said to be the “purest” form of the Spanish language.

Are you learning about Spanish cuisine? And want to explore beyond the much-famed seafood and paella of the coasts? Then, Salamanca is definitely a place to visit. Fantastic cheeses and delicious cured meats, thanks to the dry, cool air. Salamanca people are very proud of that. Local cattle are raised for the distinctive “morucha” beef, dark and flavorsome.

Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan located in the coastal area onshore of the Caspian Sea. Its population is around 2.26 million inhabitants. The city is considered the center of creativity in the region. Also, it is the center of innovative projects and start-ups in the field of design.

For lovers of architecture, Baku offers an incredible range of building and construction wonders. Both old and new, with mixed influences from east and west. 

Baku’s Old Walled City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to two city’s oldest and most historic buildings. The first of these, the Maiden Tower, is believed to have been completed in the 12th century. The building is recognized as a key symbol of Baku that appears on Azerbaijan’s currency. The second is the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a masterpiece of the 15th Century. In a visual contrast that is difficult to describe in words, one of Baku’s modern architectural wonders – The Flame Towers.   Those you can clearly see from the grounds of the Palace.

Bilbao, Spain

Another one on this list is the lovely city of Bilbao in Spain. It is an industrial port city in northern Spain, considered the capital of Basque Country. The main feature of its downtown is a skyscraper-filled landscape. It’s famous for the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which opened in 1997. After that, the city gained world fame.  The museum houses permanent modern and contemporary art exhibitions, but it’s the curvy, titanium-clad exterior of the building that receives the most attention.

The city is surrounded by green mountains and beautiful nature. So, the temperatures are mild throughout the year. With frequent rain in spring and autumn, mild winters, and not extremely hot summers. This region is famous for its cuisine. The fresh seafood, together with the excellent chefs, ensure unique dining experiences.

Bled, Slovenia

This tiny charming town is a Slovenian resort town in the foothills of the Julian Alps. It lays on the shore of glacial Lake Bled. Bled Castle is overlooking the lake from the cliff. It was built back in 11th-century, and today it houses a museum, a chapel, and a printing press. Atop a small island in the lake’s center is the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria, with its steep staircase and bell tower. 

The population of this town is just over 8.000, and people are warm, kind, and welcoming. This magical lakeside setup looking like a movie scene is definitely worth visiting. Therefore, we advise adding Bled to your travel bucket list.

Cordoba, Spain

Córdoba is another Spanish welcoming city. It is located in the south (region of Andalusia). And is the capital of the province of Córdoba. Throughout history, it was an important Roman city and a major Islamic center in the Middle Ages. Therefore, one of the greatest tourist attractions today is La Mezquita, an impressive mosque dating from 784 b.c. The mosque is featuring a columned prayer hall and older Byzantine mosaics.  It became a Catholic church in the early 13th century and, a Renaissance-style nave was added in the 17th century. 

There are much more reasons to visit Cordoba, than just this mosque. ​For example, Cordoba is home to the largest old town in Spain and the only city in the world to have four Unesco-protected sites. In spring, every May, it’s the setting for the Feria de Los Patios, the flower-centered festival celebrated nowhere else in the country. Travelers love cordoba for many reasons from its unique historic attractions to an exceptionally varied bar scene and warm, sunny climate.

Do you feel a travel fever now? Yes, we understand that. If anything these cities are inviting and inspiring. In case you need any assistance in the organization of your trip, we are happy to help. Just contact us.