Unearth The Voyage
Ever wondered which cities around the globe have a reputation for being less than welcoming? Some destinations are famous for their beauty and history, but visitors often report feeling unwelcome or uncomfortable during their stay. Understanding which cities rank lowest in friendliness can help travelers prepare better and set realistic expectations for their adventures.
1. Accra, Ghana – Least Friendly City for Newcomers (Community Spirit Index)
Preply’s Community Spirit Index crowned Accra as the least friendly city on Earth for non-natives, giving it a friendliness score of only 3.12 out of 10. The numbers tell a concerning story about visitor experiences here.
Only 2% of accommodation reviews actually use the word “friendly” when describing their stay. The city also has one of the lowest visitor return rates at just 9%, meaning most people don’t feel drawn back.
Additionally, its LGBTQ+ equality score sits at a disappointing 22 out of 100, which affects overall perceptions of openness and acceptance in the community.
2. Marrakech, Morocco – A Repeat Unfriendly Winner
Marrakech appears on not just one but two separate unfriendliness rankings, making it a standout for all the wrong reasons. It scored 3.69 out of 10 in the Community Spirit Index, landing it as the second least friendly city globally.
Rough Guides readers also voted it the fourth least welcoming city worldwide. Many travelers complained that locals “pretend to be friendly, but all they want is your money,” especially in the tourist-heavy souks.
While the city offers incredible architecture and culture, data suggests visitors often experience interactions as transactional rather than genuinely warm or hospitable.
3. Mumbai, India – Overwhelming and Hard to Read
With a friendliness score of 3.91 out of 10, Mumbai ranks third globally for being unwelcoming to non-natives according to the Community Spirit Index. The city’s relentless pace and sheer population density create challenges for visitors trying to connect.
Reports indicate that Mumbai’s fast-paced lifestyle and urban stress contribute to impatient or brusque interactions with travelers. Delhi, another Indian city, joins Mumbai in the top 10 least friendly list.
Despite its incredible energy, delicious street food, and Bollywood glamour, the data reveals that Mumbai can feel emotionally closed off and rushed to outsiders.
4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Surprisingly Low on the Welcome Scale
Kuala Lumpur might surprise you by landing fourth on Preply’s least friendly cities list with a score of 3.93 out of 10. For a city known for its modern infrastructure and convenience, the friendliness numbers don’t match expectations.
The index factors in low scores for “friendly” mentions in accommodation reviews and modest visitor return rates compared to warmer destinations. Travelers find the city efficient and clean but not particularly embracing.
So while KL offers great shopping, food courts, and transportation, quantitative data suggests it doesn’t leave visitors feeling emotionally welcomed or connected to locals.
5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Famous Carnival, So-So Community Spirit
Rio de Janeiro, home to world-famous Carnival celebrations and stunning beaches, ranks fifth among the least friendly cities with a score of 4.36 out of 10. The party reputation doesn’t translate into warm community spirit, according to data.
Lower safety index scores, combined with reduced happiness and equality ratings, drag down Rio’s friendliness perception. Safety concerns particularly affect how comfortable visitors feel interacting with locals.
Despite its iconic status for Ipanema Beach and Sugarloaf Mountain, the data-driven friendliness scores place Rio firmly in the “least welcoming” category, which surprises many first-time visitors.
6. Delhi, India – Low Friendly Mentions in Reviews
Delhi ranks sixth globally for unfriendliness in the Community Spirit Index, creating a puzzling contrast with India’s famous hospitality traditions. Only about 17% of reviews actually describe Delhi as “friendly,” which is remarkably low.
The city appears repeatedly in news pieces as one of the world’s top 10 least friendly destinations for non-natives. Visitors often describe feeling overwhelmed by the intensity and difficulty of navigating social interactions.
Cultural heritage and incredible food aside, city-level data suggests Delhi can feel difficult, intense, and not very welcoming to newcomers trying to find their footing.
7. Doha, Qatar – Wealthy but Distant
Doha takes seventh place on the least friendly cities list, proving that wealth and modern infrastructure don’t automatically create warm social atmospheres. Only about 13% of reviews call Doha “friendly,” which is surprisingly low.
Despite excellent safety ratings and gleaming development, expats and visitors often struggle to break into social circles or form meaningful connections. The city can feel isolated and transactional.
High-end shopping malls and luxurious hotels don’t compensate for the lack of genuine warmth that surveyed visitors report experiencing during their time in Qatar’s capital city.
8. Athens, Greece – History Rich, Socially Frosty
Athens ranks eighth among the world’s least friendly cities, with only about 13% of reviewers describing it as friendly. Ancient ruins and delicious food apparently don’t guarantee warm human interactions.
Urban stress, congestion, and frustration around overtourism may contribute to the chilly reception visitors experience. Mixed satisfaction with safety and happiness indicators also drag down the overall score.
While tourists flock to see the Parthenon and explore Plaka, the statistics reveal that many don’t feel especially welcomed or embraced by locals during their historical pilgrimage to Greece’s capital.
9. Medellín, Colombia – Warm Climate, Cool Reception
Medellín rounds out the top nine least friendly cities, with just 14% of reviews describing it as “friendly” according to Community Spirit Index data. The city has made tremendous progress in security, but friendliness scores still lag behind.
Despite its transformation from a troubled past and its pleasant year-round climate, the numbers suggest non-natives struggle to feel genuinely welcomed. Social barriers remain higher than expected.
Beautiful mountain views and innovative public transportation don’t erase the perception gap that leaves many visitors feeling like outsiders rather than embraced guests in this Colombian city.
10. Beijing, China – Busy Yet Indifferent
In Beijing, the pace of life is as fast as its ever-expanding skyline. Tourists often find the city’s hustle can overshadow personal interactions. The language barrier further complicates connections.
Many visitors report that locals seem busy and preoccupied, making it challenging to find help or friendly interaction. Yet, Beijing’s historical allure remains a big draw.
Exploring the Forbidden City or the Great Wall, visitors might not feel the friendliest vibes, but the cultural richness is undeniable. The city’s vastness sometimes mirrors the emotional distance experienced by newcomers.
11. Zürich, Switzerland – Polite but Reserved
Zürich often impresses visitors with its pristine streets and organized lifestyle. However, many travelers note the reserved demeanor of its residents.
The Swiss are known for precision and privacy, which can come across as distant to outsiders. While politeness is a given, warmth can seem elusive.
Despite this, Zürich offers a beautiful blend of nature and modernity. The quiet interactions might leave some feeling isolated, but the city’s efficiency and beauty are world-class attributes. Visitors may need to adjust expectations when it comes to emotional warmth.
12. Hong Kong – Fast-Paced and Direct
In the heart of Hong Kong, the relentless energy can be overwhelming. This city is known for its direct approach and fast-paced lifestyle.
Residents are often in a hurry, and interactions can feel brusque. The cultural emphasis on efficiency may leave visitors longing for a slower pace.
Despite the bustling atmosphere, Hong Kong’s skyline and culinary scene captivate many. The high-speed life might not invite warm smiles, but it certainly offers an unforgettable urban experience. Visitors should brace for a whirlwind of activity and direct communication.
13. Jakarta, Indonesia – Chaotic and Detached
Jakarta is a city where chaos and charm coexist. It’s a place of contrasts, where the warmth of the climate doesn’t always match the social atmosphere.
Visitors often describe encounters as detached, with locals appearing engrossed in their own world. The hectic traffic and crowded streets can be daunting.
While Jakarta’s cultural diversity is rich, the city’s frenetic energy can overshadow personal connections. The hustle can feel impersonal, but the city’s vibrant culture and history offer plenty to discover for those willing to explore.
14. Berlin, Germany – Cool and Unfazed
Berlin’s reputation as a hub of cool extends to its social interactions. The city’s casual indifference can be surprising to some visitors.
While Berliners value freedom and individuality, this can translate to a seemingly aloof demeanor. The laid-back vibe often accompanies a hands-off approach to friendliness.
Nevertheless, Berlin is a city of creativity and history. The unhurried pace might leave visitors wanting more engagement, but the city’s cultural scene is undeniably compelling. It’s a place where independence is celebrated, even if warmth isn’t always on the menu.
15. Seoul, South Korea – Busy Faces in the Crowd
Seoul, a city of lights and technology, pulses with energy. Yet, its fast-paced life can make interactions feel impersonal.
The focus on efficiency means that locals may appear hurried, leaving little room for leisurely exchanges. The city’s sheer size can be both exciting and isolating.
However, Seoul’s vibrant culture and innovation keep it thriving. The frenetic pace might challenge personal connections, but the city’s dynamic spirit makes it a fascinating destination. Visitors might find the warmth in its cultural experiences rather than in personal encounters.
