In recent years, several of Europe’s most popular destinations – from Venice to Barcelona to Amsterdam – have started pushing back against overtourism. New restrictions on short-term rentals, higher tourist taxes, and limits on cruise ships reflect a growing fatigue among locals who feel crowded out of their own cities. While such measures may be understandable, they also signal a shift: some beloved destinations are no longer quite as welcoming as they once were. I, for one, do not like to be viewed as a burden or an imposition.

Fortunately, not every European city feels that way. Across the continent, there are places that still embrace visitors warmly, balancing tourism with a strong sense of hospitality and local pride. If you’re looking for destinations where travelers are genuinely appreciated – and where you won’t feel like an unwanted guest – consider the following spots.

Dublin, Ireland: A Pint and a Smile

Dubliners have long been famous for their friendliness, and the city lives up to its reputation. Whether you’re chatting with a taxi driver, ordering at a pub, or asking for directions, you’ll likely find locals eager to help or swap a story. Dublin’s compact city center makes it easy to explore on foot – from the historic Trinity College and its Book of Kells to the lively Temple Bar district, where traditional Irish music spills out of nearly every doorway.

The Irish take pride in sharing their culture, from literary heritage (think Joyce and Yeats) to pub traditions that feel more like social gatherings than drinking sessions. Even when the weather turns misty, the warmth of Dublin’s people never fades.

The Irish are particularly fond of Americans (uniquely so in Europe). Think about this – while there are approximately 5 million people in the Republic of Ireland, there are over 30 million Americans who claim Irish ancestry – over 6 times more Irish are in America than on the island!

Stockholm, Sweden: Calm, Clean, and Considerate

While Sweden’s capital is known for its sleek design and cool efficiency, Stockholm is also disarmingly welcoming. English is spoken almost universally, and locals are quick to offer help without being intrusive. The city’s mix of historic charm and modern sustainability gives visitors the sense they’re seeing a place that’s proud of its heritage but not stuck in the past.

Spend time wandering through Gamla Stan (the Old Town), where cobblestone streets and pastel buildings lead to cozy cafés and artisan shops. Then hop on a ferry through the archipelago – one of Europe’s most beautiful urban escapes. The Swedes’ sense of order and respect for nature makes visiting Stockholm a refreshing and relaxing experience.

Lisbon, Portugal: A City That Loves to Host

Lisbon may be one of the most welcoming cities in southern Europe. Its locals are famously hospitable, and there’s an unhurried rhythm to daily life that immediately puts visitors at ease. Whether you’re exploring the Alfama’s winding lanes or listening to soulful fado music over dinner, Lisbon feels personal – like a city that wants to share its heart, not just its sights.

When you add in mild weather, affordable prices, and an easygoing café culture, and you’ve got a destination that’s both beautiful and genuinely kind to its guests. Portugal’s long history of exploration seems to have imbued its people with a natural curiosity about others, making visitors feel instantly part of the story.

Reykjavik, Iceland: Small City, Big Welcome

Reykjavik may be one of Europe’s smallest capitals, but it ranks among the friendliest. Icelanders are famously open-minded, multilingual, and quick to engage in conversation – perhaps because of their island’s isolation and close-knit communities. Travelers often comment on how safe and trusting the city feels; it’s one of the few places in the world where locals routinely leave their doors unlocked.

Visitors can easily combine city life with nature, exploring quirky museums, colorful houses, and geothermal pools before heading out to see waterfalls, glaciers, and the Northern Lights. Reykjavik’s charm lies in its authenticity – it doesn’t try to impress; it simply welcomes.

Munich, Germany: Gemütlichkeit in Action

If there’s a German word that perfectly captures Munich’s spirit, it’s Gemütlichkeit –  a feeling of warmth, comfort, and good cheer. Though famous for Oktoberfest, Munich’s hospitality goes far beyond beer halls and brass bands. Locals are proud of their city and love sharing its Bavarian traditions, whether it’s savoring pretzels in a beer garden, strolling through the English Garden, or admiring art in the Alte Pinakothek.

Munich blends the precision and efficiency Germany is known for with a friendliness that feels distinctly southern. Visitors often find themselves drawn into conversation over a stein or treated like regulars after just one visit.

A Different Kind of European Experience

In an era when some destinations are asking tourists to stay away, these five cities remind us that travel can still be a shared joy. They manage tourism responsibly while preserving the spirit of welcome that first drew travelers to Europe generations ago.

So if you’re seeking a trip filled with connection rather than crowds – a place where you’re greeted with a smile instead of a sigh – Dublin, Stockholm, Lisbon, Reykjavik, and Munich should be at the top of your list.