25 Unfriendliest Cities In The World

Posted by , Updated on March 23, 2024

Are you curious about the world’s most unfriendly cities? These cities have a reputation for not treating travellers kindly and for having an unwelcoming environment. Perhaps the travellers were unaware of these cities’ inhospitality? Before planning your next vacation, ensure your chosen destination is not on this list, especially if you prefer a welcoming and friendly experience. Here are the top 25 most unfriendly cities around the globe.

25

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina Source: http://www.travelandleisure.com

One of the most vibrant metropolises in South America, Buenos Aires still has its famous busy nightlife, but crime and crumbling infrastructure have made many travelers uneasy here.

24

Milan, Italy

Milan, ItalySource: http://www.travelandleisure.com

The fashion capital of the world, Milan is still one of the most visited cities in Europe. However, travelers who have visited this Italian city recently complained about sly tour guides and self-absorbed locals.

23

Marrakesh, Morocco

MorrocoSource: http://www.travelandleisure.com

From giant traditional markets to stunning medieval architecture, Morocco has a lot to offer. However, if you come to this North African city, be ready to deal with extremely annoying and hassling street vendors.

22

Nice, France

Nice, FranceSource: http://www.travelandleisure.com

Located on the famous French Riviera, Nice has beautiful beaches, great hotels and picturesque old streets. Sadly, according to some travelers, the locals are definitely not as friendly as the name of the city suggests.

21

Xian, China

Xian, ChinaSource: http://www.travelandleisure.com

Since the discovery of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Terracotta Army, Xian has become a major Chinese tourist destination. Unfortunately, local pushy shop-owners make for tense people-to-people experiences here.

20

St. Louis, Missouri, US

St. Louis, Missouri, US Source: http://www.travelandleisure.com

A high crime rate is to blame for St. Louis’ low score in the city rankings. Many travelers have felt uneasy traveling here alone or exploring the city at night.

19

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USSource: http://www.travelandleisure.com

Another American on the list, Fort Lauderdale is known for it’s LGBT friendly atmosphere. Many travelers however have complained that the locals lack people skills.

18

Cincinnati, Ohio, US

Cincinnati, Ohio, USSource: http://www.travelandleisure.com

With Cincinnati it’s not necessarily about the people so much as its amount of construction. Travelers are put off by a city that seems to be “closed” on a weekend. With that said, Cincinnati has been working hard to revitalize its districts with exciting projects and redevelopments.

17

Naples, Italy

Naples ItalySource: http://www.travelandleisure.com

It’s hard to score high in travel rankings when you are located between Rome and Florence. Location however is not what’s hurting Naples’ ranking-Pickpocketers are. Naples has gotten a nasty reputation for being a city with high crime and a major problem with pickpocketers.

16

Providence, Rhode Island, US

Providence, Rhode Island, USSource: http://www.travelandleisure.com

Artsy, geeky, and apparently kind of rude – Providence, Rhode Island, did not dazzle many of the visitors who filled out the travel and leisure survey.

15

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Boston, Massachusetts, US Source: http://www.travelandleisure.com

One of the oldest cities in the U.S., Boston boasts of many tourist attractions. Unfortunately, the general atmosphere in the city and the stand-offish behavior from locals are often disappointing for visitors.

14

Frankfurt, Germany

GermanySource: http://www.travelandleisure.com

Frankfurt has one of the largest and busiest airports in the world but surprisingly, the airport is also one of the reasons why some travelers consider the whole city of Frankfurt unfriendly. They say the airport is very complicated and the staff is unfriendly.

13

Washington D.C., US

Washington D.C., USSource: http://www.travelandleisure.com

There is no shortage of great tourist attractions in the U.S. capital. Many of which are free. However, travelers sometimes argue the streets of Washington are a bit unfriendly.

12

Miami, Florida, US

Miami FloridaSource: http://www.travelandleisure.com

Bikini-clad girls and sunny weather were not enough to keep this city from slipping to the bottom of the list this year. “It’s as if someone took the worst part of Los Angeles and slathered coconut oil all over it,” wrote one voter.

11

Beijing, China

Beijing, ChinaSource: http://www.travelandleisure.com

Home to almost 22 million people, Beijing is often perceived as a super crowded and crazy place to be around, which – combined with the notorious pollution – made Travel + Leisure readers rank it as the 11th unfriendliest city in the world.

10

Cannes, France

Cannes, FranceSource: http://www.travelandleisure.com

Home to one of the world’s most glamorous and prestigious film festivals, Cannes is known for being wealthy, pretty, but also snobby and ridiculously expensive. Despite its stunning location on the French Riviera, many travelers consider this city unfriendly.

9

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

Las VegasSource: http://www.travelandleisure.com

Situated in the middle of the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas earned its fame thanks to its vaguely seedy pomp and flamboyant performances. It might be this superficial gilding that makes so many people regard this city as unfriendly.

8

Baltimore, Maryland, US

Baltimore, Maryland, US Source: http://www.travelandleisure.com

Baltimore still has a variety of interesting things to offer, from great theaters to renowned restaurants but obviously, the Charm City did not live up to its reputation in the survey.

7

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USSource: www.travelandleisure.com

Even the City of Brotherly Love is not always friendly. Travel + Leisure readers have had a particularly bad experience with rude fans of local sport teams.

6

New York City, New York, US

New York City, New York, US Source: www.travelandleisure.com

There are so many great things to do and see in the Big Apple but visitors often feel overwhelmed and frustrated by the crowds here. Moreover, travelers paint New Yorkers as unfriendly and unhelpful people.

5

Los Angeles, California, US

Los Angeles, California, US Source: www.travelandleisure.com

Ceaseless sunshine did not help Los Angeles’ score in the survey as the Californian metropolis was voted the world´s fifth unfriendliest city. While L.A. is filled with good-looking people, many of them come off as pretentious, rude, and unhelpful.

4

Marseilles, France

Marseilles, FranceSource: www.travelandleisure.com

France´s second largest city, Marseilles is witnessing a cultural resurgence of late, but many travelers still find it to be quite unkempt and gritty. However, despite the low friendliness score, the city is still considered way more laid-back than Paris.

3

St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg, Russia Source: www.travelandleisure.com

Although St. Petersburg is known as the most westernized Russian city and it is home to numerous top-notch tourist sites including the world´ s largest museum, visitors are a bit disappointed by their encounters with local residents.

2

Atlantic City, New Jersey, US

Atlantic City, New Jersey, US Source: www.travelandleisure.com

Atlantic City is a good place for those who like to gamble and have fun. However, travelers warn that you’ll have to put up with rude and fast-paced people all around you.

1

Moscow, Russia

Moscow, RussiaSource: www.travelandleisure.com

Moscow definitely has a lot to offer in terms of landmarks and culture, but locals are not very helpful, which – combined with the city’s notoriously bad traffic and general aloof atmosphere – contributed to its low ranking.



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Ranking source: Travel + Leisure