An Aussie capital was just voted world's friendliest city - and it isn't Sydney

As if we needed reminding how welcoming we are down under, an Australian city has just been crowned the friendliest in the world.

In the ultimate Sydney versus Melbourne rivalry, Melbourne has been given the ultimate nod for friendliness, while Sydney has been snubbed.

Conde Nast Traveller's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards has scored Melbourne an almost perfect score on the friendly scale, judging by the votes of almost 300,000 UK readers.

The publication called out Melbourne's "friendly locals" as a deciding factor in the city ranking number-one in the top-10 friendliest cities in the world.

While Melbourne "differs only marginally" from Sydney by score, Melbourne's "cooler climates and distinct artsy vibe could not be more different", they said.

They applauded Melbourne's European feel, nostalgic Victorian architecture, atmospheric bars in graffiti-covered alleyways and booming coffee culture.

Brendan McClements, CEO at Visit Victoria, said winning world's friendliest city was a testament to the "wonderful people and tourism operators" that welcome visitors to Melbourne.

"The recognition gives people another reason to visit Melbourne alongside global sporting events, world-class dining and our thriving culture scene," McClements said.

Melbourne has an exciting calendar of events which will attract tens of thousands to the city including the Australian Open Golf and the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, both in December, as well as the Australian Open Tennis in January and the 150th Anniversary Test Match (Australia v England) in March.

While Melbourne's world-class laneways and street art at Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane are well-known, travellers also appreciate the city's Historic heritage arcades like The Block Arcade and Royal Arcade showcasing ornate 19th-century mosaic floors and glass canopies.

Specialty coffee spots like Patricia Coffee Brewers, Market Lane and Brother Baba Budan set the standard for the city's unrivalled coffee culture.

The food scene spans high-end dining like Attica and Gimlet, all the way to the iconic Lune Croissanterie in Fitzroy, famous for making what The New York Times called the world's best croissants.

Melbourne was followed by Oporto in Portugal as the second friendliest place in the world, reflecting its rise in popularity as "a city break haven for foodies and culture vultures", according to Conde Nast.

They applauded its "dazzling" tiled square, its share petiscos (local small plates) and generous hospitality.

Seoul in South Korea came in third for its "striking contrasts", with ancient traditions sitting alongside cutting-edge culture and karaoke bars bedecked in flashing neon.

The only other Australian city to make the top 10 was Perth in sixth place. Conde Nast said it embodied Australians' "notoriously laid-back attitude to life". The city's heat, outdoor life, leafy neighbourhoods, weekend markets and flaming barbecues on Cottesloe Beach contributed to its ranking.

Overall, Australia was ranked the fourth best country in the world to visit.

The top Australian resort was Qualia on Queensland's Hamilton Island and Southern Ocean Lodge on South Australia's Kangaroo Island placed among reader favourites.