Living in Singapore, we’ve all experienced our fair share of seemingly grumpy hawkers, naggy taxi drivers, and getting “tsk”-ed at by strangers. But at the core of it, Singaporeans aren’t a bad bunch. We just tend to get straight to the point, and often mind our own business in public, which might give off the impression of unfriendliness to those around us. But approach a local for help, and they’ll more than likely be keen to oblige. Perhaps we can thank the kindness mascot Singa the Lion for teaching us well since childhood.
Regardless, the rest of the world does seem to think highly of Singaporeans in terms of being friendly, according to Condé Nast Traveller's Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. This reader-led ranking has named our island city as the fourth-friendliest city in the world, tying with Florence, Italy, and also as the friendliest city in Asia.
The report shares that visitors get to “enjoy the diverse company of friendly residents here, all of whom share impeccable manners” – valid, especially given our generally harmonious multi-cultural society, though some locals might joke that we’re only on constant good behaviour because of our strict laws.
People aside, Singapore is lauded by CN Traveller for its “forward-thinking architecture” where a plethora of shopping malls coexist with garden spaces. Our streets, advanced public transport, and high safety levels also come together to make for a comfortable and enjoyable stay for travellers.
Friendliest cities in the world in 2025, according to Condé Nast Traveller
- Quito, Ecuador
- Vienna, Austria
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Singapore
= Florence, Italy - Melbourne, Australia
- Sydney, Australia
- Lisbon, Portugal
= Edinburgh, Scotland - Kyoto, Japan
READ MORE
Singapore is named as one of the top holiday destinations in Asia in 2025
Singapore gets its very first Michelin Keys, with seven hotels named in 2025's global selection
The 10 best-value travel destinations for Singaporeans in 2026