TRAVEL: The world’s most sociable cities revealed in study

ONE of the best reasons to travel is meeting friendly locals, and a study published last month by Hostelworld has revealed the most sociable cities in the world.

It’s the first comparative analysis of the social lie of world cities and local residents’ views on global travel and tourism.

The study measured ‘sociability’ in ten categories, including the frequency with which people socialise, eat out, openness, trust in friends, use of social media and the propensity to party.

Dublin entered the list at number 10 but top of the list was, perhaps surprisingly, Gothenburg in Sweden followed by Stockholm and Chicago.

Overall, Scandinavian and North American cities are the most sociable in the world according to the study, with London ranked only in 21st place.

The study, the first ever comparative study of the social life of world cities, analysed the social behaviour and attitudes of 12,188 residents from 39 major cities in 28 countries. 

The findings come as social travel is on the rise with more young travellers prioritising destinations based on social rather than cultural experience.

Global Head of Brand at Hostelworld, Marek Mossakowski, said social travel experiences are a driving force behind people’s reason to travel.

“Young travellers are choosing to stay in hostels because of the opportunity to meet other travellers, and for the social environment and spontaneous adventures that come along with it,” he said.

“The beauty of staying in a hostel rather than other accommodation is that it has a community of travellers from around the world to socialise with – so no matter where you are, you can meet the world.

“Our new study offers a window into the social lives of the people who live in the world’s big cities, showing many fascinating variations between styles and cultures of socialising around the world.”

 

Most Sociable Cities

1. Gothenburg (Sweden)

2. Stockholm (Sweden)

3. Chicago (USA)

4. Boston (USA)

5. New York (USA)

6. Copenhagen (Denmark)

7. Madrid (Spain)

8. Rome (Italy)

9. Hamburg (Germany)

10. Dublin (Ireland)

 

Best for:

• Vibrant culinary scene

Interested in eating out and engaging with locals over dinner? Visit New York, Chicago and Boston, where they eat out several times per week.

• Authentic home cooked meals

Travellers who like private social gatherings with locals should visit Copenhagen, Prague and Warsaw, where they value entertaining at home.

• Liberal, open-minded culture

For meeting open-minded folk visit Milan, Rome and Hamburg, where locals are accepting of a wide range of lifestyles.

• Party atmosphere

If you want to party head for Moscow, Madrid and Gothenburg, where locals will find any excuse to party.

• Community-mindedness

Travellers interested in a community vibe and spirit should take a trip to Gothenburg, Copenhagen or Stockholm, where locals look to the community above the needs of the individuals.