Porto and Lisbon Named World’s Best Cities for First-time Travellers in New 2026 Study

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Porto and Lisbon are named the world’s best cities for first-time travellers in a new 2026 study. The finding is turning attention to Portugal as overseas newcomers seek easier city breaks. Porto and Lisbon are named the world’s best cities for first-time travellers in a new 2026 study. The result is likely to grab the attention of anyone planning their first overseas trip. Both cities offer a strong mix of walkability, hospitality, attractions and practical transport.

More importantly, travellers can explore without building an exhausting itinerary. Porto takes the top spot, while Lisbon follows closely. The study assessed 40 major cities using factors including safety, English proficiency, accommodation costs, food prices and landmarks. Together, these measures explain why Porto and Lisbon have emerged as standout choices for first-time travellers seeking confidence abroad.

Porto and Lisbon have topped a new global ranking of the best cities for first-time travellers, putting Portugal firmly in the spotlight. The study names Porto and Lisbon as the leading destinations for travellers taking their first trip abroad. Both cities combine strong walkability, welcoming communities and practical travel infrastructure.

Prague follows, while Seoul offers the strongest budget appeal. Helsinki, Kyoto, Madrid, Budapest, Vienna and Seville complete the top 10. The ranking examined 40 major cities using factors including safety, English proficiency, hospitality, hotel prices, meals, landmarks, walkability and public transport. Together, these measures highlight destinations where overseas newcomers can travel with greater confidence.

Here’s a look at the top 10 best cities in the world for first-time travelers:

Porto and Lisbon lead the world’s first-time traveller ranking

A new travel study has placed Porto and Lisbon at the top of the global list for first-time international travellers, highlighting Portugal as an unusually accessible choice for people preparing for their first overseas adventure.

The ranking, produced after analysing 40 major cities, focuses on practical considerations that can make or break an unfamiliar trip. Safety, language accessibility, hospitality, accommodation costs, walkability, public transport, food prices and the number of attractions were all considered.

The findings were reported in July 2026 and subsequently published by travel media, with Porto and Lisbon sharing the top position.

Why Porto and Lisbon stand out

Porto received the highest overall score, at 100, while Lisbon followed at 92.8. Both recorded a walkability score of 99, making them particularly attractive to travellers who prefer discovering a destination on foot.

Cost also separates the two Portuguese cities slightly. The study puts the average nightly hotel rate at about $105 in Porto, compared with roughly $134 in Lisbon.

Lisbon, however, offers a larger concentration of attractions, with the supplied research recording 199 points of interest and landmarks. Porto also performs strongly, with 89 listed attractions.

The study further highlights Portugal’s hospitality. Porto and Lisbon were both ranked fifth globally for friendliness, while English proficiency was identified as another advantage for international visitors.

For someone travelling abroad for the first time, those factors can reduce some of the uncertainty associated with navigating an unfamiliar city.

Prague offers history, safety and value

Prague ranks immediately behind Portugal’s two leading cities and presents a different proposition.

The Czech capital recorded a safety score of 75 and a walkability score of 100 in the research. Its historic centre is particularly suited to pedestrians, while more than 200 landmarks provide substantial sightseeing options.

Accommodation is another advantage. The study estimates an average nightly hotel rate of approximately $107, keeping Prague competitive with Porto and below Lisbon’s reported average.

That combination of historic attractions, pedestrian-friendly streets and relatively moderate accommodation costs makes Prague a strong option for travellers who want a classic European city break without an overly complicated itinerary.

Seoul is the budget leader

Seoul ranks fourth overall but arguably offers the strongest value proposition among the leading destinations.

The research puts the average hotel price at around $65 a night, while a meal at an inexpensive restaurant averages approximately $7.60. Public transport is also comparatively affordable, at about $1.30 per journey.

The South Korean capital recorded a walkability score of 94 and a safety score of 75. Its extensive urban transport network provides another practical advantage for newcomers who may not be comfortable driving overseas.

These characteristics make Seoul particularly compelling for younger travellers, budget-conscious visitors and anyone looking to experience a major Asian metropolis without Western European accommodation prices.

Helsinki and Kyoto strengthen the safety case

Helsinki ranks fifth, benefiting from Finland’s reputation for safety and widespread English-language capability. The city also offers a compact urban environment, more than 60 attractions and an average hotel rate of about $109.

Kyoto ranks sixth and records the strongest safety result among the top destinations, with a score of 86. Its appeal rests heavily on its historic character, walkability and concentration of cultural attractions.

The remaining positions go to Madrid, Budapest, Vienna and Seville. Madrid stands out for its large number of attractions, while Budapest provides a lower-cost European alternative. Vienna combines excellent walkability with efficient public transport, and Seville completes the top 10.

What the ranking means for first-time travellers

The significance of the study is less about identifying a single universally perfect destination and more about showing what makes an unfamiliar city easier to navigate.

A first overseas trip can involve language barriers, unfamiliar transport systems, different currencies and concerns about safety. Cities that perform well across several of those categories can therefore provide a smoother introduction to international travel.

JB.com’s advice is similarly practical: travellers should avoid attempting to see everything in a single visit and instead leave space for spontaneous experiences.

For first-time travellers, that may be the most useful takeaway of all. A manageable itinerary, a walkable city and reliable transport can turn an intimidating first journey into a confident start to international travel.

Source note: The ranking methodology and figures above are based on the supplied JB.com research details, with the July 2026 publication independently reported by Travel + Leisure.

The reason Porto and Lisbon lead is straightforward: they combine several qualities first-time travellers need in one destination. Both Portuguese cities offer high walkability, strong hospitality, accessible transport and relatively manageable hotel costs. Their English-language accessibility can also reduce communication worries. Prague provides a similarly easy European experience through safety, historic attractions and pedestrian-friendly streets. Seoul answers the affordability question, with inexpensive hotels, meals and public transport. Helsinki and Kyoto add strong safety credentials, while Madrid, Budapest, Vienna and Seville broaden the choice. Therefore, the ranking favours destinations that reduce practical barriers while still delivering memorable sightseeing, culture and authentic urban experiences for overseas newcomers.

Porto and Lisbon have emerged as the standout choices for travellers preparing for their first international journey. Their combination of walkability, hospitality, attractions and language accessibility gives Portugal a powerful advantage. Prague follows with history, safety and strong pedestrian infrastructure, while Seoul offers an especially attractive option for budget-conscious visitors. Helsinki and Kyoto strengthen the ranking through safety and cultural appeal, and Madrid, Budapest, Vienna and Seville complete a diverse European-heavy top 10. Ultimately, the research suggests that first-time travellers do not need an elaborate itinerary or expensive destination. They need a city that feels manageable, welcoming and rewarding from the moment they arrive.

“This ranking offers a valuable perspective for the travel industry because first-time international travellers need more than famous attractions when choosing their first destination. Porto and Lisbon demonstrate how walkability, hospitality, accessibility and a comfortable visitor experience can build confidence among newcomers. The wider list is equally encouraging because it gives travellers meaningful alternatives across Europe and Asia, from Prague and Helsinki to Seoul and Kyoto. For destinations, the message is clear: making visitors feel safe, welcome and connected can be as important as having iconic landmarks. For travellers, choosing an easy-to-navigate city can transform a first overseas journey into the beginning of many more adventures.” –Anup Kumar Keshan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Travel And Tour World

Why have Porto and Lisbon been named the world’s best cities for first-time travellers? The answer lies in their balance of convenience, culture and accessibility. Both destinations score highly for walkability, helping newcomers explore major sights without complicated journeys. Their welcoming atmosphere also makes social interaction easier, while English proficiency can reduce communication concerns. Porto adds value with lower average hotel costs, whereas Lisbon offers a larger collection of landmarks. The 2026 study therefore rewards more than popularity. It identifies cities that remove common barriers faced by first-time travellers. Consequently, Porto and Lisbon provide a practical, memorable and comparatively stress-free introduction to international travel.

The new 2026 study puts Porto and Lisbon firmly at the centre of the first-time travel conversation. Both cities combine walkable streets, cultural attractions, hospitality and accessible travel infrastructure. Porto leads the ranking, while Lisbon delivers an equally compelling experience with more landmarks to discover. The result matters because first-time travellers often prioritise simplicity alongside excitement. A destination that feels easy to navigate can make an overseas holiday significantly less intimidating. Therefore, Porto and Lisbon’s success reflects a broader travel trend: visitors increasingly value destinations that deliver memorable experiences without unnecessary complexity. For newcomers, Portugal now has two especially persuasive starting points.