As a born-and-bred Londoner, I'd grown accustomed to the city's particular brand of polite reserve. The careful avoidance of eye contact on the Tube, the unspoken rules of pavement navigation, the quiet determination to maintain personal space in a city of millions. It works, but I couldn't help wondering: is this really as friendly as cities get?
Driven by curiosity and a healthy dose of scepticism, I embarked on a mission to discover whether European cities could genuinely offer a warmer welcome than my beloved London. What I found not only surprised me – it changed my perspective completely.
The Continental Contenders
My journey took me to three very different European capitals, each with its own reputation for hospitality:
- Dublin, Ireland: Famous for its 'craic' and legendary pub culture
- Lisbon, Portugal: Known for sunny dispositions and laid-back living
- Berlin, Germany: Celebrated for its creativity and open-minded community
Each city offered unique charms, but one stood head and shoulders above the rest in terms of genuine, effortless friendliness.
The Unexpected Winner
While Dublin's famous pub banter lived up to expectations and Lisbon's warmth was undeniable, it was Berlin that truly captured my heart. The German capital, often stereotyped as cool or aloof, revealed itself as Europe's unsung hero of hospitality.
From spontaneous conversations in coffee shops to genuine offers of help from strangers, Berliners displayed a remarkable openness that felt entirely unforced. Unlike the transactional interactions I'd grown used to in London, here connections felt authentic and curiosity-driven.
A Different Kind of Welcome
What made Berlin's friendliness so distinctive wasn't just politeness – it was a genuine interest in connection. Londoners are perfectly polite, but there's an understanding that everyone is busy, focused, moving toward their next destination. In Berlin, people seemed to have both the time and inclination for meaningful interaction.
This manifested in countless small moments: the barista who remembered my order after two visits, the neighbour who invited me for dinner after a brief lift encounter, the random conversations that blossomed in parks and galleries. It wasn't just friendly – it was community.
The London Comparison
Returning to London brought the differences into sharp relief. The city functions with incredible efficiency, and its residents are certainly not unfriendly. But there's a different energy – more guarded, more rushed, less inclined toward spontaneous connection.
This isn't necessarily a criticism of London so much as an observation about different urban cultures. London excels in many areas, but for pure, uncomplicated friendliness, my money is now firmly on Berlin.
A Changed Perspective
My experiment taught me that friendliness isn't just about smiling faces or helpful directions. It's about a city's willingness to embrace strangers, to make space for new connections, and to prioritise human interaction amid the urban hustle.
While London will always have my heart for its incredible diversity and dynamism, Berlin has shown me that cities can wear their warmth more openly. The experience has left me wondering if British reserve might be holding us back from the rich connections that other European cultures take for granted.
One thing's for certain – I'll be returning to Berlin soon, and next time, I might just stay a little longer.
