Many Americans have stayed close to home in recent years, taking advantage of the incredible urban experiences within a few hours of driving. Travelers seemed to prefer the warmer climates of the southern and western states to these domestic trips – only three cities on the list are in the Northeast or Midwest. But wherever readers of Travel + Leisure went, they looked for cities with a fun-loving spirit, delicious regional cuisine, and historic sites.
Each year for our survey of the World’s Best Awards, T + L asks readers to take into account travel experiences around the world – to share their views on the best cities, islands, ships cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers ranked cities by sight and their landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendship, shopping, and overall value.
After a few years looking for a space away from others, many travelers found the rush of larger cities attractive. “It was nice to be back in a big city after the pandemic, and I was glad to see people on the streets,” said one reader about New York City (No. 6). Others were looking for a place to go out and join the crowds at the concerts. “Nashville has creative and fun energy,” said another Music City voter (No. 15). “It’s all about the music, and the music brings us all together.”
Still, readers have also appreciated perennial favorite destinations – such as Honolulu (No. 5) or Asheville, North Carolina (No. 13) – with easy access to some of America’s spectacular outdoor offerings.
On our list again is Charleston, South Carolina, which has been voted the best American city for 10 consecutive years, thus being an honoree of the World’s Best Awards Hall of Fame. Read on to find out why, and for the full list of the top US cities.
1. Charleston, South Carolina
There’s a reason people keep going back to Charleston: the city expresses the perfect balance of southern charm, knockout food and drink, and walkability. Many readers also found the history of the city to be compelling. Others appreciated the simple pleasures of walking the side streets of the city center.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. To see also : Inflation has taken its toll on the NM food bank chief and the unknown. Score: 88.70
2. New Orleans
While many readers enjoyed NOLA’s dynamic food scene and bizarre tours (especially those in swamps and cemeteries), others stayed on in its unique atmosphere. “You feel the strong spiritual energy of the past and the very complicated history of the city,” one voter explained.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. To see also : To Continually Improve Health Equality for New Yorkers Living With and At Risk Of Hiv, State Department Of Health Announces New Solicitation Request (RFA). Score: 87.21
3. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Robust restaurants and art scenes are the main reasons why visitors of all ages return to this southwestern city. One keen reader on the variety of attractions, including the Georgia O’Keefe Museum and Loretto Chapel, also encouraged other travelers to get a little out of town to the Ski Basin. This may interest you : Problems in the global food supply chain require solutions: disruption of the grain trade can affect food security. of Santa Fe, calling it “a great place to watch the sun set.”
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 87.15
4. Savannah, Georgia
A relaxed atmosphere and accessibility were among the top reasons why voters praised this beautiful coastal city. “The locals are extremely friendly,” wrote one reader, who added that Savannah has something for everyone to enjoy, whether they are interested in nightlife, food, or shopping.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 86.84
5. Honolulu
“What do you do and never have enough time,” said one reader about this city on the south shore of Oahu. Another reader specifically called the “amazing local restaurants” and “plenty of walking and hiking areas to explore.”
6. New York City
Everything in Manhattan is world-class, from Broadway shows and historic venues to art museums and retail stores, according to T + L readers. But perhaps no aspect of the city has inspired more enthusiasm than food. “If you can’t find a great meal in New York, you can’t find one anywhere,” wrote one voter.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 84.16
7. Chicago
“Chicago offers everything good about any major U.S. city along with Midwestern charm and friendliness and excellent prices,” one reader summed up. Several people remarked about the Wind City’s amazing restaurants and navigation facility, thanks to a robust public transportation network.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 83.15
8. Alexandria, Virginia
Although many people know it as a suburb of Washington, D.C., this enclave adjacent to the capital has many merits of its own, including “good food and interesting shopping,” according to one voter. Another encouraged fellow travelers to visit the city’s walking trails along the Potomac.
9. San Antonio, Texas
Sites like the Alamo and the River Walk get a lot of attention, but as T + L readers attested, there’s a lot more behind the city’s broad appeal. “The food, especially in mom-and-pop restaurants, is amazing and very varied,” shared one fan, while another person announced to the city’s very literal welcome committee. “They have ‘Ambassadors’ walking down the street who are put there to greet people, answer questions, and help in any way they can,” the voter explained.
10. Boston
The story has earned this New England hub many accolades from T + L readers, as have cultural and sports institutions, with one calling Fenway “one of the most beautiful ballparks.” Even lifelong visitors were impressed. “I grew up visiting family in Boston,” one reader said. “After 40 years, the city has finally evolved into a much more cosmopolitan place. The restaurants are better than ever, the city is much more diverse, and the new Sea Port area is fantastic. “
11. Austin, Texas
Music, food, and nightlife continue to attract travelers to the Lone Star State capital, but WBA voters also referred to nature as a hike. This could mean visiting Barton Springs Pool and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – and the Hill Country is an easy drive away.
12. Williamsburg, Virginia
History buffs see great value in visiting this southern destination. “Colonial Williamsburg is a wonderful attraction,” wrote one voter. “Also very close to Jamestown Settlement and various sites from the Civil War. You can spend a lot of time in this area.”
13. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville’s relaxed atmosphere and gorgeous scenery earned raves from several T + L readers. “They loved the country’s atmosphere, shopping, and the fantastic Blue Ridge Mountains, especially in the fall,” one voter shared. “The Biltmore Estate and gardens are always a treat, and the restaurants were great too.”
14. San Diego
The year-round sunshine and a myriad of activities – from boogie boarding on the beach to racing around Legoland – make this Southern California city especially attractive to families. But there is a lot to appeal to travelers of all kinds. “The food is sensational, sightseeing abounds, and the manageable feel of a small town is such a welcome relief in Southern California,” a voter wrote.
15. Nashville
The vibrancy of Music City may be deeply rooted in country music – it’s home to the Grand Ole Opry and countless bars along Broadway, after all – but as T + L readers will testify, the energy has spread much further away, especially in recent years. The city’s restaurants have never been better or more eclectic, ranging from casual Tex-Mex to vegan-friendly Middle East. “Jewel of the South,” one reader summed up.
