These are T+L’s best international and US cities (with an unexpected American no. 1)
Kathleen WongLooking to take advantage of the last six months of the year with an exciting getaway? Here are the best cities to check out, according to a newly released ranking.
Travel + Leisure announced its 2025 World’s Best Awards on Tuesday, marking the 30th year for the list that spans top destinations, hotels, airlines, cruise lines and more. Winners "reflect both long-standing favorites and emerging trends across the industry," according to the travel publication.
The list for top U.S. cities and in the world are the perfect places for travelers to find inspiration for their next trip. "This year, T+L readers rewarded U.S. cities that have a tangible sense of history, outstanding regional cuisine, and walkable downtowns that are full of arts and culture institutions," Jess Feldman, Special projects editor at Travel + Leisure, said in a statement to USA TODAY.
The best U.S. cities ranking saw repeat winners such as New York, but was led by those in the Southeast and Southwest like Greenville, South Carolina. In fact, one of these Southwestern destinations earned the title of Best U.S. City for the very first time – and the first new winner in 12 years.
Travelers can find most of this year's best cities in the world across Asia, with several Latin American winners as well. (American travelers can benefit from favorable exchange rates for more fun and exploration on these trips.)
Here are the best cities in the world and U.S. for 2025.
Top 10 cities in the world
10. Cuzco, Peru
9. Ubud, Bali
8. Kyoto, Japan
7. Mexico City, Mexico
6. Hoi An, Vietnam
5. Jaipur, India
4. Bangkok, Thailand
3. Tokyo, Japan
2. Chiang Mai, Thailand
1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Top 10 US cities
10. Chicago, Illinois
9. Asheville, North Carolina
8. New York, New York
7. Greenville, South Carolina
6. Honolulu, Hawaii
5. Alexandria, Virginia
4. Savannah, Georgia
3. Charleston, South Carolina
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
1. Santa Fe, New Mexico