This Colorful City Has Thriving Food and Art Scenes but Feels Like a Small Town — and It Was Just Voted No. 1 in the World

When thinking of a city vacation, bustling traffic and crowds may come to mind, but this year’s list of favorites around the world, voted by Travel + Leisure readers, prove that cities come in all shapes and sizes. From destinations with views of beaches or seemingly endless greenery to metropolises where centuries-old churches and monuments stand alongside modern shops and restaurants, there’s a city to suit every travel interest. 

How Voting Works

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey. A total of more than 700,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Cities were specifically rated on the criteria below:

• Sights/landmarks
• Culture
• Food
• Friendliness
• Shopping
• Value

For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.

What Readers Loved

Although this year’s list of favorite cities around the world was diverse, reaching all corners of the globe, hubs in Mexico, Spain, and India were prominently featured. San Miguel de Allende took the No. 1 spot, up from No. 5 last year, joining two other Mexican cities: Oaxaca (at No. 11) and Mexico City (No. 14). India and Spain both had three cities each, including Udaipur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan, which held its No. 2 spot from last year, and newcomers San Sebastián (No. 12), Marbella (No. 13), and Barcelona (No. 23). This year’s group of winners also reflects the state of the travel world, as people flocked to Asia — including Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia — thanks to several airlines launching new flights across the continent in 2024.

See why T+L readers favored these cities around the world.

The Full List

1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Described as “unbeatable in every category” by one reader, our No. 1 spot this year goes to Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende, up from the No. 5 spot last year. Known for its stunning architecture — most notably, the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel — food, and art scene, the city is a cultural hub that marries old and new. “The food was totally amazing, the city was clean, [and] the people were very friendly and helpful,” another reader noted.

Reader Score: 91.88

2. Udaipur, India

Landing in the No. 2 spot for the third time — in 2021 and 2023 — Udaipur continues to impress T+L readers with its stately palaces, gorgeous lakes, and rich history. One reader noted, “This city will further enrich [your] understanding of India.” And, of course, with jaw-dropping accommodations like the floating Taj Lake Palace and the Raffles Udaipur, there may not be a more beautiful setting to soak it all in.

Reader Score: 91.75

3. Kyoto, Japan

Maintaining its No. 3 spot from last year, Kyoto is worth visiting any time of year. Once the capital of Japan, it offers a culture-filled getaway with beautiful gardens and serene temples. It’s also home to a variety of hotels, from traditional ryokans to full-blown resorts, offering something for every type of traveler. Must-see attractions include the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, the Kinkaku-ji temple, and Pontocho Alley.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.49

4. Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An is back on our list this year — and it’s no surprise why. The coastal Vietnamese city is ideal for foodies, with bánh mì and cao lầu being favorites, as well as history lovers — it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the preservation of its trading port and its architecture, which reflects multiple styles. To visit, travelers fly into Da Nang International Airport and then take a bus or car to reach their final destination.

Reader Score: 90.67

5. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Up from No. 11 last year, Thailand’s Chiang Mai is a longtime favorite among readers. “Beautiful city with culture, great food, and very affordable,” one reader wrote, while another said it’s “just an amazing mountain town with killer food.” While Chiang Mai is considered calmer than Bangkok, it’s still filled with vibrant temples — including the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep — restaurants, and bars. And being a mountain destination, there are opportunities for hiking nearby, too.

Reader Score: 90.64

6. Florence, Italy

When dreaming of Italy, it’s hard not to picture this beautiful Tuscan city. From its stunning Renaissance-era art and architecture to its delicious food, there’s no wrong way to do Florence. Whether you’re shopping, seeing your history books come to life in the Accademia or Uffizi galleries, or simply taking in the gorgeous view from the Ponte Vecchio, there’s something for all tastes. Plus, the city is largely walkable, making it an ideal setting for a picturesque stroll — with a gelato in hand, of course.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.55

7. Bangkok, Thailand

Bustling Bangkok makes its way back to our list once again. With amazing temples, restaurants, street food, markets, and bars, Thailand’s capital city is filled with an exciting blend of sights and sounds, day and night. To top it off, visitors can expect a range of accommodations, including Capella Bangkok and the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, both perched on the Chao Phraya River. Luckily, the Suvarnabhumi Airport makes all of this and more accessible.

Reader Score: 90.27

8. Tokyo, Japan

Japan’s capital honors its historical past with attractions like the Imperial Palace and a dizzying array of temples, though it still manages to solidify its status as an energetic and buzzy city with Michelin-star restaurants. Like Kyoto, there’s no bad time to visit Tokyo — with its cherry blossoms in the spring and vibrant foliage come fall. Of course, the options for foodies are endless, with sushi, ramen, and Instagram-worthy desserts.

Reader Score: 90.04

9. Ubud, Indonesia

Temples flanked by lush greenery create a tranquil setting in Ubud, the inland area of Bali. Travelers can immerse themselves in attractions like the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati Hindu temple, and incredible waterfalls. Ubud also has a range of accommodations for visitors, including tented suites at Capella Ubud, Bali, the No 1. resort in Indonesia — and No. 4 in all of Asia — this year, according to T+L readers.

Reader Score: 90.00

10. Funchal, Portugal

Known for its harbor, gardens, and wine cellars, Funchal is a stunning coastal city and the capital of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago. Filled with artifacts and attractions like the Funchal Cathedral, the Fortaleza de São Tiago, and a contemporary art museum, the city does an excellent job of nodding to its history while looking to the future. See how the locals shop at the Mercado dos Lavradores or explore the city from a higher point by taking a cable car to the gardens at Monte Palace Madeira.

Reader Score: 89.82

11. Oaxaca, Mexico

One of three cities in Mexico on this year’s list, Oaxaca, as one reader put it, is known for its “beautiful historic town and absolutely amazing food.” The city in southern Mexico, which landed the No. 1 spot in 2022 and 2023, is also where mezcal was founded — a sign that the restaurants and cocktail bars are not to be missed. As for sightseeing, Oaxaca is home to fascinating ancient ruins and a fabulous art scene.

Reader Score: 89.71

12. San Sebastián, Spain

San Sebastián is a city on Spain’s Bay of Biscay, with both mountain and sea views. “It’s one of the most beautiful cities with the most unreal food, and for some reason is ridiculously affordable,” one reader wrote. Voted one of the best cities in Europe last year, according to T+L readers, it has now cemented its status as one of the best cities in the world.

Reader Score: 89.66

13. Marbella, Spain

Located in Spain’s southern Costa del Sol region, the resort destination of Marbella is a haven for beach lovers and golfers alike, though there are also opportunities for picturesque strolls around Plaza de los Naranjos, the city’s Old Town, and Avenida del Mar.

Reader Score: 89.57

14. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is the largest city in Mexico, and with its size comes plenty of history, amazing food, and stunning architecture. The city, whose original inhabitants were the Aztec and Indigenous communities, also has French influences that can be seen in its parks and charming buildings complete with wrought-iron balconies. But it’s trendy, too, with a slew of buzzy spots, including Michelin-worthy restaurants like Pujol and Quintonil.

Reader Score: 89.28

15. Marrakesh, Morocco

Referred to as a “hidden pearl” where “every place is [an] explosion of senses” by one reader, it’s no surprise Marrakesh made the list yet again. Immerse yourself in its pedestrian-friendly medina — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — stroll its stunning gardens, and take in its architecture. As for where to stay, one reader said the Mandarin Oriental is “the best luxury resort.”

Reader Score: 89.17

16. Istanbul, Turkey

Voted the No. 1 city in Europe in 2023 and No. 8 overall, Istanbul snagged a spot on this list once again. Considered the cultural capital of the country, Turkey’s largest city has no shortage of galleries, restaurants and, of course, historic landmarks to admire. While can’t-miss attractions include the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace Museum, no trip to Istanbul would be complete without a shopping experience at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where visitors can find traditional Turkish carpets, gold and silver jewelry, leather goods, and more.

Reader Score: 89.15

17. Cape Town, South Africa

The only other city in Africa to make our list this year, Cape Town has a little something for everyone. There are beautiful mountainscapes at Table Mountain National Park, city scenes that look like they were plucked straight out of Europe, and lots of activity around Victoria & Alfred Waterfront harbor. Wine lovers, too, will love visiting, thanks to the idyllic vineyards in Constantia Valley.

Reader Score: 88.87

18. Porto, Portugal

A continued favorite among T+L readers, Porto made its way up our list from No. 24 last year. The second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon, Porto is known for its port wine, UNESCO-protected historic center, and charming cobblestone streets. Perfectly put by one reader, “It has so much to offer. Excellent food, vino, sight, history. Beautiful. This city should be on everyone’s list of places to visit.”

Reader Score: 88.85

19. Kolkata, India

Formerly Calcutta, Kolkata is new to our World’s Best list. The city is home to a variety of hotels, from major brand-name properties to boutique-style accommodations, and must-see attractions include the historical Victoria Memorial Hall and the stunning Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Travelers can also pay a visit to Mother House to see where Mother Teresa is buried. As for where to stay, The Oberoi Grand, one of T+L readers’ favorite city hotels in India this year, is a highlight.

Reader Score: 88.60

20. Rome, Italy

Rome is unquestionably a staple of many an Italian getaway — and not just because of its centrally located airports. There’s lots to do and see in Rome, from world-famous attractions like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain to underrated gems only locals love. Stroll the Piazza Navona or take a step inside the vast Vatican City to see the Sistine Chapel. If you plan accordingly, you may even be able to see the Pope.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 88.44

21. Jaipur, India

Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is filled with gorgeous palaces — the most famous being Hawa Mahal, a five-story pink sandstone structure in the heart of the city. Speaking of accommodations fit for royalty, many of the city’s luxury hotels were former palaces, offering an above-and-beyond level of hospitality. Jaipur is also home to tons of markets selling jewelry, rugs, and clothing. History buffs, meanwhile, can explore attractions such as the Nahargarh Fort, Amer Fort, and Jaigarh Fort.

Reader Score: 88.23

22. Charleston, United States

A regular favorite among T+L readers, Charleston, South Carolina, continues to impress for multiple reasons. “This place is like going back in time,” one reader wrote. “Stunning things to look at with each historical home and the landscaping, window boxes, wrought- iron fencing, art galleries, museums, horse-drawn carriages, cobblestone roads, parks and lots of benches to sit under amazing, huge trees, and numerous restaurants to explore flavors.” In other words, travelers can’t go wrong here.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 87.99

23. Barcelona, Spain

In bustling Barcelona, you’ll find the perfect combination of history and modernity. Filled with historic architecture, especially the works of Antoni Gaudí, the Spanish city is home to iconic buildings like the Casa Batlló and Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. However, its wide range of hotels, including major luxury brands like the W and Mandarin Oriental, bring it into a contemporary age.

Reader Score: 87.94

24. Seoul, South Korea

After landing on the list of favorite cities in the world in 2021 and 2022, Seoul didn’t make the cut in 2023. But the capital of South Korea, where Buddhist temples and ornate palaces coexist with towering skyscrapers, is back this year. And while the city may be the birthplace of K-pop, travelers will find there’s more to enjoy here than its music; Seoul is also home to a thriving food and nightlife scene, plus lots of luxury hotels.

Reader Score: 87.85

25. Cuzco, Peru

This may be the only city in South America on the list, but it carries considerable weight. “All the best things you could imagine are in this incredible city,” one reader wrote. “Beautiful place, a lot of history, and the food and nightlife are unique.” Known for its stunning remains of the Inca empire, travelers to Cuzco can immerse themselves in the city’s history by strolling through the Plaza de Armas, its central square in the old city. Its awe-inspiring architecture also resulted in the city being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Reader Score: 87.47