New Worldwide Survey Reveals Top-Ranked US City
They are lively, memorable, and, in the opinion of thousands of tourists, well worth repeated visits.
In the Travel + Leisure Top 25 rankings, the Plaza de Santa Fe in Sante Fe, New Mexico, is ranked as the top US city.
Based on reader voting, Travel + Leisure has released their 2025 list of the world’s greatest cities, and for the second consecutive year, a Mexican destination took first place.
Cities that combine atmosphere, history, hotels, gastronomy, culture, and value for money are highlighted in the annual rankings.
Seven of the top ten cities in this year’s study were in Asia, and six were in Latin America, indicating that voters especially preferred cities in these regions.
Several cities stood out for their closeness to ancient ruins or their strong feeling of place, even if well-known international centers like Tokyo and Kyoto made the list.
This includes the Taj Mahal’s residence in Agra, India, and the entrance to Machu Picchu in Cuzco, Peru.
However, San Miguel de Allende, a vibrant city in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, came out on top once more. Voters commended its vibrant cultural scene, affordability, historic charm, and walkability.
Notably, Rome, which is frequently regarded as one of the most famous travel locations worldwide, came in at number 18, which is a comparatively low ranking given its cultural prestige and ongoing Jubilee celebrations.
The Eternal City was defeated by smaller, more unexpected competitors in Europe and beyond, although still being named a World’s Best award.
The only American city to make it into the top 25 this year? New Mexico’s Santa Fe came in at number 19.
Travelers praised the high-desert capital for its distinctive fusion of art and history, walkable core, and Pueblo and Spanish Colonial traditions. They lauded its cultural character, food, and architecture.
Other cities at the top of the list are:
- Chiang Mai, Thailand (No. 2), known for its street food, cultural sites, and luxury hotels
- Tokyo, Japan (No. 3), praised for its friendly energy and mix of old and new
- Bangkok, Thailand (No. 4), a most exciting city with nightlife, temples, and shopping
- Jaipur, India (No. 5), famed for palaces, markets, and top-tier accommodations
To view the full standings, click this link.
