These are T+L’s best international and US cities (with an unexpected American no. 1)
Looking 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.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R24ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R44ekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeThe 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.
Visitors shop for a variety of food and items during the Saturday Market event in downtown Greenville, SC Saturday, May 10, 2025.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.)
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Here are the best cities in the world and U.S. for 2025.
Top 10 cities in the world
Aerial view of Cusco's main square during the Inti Raymi Festival at the Andean city of Cusco, Peru on June 24, 2023. The Inti Raymi is the most important indigenous ceremony of the Peruvian Andes, held in honor of the god Inti (Quechua for "sun") at the beginning of the winter solstice.10. Cuzco, Peru
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2dekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4dekkr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe9. 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
Artists wearing turbans and traditional attires take shade before the start of a cultural performance at Amber Fort in Jaipur on April 22, 2025.Top 10 US cities
Aerial view of Santa Fe Plaza area with Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the background.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
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Top 10 international and US cities for travelers in 2025
