Eight of the top 15 cities for this year are located in the American South. They are places where the past is still very much alive, with Williamsburg, which came in at number 12, among them. The Virginia town turns a holiday into a live history lesson, which makes it especially well-liked with families. At Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement, visitors may experience early American culture, as well as more modern flavors at nearby eateries.
Savannah, a charming city with soul, is ranked No. 4. The cobblestoned streets, oak-shaded squares, and lacy architecture, as well as how the city keeps up with the times, were praised by readers for their classic beauty. Traditional staples like grits (topped with foie gras) and crispy chicken are given a contemporary twist at restaurants like the Grey and Cotton & Rye (dusted with sumac).
The longtime favorite New Orleans placed second this year. The calm residential districts, the boisterous Mardi Gras parades, the street music, and the laid-back people are all beloved by fans of the Big Easy. An advice from a World’s Best voter: “Stock up on antiques and pralines!” Readers will undoubtedly be ready to help one of the American communities most severely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak as soon as they are able to.
New York placed sixth and Chicago fifth on the list, two of the biggest cities in the nation, although many of the winners were smaller or midsize communities. The top three cities, Nashville (No. 11), Asheville (No. 9), and Minneapolis/St. Paul (No. 14), are all large enough to be intriguing (vibrant arts and culinary cultures, stores and marketplaces showcasing regional artisans of all stripes), but manageable and inviting. California’s Carmel-by-the-Sea is the lone little exception. It has fewer than 4,000 people and is just off the well-traveled Highway 1 corridor, but the sights lure many, many more.
No city has yet managed to topple Charleston from its eight-year perch, though. Discover why, as well as which other cities and towns made this year’s list of the top American cities, by reading on.
1. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston boasts a rich history, beautiful architecture, a vibrant culture, good weather, kind residents, and is close to the beach. However, it’s likely that if you asked them what their favorite thing about this affluent city was, they would reply the cuisine. However, it would be wrong of us to neglect to note how much the populace values the city’s friendliness.
2. New Orleans
One reader opined that “everyone ought to visit NOLA at least once.” Be sure to explore the city’s opulent neighborhoods, sculpture-filled parks, and hip Warehouse District beyond the famed Bourbon Street. The hotel scene there has also expanded. One of my favorites is the Hotel Peter & Paul, which made the 2019 It List of the Best New Hotels in the World.
3. Santa Fe, New Mexico
With “the vistas of the mountains, the culture, the shopping, the restaurants, and the wineries,” as one reader put it, earthy, artistic Santa Fe continues to amaze readers. All in one day, you may take in the centuries-old adobe architecture, hundreds of art galleries, and outdoor adventure.
4. Savannah, Georgia
It is renowned for its moss-covered trees and old buildings. Savannah, though, is not stuck in the past. With modern galleries and eccentric cafés, it is vibrant and innovative. In fact, the world has taken notice of its culinary scene. One admirer observed that “Savannah appears to have exploded every time I visit.” “The classics are still around… However, there is constantly something fresh and new.
5. Chicago
The world-class museums, starchitect-designed towers, design-forward hotels, and cutting-edge eateries in this Midwest metropolis leave an impression. You may wander around downtown for a week and yet be hungry for more.
6. New York City
Nearly too many symbols to list make up New York, from Times Square to Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But as any New Yorker will tell you, one of the city’s greatest joys is just wandering its streets and discovering unique stores, delectable food carts, and spontaneous performances. This chance encounter is what keeps the city bustling and draws tourists back time and time again.
7. San Antonio, Texas
The Alamo City has a lot more to offer than only its missions and the River Walk in the city center. Think taco stands that were formerly car repair shops, a historic brewery that is now a five-star hotel, and Ruby City, a brand-new art gallery. Many readers commented on how welcoming San Antonio is to families.
8. Honolulu
Hawaii, with all of its natural beauty, isn’t exactly known for its urbanisation. The state’s capital, however, is something that many adamantly insist should not be disregarded: “Honolulu is the most dynamic and interesting place I’ve ever been in,” said one response. It provides visitors with a diverse range of activities, including lively markets, upscale shopping, the only royal palace in the nation, and, of course, beaches.
9. Asheville, North Carolina
This relatively little city, which is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, packs a lot of cultural and gastronomic impact. There are countless places to dine and drink in the city, which is one huge art stroll. Travelers praised Asheville’s welcoming, unique character. You can feel the pulse of the city just by sitting on a seat in the downtown area. Everyone can find something there. There are several hiking routes, and the downtown area is teeming with adorable boutiques. There is rafting on the French Broad River if you are coming in the summer.
10. Austin, Texas
The Texan metropolis has maintained much of its distinctive eccentricity while incorporating a good dose of refinement despite decades of expansion. Many tourists praised the city’s legendary music scene and nightlife. You may make new acquaintances and have a good time dancing. But even more individuals applauded the expanding array of dining options, which includes gourmet omakase, food trucks, pop-up restaurants, breweries, cocktail bars, and, of course, barbecue.
11. Nashville
It’s much more than just a honky-tonk town, though you won’t be disappointed if you’re looking for a lively nightlife with live music. Nashville offers a variety of attractions, including the iconic Grand Ole Opry, brand-new James Beard Award-winning restaurants, industrial-chic hotels, and cowboy boot stores.
12. Williamsburg, Virginia
The little city is home to three significant historical sites: Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown Battlefield, and Jamestown Settlement, where English colonists first settled in the early 17th century (a living history museum, where employees work and dress as residents did in the 18th century). The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, historic homes, as well as a variety of vineyards and distilleries, are among the more modern attractions that visitors might discover.
13. Washington, D.C.
The Mall and the Neoclassical government structures aren’t all that Washington is. The American capital has recently experienced a trendy metamorphosis as a result of the establishment of new hotels (among them the Line DC and Conrad), popular eateries like Maydan and Estuary, and cultural institutions like the Glenstone just across the Potomac.
14. Minneapolis/St. Paul
The lakes and parks, which look magnificent even in the middle of winter, make it easier than one might imagine to deal with the cold weather, even though certain months might be quite severe. People are particularly obsessed with the diverse food scene, though.
15. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel, a picturesque community with English-style homes, is perched on California’s gorgeous Central Coast and features a white-sand beach backed by wind-swept trees. Great for shopping, but it’s also lovely to just stroll down the winding lanes, duck into nooks of bookshops and secret Zen gardens, then head up to the playground to take in the scent of the pine trees.
Don’t forget about Carmel’s vibrant art culture also; in just one square mile, there are close to 75 galleries.