A southern city was recently crowned the best in the US for the 12th year in a row.
Travel + Leisure readers love visiting Charleston and believe it can rival any European capital. Known as the Holy City among locals and tourists alike, Charleston has dazzled many with its Southern charm over the years.
Vibrant architecture and culture, exquisite cuisine and ease of travel were the reasons cited for the city being the best, with Santa Fe, New Mexico, close behind in second place.
In Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Cities awards, Charleston ranked 22nd, just ahead of Barcelona.
See why travelers think Charleston is the best city in the states.
What did readers say about Charleston?
Many readers who have traveled to Charleston have done so multiple times and for a variety of occasions, including couples’ weekends, family vacations, or getaways with friends. Each time they explored the city, they discovered something new about it that they treasured. The city was also known for its friendly atmosphere, making it hard for visitors to resist joining in the fun downtown.
When it comes to staying true to tradition, Charleston’s roots run as deep as the area’s famous Angel Oak tree. One reader told Travel + Leisure that the city was “a great example of a city that stays true to its roots but also strives to be current and welcoming to everyone.”
Those who voted Charleston the best city even compared it to cities in Europe due to its bustling arts, entertainment, and culinary scene. Readers called Charleston’s food “unbeatable,” and you can’t have a great city without great food.
More:10 South Carolina State Parks to Add to Your Summer Bucket List: 4 Are Upstate
How does voting work?
To determine which cities are the best in the U.S., Travel + Leisure asks readers to participate in the World’s Best Awards Survey, where they share their experiences traveling the world. Opinions about airlines, cities, cruise ships, resorts, spas, top hotels, and more are taken into account, which helps determine the winners. In the 2024 survey, more than 186,000 readers participated, with a total of more than 70,000 votes cast across 8,700 properties. Cities were ranked on criteria such as culture, food, friendliness, landmarks, shopping, and value.
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Top 10 U.S. Cities, According to Travel + Leisure
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Savannah, Georgia
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- San Antonio, Texas
- Fort Worth, Texas
- New York, New York
- Chicago, Illinois
- Aspen, Colorado
More:Upstate cities are among South Carolina’s most underrated: Did your hidden gem make the list?
Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Cities
- San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
- Udaipur, India
- Kyoto, Japan
- Hoi An, Vietnam
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Florence, Italy
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Tokyo, Japan
- Ubud, Indonesia
- Funchal, Portugal
- Oaxaca, Mexico
- San Sebastian, Spain
- Marbella, Spain
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Marrakesh, Morocco
- Istanbul, Türkiye
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Porto, Portugal
- Calcutta, India
- Rome Italy
- Jaipur, India
- Charleston, United States
- Barcelona, Spain
- Seoul, South Korea
- Cusco, Peru
More:Travelers Rest is among the 15 best small cities in the US for summer vacations. What other cities made the list?
Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Contact her by email at ntran@gannett.com.
