The Best Cities in the World: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards
Now in its 36th iteration, our annual Readers’ Choice Awards continues to capture the travel experiences our readers love best, from hotels and airlines to cruises, islands, and luggage. This year, you traveled farther and deeper; seeking out remote properties; sailing on smaller, more intimate ships; and prioritizing destinations you’ve been waiting years to visit. At least that’s what a staggering 526,518 of you told us in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey. Now, you can use the results to decide where you’re going next—these are the best cities in the world, as voted by our readers.
View the Readers' Choice Award winners for the best cities in the United States here.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
From historical sites to local art, signature dishes to sun-washed beaches, there’s something for everyone to love among these small international cities.
Unsplash10. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik saw a massive spike in tourism after being featured as the filming location for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones—though, unlike the show’s fizzling series finale, the city is never a disappointment. Wander the limestone streets and walk along the ancient city walls, or take a short ferry ride to the island of Lokrum. Here, you can hike through the botanical garden, catch a glimpse of the wild peacocks, and climb to the top of an abandoned 11th-century monastery for stunning panoramic views.
Harald Nachtmann/Getty9. Reykjavik, Iceland
What is there to say about Reykjavik that hasn’t been splashed across your Instagram feed in recent years? While the ultra-cheap flights might be a thing of the past, there’s still plenty to see and experience in the Icelandic capital, including the otherworldly lagoons, hot springs, and active volcanoes right in the city’s backyard. The Reykjavik EDITION, which opened in 2021, is the best choice for lodging in town, but venture east of the city to the 5 Million Star Hotel (known as The Bubble Hotel for its transparent bubble rooms) for an experience you won’t find elsewhere.
Den Harrson/Unsplash8. Bruges, Belgium
Close your eyes and picture a quaint European city, and Bruges just might be what comes to mind. One of the most famous and well-preserved cities on the continent, Bruges exudes charm from every cobblestone and canal. The Belfry of Bruges is hard to miss, towering 272 feet over the market square, but be warned that it’s a cramped 366 steps to the top if you choose to enjoy the view. For a more leisurely way to take in the sites, hit the water with a canal tour before sampling a beverage or two at one of the city’s excellent breweries.
Woody Van Der Straeten/Unsplash7. Porto, Portugal
Porto, sometimes called Oporto, is a known destination for wine connoisseurs, but there’s much more to this seaside hub than its sweet port wine. The modern and traditional meet in Portugal's most creative city, where chefs, artists, and designers are bringing a new spirit to its old-world appeal. That blend of the modern and traditional is deliciously personified at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, Porto’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, where sea urchin crème brûlée is served with floor-to-ceiling ocean views in a building designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Álvaro Siza Vieira.
Greg Obagel/Getty6. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has been reborn since the 2017 hurricanes Maria and Irma, as evidenced by its thriving capital city. San Juan has long been an easy getaway for US travelers, thanks to its proximity to the East Coast (and the fact that you don’t need a passport to visit). But a consistent influx of new hotels, restaurants, and bars keeps us coming back for more. The city maintains a youthful energy with its community of contemporary artists and chefs, but you can still get a dose of history when you stroll past the Spanish Colonial architecture in the Old Town.
Angello Pro/Unsplash5. Antigua de Guatemala, Guatemala
Tucked between mighty Mayan ruins and smoking volcanoes, Antigua is a place where past and present collide. The UNESCO-protected city served as Guatemala’s capital for several centuries, and you can still feel the importance in its cobblestone streets and brightly colored colonial façades—not to mention the iconic yellow Santa Catalina Arch. Join the city’s locals and expats as they sip matcha lattes and mezcal in cafés, or browse the latest contemporary art exhibit at La Nueva Fábrica. And be sure to book a stay at Villa Bokéh, one of our Hot List winners of 2022, located on the outskirts of town.
Ascent/PKS Media Inc./Getty4. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is often associated with cruise ships, crowded beaches, and bars hosting rowdy groups of spring breakers—but there’s so much more to this Pacific coast town than its immediate associations. Though Old Town certainly has its charms (think winding cobblestone streets lined with bougainvillea), it’s once you venture a bit off the touristed path that you’ll really discover the treasures of this city. Take a quick boat ride to Ocean Grill, an open-air, reservations-only lunch spot built into a rocky cove and serving up grilled lobster. Or head to Yelapa Beach—another only-accessible-by-boat gem—to fill up on fish tacos and spend the afternoon lounging in a hammock on the beach.
Mint Images/Getty3. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Four hours northwest of Mexico City is the jewel of San Miguel de Allende, which has made this list for four years in a row now. A hub for expat artists, this highland city is known for its Spanish Colonial architecture and colorful facades. You could spend hours browsing the galleries and pop-up shops at Fábrica La Aurora, a former textile factory that is now home to local artisans. The Rosewood San Miguel de Allende is a hidden oasis in the heart of the city, with grand rooms featuring hand-carved furnishings and 360-degree views of the skyline from the rooftop tapas bar. For dinner, book the chef’s table at Aperi for one of the best dining experiences in the city, full of fresh flavors from the region.
Getty2. San Sebastián, Spain
San Sebastián has everything you could want from a seaside resort town—especially if you arrive hungry. Pintxo (or “small snack”) bar hopping is commonplace in Basque country, and you’ll find no shortage of options in central Parte Vieja. During the day, head to Playa de la Concha to lounge on the beach or take in surfer culture in Gros. A favorite vacation spot of Queen Maria Cristina in the late 1800s, San Sebastián has retained much of its splendor, which you’ll find in the breathtaking views from the top of Monte Igueldo.
Getty1. Victoria, Canada
A popular day trip from Vancouver, British Columbia’s capital city well deserves a visit of its own. Arrive via one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides across Swartz Bay and check in to the bucket list-worthy Fairmont Empress, where the Fairmont Gold rooms include access to a private waterfront lounge. With a reputation as the most British town in Canada, most restaurants and hotels offer a proper high tea. Check out the Venus Sophia, which offers baked goods. If you’re seeking a more rural escape, disconnect in the ancient forests with a road trip on Vancouver Island.
Your favorite large international cities include destinations beloved for their food and wine, architecture and art. Some are classic travel spots that many have visited multiple times, while others are slightly less-touristed—but all equally deserve your attention.
Lars Brauer/Getty10. Edinburgh
Beloved for its green hills and fascinating history, Edinburgh is a unique capital in Western Europe. Where else can you find a medieval Old Town, extinct volcano, and regal castle in one city? For the novel, shop a mix of Highland and hipster at Dick’s, a men’s clothing and housewares store, and dip your toe in Edinburgh’s growing independent brewing scene at the Hanging Bat, a pub that pairs pints with ribs and hot dogs. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe makes a compelling case for visiting in the summer (especially if you’re looking for a full month of nonstop concerts), but the city’s cozy whisky dens means this is truly an all-seasons city.
Pat Whelen/Unsplash9. Melbourne
At once sophisticated, stylish, and seemingly free-spirited, Melbourne has all of the traits you’d want in a best friend—plus an incredible arts scene. Just take your pick of which aesthetically-pleasing activity to tackle first: Visit Gertrude Contemporary for eye-popping installations by emerging Australian artists; take an Urban Scrawl street tour; or drive 20 minutes to the world-renowned Heide Museum of Modern Art. But whatever you choose, just remember that each morning in Melbourne must start with a flat white.
Kyle Thacker/Unsplash8. Vancouver
Seaport Vancouver has a competitive and creative arts scene, rugged natural beauty, and no shortage of things to do. As one of Canada’s most ethnically diverse cities, it’s also one of the country’s best food cities: After you’ve taken a cable car up Grouse Mountain, return to the city for Indian fare at Vij’s, rustic Italian dishes at Savio Volpe, or modern spins on Chinese classics at Bao Bei. There’s something wonderful about visiting a city where you can be in the heart of a metropolis eating a five-star meal one day, and enjoying the skyline from the seat of a kayak the next day.
Pawel Toczynski/Getty7. Oslo
There’s a lot to love about Norway’s capital: premium coffee, sleek design hotels, and so much good food. Feast at the Mathallen Oslo food hall, where there are 30 vendors total—you’ll find anything from a seafood bar (diners can watch as the food is prepared) to a cheese store. Once you’ve had your fill, head over to the Estudio Herreros–designed Munch Museum, which has 11 galleries housing the world’s most extensive collection from the Norwegian master. To cap it all off, the city is incredibly bike-friendly, so you can sightsee while getting in a workout—you know, in case that's your thing.
Jacob Buchhave/Unsplash6. Copenhagen
A burgeoning beer culture, some of the world’s best restaurants (don’t worry, Noma was never the only option), royal history, and dedicated pedestrian- and cycle-friendly zones all help make Copenhagen a capital of Nordic cool. The city is routinely ranked one of the world’s most expensive, but some of the capital’s best activities—marveling at Christiansborg Palace, walking the harborside promenade—cost nothing at all. And given the recent reopening of architect Kaare Klint’s Designmuseum Danmark and much-anticipated unveiling of the Opera Bark on the waterfront, we dare say there’s never been a better time to visit the Danish capital.
Kate Trifo/Unsplash5. Sydney
Australia’s biggest city is an ideal getaway no matter the season. In the summer (remember, that’s our winter), enjoy some al fresco dining and soak up the sun at Bondi, Manly, and Redleaf beaches. In the cooler months, sip on flat whites at one of the city’s many phenomenal coffee shops and catch a show at the Sydney Opera House or Bangarra Dance Theatre. (You can also get a taste of the capital’s entire arts and culture calendar during Vivid Sydney, typically held between May and June.) Whatever the season, get spectacular 360-degree views of the city from Sydney Tower Eye’s glass viewing platform.
Crystal Clear/Unsplash4. Cape Town
Few cities can match the high drama of Cape Town’s skyline, where rugged Table Mountain meets the great white shark–filled waters of the Atlantic, and where colonial-era grand dames (like the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel) share space with cutting-edge new designs (including Thomas Heatherwick’s Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa). You can spend your days luxuriating on the Mother City’s beaches or sipping chenin blanc at one of the many area wineries, but be sure to leave some time to contend with the place’s complicated history, by touring a township or visiting Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison.
Jet Dela Cruz/Unsplash3. Seoul
A modern city with pockets of serene palaces and temples, Seoul is home to some of the most beautiful places in South Korea. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Gyeonghoeru pavilion remains almost exactly as it was when it was built back in 1395, while many of the traditional buildings at Bukchon Hanok Village now host tea houses and galleries. The city is also a shopper’s paradise, whether you’re stocking up on Korean beauty products or high-street fashion. When it comes to lodging, check in to the Park Hyatt Seoul for upscale convenience or La Casa Hotel for a boutique alternative.
Jezael Melgoza/Unsplash2. Tokyo
A regular on our best cities list, Tokyo continues to thrill with its contradictions: ultra-modern, neon skyscrapers and tranquil temples, unmatchable street style, and centuries-old etiquette. Like a fever dream you don't want to wake up from, this Japanese capital also has more Michelin stars than any other place on earth, and is—no surprise—one of the world’s best food destinations. For just a taste of what the city can offer, pull up a stool and dig deep into a bowl of inventive ramen at Kikanbo, or sample rare Japanese whiskey at Bar Ben Fiddich. Or simply let us plan your first trip for you.
Will Truettner/Unsplash1. Singapore
We placed Singapore among the best places to visit in 2019, and Traveler readers have resoundingly agreed since then. The city climbed to the number one spot (from fourth) in 2022, and has now retained the title for a second time. Thanks to direct flights from New York to Singapore on its namesake airline, this bustling destination is way more than a stopover. It has a growing contemporary art scene, new hotels popping up (seemingly every eight minutes) and a commitment to start-ups and innovation (just see the Supertree Grove, and such innovations as recent plans to greenify the city-state). All of this is to say, if you visited once before, you may not even recognize it now. Want to relax after a day of exploring? Choose from 1,000 types of gin at Atlas bar, or check into Marina Bay Sands so you have access to that top-of-the-world infinity pool you've heard so much about. Come evening, dig into the city’s food culture—you can do a multi-country food crawl without ever leaving the hawker center.