The World's Top 15 Cities in 2017
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated cities on their sights and landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value.
This year’s No. 1 winner — for the first time ever in the World’s Best Awards’ 22-year history — is Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende. “San Miguel is one of the most authentic, creative and cost-effective destinations we’ve visited,” says a T+L reader of the colonial city, a part of which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. “Over the years we’ve discovered more great restaurants and activities, but the town still maintains its Mexican heritage, culture and charm.”
The World’s Best Cities list also speaks to our readers’ growing interest in Asia, as seven of the top 15 urban destinations are in the region. Kyoto, home to some of Japan’s most well-preserved traditional architecture, Chiang Mai, Thailand, best known for its walled Old City, and Siem Reap, Cambodia, the jumping-off point for Angkor Wat, all made repeat appearances.
Charleston — our top city in the U.S. for the fifth year running — was the sole American city among the top 10 overall; Florence, another World’s Best veteran, was joined by European hubs like Rome and Barcelona; while Oaxaca, another Mexican city with a thriving culinary scene and cultural depth, came into the mix again for the first time since 2010.
For more on your favorite cities around the globe, scroll down.
15. Barcelona, Spain
Score: 89.52
1 of 15
14. Udaipur, India
Score: 89.54
2 of 15
13. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Score: 89.57
3 of 15
12. Rome, Italy
Score: 89.73
4 of 15
11. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Score: 89.94
5 of 15
10. Luang Prabang, Laos
Score: 90.10
6 of 15
9. Ubud, Indonesia
Score: 90.13
7 of 15
8. Cape Town, South Africa
Score: 90.24
8 of 15
7. Hoi An, Vietnam
Score: 90.31
9 of 15
6. Oaxaca, Mexico
Score: 90.41
10 of 15
5. Florence, Italy
Score: 90.75
11 of 15
4. Kyoto, Japan
Score: 91.13
12 of 15
3. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Score: 91.40
13 of 15
2. Charleston, South Carolina
Score: 91.54
14 of 15
1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Score: 92.12
Tour San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
There’s a lot to love about San Miguel, a colonial treasure anchored by El Jardín, a leafy plaza marked by open-air cafés and the pink Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel church. Art and textiles are big here: Mexicans and expats alike pop into independent boutiques selling artisan-made goods, and no trip is complete without a visit to the Fábrica La Aurora, a former textile factory that’s been converted into a series of contemporary art galleries. Restaurants serving delicious Mexican dishes (rich moles, hot gorditas, stuffed chiles) are tucked along cobblestoned streets lined with historic houses. For one of the best views of the city, make a reservation at the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende’s Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar (this hotel also ranked as the No. 2 City Hotel in the country); margaritas pair well with the chiming church bells at sunset.