One characteristic that seemed to capture readers hearts, no matter the destination?
A strong identity, and a sense that the city was unlike others elsewhere in the country.
Over 186,000 T+L readers completed the 2024 survey.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
The final scores are averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
Readers rewarded past favorites like Chicago (No.
9), Honolulu (No.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
4), and New Orleans (No.
1 for the 12th year in a row.
But for the first time, Annapolis (No.
Sean Pavone/Getty Images
- and Aspen (No.
The Full List
1.
WBA Hall of Famehonoree.
Heather Durham/Travel + Leisure
Reader score: 87.99
2.
Santa Feis like its own country within a country, gushed one reader.
Its such a unique blend of culture and history that you dont see in the rest of the USA.
okimo/Getty Images
WBA Hall of Fame honoree.
Reader Score: 87.43
3.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree.
Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure
Reader Score: 85.27
4.
But travelers also praised its shopping and Native Hawaiian traditions.
There is something for everyone.
dszc/Getty Images
Reader Score: 85.17
5.
Many travelers also appreciated the citys laid-back vibe (it is the Big Easy, after all.)
New Orleans is a great walking around, let’s-pop-into-this-place-kind-of-city, according to one visitor.
Heather Durham/Travel + Leisure
Others noted its superb history tours, festivals, and markets.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree.
Reader score: 84.53
6.
Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure
It was exceptionally maintained and absolutely beautiful.
Reader Score: 83.20
7.
There are almost 20 theaters.
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you could attend the ballet, the opera, and symphony orchestra concerts, noted one visitor.
Reader Score: 83.19
8.
As one reader summed it up: What can one say that hasn’t already been said?
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NYC is a great place to visit.
That goes without saying.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree.
Mona Makela Photography/Getty Images
Reader score: 83.16
9.
The food, the sports.
Did I mention the food?
Richard T. Nowitz/Getty Images
From a cultural perspective its fantastic because of how many people are from all over the world.
Multiple parts of town have different vibes that keep it fresh and exciting to visit, said one reader.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree.
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Reader Score: 82.44
10.
Reader Score: 82.41
11.
Taos, New Mexico
Mona Makela Photography/Getty Images
This small city packs a punch.
Violet Smirnova/Travel + Leisure
Readers were also charmed by the towns many independent galleries and shops.
Taos is for athletes, artists, and open minded travelers, said one reader.
Reader Score: 81.36
12.
Photos by Coyle/Getty Images
Annapolis is also home to the U.S.
Naval Academy, and many readers touted football games as a cant-miss activity.
I love the culture and activities available in Annapolis.
Reader Score: 81.26
13.
Nashville, Tennessee
Readers cant get enough of the nightlife in Music City.
The citys strong culinary scene and efficient airport also received praise.
Reader Score: 81.18
14.
It’s a perfect mix of old and modern, claims one reader.
Visitors also appreciated that the highly walkable city has distinct neighborhoods, each with a unique feel.
Reader Score: 80.75
15.