Chicago has officially solidified its status as a premier global destination, ranking as the number five Best City in the U.S. in Travel + Leisure‘s newly released 2026 World’s Best Awards. The annual survey, a definitive benchmark for the travel industry, highlights the destinations and experiences that resonate most deeply with modern globetrotters.
The annual World’s Best Awards are fueled entirely by the experiences of real travelers. For the 2026 edition, more than 207,000 Travel + Leisure readers participated in the survey, casting an impressive 661,000 votes across more than 10,088 properties, including hotels, islands, cruise lines and cities. Readers rated U.S. cities on specific criteria, including their sights and landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping and overall value, resulting in a score out of 100.
As the third-largest city in the U.S., Chicago strikes a perfect balance: it offers the endless activity of a massive metropolis without the overwhelming, hyper-fast pace of New York. Renowned as the birthplace of the modern skyscraper, Chicago boasts one of the world’s most beautiful skylines, framed perfectly by urban beaches along Lake Michigan.
Beyond its iconic architecture, the city is a paradise for sports fans and foodies alike. Readers celebrated its championship sports culture alongside its status as a world-class culinary hub—where travelers can pivot seamlessly from fine dining to legendary deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs. The city’s acclaim extended to its hospitality scene as well, with The Peninsula Chicago ranking as the number 12 Best Continental U.S. City Hotel, and the nearby Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest taking the title of number one Midwest Resort.
While Santa Fe retained its crown at the top of the list, Chicago proudly anchors the top five alongside Charleston, Savannah and New Orleans. Find the full rankings in all categories—best cities, hotels, cruises, safaris and more—online now and on newsstands July 17.
Best Cities in the U.S. according to Travel + Leisure
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Santa Fe, New Mexico
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Charleston, South Carolina
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Savannah, Georgia
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New Orleans, Louisiana
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Chicago, Illinois
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Fort Worth, Texas
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Honolulu, Hawaii
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New York, New York
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Alexandria, Virginia
