Travel

What makes a city truly great? Jaw-dropping architecture, distinctive restaurants, a rich array of cultural offerings, and intriguing shops are a must. A teeming street life, a friendly population, and a harmonious relationship with nature are equally essential. The cities that make up our list of the best in the world, as voted by GoTravelDaily readers, possess these qualities in abundance. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe. They 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. In 2018, Mexico reigns supreme. For the second year in a row, San Miguel de Allende, a colonial oasis in the country’s central highlands, takes the top spot. Its appearance atop our 2017 list marked a first in the awards’ 23-year history. Meanwhile, Oaxaca has climbed to second place, and Mexico City is making a welcome return to the top 15. “Mexico City is beautiful,” one GoTravelDaily reader wrote. “Even though it’s overpopulated and the traffic can sometimes be a challenge, the culture and history outweigh any inconveniences. The food is outstanding and can really be eye-opening.” India and Southeast Asia continue to cast a spell over travelers, who singled out the romantic lakeside Indian city of Udaipur; Ubud, Bali’s spiritual center; and Chiang Mai, a laid-back city of temples and tuk-tuks in the mountains of Thailand. “Chiang Mai is a great city to visit if you’re looking for a more relaxed feel, but it’s still big enough to have plenty of shopping and restaurants,” one GoTravelDaily reader mentioned. “We visited an elephant sanctuary outside the city, which was something I’ve always wanted to check off my bucket list.” Of course, some cities never go out of style. Florence; Rome; Kyoto, Japan; and Charleston, South Carolina—the only city in the United States to make the top 15—are perennial favorites that reappear here. Read on to discover the full list of reader-favorite cities around the globe, and find out how they scored.

Bali and St. Moritz, eat your heart out. The continental United States, with its unparalleled geographic and climatic diversity, is home to some of the finest resort hotel destinations in the world. Therefore, our readers voted these 15 spectacular properties the best out there.

We hate to choose geographical sides — but GoTravelDaily readers did. It’s safe to say the South takes it when it comes to island getaways, with Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida collectively claiming seven out of the top 10 spots.

This year, many of our readers’ favorite properties in the northeastern United States come with a storied pedigree. The Chanler at Cliff Walk, for example, occupies a classic Newport mansion built in 1873. With only 20 rooms, it conveys the intimacy of a Gilded Age residence. The staff is helpful and outgoing, and its main restaurant, the Spiced Pear, features a special chef’s table where diners can watch the team prepare dishes such as lobster tortellini with fennel and orange. “We were treated like royalty,” praised one reader. Another added: “The food, natural scenery, and architectural surroundings inspired the mind.”

The South is a remarkable region where tourism clichés come to life, showcasing a rich culinary history, warm hospitality, and breathtaking scenery. From the lush loblolly pines of North Carolina to the serene beaches of the Lowcountry, this area promises to exceed expectations. Whether your interests lie in beach resorts offering sun and sand or Appalachian retreats featuring crisp mountain air and stunning valley vistas, the South has something for every traveler.

New York City, a vibrant hub brimming with towering skyscrapers and ambitious dreams, is also home to delightful neighborhoods, each exuding unique personality and charm. It’s no wonder that our readers’ favorite places to stay in the city reflect this rich character.

This year, many of our readers’ favorite properties will come as no surprise. Guests have been kicking back at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo since 1910, when the hotel—a magnificent canary-yellow palace—was on the European Grand Tour. Jackie Kennedy frequented the Hotel Caruso, now a Belmond property, which is set 1,000 feet above sea level on the grounds of an 11th-century palace in Ravello. However, a few others have come onto the scene more recently— including the No. 1 winner.

Yes, Asia is a long flight from the U.S., and the jet lag can be a beast. However, when it comes to finding islands that encompass it all—rich culture, healthy marine life, and endless white-sand beaches—you’d be hard-pressed to find a more spectacular part of the world.