When thinking of a city vacation, bustling traffic and crowds may come to mind, but this year’s list of favorites around the world prove that cities come in all shapes and sizes. From destinations with views of beaches or seemingly endless greenery to metropolises where centuries-old churches and monuments stand alongside modern shops and restaurants, there’s a city to suit every travel interest.
1. Udaipur, India
Landing in the No. 1 spot. Udaipur continues to impress travellers with its stately palaces, gorgeous lakes, and rich history. One reader noted, “This city will further enrich understanding of India.” And, of course, with jaw-dropping accommodations like the floating Taj Lake Palace and the Raffles Udaipur, there may not be a more beautiful setting to soak it all in.
2. San Miguel de Allende, México
Described as “unbeatable in every category” by one reader, our No. 1 spot this year goes to Mexico’s San Miguel de Allende, up from the No. 5 spot last year. Known for its stunning architecture — most notably, the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel — food, and art scene, the city is a cultural hub that marries old and new. “The food was totally amazing, the city was clean, and the people were very friendly and helpful,” another reader noted.
3. Hoi An, Vietnam
Hoi An is back on our list this year — and it’s no surprise why. The coastal Vietnamese city is ideal for foodies, with bánh mì and cao lầu being favorites, as well as history lovers — it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the preservation of its trading port and its architecture, which reflects multiple styles. To visit, travelers fly into Da Nang International Airport and then take a bus or car to reach their final destination.
4. Kyoto, Japan
Maintaining its No. 3 spot from last year, Kyoto is worth visiting any time of year. Once the capital of Japan, it offers a culture-filled getaway with beautiful gardens and serene temples. It’s also home to a variety of hotels, from traditional ryokans to full-blown resorts, offering something for every type of traveler. Must-see attractions include the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, the Kinkaku-ji temple, and Pontocho Alley.
5. Florence, Italy
When dreaming of Italy, it’s hard not to picture this beautiful Tuscan city. From its stunning Renaissance-era art and architecture to its delicious food, there’s no wrong way to do Florence. Whether you’re shopping, seeing your history books come to life in the Accademia or Uffizi galleries, or simply taking in the gorgeous view from the Ponte Vecchio, there’s something for all tastes. Plus, the city is largely walkable, making it an ideal setting for a picturesque stroll — with a gelato in hand, of course.
6. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Up from No. 11 last year, Thailand’s Chiang Mai is a longtime favorite among tourists. It is a beautiful city with traditional culture, great food, and very affordable to go for your next trip. It is just an amazing mountain town with killer food. While Chiang Mai is considered calmer than Bangkok, it’s still filled with vibrant temples — including the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep — restaurants, and bars. And being a mountain destination, there are opportunities for hiking nearby, too.
7. Funchal, Portugal
Known for its harbor, gardens, and wine cellars, Funchal is a stunning coastal city and the capital of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago. Filled with artifacts and attractions like the Funchal Cathedral, the Fortaleza de São Tiago, and a contemporary art museum, the city does an excellent job of nodding to its history while looking to the future. See how the locals shop at the Mercado dos Lavradores or explore the city from a higher point by taking a cable car to the gardens at Monte Palace Madeira.
8. Tokyo, Japan
Japan’s capital honors its historical past with attractions like the Imperial Palace and a dizzying array of temples, though it still manages to solidify its status as an energetic and buzzy city with Michelin-star restaurants. Like Kyoto, there’s no bad time to visit Tokyo— with its cherry blossoms in the spring and vibrant foliage come fall. Of course, the options for foodies are endless, with sushi, ramen, and Instagram-worthy desserts.
9. Bangkok, Thailand
Bustling Bangkok makes its way back to our list once again. With amazing temples, restaurants, street food, markets, and bars, Thailand’s capital city is filled with an exciting blend of sights and sounds, day and night. To top it off, visitors can expect a range of accommodations, including Capella Bangkok and the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, both perched on the Chao Phraya River. Luckily, the Suvarnabhumi Airport makes all of this more accessible.
10. Ubud, Indonesia
Temples flanked by lush greenery create a tranquil setting in Ubud, the inland area of Bali. Travelers can immerse themselves in attractions like the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati Hindu temples, and incredible waterfalls. Ubud also has a range of accommodations for visitors, including tented suites at Capella Ubud, Bali, the No 1. resort in Indonesia — and No. 4 in all of Asia, according to some of the travellers.
11. Seoul, South Korea
After landing on the list of favorite cities in the world in these years, Seoul also stands out as the popular destination in 2024. But the capital of South Korea, where Buddhist temples and ornate palaces coexist with towering skyscrapers, is back this year. And while the city may be the birthplace of K-pop, travelers will find there’s more to enjoy here than its music; Seoul is also home to a thriving food and nightlife scene, plus lots of luxury hotels.
12. Cuzco, Peru
This may be the only city in South America on the list, but it carries considerable weight. All the best things you could imagine are in this incredible city. From the beautiful places to variety of past to explore, or the food and nightlife all are just unique. Known for its stunning remains of the Inca empire, travelers to Cuzco can immerse themselves in the city’s history by strolling through the Plaza de Armas, its central square in the old city. Its awe-inspiring architecture also resulted in the city being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.