“The Bean” is pictured in Millennium Park in Aug. 2023. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)
The people have spoken.
Readers of the lifestyle travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler voted Chicago as the best big city in the U.S. for the eighth year in a row, as part of the magazine’s annual readers’ choice awards.
On Tuesday, Condé Nast Traveler announced its 37th annual Readers’ Choice Awards winners, in which the magazine tallied up 575,048 votes from readers in a survey.
Chicago has been named best big city in the U.S. every year since 2017.
Below is what editors wrote about Chicago being voted No. 1:
“It's no wonder Chicago is topping this list yet again. A world-class destination known for its impressive architecture, first-rate museums, brilliant chefs, and massive brewing scene, it’ll take several repeat visits to get through your list of must-dos. Most people start downtown—from the Magnificent Mile to the ritzy Gold Coast to funky Old Town—but there are 77 neighborhoods to explore, where you'll find cutting-edge restaurants, chilled-out corner bars, and, no matter where you go, some of the most pleasant people you'll find anywhere.”
The announcement comes as the city wraps up a summer in the national spotlight after hosting the Democratic National Convention.
The city’s tourism agency Choose Chicago released metrics Tuesday that visitors to the city stayed a total of 3.4 million hotel room nights this summer, a 5% increase from last summer.
The agency points to leisure travel, with events like Lollapalooza and the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, in addition to the DNC and other major conventions as factors driving hotel demand. This summer, hotel revenue totaled $942 million and amounted to $53 million in city tax revenue, both an increase of 13% from last year, according to the city’s tourism agency.
Additionally, the summer season also welcomed over 671,000 international visitors to Chicago, up 11% compared to last summer, according to the tourism agency.
Read more: 2024 Chicago Festival Guide
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. J.B. Pritzker reacted to Chicago’s position atop the poll.
“This honor is a testament to the strength, warmth, and resilience of Chicagoans and the beauty and vibrancy of our neighborhoods,” said Johnson in a statement. “Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, there is always something to explore in Chicago.”
In a statement, Pritzker congratulated the hard-working people of the city’s hotels, restaurants, venues, unions and the entire tourism and hospitality industry. Pritzker added the city’s eighth consecutive win of the award reflects the rich diversity of culture, culinary innovation and experiences.
“The rest of the world is catching on to the fact that there’s truly no more dynamic destination in America than right here,” Pritzker said.
Rich Gamble, Choose Chicago interim president and CEO, said in a statement the city continues to evolve as a global destination. “I’m excited for everything the future holds—major sporting events, neighborhood festivals, the next break out restaurant,” Gamble said.
Other winners for this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards included Charleston, South Carolina for best small city and Tokyo for best big city in the world.
A full list of this year’s winners can be found here.
Contact Eunice Alpasan: @eunicealpasan | 773-509-5362 | [email protected]
