Chicagoans already know, the Windy City has something special that other major U.S. metros don’t. Well now a recently released awards list has reinforced our city’s status as a cut above the rest!
Condé Nast Traveler has named Chicago the Best Big City in the U.S. for the tenth consecutive year.
Here’s a look at the roundup and what gives Chicago an edge over the competition.
Chicago #1 Big City in America for 2026
Condé Nast Traveler released its 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards on Tuesday, October 6, which includes its list of Best Cities in America.
The roundup is split into two sections, Big Cities and Small Cities, with Chicago claiming the no. 1 spot on the Big Cities ranking.
The list is the product of nearly 800,000 reader votes. Chicago has now held the title of Best Big City for a decade.
Chicago outranked other major U.S. metros including Boston, San Francisco, and New York City. The full list is as follows:
- Chicago
- San Francisco
- Boston
- New York City
- Milwaukee
- Oakland, CA
- Portland, OR
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- San Diego
As for what makes Chicago no. 1, Condé Nast Traveler attributes the award to a combination of world-renowned architecture, must-visit museums, a nationally recognized culinary scene, and unique neighborhood identities.
“It’s no wonder Chicago tops this list yet again,” reads the ranking. “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.”
