Chicago Voted Best Big City in the U.S.

Chicago Voted Best Big City in the U.S. by Readers of Condé Nast Traveler for Ninth Consecutive Year

The Readers’ Choice Awards results come on the heels of a record-breaking summer for Chicago hotel room demand and revenue

Chicago has once again been crowned the Best Big City in the U.S. in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, one of the most prestigious recognitions a destination can receive. This is the ninth consecutive year Chicago has claimed this title, a streak unprecedented in the awards program’s more than 30-year history. Over 750,000 votes were cast for this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

In addition to earning Best Big City in the U.S. for the ninth straight time, this year’s edition of the influential awards also recognized Chicago’s reputation for welcoming visitors of all origins and backgrounds. In the United Kingdom’s edition of the 2025 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, Chicago was named one the friendliest cities in the world, the only U.S. city to earn this recognition.

“Being named the Best Big City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers for the ninth consecutive year is an extraordinary honor—and one that feels more meaningful than ever,” said Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago. “This recognition comes from some of the world’s most experienced and discerning travelers, and it affirms what we know to be true: Chicago is a world-class city with unmatched beauty, culture, and hospitality. At a time when negative narratives too often overshadow our reality, this distinction helps showcase the true spirit and vibrancy of our city to the world. It’s also a powerful driver for our tourism economy, which generates more than $20 billion annually and supports over 130,000 local jobs. We’re deeply proud of this achievement and grateful to everyone who makes Chicago a destination unlike any other.” “This recognition is a testament to the people of Chicago—their welcoming spirit, creativity, and grit,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.

“Chicago’s strength has always come from its residents, whose hard work and pride shine through in every neighborhood, restaurant, theater, and hotel across our city. Being named the Best Big City in the U.S. for a record ninth consecutive year is an unprecedented achievement, and it wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our hospitality workers and industry partners who make visitors feel at home every single day. Chicago truly is the best freaking city in the world—and now, once again, the world agrees.”

“While critics try to paint Chicago as something to fear, the rest of the world knows the truth—this is the best big city in America,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Chicago is a city of strength, resilience, and heart, powered by the people who welcome visitors from every corner of the globe with unmatched warmth and pride. For the ninth consecutive year, the world’s most discerning travelers have recognized what we already know: no one does it like Chicago. No narrative can change that because the spirit of this city is simply unstoppable.”

Choose Chicago released a blog post today sharing nine reasons why Chicago is the Best Big City in the U.S. Residents and visitors are encouraged to join in the celebration of this milestone by sharing the news on social media with the hashtags #NeverOutdoneChi The announcement of this award comes as Chicago continues to experience significant momentum in the tourism industry. Last week, Choose Chicago announced that local hotels had the strongest summer on record in terms of both room demand and revenues, bucking national trends in a challenging year for the tourism industry. Over 3.56 million hotel rooms were occupied during the months of June, July, and August 2025, marking a 4.3% increase over 2024 demand levels and surpassing the previous record year of 2019. Hotel revenues over the same months surpassed $948 million, surpassing the previous record set in 2024.

In 2024, Chicago welcomed an estimated 55.3 million visitors, generating $20.6 billion in economic impact and supporting more than 130,000 jobs. Events are a key component of the city’s broader visitor economy, generating over $3 billion in economic activity last year and introducing hundreds of thousands of new visitors to all our destination has to offer.

Chicago’s meetings and conventions infrastructure remain a key pillar of its appeal. From McCormick Place to Navy Pier to theaters, banquet halls, sports arenas, and easily accessible airports, the city’s capacity to host world-class events of all sizes and profiles continues to lure both leisure travelers and business groups.

“Congratulations are due to Chicago’s entire hospitality and tourism industry,” said Michael Jacobson, President and CEO of the Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association. “Your creativity and dedication make every stay, every event, every visit an experience that makes people want to come back again and again.”

Chicago’s cultural assets are equally central to its success as a global destination. Landmarks, museums, music venues big and small, live theatre, year-round outdoor festivals, arts in every neighborhood, and a world-renowned culinary scene are all magnets for regional and international visitors alike.

“Our culinary industry has a well-earned reputation for pushing the boundaries of what excellence in cuisine and service looks like,” said Sam Toia, President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association. “I’m convinced that it’s our chefs, servers, restaurateurs—all of us working together— that make this city’s food scene so special, and a major reason why people keep voting Chicago Best Big City in the U.S.

This announcement comes just weeks after Choose Chicago launched the “All for the Love of Chicago” campaign, encouraging residents and visitors to share their authentic experiences and stories to illustrate what the city means to them.

Want to know where to stay when you visit Chicago? Check out staycation pieces I’ve done over the years: HERE