Santa Fe Of New Mexico, Tops Travel + Leisure’s 2025 US City Rankings: Here Is How It Ended Charleston’s 12-Year Reign

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Charleston, South Carolina, sat as the No. 1 city in the U.S. for more than a decade, according to Travel + Leisure’s annual “World’s Best Awards.” But for the 2025 rankings, Charleston has been dethroned, with the title going to Santa Fe, New Mexico, for the first time ever. Santa Fe’s No. 1 status comes in a year when travellers are increasingly interested in unique destinations with rich cultural history, thriving arts scenes, and delicious culinary experiences.

This year’s edition of the annual survey, done in conjunction with Travel + Leisure, is just the latest example of preference for one city over the others, according to more than 180,000 respondents who rated their favourite cities in the U.S. and around the globe on six categories: sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and value. Its title as Best City in the United States can only mean that domestic and international travellers will take notice of this distinction and be attracted to the city’s time-honoured traditions yet modern-day amenities.

Santa Fe: A Hub for Arts and Culture

Santa Fe is internationally recognised for its vibrant arts community, which plays a significant role in the city’s appeal. In 2005, Santa Fe was designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, further solidifying its position as a global arts hub. The city is home to numerous festivals that celebrate the arts, such as the Santa Fe Opera and the Santa Fe Indian Market, the largest and most prestigious Native American art market in the world.

The city is also a major destination for contemporary art lovers, with institutions like SITE Santa Fe and Meow Wolf, an immersive art installation that has become a key attraction. These venues contribute to Santa Fe’s status as a cultural leader, offering visitors an eclectic and innovative art scene.

A Closer Look at Santa Fe’s Appeal

Santa Fe, New Mexico’s state capital, is a city unlike any other in the U.S. It is renowned for its stunning adobe architecture, rich history, and thriving arts and cultural scene. Founded in 1610, the city is steeped in centuries of history, with a unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Anglo influences. Its striking adobe buildings and the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture create a visually unique atmosphere that sets the city apart from other American destinations.

In addition to its architecture, Santa Fe offers visitors a multifaceted experience with its cultural landmarks, including the Palace of the Governors, one of the oldest continuously occupied public buildings in the U.S. The city also boasts a number of art galleries, most notably along Canyon Road, where visitors can explore over 100 art galleries and studios showcasing traditional and contemporary works by artists from around the world. (thethinkingtraveller.com) (en.wikipedia.org)

Culinary Delights in Santa Fe

Santa Fe’s culinary scene is one of its main draws, with local restaurants serving up a fusion of flavours influenced by the region’s diverse cultural history. Known for its Southwestern cuisine, Santa Fe is a haven for food lovers, offering everything from green chile stew to adobe-style pizzas. Visitors can experience the traditional flavours of New Mexico in the form of tacos, enchiladas, and tamales but also enjoy innovative culinary creations at restaurants such as The Compound and Geronimo, which are renowned for their upscale takes on Southwestern cuisine.

For those looking to explore Santa Fe’s culinary scene more deeply, the city hosts several food festivals throughout the year, including the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta and the Santa Fe Farmers Market. These events celebrate the flavours of the Southwest and provide a taste of the region’s local produce, wine, and culinary innovations. With its distinct blend of New Mexican, Native American, and Spanish influences, Santa Fe offers a unique food experience that has drawn visitors from around the globe. (celebritycruises.com)

Santa Fe: A Hub for Arts and Culture

Santa Fe is internationally recognised for its vibrant arts community, which plays a significant role in the city’s appeal. In 2005, Santa Fe was designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, further solidifying its position as a global arts hub. The city is home to numerous festivals that celebrate the arts, such as the Santa Fe Opera and the Santa Fe Indian Market, the largest and most prestigious Native American art market in the world.

The city is also a major destination for contemporary art lovers, with institutions like SITE Santa Fe and Meow Wolf, an immersive art installation that has become a key attraction. These venues contribute to Santa Fe’s status as a cultural leader, offering visitors an eclectic and innovative art scene. (en.wikipedia.org)

Top 10 U.S. Cities for Travel in 2025

The Travel + Leisure 2025 rankings are as follows:

1. Santa Fe, New Mexico
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
3. Charleston, South Carolina
4. Savannah, Georgia
5. Alexandria, Virginia
6. Honolulu, Hawaii
7. Greenville, South Carolina
8. New York, New York
9. Asheville, North Carolina
10. Chicago, Illinois

While Charleston fell from the top spot, it still ranked third, showcasing the city’s enduring appeal. Similarly, New York City, a perennial favourite, dropped to eighth place. This shift suggests that travellers are now more interested in destinations that offer a unique, multi-dimensional experience rather than just world-famous landmarks.

Santa Fe’s Global Recognition

Santa Fe’s success isn’t limited to the U.S. In fact, the city was the only American destination to make it onto Travel + Leisure’s global list, ranking 19th among the world’s best cities. This recognition reflects Santa Fe’s rising status as a must-visit destination for travellers worldwide. The city’s natural beauty, rich cultural offerings, and unparalleled culinary experiences place it on the map as one of the most exciting and dynamic cities globally.

Looking Ahead: Santa Fe’s Role in U.S. and Global Tourism

With Santa Fe increasingly becoming a globally known destination, it underscores a growing trend we’re seeing across the tourism board: deeper, more culture-filled vacations. Those who travel now are increasingly looking for destinations where they can access not just traditional sightseeing but also local culture, history, and art. The mash-up of history, natural splendour, and creativity is a perfect example of these evolving priorities of travel.

Into the future Santa Fe will continue to be one of the best cities in the US to visit. The city continues to appeal to travellers who are in search of a genuine and culturally rich experience due to its distinct offerings, array of attractions, and focus on local culture.

For those with a vacation planned, Santa Fe is a veritable metropolis, a home for art lovers, history buffs, foodies, and fans of the great outdoors. It is the kind of place that will hold on to you long after your first of 1001 visits.