Travel + Leisure names Boston one of best cities in U.S. but ranking isn't as high as 2023

Travel + Leisure names Boston one of best cities in U.S. but ranking isn’t as high as 2023

Admin July 11, 2024

Being one of the first cities in the country, Bostonians already know their city is special. We don’t need anyone else to tell us.

That being said, it’s still nice to hear.

Online travel magazine, Travel + Leisure placed Boston among its 15 best cities in the United States as part of its World’s Best 2024.

The results are based on reader surveys, in which cities received ratings in each of the categories – sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping and value. The average of each response was used to determine a city’s final score.

A thread among all the chosen cities, which is “a strong identity, and a sense that the city was unlike others elsewhere in the country,” according to writer Elizabeth Cantrell.

Why they loved Boston

Boston ranked No. 14 with a reader score of 80.75, down from 12th place last year, but its historical importance and thriving food scene in the North End kept it on the list.

What they said: “This New England capital captivates all types of travelers, whether you’re a history buff intent on walking the Freedom Trail, a baseball lover looking to catch a game at Fenway Park, or a gourmand seeking the best Italian food in the North End. “It’s a perfect mix of old and modern,” claims one reader. Visitors also appreciated that the highly walkable city has distinct neighborhoods, each with a unique feel. Plus, Boston has welcomed several noteworthy hotels in recent years, including the first Raffles property in North America, which opened this September.”

Cantrell stated that readers look for “palpable history, walkable downtowns, regional cuisine, and robust cultural and artistic institutions,” all of which Boston provides in spades.

Boston: Boston cracks the top twenty for best cities in the world in new ranking. Here’s why.