Choose Chicago is thrilled to announce that Chicago has once again earned the title of Best Big City in the U.S. for an astonishing ninth consecutive year.

This remarkable achievement reaffirms the enduring appeal of Chicago – the city that’s Never Done and Never Outdone.

Big City in the U.S. 2025
Big City in the U.S. 2017
Big City in the U.S. 2018
Big City in the U.S. 2019
Big City in the U.S. 2020
Big City in the U.S. 2021
Big City in the U.S. 2022
Big City in the U.S. 2023
Big City in the U.S. 2024

The prestigious award is voted on each year by discerning Condé Nast Traveler readers during the Readers’ Choice Awards, the industry’s longest-running and most trusted awards program.

This year, over 757,000 travelers from around the world cast their votes and crowned Chicago the nation’s Best Big City. Voters were asked about their previous experiences in Chicago, including their ratings of the city’s culture, attractions, hospitality, and more.

Now more than ever, this award is a true testament to all the Chicagoans in our neighborhoods, small businesses, sports, and cultural communities who make this city one of the greatest destinations to live, work, meet, and visit.

Discover what makes Chicago the Best Big City in the U.S. year after year, and start planning your next visit. And join us in sharing everything that makes Chicago great with our All for the Love of Chicago campaign.

The best global big city

Chicago is one of the nation’s most vibrant and diverse cities, with residents and communities reflecting culture from every corner of the globe. Visitors can travel the world through our tapestry of international neighborhoods, from our historic Chinatown community to the “Mexico of the Midwest” in Little Village.

One of the best ways to experience Chicago’s international roots is through our award-winning culinary scene — visit unique spots like a viral Filipino bakery, a Michelin-starred taco omakase, and a family-owned carnitas shop. Or dive into art, history, and more at one of our many cultural heritage museums.

The best welcoming big city

Chicago has a way of making everyone feel right at home, thanks to our inclusive nightlife, friendly residents, LGBTQ-owned businesses, and so much more.

One of the centerpieces of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community is Northalsted, the oldest officially recognized gay neighborhood in the country. This is where you’ll find meaningful monuments like The Legacy Walk alongside iconic gay bars and clubs, drag shows, and world-famous Pride celebrations every June.

In this year’s U.K. version of the Readers’ Choice Awards, Chicago was the only U.S. destination to be named among the friendliest cities in the world.

The best cultural big city

There’s nowhere else on earth like Chicago’s dynamic cultural scene. Our city is the birthplace of everything from house music to electrified blues to improv comedy. We’re a renowned capital for cutting-edge and experimental art forms, which can be experienced in our neighborhood galleries, storefront theatres, renowned downtown stages, and beyond.

Our city is also home to an array of acclaimed cultural institutions: explore the depths of space at America’s first planetarium, see Impressionist masterpieces at one of the oldest art museums in the country, and get hands-on at the largest science center in the Western Hemisphere.

The best accessible big city

Chicago is known and loved for our welcoming Midwestern spirit — and accessibility is an integral part of that reputation. Accessibility is intentionally incorporated into every part of the city experience, from navigating our airports to visiting a museum or taking the train.

Our public transit system offers a wide range of accommodations and resources to make it easy to explore every corner of the city. You’ll also find inclusive accessibility options at many attractions, including sensory-friendly days at our museums, audio-described shows and touch tours at our theatres, and innovative programs like the SoundShirt at Lyric Opera.

The best family-friendly big city

Chicago is home to an astonishing number of adventures for all ages. Our sprawling green spaces, interactive museums, children’s theatres, boat cruises, and iconic experiences are guaranteed to create unforgettable memories for the whole family.

Take a spin on a soaring Ferris wheel at Navy Pier, touch stingrays at the aquarium, meet penguins at a historic zoo, climb and play at a whimsical lakefront park, and so much more. Discover some of the best family-friendly attractions and activities in Chicago.

The best affordable big city

Chicago has something for every budget, whether you’re looking to splurge or take advantage of the city’s affordable experiences. Some of Chicago’s most famous attractions are absolutely free to enjoy, including outdoor adventures like Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, and our scenic lakefront.

Indoors, make time to explore free-admission spots, such as the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, the Chicago Cultural Center, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and the Hyde Park Art Center.

The best foodie big city

Chicago’s award-winning dining scene is as diverse as the city itself. You’ll find plenty of once-in-a-lifetime culinary experiences, from fine-dining tasting menus at Michelin-starred restaurants to authentic global cuisine in our international neighborhoods. We’re also the host city for the prestigious James Beard Awards (and home to plenty of award winners, too).

While you’re here, make sure to try some quintessential Chicago bites. That includes classic staples like deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, but save room for locally loved items like the born-in-Chicago jibarito. Get a taste of Chicago’s most essential and eclectic eats.

The best eventful big city

No matter the season, you’ll find a packed schedule of exciting events in Chicago. You can rock out at a summer music festival on the lakefront, sample food from around the world at neighborhood street fairs, and admire the twinkling lights at charming holiday markets and parades.

Chicago is also a city with an electrifying sports scene. We’re known for our iconic teams, top athletes, historic stadiums (like the country’s second-oldest ballpark), championship titles, and die-hard fans. Grab your tickets and experience the unmatched energy of Chicago live events.

The best innovative big city

Wherever you go in Chicago, you’re surrounded by architectural marvels and awe-inspiring landmarks. We’re home to the world’s first skyscrapers, a treasure trove of Frank Lloyd Wright wonders (including a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and a breathtaking array of architecture styles, from Art Deco to Gothic to Brutalist and beyond.

The best way to soak it all in is through an architecture cruise or a visit to the Chicago Architecture Center. And in our neighborhoods, you can explore historic sites and districts that pay homage to the city’s groundbreaking contributions in science, art, literature, and beyond.