The best cities in the world: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards
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Cities, like dreams, are made of desires and fears, reckoned Italo Calvino; but the best have pretty decent architecture, a buzzing food scene and smart places to stay too. For our most recent annual Reader's Choice Awards survey, with results announced in October 2023, the desire of discerning travellers to explore bucket list destinations off-limits for sometime was evident. Singapore is booming once again, Australia is raring to go, and Japan is ready to share its cultural wonders once again.
These are the best cities in the world, according to the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. The scores below are percentages representing overall average levels of satisfaction.
Getty Images10. Oslo, Norway. Score 88.67
Oslo has, surprisingly, remained relatively under the radar, often overlooked by its other Scandi neighbours. But this year, the Norwegian capital has started turning heads. In 2023, Oslo was named one of Europe's most artistic cities, thanks in no small part to the new National Museum of Art and the annual Oslo Art Weekend, and new hotel openings like the Sommerro – a glamorous foodie hotspot where you'll find much of the city's creative crowd.
Getty Images9. Copenhagen, Denmark. Score 88.78
Another Scandinavian city has graced the list of the world's best cities this year, but Copenhagen is no stranger to the limelight. While Noma may have recently announced its closure, the city's culinary scene is as strong as ever – Geranium (located in the country's National Football Stadium) was named the world's best restaurant in 2022. The Tivoli neighbourhood is rapidly becoming one of the hottest neighbourhoods to know about, with a slew of Michelin-worthy chefs, new restaurants and markets. Stay in one of Copenhagen's top hotels to get to grips with the city.
Getty Images8. Sydney, Australia. Score 88.98
Sydney has never been a place to sit still for long. Come for the sunshine, stay for the ocean pools, cute cafés, rooftop bars and culture – the city has recently opened the Sydney Modern Project, which shines a light on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Plus, Qantas is about to launch the world's longest flight from London to Sydney – complete with the first dedicated wellness zone on an aircraft, meaning there's more reason than ever to start planning your trip to this Australian city.
Getty Images7. Cape Town, South Africa. Score 89.21
On pristine beaches, penguins waddle about their business while leaping dolphins frame spectacular sunsets – and thrill-seekers head out on boats to come face-to-face with fearsome sharks. Away from the ocean, guests check into world-renowned hotels such as The Silo, the recognisable property where rooms feature contemporary African art and 360-degree city views. Table Mountain views are enjoyed over supper, especially during trips to Delaire Graff Estate for wine-swirling and impeccable tasting menus.
Lindsay Lauckner6. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Score 89.41
Despite dropping to sixth place this year, the 2022 winner was San Miguel de Allende. UNESCO declared this town a World Heritage Site in 2008. However, it’s not just this rich history that has travellers falling for the city. A low crime rate, thriving cultural scene, and endless culinary possibilities are all contributing factors, plus some fabulous places to bed down – including Rosewood San Miguel de Allende and Hotel Mansion San Miguel by Concordia.
Getty Images5. Seoul, South Korea. Score 89.47
Seoul has gone from strength to strength recently. A behemoth of a city, both in size and heart, the South Korean capital is the place to add to your 2024 travel bucket list. Home to cloud-piercing skyscrapers in the shadow of towering mountains, spend days shopping in the city centre and hop between bibimbap restaurants, Seoul street food or Korean cafés – or treat yourself to the culinary delights of chef Kang Mingoo for Michelin-starred dining.
Getty Images4. Tokyo, Japan. Score 89.99
Often viewed as the gate to the rest of Japan’s wonders, the bustling metropolis of Tokyo (population 13.96 million at the last count) has much to offer as a destination. That Tokyo hotels have been joined by smart chains speaks volumes, with newcomers like the Bulgari Tokyo attracting increased interest. Japan was closed to visitors for almost two years due to the pandemic, but recent figures show the country has no issues pulling in the international crowds again.
Getty Images3. Singapore. Score 90.46
This year’s third place is no stranger to inquisitive travellers, with more than 19 million visiting in 2019. Whether the names are familiar or not, you will have seen the rooftop pool of Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the biometric trees that illuminate the city. Increasingly seen as one of the cities of the future, the metropolis released plans to greenify by 2030, with parks on every corner, eco-friendly energy sources and a circular economy. See more of the best things to do in Singapore.
© Marco Bottigelli2. San Sebastián, Spain. Score 90.54
If there’s one thing that’s helped bolster San Sebastián’s popularity in recent years, it’s food. While the city's beauty has been acknowledged for years, this Spanish city-break favourite has welcomed exciting restaurants and hotels in recent years. Michelin-starred options include Akelaŕe, a three-star restaurant offering spectacular views and playful takes on contemporary dishes, while pintxos bars such as Ganbara and Antonio Bar are must-visits on any gluttonous group escape.
Getty Images1. Victoria, Canada. Score 91.67
In first place for 2023 is Victoria. While the restaurant and nightlife scene is something to be celebrated, with views over the Pacific Ocean along the coastal boulevards, this is a city that embraces adventure – the capital city of British Columbia draws outdoorsy types. Appreciate the surrounding landscape by seaplane, spot whales on the horizon on kayaks or zipline through the treetops.