Travel
Top 10 Favorite Cities I've Traveled To
(Last Updated: December 2024)
Since I started traveling I've created a blueprint by which I've ranked over 140 cities.
The criteria come down to what I value about a city, and things that matter most to me are weighted the strongest.
I even built a web app that displays my rankings from 1-140. You can check out the rankings here, but I wanted to list the top 10, as the web app's top 10 line up precisely with my real-life 10 favorite cities.
Without further ado, my 10 favorite cities I've traveled to.
Honorable Mention
There was a 5-way tie for 10th place, so it's only right that the other four deserve a shoutout. Ratings (out of 100) are in parentheses and my weighting scheme can be found in the app.
10. Prague, Czech Republic (89)
Prague is one of those cities where you can walk around endlessly without getting bored. Between Old Town, the Charles Bridge, and the riverfront, it feels like you're in a time machine back to medieval Europe.
But it doesn't stop there. With nightlife that punches above its weight, quality affordable food, and perfect public transport, Prague is a place you've got to check out. I kept extending my stay there, which only happened at places I fell in love with.
9. Washington, DC, USA (90)
Is there some bias from the fact that my hometown cracked the top 10? Sure, but let's face the facts: DC is a great city whether I'm from there or not. It's oozing with American history and is the center of the free world's decision-making.
It's got a diverse population of people striving to make the US a better place, and nightlife that's better than people give it credit for. Plus the public transportation is great, especially by US standards.
It's a great city to be a young professional, especially in the public sector, and I'm proud to call it home. Anyone reading this has a place to stay when you're in my city!
8. Amman, Jordan (91)
My favorite city in the Middle East, Amman took me completely by surprise. Affordable, traditional, safe, and welcoming, my jaw was open with all the amazing things that happened to me in Amman.
Let's not forget that Amman has fantastic city views and top-notch food. I'd go back just for Hashem, one of the most authentic falafel shops in the region.
For many, Amman is just a gateway to the rest of Jordan. Personally, I love the city far more than Jordan's other offerings!
7. New York City, NY, USA (91)
One could easily argue that New York City is the best city in the world. I wouldn't even disagree.
The reason it comes in at #7 and not #1 according to my ranking, is because of NYC's biggest problem for travelers–it's freaking expensive. One of the most expensive cities in the world and certainly the most expensive in the top 10. It earned perfect marks in everything I value–food, nightlife, accessibility, vibe check, things to do, etc.
Nonetheless, it's the most happening city in the world and there's nothing like it. I highly recommend visiting at least once.
6. Austin, TX, USA (92)
Austin sneaks in ahead of NYC as my favorite city in the US. Austin is the best in the US with very few drawbacks. It's far more affordable than other major cities like NYC or San Francisco, there is a ton to do in the city, great food, friendly local Texans, and unforgettable live music.
The one downside to Austin is the lack of good public transport, but this is more of a US problem than an Austin problem. With everything else, Austin is just a vibe. It's a city that makes you smile and figure out how you might move there one day.
I know that's definitely what I'm thinking.
5. Vienna, Austria (92)
I only spent 48 hours in Vienna but it was magical. And after asking others, I can confirm that it wasn't just me. Vienna is truly a special place. Some places have electricity in the air–NYC, Paris, etc. Vienna is one of them.
It boasts an underrated food and nightlife scene, beautiful architecture, and the Vienna Opera House. My time in the city may have been short, but it was a non-stop movie. I can't wait to go back and experience Vienna's magic again.
4. Cape Town, South Africa (93)
Without a doubt, the best city in Africa. Cape Town has it all. Beautiful city views, so much to do that you'll never get tired, and a safer city than it gets credit for.
I couldn't get enough of Cape Town and how much excitement is packed into one city. It's got nightlife, it boasts fantastic international cuisine, and heart-warmingly friendly locals. I would've stayed a month if I could–between the beaches, the hikes, and the fascinating history, the city invites you to explore.
I know it's far from the rest of the mainstream traveling world, but going out of your way to see the city is a decision you'll never regret.
3. Seoul, South Korea (94)
It’s the best city in Asia and I don't think it's even close. Maybe a city in China or India will prove me wrong someday?
Seoul is insane. There's a buzz in the air unlike anywhere I've ever been. Walking around its famous neighborhoods like Hongdae, Gangnam, and Itaewon is wonderous. The nightlife is so unforgettable it defies logic. Korean food is top-tier. It boasts one of the most rewarding city views I've ever seen after a 4-hour hike in Bukhansan National Park.
Not to mention, it's such a foreign but welcoming place that it gives you the urge to be open to whatever happens. While it often gets overshadowed by neighboring Tokyo, I find Seoul way more vibrant. It shouldn’t be ignored.
2. Athens, Greece (97)
The first city outside of the US I fell in love with will always have a special place in my heart. It's also a place that shaped much of what I value in cities: beautiful city views, cheap and delicious food, friendly and unforgettable locals, buzzing nightlife, and exciting things to do.
Athens has all of this and more. People often overlook the city because they perceive it as grungy and want to use it as a transit point to Greek islands, but that's the wrong approach. Athens isn't grungy–it's charming. It shouldn't be a transit city–it's the center of the world's first democracy and boasts enough history to keep you busy for weeks.
Athens is where it's at. I will forever love this city, and you shouldn't be so quick to write it off.
1. Barcelona, Spain (98)
Only one city could top Athens and it's the city that literally has it all.
It has the world's best nightlife and city view at Bunkers del Carmel. Perfect weather year-round. Strong public transport. Amazing food and friendly people–at least, those who don't hate tourists.
I spent 3 months here, partly because I fell in love with volunteering at Onefam Ramblas, but partly because I fell in love with Barcelona. It has everything I want in a city, and it was an honor to be able to share my love for it with others.
I can't wait to be back one day. Hopefully when tourism tensions simmer down and tourists and locals can find ways to coexist in a mutually beneficial relationship.
Go to BCN. But be respectful when you're there. After all, it's the best city in the world!
Once again, you can check out my full list of rankings here! See where your favorite city lands on the list!
Only one city could top Athens and it's the city that has it all.
It has the world’s best nightlife and city views, perfect weather year-round, and strong public transport. Amazing food and friendly people–those who don't hate tourists at least.
I spent 3 months, partly because I fell in love with volunteering at Onefam Ramblas, but also because I fell in love with Barcelona. It has everything I want in a city, and it was an honor to share my passion for it with others.
I can't wait to be back one day, hopefully when tourists and locals can find ways to coexist in a mutually beneficial relationship.
Go to BCN. But be respectful when you're there. After all, it's the best city in the world!
Once again, you can check out my full list of rankings here! See where your favorite city lands on the list!