Chicago has once again been named the Best Big City in the U.S. by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, making history as the first and only city to earn the title for 10 consecutive years. The unprecedented run provides a decade of traveler-endorsed proof that Chicago remains a premier global destination.
Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted nearly 800,000 survey responses for this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Since first earning the title in 2017, Chicago has remained at the top through a decade of transformation, welcoming visitors with an unmatched combination of iconic architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, celebrated cultural institutions, world-class culinary experiences, major events, genuine hospitality, and an enduring commitment to growth and evolution.
“This historic recognition belongs to the entire city of Chicago,” says Kristen Reynolds, president and CEO of Choose Chicago, in a prepared statement. “From the hospitality professionals who welcome guests each day to the chefs, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders who create remarkable, only-in-Chicago experiences, it takes an entire city to sustain this standard for a decade. We do not stay at the top by standing still. Chicago is always evolving, always creating, and always giving visitors new reasons to come back. Chicago is never done, never outdone—and we’ve got 10 consecutive years as America’s Best Big City to prove it.”
The recognition comes amid continued momentum for Chicago’s visitor economy. The city welcomed 56.8 million visitors last year, generating a record $21.5 billion in visitor spending and supporting 135,360 jobs across the region. Chicago also added more than 2,100 tourism-related jobs last year and set new annual records for leisure hotel room demand, hotel revenue, average daily rate, revenue per available room, and hotel tax collections.
“For 10 consecutive years, travelers have recognized what we know and love about Chicago—there is no other city like it,” says Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. “From our iconic skyline and beautiful lakefront to world-class restaurants and vibrant neighborhoods, Chicago offers experiences that keep visitors coming back. This recognition belongs to the people and businesses who make every visit special and help bring more travelers here, supporting local jobs and strengthening our state’s economy. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and welcome visitors to discover Chicago and everything Illinois has to offer.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says, “Chicago continues to stand out as a global urban destination because of the people and communities that bring our city to life. This historic recognition reflects the creativity of our residents, the strength of our neighborhoods, and the excellence of the local institutions and businesses that welcome visitors from around the world. For 10 consecutive years, travelers have recognized what Chicagoans already know: There is no place quite like our city. This remarkable milestone is a testament to everything Chicago has to offer and one our entire city can celebrate with pride.”
For travelers planning a Chicago visit, the 10th consecutive win offers a timely invitation to experience the city’s world-class dining, neighborhoods, architecture, culture, and entertainment for themselves, including the city’s especially memorable holiday season, when festive events, seasonal markets, ice skating, and holiday traditions bring Chicago to life. The city offers the must-see experiences first-time visitors expect, along with the depth and constant evolution that inspire repeat visitors to return. From summer festivals and lakefront days to fall culture and winter holiday experiences, Chicago gives travelers a reason to visit every season. For travel advisors and tour operators, the recognition also provides a traveler-endorsed credential when recommending Chicago to clients.
For meeting and event planners, the award further confirms Chicago as a host city attendees genuinely want to experience. McCormick Place, Navy Pier, two major airports, world-class hotels, and numerous distinctive venues provide the infrastructure to host events of every size and profile. Beyond the meeting room and trade show floor, Chicago’s dining, culture, entertainment, architecture, neighborhoods, and waterfronts give attendees compelling reasons to explore and extend their stays.
Chicago Celebrates a “Perfect 10”
In celebration of this “Perfect 10” win, October 10 has been officially proclaimed “Best Big City Day” by the city of Chicago. Residents and visitors are encouraged to get out and explore the city using Choose Chicago social channels and custom itineraries for inspiration. Visitors to the Chicago Riverwalk on October 10 also can enjoy a Choose Chicago Perfect 10 boat set by House music pioneer DJ Lori Branch at 3:30 p.m. near City Winery Chicago Riverwalk.
To celebrate and amplify the milestone, Choose Chicago launched on October 6 “A Perfect 10,” an integrated campaign celebrating Chicago’s record 10 consecutive years as America’s Best Big City. The campaign will carry the story of Chicago’s decade at the top to audiences across the city, country, and world. Choose Chicago will also work with its international marketing representatives to bring the messaging to travelers, travel trade professionals, and media in priority global markets, reinforcing Chicago’s appeal as an unmistakably American experience that can only be found here.
Chicago brand collaborations around this milestone achievement are underway, including teaming up with Eli’s Cheesecake to produce a special prepackaged cheesecake flight available to consumers through the winter holiday season, and with Goose Island Beer Co. to produce a limited-availability “Perfect 10” beer available at its Chicago brewpubs. The celebration will also extend to the United Center, where the arena will showcase the milestone across its signage ,and the Chicago Blackhawks will feature a “Best Big City” activation during their home game on October 10.
Choose Chicago’s partners—including hotels, restaurants, attractions, cultural institutions, neighborhood businesses, and meeting and event venues—will receive resources to incorporate the tenth win into their own marketing efforts. The shared campaign platform will allow partners across Chicago’s visitor economy to celebrate the milestone while showcasing the dining, culture, hospitality, and experiences that contribute to the city’s global appeal.
