San Miguel de Allende Claims Top Spot Again
More than 207,000 well-traveled readers participated in Travel + Leisure's 2026 World's Best Awards, and their choice for the world's finest city sends a clear message about what experienced travelers value most.
San Miguel de Allende, a colonial hilltop town in Mexico's central highlands with a population of 72,452, has claimed the title of Best City in the World for the third consecutive year. The town scored 93.07 out of 100, marking its fifth overall win and cementing its status as one of the most decorated destinations in the awards' history.
Located in Guanajuato state, San Miguel de Allende earned UNESCO World Heritage status on July 8, 2008, a designation that encompasses 64 blocks of its historic center along with the nearby Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco, situated 14 kilometers north. Readers consistently praise the same attributes: preserved colonial architecture, an unexpectedly sophisticated dining scene, and a thriving creative community that has drawn artists and writers for generations.
Mexico dominated the city rankings with three entries in the top ten. Oaxaca placed fifth and Mexico City ninth, giving the country an unprecedented showing. The pattern across the top ten reveals a decisive shift: seven cities are in Asia, three in Mexico, and none in traditional European capitals or major North American cities outside Mexico. Paris, London, Rome and New York are entirely absent from the list.
Kyoto ranked second, followed by Chiang Mai, Hoi An, Oaxaca, Bangkok, Jerusalem, Siem Reap, Mexico City and Tokyo. These destinations share common ground in offering depth rather than surface attractions—markets, temples, regional cuisines and cultural traditions that require time to properly absorb.
In the United States, Santa Fe retained its position as the nation's best city, with Charleston and Savannah following. New Orleans, Chicago and Fort Worth rounded out the top six domestic cities.
Thailand's Koh Samui Emerges as Top Island
While San Miguel de Allende represents continuity, Koh Samui signals change. The Thai island claimed the title of Best Island in the World for the first time, displacing Greece's Páros from 2025.
The Gulf of Thailand destination received 2.78 million air passengers in 2024, a 21 percent increase from the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic 2019 levels. From January through April 2025, arrivals climbed to 1.13 million passengers, representing a nine percent increase over the same period in 2024. The island also welcomed 50 cruise ships carrying nearly 95,000 passengers in 2024, roughly double the 2023 figure, establishing Koh Samui as one of Thailand's top three cruise ports alongside Phuket and Laem Chabang.
European visitors accounted for 56 percent of Koh Samui's international arrivals in 2024, with Germany, the United Kingdom and France leading source markets. This marks a substantial shift from pre-pandemic patterns when Chinese tourists formed a larger proportion of visitors. For travelers seeking an alternative to increasingly crowded destinations like Phuket and Bali, Koh Samui offers a more measured pace, an established spa culture, and convenient access to the quieter islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
The Golden Isles of Georgia earned the distinction of Best Island in the United States, a coastal stretch that remains considerably less discovered than comparable Carolina destinations.
New Leaders in Hotels and Airlines
Patina Osaka in Japan was named Best Hotel in the World, part of a broader trend favoring newly opened and reimagined properties. Capella Hotels & Resorts retained the title of Best Hotel Brand in the World, rewarding a compact, design-focused collection over sprawling global chains.
In aviation, EVA Air claimed the title of Best Airline in the World, ending Singapore Airlines' reign from 2025. The Taiwan-based carrier has been ranked among the world's safest airlines by AirlineRatings.com for 13 consecutive years and maintains an unblemished safety record with no fatal passenger crashes in its 34-year operating history since 1989. EVA Air also retained Skytrax's five-star airline rating for the 11th consecutive year in 2026 and received three world number one honors: best premium economy class, best premium economy amenities, and most family-friendly airline.
Singapore still earned recognition with Changi named Best Airport in the World. In domestic categories, JSX was again voted best U.S. airline, while T. F. Green International Airport in Rhode Island took Best Airport in the U.S., demonstrating that readers prioritize efficient, uncrowded terminals over massive hubs.
River and Ocean Cruising Winners
The Oberoi Luxury Nile Cruisers won Best River Cruise Line in the World, a category traditionally dominated by European river operators. For travelers who have already sailed the Rhine or Danube, Egypt presents a compelling alternative for river journeys.
The Andean Explorer, a Belmond train crossing the Peruvian highlands between Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa, was named Best Train in the World.
Ocean cruise winners by ship size included Virgin Voyages for mega-ships, Disney Cruise Line for large ships, Crystal for midsize vessels, Viking for small ships, and Quasar Expeditions for intimate ships.
Specialized Tour Operators Lead
TCS World Travel was named Best Tour Operator in the World, while Rothschild Safaris took Best Safari Operator. Both companies specialize in carefully curated, small-group journeys, aligning with the overall pattern in this year's results. Yellowstone maintained its position as Best U.S. National Park.
What the Rankings Reveal
Taken together, the results indicate that experienced travelers increasingly seek substantive experiences over famous landmarks. A colonial Mexican town with fewer than 75,000 residents outranked Tokyo. A Thai island replaced a Greek one. A Nile cruise surpassed Europe's celebrated waterways.
One important context: these reader-voted awards reflect where Travel + Leisure's audience has traveled and appreciated, rather than an objective assessment of every city globally. Time Out's separate 2026 ranking, based on resident perspectives, named Melbourne the world's best city, and Melbourne does not appear in Travel + Leisure's top 25.
Practical Guidance for Visiting Winners
Travelers planning visits to San Miguel de Allende should avoid Mexican holiday weekends when the town fills with visitors from Mexico City. Pairing San Miguel with Guanajuato city, under two hours away, creates a richer week exploring the region.
For Oaxaca, late October offers the chance to witness Day of the Dead preparations, though accommodations require booking many months ahead. Koh Samui visits are best planned for December through April, the drier months that avoid the heavier autumn rains.
Both Nile cruises and the Andean Explorer require advance reservations due to limited cabin availability.
