The best cities in the world: 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards

As Samuel Pepys, who traversed London on foot for miles every day, knew, a city easily navigated à pied is so much more appealing than one that stops you in your tracks. Walkability was just one criterion on which you judged your urban hits as we asked you, the readers of Condé Nast Traveller, to vote for the best cities in the world right now. From the cultural gems of Kyoto to Shanghai’s transport links via the heady nightlife of Madrid and Cape Town’s rising arts scene, these are the places you’re giving a moment in the spotlight over the past year.

These are the best cities in the world, according to the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards.

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20. Hong Kong. Score: 91.90

Ask any committed traveller if they’ve been to Hong Kong, and if they have, there’s a fine chance they saw little more than the airport walls, which is pretty spectacular as airports go. However, the curious city breakers among our readers helped propel this Asian city into the top 20 best cities in the world – just. For inspiration ahead of future visits, see where we recommend laying your head in our guide to the best hotels in Hong Kong.

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19. San Sebastián, Spain. Score: 91.94

Few cities capture the hearts of gourmands quite like San Sebastián, northern Spain’s dazzling resort town. Leave your ‘tapas’ further south – it’s all about pintxo bars here. Swirl fruity wines and watch the world go by while embracing ‘picky bits’ in true Spanish fashion – bacon-wrapped dates, anchovies, and olive skewers, along with creamy croquettes, among others. This mountainous Basque Country landscape is also excellent hiking territory; take to the hills and work up an appetite for yet another round of lip-smacking bar hopping.