Columbus Ranks in America’s Top 10 Best Big Cities

Columbus is a hot commodity this year.

In Condé Nast Traveler’s 38th annual Readers’ Choice Awards, the capital city landed at No. 8 on the list of top large cities in the country. This ranking put the 614 ahead of major destinations like New York City and Seattle.

MORE: Columbus Featured on “The Today Show”, Best Fall Destination

More than 757,000 readers voted in this year’s survey, praising Columbus for its dynamic food scene, global influences, and its burger legacy. The magazine noted that the city’s dining options “draw visitors from far and wide,” spotlighting everything from Himalayan cuisine to the famous sandwiches at The Thurman Café and the beet-and-bean veggie burgers at Northstar Café.

“Columbus has long been lauded for its burgers—it was here, after all, that Wendy’s first got its start,” Condé Nast Traveler wrote.

This marks Columbus’ second consecutive year on the list, moving up from No. 9 in 2023. Chicago claimed the top spot for its “impressive architecture, first-rate museums, brilliant chefs, and massive brewing scene.”

Here’s the full top 10 list from Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards:

1. Chicago
2. San Francisco
3. Milwaukee
4. Portland, Oregon
5. New Orleans
6. Washington, D.C.
7. San Diego
8. Columbus
9. New York City
10. Seattle

The full rankings are available on Condé Nast Traveler’s website.

• Where to Find Carryout Thanksgiving Meals in Central Ohio
• Donald Glover Reveals He Suffered Stroke, Had Septal Defect
• United Front! Kandi and Todd Reunite For Daughter’s Birthday Just One Day After Divorce Announcement
• ‘Give It To Mama’: Beyoncé Gives Lewis Hamilton The Green Light At F1 Grand Prix, Jay-Z’s Reaction Goes Viral
• Former NBA Star & Wake Forest Legend Rodney Rogers Dead at 54
• New Vanilla King For Our Good Sister, Sister? Mystery Man Revealed In Tia Mowry’s Suspected Soft-Launch Selfie
• Klay Thompson Eloquently Blasts Ja Morant Following Postgame Confrontation
• GloRilla Is In Her WAG Era — And Looking TF Good Courtside
• Beyoncé Stepped Out Twice In One Weekend – And The Bey Hive Can’t Get Enough
• Sisterhood Summit: Beyoncé & Solange Show Love To Brandy & Monica During Star-Studded The Boy Is Mine Tour NJ Stop