Santa Fe, New Mexico, earned the number one spot on the “Best Cities in the U.S.” list in the 2026 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. The annual reader survey ranked cities on categories including sights, landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, and shopping, with Santa Fe beating out perennial top contenders like Charleston and Savannah.
The top-ranking two years in a row marks a major milestone for the capital city’s hospitality sector, which relies heavily on seasonal travel. According to the Santa Fe Tourism Department, the city attracts more than two million overnight visitors annually and another one million daytrippers, and this national recognition directly influences regional booking trends for the upcoming autumn and winter seasons.
Find the first 25 things to do in Santa Fe.
What criteria did Santa Fe meet to win the award?
In short: Travel + Leisure readers rated U.S. cities on specific urban characteristics, and Santa Fe received the highest cumulative score for its art scene, walkable historic districts, and regional food.
The World’s Best Awards rely on scores submitted by hundreds of thousands of active travelers. Respondents rate cities across six specific categories: sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and overall value.
Santa Fe scored exceptionally high in the culture and shopping categories, driven largely by the high concentration of art galleries along Canyon Road and the historic Santa Fe Plaza.
How does this ranking affect local tourism?
In short: Earning the top spot typically creates an immediate increase in hotel occupancy rates and restaurant reservations throughout the high season.
Data from past award cycles shows that winning major travel accolades shifts consumer behavior.
Local hospitality managers use these metrics to project autumn occupancy, which helps municipal planning teams manage traffic, public parking, and event staffing during peak weekends.
How can you plan a trip to the top U.S. city?
In short: To experience the award-winning features of the city, book historic downtown lodging early and focus your itinerary on the central arts districts.
Because Santa Fe hotels fill quickly following national press coverage, travelers should look for accommodations near the Plaza to remain within walking distance of the main historic sites. Plan your visits to major spots like the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum or the Santa Fe Opera during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. If you plan to dine at popular spots in the Santa Fe Railyard or downtown districts, make reservations at least two to three weeks before your arrival.
Check out Santa Fe vacation rentals.
Santa Fe Travel + Leisure Award FAQs
Why did Santa Fe win the Best City in the US award?
Santa Fe won the top spot because readers gave it the highest combined scores for its historic architecture, concentrated gallery districts, and distinct regional food. The city’s walkable layout around the historic Santa Fe Plaza and its preservation of traditional adobe structures make it stand out from other historic mid-sized U.S. cities.
When does Travel + Leisure publish the World’s Best Awards?
Travel + Leisure publishes the results of the World’s Best Awards annually in July. The survey opens to readers late in the previous year and collects responses through the winter, measuring traveler experiences across airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and global cities.
Where can I view the full list of winning U.S. cities?
The complete rankings, individual city scores, and methodology are available directly on the official Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards page. The list details the top 15 domestic cities based entirely on the verified reader voting data collected for the current calendar year.
Do I need to book Santa Fe lodging far in advance?
Yes, local hospitality data indicates that hotel availability drops significantly for August through October. Booking your room three to four months before traveling can get you better rates on spots close to the historic core where the top-rated attractions are located.
This article was posted by Jess
