Each year, Travel + Leisure conducts a “World’s Best Awards” survey, asking readers to vote and share opinions on the best travel experiences around the globe.
One of the awards consisted of the best U.S. cities for travel destinations in 2025, and one Louisiana city came in second.
For the best travel destinations in the U.S., readers prioritized cities with pedestrian-friendly streets, dynamic arts and culture institutions, a sense of history and architectural identity, as well as an excellent food scene.
Travel to New Orleans: Travel + Leisure
New Orleans, Louisiana was named the second best city on Travel + Leisure’s list of the best travel destinations in the U.S. for 2025 voted on by readers.
New Orleans is known for many things, however, Travel + Leisure readers cited the city’s food scene as the reason for voting the city as one of the best travel destinations in the U.S. The city of New Orleans is renowned for its unique blend of Cajun and Creole cuisine.
Creole cuisine is a fusion of French, Spanish, West African and Native American influences, which led to the creation of dishes such as gumbo, shrimp Creole, as well as red beans and rice. Cajun cuisine stems from the French-Canadian Acadians who settled in Louisiana’s bayous and introduced foods like Crawfish étouffée, jambalaya and seafood boils.
New Orleans is also home to a rich history, and stories of that history are easy to find all throughout the city. There are numerous museums to visit, but more than that, each historic building, street and neighborhood tells a story, and all you have to do is ask a local to share it.
The most notable historic sites in New Orleans are the French Quarter, with its iconic buildings and the National Historic Landmark Jackson Square, as well as sites like St. Louis Cathedral, Chalmette National Historic Park, the Garden District, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, LaLaurie Mansion, Napoleon House and so many more.
Best U.S. cities for travel destinations according to Travel + Leisure
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Savannah, Georgia
- Alexandria, Virginia
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Greenville, South Carolina
- New York, New York
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Chicago, Illinois
- Taos, New Mexico
- San Antonio, Texas
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Aspen, Colorado
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
