20 Best Cities in the World

What are the best cities in the world? That’s the question that Conde Nast Traveler put to more than 300,000 readers in their Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Votes were cast in several categories ranging from hotels to islands. Of the 606 cities readers voted for, these are the Top 20, outside of the US. Canada did well, with Quebec City, Vancouver, and Victoria in the Top 20. Montreal (39) and Toronto (37) made it to the Top 40.

http://www.cntraveler.com/travel-awards/readers-choice-awards

Thinkstock

1 / 20

20. Venice, Italy

While the canals of Venice get all the press, the city is also crisscrossed with car-free streets and narrow alleys to explore. Getting lost in Venice, as Conde Nast points out, is magical.

Thinkstock

2 / 20

19. Nuremberg, Germany

Shopping, museums, and food are all good reasons to add Nuremberg to your bucket list. It's a beautiful city that offers old world charm and the latest trends.

Thinkstock

3 / 20

18. Quebec City, Quebec

Everyone loves Quebec City! And what's not to love? The world renowned Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Chateau Frontenac offers luxurious accommodations and a fabulous wine and cheese bar. Plus Quebec City is a great destination anytime of the year.

Thinkstock

4 / 20

17. Tel Aviv, Israel

Conde Nast notes that Tel Aviv is a unique mix of influences from Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Add to that an exciting nightlife, great food, and fantastic museums, and you can't go wrong.

Thinkstock

5 / 20

16. Singapore

The lively city-state of Singapore is always changing. According to Conde Nast, there are new hotels popping up and the arts scene is exploding. Foodies will fall in love with the diverse offerings at the Maxwell Food Centre.

Thinkstock

6 / 20

15. Rome, Italy

Rome is a two-in-one destination. First, spend several days taking in the wonders of the Italian capital (like the Colosseum and Pantheon) and then prepare to be awestruck by sights like the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. If you collect countries, you'll bag two!

Thinkstock

7 / 20

14. Melbourne, Australia

Funky Melbourne always does well on these kinds of lists. Conde Nast readers describe it as sophisticated, stylish and free-spirited. If you're into the arts, you'll fall in love with Melbourne, and its galleries.

Thinkstock

8 / 20

13. London, England

If you're lucky, your visit to London will include some dry weather. The list of things to do is as long as your arm. From riding on the London Eye to catching some Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre. Take it slow and poke around the shops of London's famous neighbourhoods like Notting Hill and Camden Town.

Thinkstock

9 / 20

12. Sydney, Australia

If you like beaches, you'll love Sydney. There's nothing like spending the day on Manly or Bondi, and both are within easy reach. There's all the big city stuff to do, too. Or, pack a lunch and have a picnic at The Domain.

Thinkstock

10 / 20

11. Paris, France

Paris is a must-see destination for everyone. Conde Nast reels off the list of attractions: the Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur, Notre-Dame, The Louvre, and the Seine. Equally impressive is the food, the wine and the joie de vivre in the air.

Thinkstock

11 / 20

10. Vienna, Austria

Vienna cracks the Top 10 on the Conde Nast list. The arts, especially music, influence the Austrian capital (it's known as the City of Music). The architecture is stunning. Love dessert? May we suggest the apfelstrudel, palatschinken, and the sachertorte.

Thinkstock

12 / 20

9. Barcelona, Spain

Another European hotspot is Barcelona. It's Spain, but, as the capital of Catalonia, it's different. From the works of Gaudi to the hottest trends in fashion, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And don't forget the warm water and sunny beaches of the Mediterranean.

Thinkstock

13 / 20

8. Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg offers visitors shopping, fine food, and beer! Conde Nast points out that Austria's largest beer hall is here and besides mugs of suds, there's a huge range of regional edibles to sample.

Thinkstock

14 / 20

7. Victoria, BC

Back across the pond to Canada's West Coast we go. Winter or summer, the weather is always mild in Victoria. BC's capital offers excellent shopping and museums. Taking high tea is always a treat, and if you're a seafood lover, you've found your utopia.

Thinkstock

15 / 20

6. Vancouver, BC

Mountains. Ocean. Vibrant city. Vancouver rates high amongst Conde Nast readers for those things and more. According to both the experts and my tummy, it's one of the best food cities on the planet. On a cold, wet day head to the Phnom Penh restaurant in the heart of Chinatown for a bowl of the most wonderful hot and sour soup you're ever had!

Thinkstock

16 / 20

5. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

San Miguel de Allende is changing fast, thanks to the attention it's receiving from pieces like this. Conde Nast notes that San Miguel is one of Mexico's most beautiful cities. It's only a few hours from Mexico City, so getting there is easy.

Thinkstock

17 / 20

4. Lucerne, Switzerland

Conde Nast calls Lucerne storybook Swiss. Located on Lake Lucerne, you can gaze at the lake or the Alps. This is a city for walking, from the old town to the covered bridges.

Thinkstock

18 / 20

3. Florence, Italy

Beautiful Florence takes third spot. The city is unrivalled in history, art and architecture says Conde Nast. The cuisine here is spectacular as well.

Thinkstock

19 / 20

2. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is Japan's imperial capital and one of the best-preserved cities in Japan. According to Conde Naste, there are 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines. If you're a foodie, you'll be impressed by the number of great restaurants in the city.

Thinkstock

20 / 20

1. Tokyo, Japan

In the top spot is Tokyo, which Conde Nast calls a city of contrasts. From streets bathed in neon to historic temples and shrines, Tokyo has it all. It's also one of the world's top food destinations. For a completely different experience head to the Tsukiji Fish Market at 3 AM to see the controlled mayhem of the world's largest seafood market.