MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee was ranked the third best big city in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers. It’s the second consecutive year the city has received the accolade. 

What You Need To Know

  • Milwaukee was ranked the third best big city in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers

  • It’s the second consecutive year the city has received the accolade

  • Milwaukee has continued to be in the national spotlight over the last few years

  • The magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards are one of the most coveted recognitions in the travel industry

“We are incredibly proud that Milwaukee has once again been named one of the best big cities in the country by Condé Nast Traveler readers,” said Peggy Williams-Smith, president and CEO of Visit Milwaukee, in a release. “This recognition is a testament to our thriving arts scene, diverse culinary landscape, historic architecture, and the warmth of our residents. It highlights what we as Milwaukeeans have always known—this is a city that welcomes visitors with open arms, rich experiences, and an energy you can’t find anywhere else.”

The magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards are one of the most coveted recognitions in the travel industry, according to Visit Milwaukee. It’s voted on by more than half a million readers each year.

The Milwaukee area also got accolades in several other categories in the awards.

Four hotels ranked within the top 20 hotels in the Midwest, including the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee (first place), The Pfister Hotel (eighth place). Saint Kate - The Art Hotel (11th place) and Brewhouse Inn & Suites (15th place). For U.S. resorts in the Midwest, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa ranked second. For Destination Spas, The American Club ranked seventh.

Visit Milwaukee said expansion of the Baird Cener, the upcoming FPC Live music venue and the Bronzeville Center for the Arts, will only help boost Milwaukee’s presence more.

The Great Milwaukee area had an over $6 billion economic impact on tourism in 2023, according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Direct visitor spending in the county in 2023 was also up, growing by 6.4%.

Milwaukee has continued to be in the national spotlight as it hosted the Republican National Convention this past summer. The city also recently hosted the filming of “Top Chef: Wisconsin.”

In April, the Milwaukee Public Market was voted the nation’s best public market by USA Today readers and will now host the International Public Market Conference next year.

“We invite everyone to come and discover why Milwaukee is ranked among the best,” added Williams-Smith in a release. “Whether you’re here for the arts, the festivals, the food or the sports teams, this community has something special to offer year-round.”

Topping the list of best U.S. big cities was Chicago, followed by San Diego in second.

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