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The Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2026 are officially here, and Chicago has emerged as a major winner. In a showing that will surprise few locals, the Windy City swept three prestigious categories, landing in the top 10 for Top U.S. Destinations, Top Food Destinations in the U.S. and Top Trending Destinations Worldwide.
As Chicagoans already know, our city is a year-round powerhouse. Whether it’s the glow of festive holiday markets, the high-octane energy of genre-spanning summer music festivals or our collection of world-class museums and attractions, there is a wealth of things to do no matter the season.
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Chicago secured the No. 6 spot for Top Destination in the U.S., solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse of food, culture and architecture. Proving its global appeal, Chicago also ranked No. 6 for Top Food Destinations in the U.S. and climbed to No. 3 for Top Trending Destinations Worldwide—a nod to travelers’ growing desire to explore the city's diverse neighborhoods and world-class dining.
Tripadvisor specifically highlighted “must-do” experiences like the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. Led by expert docents from the Chicago Architecture Center, the cruise offers a blend of history and storytelling as guests view the city’s iconic skyline from an open-air boat. Other top-rated experiences included the Chicago Ultimate Food and Walking Tour and the breathtaking views from 360 Chicago.
From legendary deep dish pizza and Michelin-starred cuisine to its sprawling lakefront and historic museums, Chicago continues to set the gold standard for urban travel in America. But are we really surprised?
Explore the full Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026 here.