Two Illinois cities make Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best list. See rankings

Tripadvisor released its 2026 Best of the Best Destinations list for the U.S., awarding cities based on above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over 12 months.

Unsurprisingly, New York City ranked first on the list due to its must-see landmarks, shops and tours. But Illinois cities made the list as well, receiving two of the travel company’s 25 Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Here’s what the website had to say.

Chicago ranks among Tripadvisor’s Top 10 US travel destinations

Chicago ranked No. 6 on the list, with the website pointing out the Windy City’s “cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy and die-hard sports fans.”

Tripadvisor highlighted Chicago’s city tours, day cruises, landmarks and games as “great things to do,” raving about the city’s cultural experiences. Whether you fancy a history museum, stand-up comedy performance or a walk around the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, Chicago has plenty in store for tourists.

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Galena makes Tripadvisor’s Best US Destinations list

Less than a three hour drive from Chicago is the quaint town of Galena, which landed at No. 25 on Tripadvisor’s list.

The website compliments the town’s kid-friendly atmosphere, water tours, historical sites and holiday and seasonal tours.

“If not for the modern-day goods sold in the retail establishments, you might think Galena was frozen in time,” the website wrote, complimenting Galena’s traditional architecture and lengthy history.

Whether you’re looking for a visit to the home of former President Ulysses S. Grant, a walk through the underground Vinegar Hill Lead Mine or a luxurious tour of the town’s fine dining, there’s an endless supply of things to do.

Tripadvisor 2026 Best of the Best US Travel Destinations

Here is Tripadvisor’s full ranking of top travel destinations in the U.S.:

1. New York City, NY
2. Las Vegas, NV
3. Oahu, HI
4. Nashville, TN
5. New Orleans, LA
6. Chicago, IL
7. Charleston, SC
8. Key West, FL
9. Washington, D.C.
10. Boston, MA
11. Maui, HI
12. San Francisco, CA
13. Miami, FL
14. Sedona, AZ
15. San Diego, CA
16. Mount Desert Island, ME
17. Miami Beach, FL
18. Island of Hawaii, HI
19. Los Angeles, CA
20. Kauai, HI
21. Moab, UT
22. Asheville, NC
23. Anna Maria Island, FL
24. Key Largo, Fl
25. Galena, IL