Chicago named the "Best Big City in the U.S," according to Prestigious New Ranking

Major events like Lollapalooza and the NASCAR Street Race contributed to a 4% rise in leisure travelPhoto byPedro LastraonUnsplash

Chicago has been named the "Best Big City in the U.S." by Condé Nast Traveler readers for an unprecedented eighth straight year. Over 500,000 readers voted in the annual Readers' Choice Awards, solidifying Chicago's status as a premier destination. Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson celebrated the achievement, highlighting the city's vibrant culture, culinary innovation, and strong tourism and hospitality sectors.

This recognition follows a record-breaking summer for Chicago's tourism industry, with 3.4 million hotel room nights sold and a 13% increase in hotel and city tax revenues. Major events like Lollapalooza and the NASCAR Street Race contributed to a 4% rise in leisure travel, while international visitors increased by 11%.

As Chicago prepares for the remainder of 2024, the city will host events like Theatre Season, Christkindlmarket, and the Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, ensuring continued attraction for visitors from around the world.