Sep 10, 2021
ASIA IS ALL ABOUT dynamic energy and the juxtaposition of ancient and new. Hand-carved temples and modern skyscrapers sit side by side. For every frenetic and high-speed thoroughfare, there’s a narrow, hidden bylane. From culture to cuisine, there’s so much to discover in Asia’s urban centers.
The No. 1 spot goes to Udaipur, India, which takes the title from last year’s winner, Hoi An, Vietnam. But this year’s top cities in Asia stretch from bucket-list Bhutan, with Thimpu notching a slot, to Luang Prabang, to Bangkok. Three Japanese cities made the list: Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. “It’s a gorgeous city filled with culture, mind-blowing food, and breathtaking sites,” one reader wrote of Kyoto. “The food and people are beyond description,” shared another. In South Korean, a few readers noted the ease of getting around Seoul, thanks to its efficient public-transit system, as well as the city’s phenomenal restaurants. “The food is fantastic,” one said.
Speaking of food, Australia and New Zealand are both culinary powerhouses and there’s loads of great locavore, inventive cooking in their urban centers — along with architecture, cultural events, outdoor activities and phenomenal views. Check out the list of top cities in Australia and New Zealand below.
* — ON THE LIST FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS
TOP 15 CITIES IN ASIA
1. Udaipur
India
City Palace and Lake Pichola. Photo by f9photos/Canva
Once the capital of the princely state of Mewar, Udaipur has a dreamy setting along Lake Pichola. Several stunning, palace-like luxury hotels have made it a must-visit destination for travelers the world over. Commenting on the city’s forts and royal residences, a reader noted that Udaipur “must be architecturally the most beautiful place in Asia.” Among the best examples — and biggest attractions — is City Palace. The compound includes 11 stunning smaller palaces, all built at different times by different rulers, which means there’s a trove of distinctive spaces to explore. Perhaps one reader put it best by calling the city “enchanting.”
Score: 91.63
2. Ubud
Indonesia
Rice terraces of Tegalalang, Ubud, Bali. Photo by Fabian Gysel/Getty Images Pro/Canva
Score: 91.25
3. Kyoto *
Japan
Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. Photo by kasto/Canva
Score: 90.94
4. Chiang Mai
Thailand
Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai. Photo by konmesa/Getty Images/Canva
Score: 90.06
5. Bangkok *
Thailand
Wat Arun in Bangkok. Photo by PocholoCalapre/Getty Images Pro/Canva
Score: 89.81
6. Taipei
Taiwan
Taipei 101 towers over the city. Photo by shih-wei/Getty Images/Canva
Score: 89.62
7. Luang Prabang
Laos
On the banks of the Mekong River. Photo by urf/Getty Images/Canva
Score: 89.29
8. Jaipur
India
Hawa Mahal, in Jaipur. Photo by Chantelle Flores/Canva
Score: 88.68
9. Tokyo *
Japan
Shibuya Crossing, one of busiest crosswalks in the world. Photo by SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images/Canva
Score: 88.59
10. Seoul
South Korea
Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul. Photo by CJNattanai/Getty Images Pro/Canva
Score: 88.00
11. Osaka
Japan
saka city okawa river cherry blossom full bloom , Osaka. Getty Images
Score: 87.60
12. Thimphu
Bhutan
View overlooking the town of Thimphu, Bhutan and the Tashichho Dzong. Getty Images
Score: 87.25
13. Hoi An
Vietnam
Japanese covered bridge at dusk, Hoi An. Getty Images
Score: 86.98
14. Singapore
Singapore Botanic Garden. Getty Images
Score: 86.93
15. Mumbai
India
Illuminated Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus At night, Mumbai-Bombay. Getty Images
Score: 86.61
TOP 5 CITIES IN AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC
1. Sydney *
Australia
Sydney Harbour. Courtesy of Tourism Australia
Iconic for good reason, this coastal metropolis encompasses all the qualities of a quintessential trip Down Under: pristine beaches, epic meals, and superlative hospitality.
Score: 86.70
2. Queenstown
New Zealand
Queenstown. Photo by Jiraphoto/Getty Images Pro/Canva
Score: 84.76
3. Melbourne *
Australia
Brighton Beach bathing boxes in Melbourne. Photo by NanoStockk/Getty Images Pro/Canva
Score: 83.71
4. Hobart
Australia
View from Mount Wellington in Hobart. Photo by DarrenTierney/Getty Images/Canva
Score: 82.02
5. Brisbane
Australia
Brisbane skyline with Story Bridge. Photo by RudyBalasko/Getty Images/Canva
Score: 81.77
For more World’s Best Awards 2021 lists of your favorite hotels, resorts, cities, islands and more, visit: travelandleisureasia.com/trending/worlds-best-awards-2021