Greenville, SC Makes Top Ten in Travel + Leisure’s World's Best Cities

Greenville, SC just earned a spot in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World's Best Cities list! That’s right, our favorite Upstate city ranked among the top ten U.S. cities in the annual survey of Travel + Leisure readers.

Why Greenville Made the List

Travel + Leisure readers fell in love with Greenville SC for a few key reasons. Downtown Greenville, complete with its walkable Main Street and scenic Reedy River, really stood out. The dining scene gets high marks, with lots of locally owned restaurants and a taste of Southern comfort with global flair. Outdoor lovers appreciated how easy it is to squeeze in hiking, bike rides, or river strolls right near town. And plenty of readers noted its warm, small-town charm mixed with big-city amenities.

Check out the original article here: Travel + Leisure World's Best Cities 2025.

Other U.S. Cities in the Top Ten

Here are the other U.S. cities that made the list alongside Greenville SC:

1. Santa Fe, New Mexico 

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

3. Charleston, South Carolina 

4. Savannah, Georgia 

5. Alexandria, Virginia 

6. Honolulu, Hawaii 

7. Greenville, South Carolina 

8. New York, New York 

9. Asheville, North Carolina 

10. Chicago, Illinois

This Recognition Feels Great for Greenville

If you’ve spent time in Greenville SC, this honor probably doesn’t surprise you. The city balances a relaxed pace with cultural energy, from art galleries to riverside events to foodie stops. It’s the kind of place where visitors notice the parks, restaurants, and local vibes, and locals simply feel at home.

What This Means for Locals and Visitors

If you’re a resident, being recognized feels pretty awesome. It affirms what locals already know: our corner of the Upstate offers quality of life without big city hustle.

Thinking about visiting or moving to Greenville? This ranking gives you a taste (literally!) of what makes Greenville special. You can expect scenic riverside strolls, award-winning restaurants, and a community-oriented atmosphere that travelers enjoy as much as longtime residents.

Whether you're already a local, planning a trip, or exploring relocation possibilities, this spotlight shows that Greenville packs a lot of livability into a midsize city. From the river trails to the restaurant scene to the welcoming vibe, the recognition just confirms what many of us already love.