Our Readers' Top Pick in the United States for Attractions and Landmarks in 2016

Attention travelers, especially history enthusiasts: here’s a rundown of the top nine cities in the United States for attractions and landmarks. Each year, for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their insights on travel experiences worldwide—covering the best cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. One aspect that readers evaluated was the quality of a city's attractions and landmarks, revealing that you'll need to venture quite far west to discover all the cities on this list.

Taking the No. 7 position is Honolulu, Hawaii, recognized for hosting the only royal palace in the nation. Readers praised the Bishop Museum, which showcases an extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts and royal treasures, along with its beautiful botanical gardens and the impactful experiences at Pearl Harbor.

Several cities from the American South also made the cut, including New Orleans, Savannah, and Charleston (the top city in the world, no less). With antebellum architecture, deep-rooted historical significance, and contemporary attractions like Savannah’s College of Art and Design Museum, these cities are more relevant than ever. It’s no wonder the charming New England city of Boston secured a spot on the list. “Boston is compact enough to explore on foot,” noted one World’s Best voter, “yet large enough to feature all the cultural landmarks that define a great city.” Notable attractions include the Freedom Trail, the historic Faneuil Hall marketplace (established in 1743), and the New England Aquarium, where visitors can observe the harbor seals for free before heading inside. A single visit to any of these premier cities for attractions and landmarks is unlikely to suffice, but luckily, their charm will inspire repeat visits.