Galway has been ranked amongst the ten best small cities in the world, thanks to the votes of keen travellers for the esteemed Condé Nest travel outlet.
The popular travel magazine Condé Nast’s Readers’ Choice Awards have named an Irish city amongst some of the best in the world, a coveted prize bestowed by the readers of the outlet.
The Awards are in their 35th year, gaining more and more prestige. The awards ranked the top ten small cities and the top ten big cities in the world.
Some of the usual big hitters stormed the rankings, but there were also a few surprises thrown in and a number of hidden gems to visit.
Amongst the mix, the readers of Condé Nast selected Galway among the globe’s very best cities.
The Condé Nast Awards – the readers’ choice
The Condé Nast awards are quite a personal and intimate award to win. The selections are determined by the people who have travelled and have a penchant for spotting somewhere or something good.
35 years in, and Condé Nast readers continue to rank the premier cities to visit. The annual awards are certainly something to follow if you want travel inspiration.
Condé Nast itself spoke of how “enthusiasm for travel has never been higher, as demonstrated by the nearly quarter of a million of you who filled out this year’s survey”.
Ranking Galway – one of the best small cities in the world
Galway ranked as the seventh-best small city in the world to visit. It succeeds Oxford (tenth), Bath (ninth) and Bruges (eighth).
In sixth was Malaga, and in fifth place was Salzburg. The final four were closed out by Cambridge, San Sebastián, Victoria, and San Miguel de Allende of Mexico.
Regarding Galway, the website noted that “Galway is a worthy destination in its own right”.
It continues, “The bustling university town in Western Ireland blends the historic – you’ll see remnants of medieval stone walls weaving through downtown – with the contemporary”.
Furthermore, the “vibrant food scene spans from pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants, with plenty of fresh seafood thanks to the city’s location between the River Corrib and Galway Bay”.
It was also praised for its “wide range of lodging options”. These include “cozy B&Bs and the avant-garde g Hotel and Spa”.
The best of the biggest cities in the world – containing some surprises
In summarising its choices for big cities, the website comments on how some “include destinations beloved for food, wine architecture and art.
“Some are classic travel spots that many have visited multiple times, while others are slightly less-touristed, but all are equally deserving of your attention”.
In tenth was Montreal, followed by the historic city of Istanbul. Eighth was Cusco of Peur, and in seventh spot, the readers ranked Mumbai. Sixth was the South African city of Cape Town.
Kicking off the top five was Quebec City, while fourth was Mérida in Mexico. Third was the gargantuan city of Tokyo. The penultimate spot was Bangkok, while the winner was Singapore.
