COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus is one of the best large cities in the U.S., according to the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards , finishing in the top 10.

Ohio’s capital was ranked No. 8, ahead of New York City and Seattle, but behind cities such as San Diego, Portland, Oregon, and San Francisco. Chicago was ranked No. 1.

The ranking praised Columbus for its food choices.

“Columbus has long been lauded for its burgers — it was here, after all, that Wendy’s first got its start," the poll says. “That claim to fame has never diminished and there are travel-worthy burgers all around town, from the gooey, overloaded sandwiches at The Thurman Cafe to the surprisingly dazzling beet-and-bean veggie burgers at Northstar Cafe.

“But visitors also shouldn’t sleep on the city’s interna

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