Charleston was ranked the No. 1 small city in the US in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards

Charleston has received the No. 1 honor for a third consecutive year.

Downtown Charleston

The Holy City has won the award 13 times in the last 14 years.

Photo by @preservationsociety

Let’s hear it for the Holy City. Charleston has once again been named the best small city in the US by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Are we surprised?

In a press release, Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston, said, “Tourism propels economic activity, is one of the region’s largest industries and, in many ways, is the foundation of the Charleston area’s prosperity. ” Hill adds, “Being relevant and staying top of mind in this increasingly competitive industry is critical to supporting local businesses and generating essential revenue for our community.”

Fun fact: Almost 25 cents of every dollar spent in the region is attributable to tourism. A record-setting number of visitors made their way to Charleston last year; see how those trips helped boost the economy + tourism industry.

Check out some of the other local spots that were honored.

  • Hotel Bennett, No. 18 Best Hotels in the World
  • The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, No. 23 in the Best Resorts in the World
  • Kiawah Island was ranked No. 2 when it comes to Top Islands in the US
More from CHStoday
Honor the civil rights leader’s legacy by learning about his connection to the Palmetto State.
The latest nostalgic trend has people looking back at photos from a decade ago. What was Charleston like?
Move aside pickleball, there’s a new racket sport in town.
The bread type is more popular than ever. We’re here to help you find the best loves in the Holy City, or to start making your own.
We asked readers to send us photos of their Charleston-resident pets, and they delivered. Here’s our roundup of Holy City pups.
Dozens of local eateries are taking part, and we’re here to give you the lowdown on the Lowcountry’s best deals.
Different cities and regions have plenty of localized menu items. Now it’s time for cookies to join the fray.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Dining in the Holy City is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Hit the road and head to Savannah — we’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.