Asheville Ranks On Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Best Cities in the U.S.

Asheville has once again captured the hearts of travelers, earning the No. 9 spot on Travel + Leisure’s 2025 list of Best Cities in the United States. 

Voted on by readers who recognize places with a strong sense of character, Asheville’s inclusion is a testament to its creative energy, resilient spirit, and the people who make this place unforgettable.

This recognition comes at a time when Asheville is writing a new chapter. After Hurricane Helene swept through the region in late 2024, the city faced immense challenges. Asheville responded not by retreating, but by creating. Studios reopened. Trails were cleared. Local businesses rebuilt together, showing once again that Asheville is both deeply rooted and ever-evolving.

This latest recognition follows other national accolades for Asheville, including being named one of the 52 Places to Go in 2025 byThe New York Times and one of CNN's Best Towns to Visit in 2025.

From the bold flavors of our food scene to the colorful rhythm of our art and music, Asheville is more than just a destination, it’s a feeling. Here, ancient mountains rise beside modern murals, and every corner offers the chance to connect: with a maker, a meal or even with yourself. The French Broad River flows in its own direction, and so do we.