Tel Aviv, Jerusalem among world’s 40 Best Cities

Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are on the 40 Best Cities in the World list as compiled by Condé Nast Traveler readers. The annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey slotted Tel Aviv as 17th best city and Jerusalem as 28th top municipality.

“With influences from Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, Tel Aviv is one of the world’s most vibrant, diverse cities. Hummusiyas and falafel aside, what continues to draw travelers? Notably nightlife and beaches, museums (Eretz Israel Museum, Tel Aviv Museum of Art), and the world’s largest concentration of buildings in the International Style—more than 4,000 of them comprise Tel Aviv’s White City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,” reads the Condé Nast Traveler blurb about why Tel Aviv is included on the list.

“Long a place of religious pilgrimage for Christians, Jews and Muslims, Jerusalem is now drawing a different sort of pilgrim: the global traveler. In addition to its significant sacred and religious sights, the city draws visitors with its cutting-edge art scene and a growing number of notable restaurants. Head to the Israel Museum for an exploration of the country’s culture, and stop for a bite at Machneyuda for authentic Mediterranean cuisine,” reads the magazine’s entry on Jerusalem.

Tokyo, Kyoto and Florence took the one, two and three spots on the list. The magazine reported that readers cast more than 100,000 votes when choosing the 40 best cities.