What makes a city a true gem? Is it the climate, culture, food, tourist attractions or the friendliness of its people? All of the above -- and the best people to determine the crème de la crème of cities are real "travelers, not tourists."

Condenast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards, asked fellow travelers to rate the best cities in the U.S. and the world, including hotels, islands, airlines, and cruise lines.

Two of the most coveted titles are: Top 10 Cities in the U.S. and Top 25 Cities in the World, so which interesting, culturally-rich and visually stimulating locations came up on top?

TOP 10 CITIES IN THE U.S.:

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO:

Santa Fe, New Mexico took the top honors.

Condenast Traveler's readers found Santa Fe to be "pure magic;" a "heaven where souls vacation." Their love bumped it from last year's spot at No. 4 on this list. "Go for the atmosphere, architecture, food, and open spaces," said one reader, or "take a whole day to explore the galleries."

Readers' Choice Rating: 81.2

Culture: 86.4

Friendliness: 77.7

Atmosphere: 85.7

Restaurants: 84.2

Lodging: 78.7

Shopping: 73.4

California made a huge splash in this category with San Francisco taking third place.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA:

San Francisco nabbed third place (down from last year's No. 2 spot) with its "world of culture" and "class." "I left my heart..." said one reader, which may have something to do with the "great art museums, opera, food, symphony, and beautiful neighborhoods."

Readers' Choice Rating: 79.9

Culture: 84.8

Friendliness: 68.6

Atmosphere: 82.4

Restaurants: 86.5

Lodging: 79.2

Shopping: 78.0

CARMEL, CALIFORNIA:

Carmel, California took sixth place.

By far the smallest city on our list, Carmel, Calif. has a big personality with "endless charm and beauty." The city is known for its "quaint cottages and shops," and the restaurants and "artsy boutiques" make for a great weekend getaway. What may garner Carmel the most attention however, are the "picturesque" and "romantic" ocean views

Readers' Choice Rating: 79.0

Culture: 74.4

Friendliness: 73.0

Atmosphere: 89.1

Restaurants: 85

Lodging: 81.0

Shopping: 70.8

NAPA, CALIFORNIA:

This beautiful, wine country spot nabbed tenth place.

Known as one of the finest wine regions in the world, Napa also has the cuisine to match: It's home to French Laundry, one of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in the world, among others. And the rolling hills with endless grapevines make the "mini Tuscany," "one of the most beautiful places on earth"

Readers' Choice Rating: 78.1

Culture: 74.8

Friendliness: 78.3

Atmosphere: 85.1

Restaurants: 87.1

Lodging: 81.1

Shopping: 60.1

TOP 25 CITIES OF THE WORLD:

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO:

Readers' Choice Rating: 84.6

San Miguel de Allende nabbed the No. 1 spot thanks to its "great atmosphere, excellent restaurants, culture and ambiance galore." The "lack of street lights and billboards" makes the region "romantically and historically beautiful, and the city itself offers a "traditional feeling of a small town in the heart of Mexico." "An amazing place to be."

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN:

Readers' Choice Rating of 83.2

Spain's San Sebastian came in sixth place.

San Sebastián, a Basque beauty with stunning coastline and serious culinary cred: It just happens to have a slew Michelin stars-16 and counting. And the food is the main reason our readers rave about it. All you need to do here is "eat, eat, and eat."

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO:

Readers' Choice Rating: 81.2

Sante Fe, New Mexico came in eighteenth place.

Our readers found Santa Fe to be "pure magic;" a "heaven where souls vacation." "Go for the atmosphere, architecture, food, and open spaces," said one reader, or "take a whole day to explore the galleries."

SEVILLE, SPAIN:

Readers' Choice Rating: 81.0

Seville, Spain came in twentieth place.

This "charming town" is "a must-see for Spain visitors," featuring "fascinating buildings and history," "amazing restaurants and tapas places." "Small trips outside the city are easy and wonderful," and if you stay in the city itself, you'll find "excellent nightlife" and "many neighborhoods to explore." The "one of a kind" town has "charm, charm, charm," and a beautiful look: "Love everything about Seville. The light was amazing; there's something about the Andalucían sun."

BARCELONA, SPAIN:

Readers' Choice Rating: 80.5

Barcelona, came in 25th place, as "a beautiful and accessible modern city with great food, museums and Gaudi architecture." It's also the "perfect beach city" where "the party never ends." "It is both a 24-hour metropolis and a family-oriented city. It is both easy to travel by public transportation,and glorious to walkabout." "Explore the Old City by yourself," one reader recommends. "By the time you untangle yourself from the winding ramblas, you'll have a slew of friends."