READERS' TRAVEL AWARDS 2008

If it's value for money you are after (and who isn't these days), head for New York or Madrid: those cities were awarded top marks (90 and 89.63) on that criterion. But money isn't everything, as this year's winner shows: Paris is your first choice for both food/restaurants (98.52) and culture (89.14), although you recommend Sydney for its environmental friendliness (93.17) and people/hospitality (95.61). Elsewhere, in perhaps one of the most unlikeliest pairings, you gave Rome and Vancouver top marks for aesthetics/architecture: both scored a well-rounded 100 on that criteria.

Why is London your favourite city? Well, you say it has the best nightlife/entertainment (90.24) and culture (85.04) anywhere in the UK, as well as the tastiest food/restaurants (91.54), although it's not the friendliest (Glasgow is by far the winner on that score with 92.67 for people/hospitality) or cleanest (that's spick-and-span Durham with 94.78). Elsewhere, you insist Manchester offers the best value for money (81.43) and Bath is the most handsome city in the land (96 for aesthetics/architecture) while Edinburgh's range of accommodation is something to be reckoned with (93.67).