10 Best Cities to Visit in the United States
Whether you’re interested in the incredible array of natural scenery scattered throughout the 50 states or you simply want to experience the over-generous portion sizes at meals for yourself, there is something for every type of personality and travel preference in the USA. With distinctive regions (Northeast, Midwest, South and West), you will encounter a variety of people, wildlife, cityscapes and lifestyles in this amazing country. Discover which destination suits your travel style with our list of the top 10 best cities to visit in the United States and embark on a journey of a lifetime.
1. New York City
The Big Apple, with five different boroughs, is absolutely iconic. With yellow taxicabs weaving through the streets, the proud Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central Terminal and the Manhattan skyline, the heart of NYC has been portrayed countless times in TV series and movies. Head to Broadway for toe-tapping musicals or walk the High Line Park to see where locals hang out. There are so many ways to experience the City That Never Sleeps, and you’ve got 24 hours a day to do it.
2. Los Angeles
The City of Angels, and muse to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, attracts all sorts of holidaymakers. Los Angeles, one of the nation’s largest cities, will allow you to live a metropolitan life at a more leisurely pace. Stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see if your handprints match any of the celebs – or make an appointment to be in the live studio audience for one of your favourite sit-coms. Spend your days soaking up the chill vibe on the beach with a game of volleyball and hit up the nightclubs for an unforgettable time.
3. San Francisco
Although California is the Sunshine State, make sure to bring extra layers with you to the breezy bay town of San Francisco. The time to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco takes about 6 hours, approximately the same time as it takes to drive from London to Paris – so it makes sense that these two cities exude completely different atmospheres. Fans of the “Full House” series will recognise the hilly city and reddish Golden Gate Bridge from the opening theme and will understand the necessity for very good walking shoes. If you get tired, simply hitch a ride on one of the famous cable cars.
4. Las Vegas
Plunked down in the otherwise quiet state of Nevada lies Las Vegas. The dazzling City of Lights plays home to extravagant, over-the-top hotels. Dress to impress and play a variety of games in casino to see If Lady Luck is on your side. Otherwise, watch the high rollers duke it out over mountains of poker chips without risking it all yourself. If you prefer to stay out of the casinos, you can also see shows, where you will be enchanted by magical feats and acrobatic stunts as in the theatrical Cirque du Soleil productions.
5. Disneyland
To experience the whimsical world of Mickey Mouse, make sure to visit Disney World in Orlando, Florida. With the iconic Cinderella Castle, this theme park covers a total of 43 square miles and houses four different theme parks including the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While it is a great place to take the children to experience the splendour of rides and shows, adults without children can still experience the splendour of Disney. Although there are Disney theme parks throughout the world, visiting a park in the USA is truly special.
6. Chicago
Make your way to the Midwest and spend some time in the Windy City. Although it is certainly an urban metropolis, you can still get a taste of the friendliness of the surrounding region. And speaking of taste, make sure to try the famous deep dish pizza pie. It is literally a pie, stuffed with tomato sauce and heaps of gooey cheese. To walk it off, find yourself gravitating towards the famous Cloud Gate statue, fondly referred to as “The Bean,” traipse through the museum of modern art or riding an elevator to the top of the Sears Tower.
7. Hawaii
Nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike will adore a stay on Hawaii. Get away from the throngs of tourists on the Big Island and chill with the locals on Hapuna Beach. (Honestly, it is way better than Waikiki Beach, which was created artificially.) You can hike verdant trails that will bring you to waterfalls you can bathe in, or spend time in the open water with your SCUBA certification or simply a mask and snorkel. Learn the legends of the locals and attend a luau for an incredible show with delicious traditional fare.
8. Miami
The heavy Cuban influence makes Miami such a unique city in the USA. Find your way in the heart of the city to dine on the delectable dish of ‘ropa vieja’ and finish off with a Cuban cigar on Calle Ocho. For a little bit more glamour, drive over to Miami Beach and admire the art deco buildings alongside Ocean Avenue. The beaches are pristine and the water a calming, Caribbean shade of teal. For a special occasion, book a reservation at Juvia for views of the entire city and splendid sunsets – or simply arrive early and eat at the bar.
9. New Orleans
Canada has Quebec and the USA has New Orleans – pronounced nawleans! This is a fun filled, vibrantly buzzing, city that is a melting pot of many cultures inspiring decadence. Come for the Mardi Gras, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, or just for no reason at all! Influenced by the Creole cuisine, this city is a foodie heaven offering you delights like the sugar dusted beignets. Known for it’s jazz and R&B, you can immerse yourself in the music, and make sure to dance with the street musicians. Remember any hour is cocktail hour and no trip to the US is complete without a dash of ‘culcha dawlin’!
10. Denver
The Mile High city claims 300 sunny days in a year, and a city offering big city comforts in the heart of nature. All of it is spot on! This is a city which has a effervescent cultural vibe, with museums, jazz clubs and art galleries. Being at the foot of the Rockie mountains, it offers beautiful vistas for any adventures traveller to hike, bike or camp in. Don’t miss out on a Rockies game and the extraordinarily wonderful acoustics at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
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