1. New York, NY
Ideal for arts and culture
Cities exist. New York City comes next. Although it is overused in this descriptive context, the word "energy" has some value. You sense it right away. This is not merely an enlarged replica of the average American city. It's New York.
Although a global megalopolis of this size and magnitude has countless sites and attractions, exploring the city on foot and seeing where you end up is possibly the greatest way to experience New York. From Central Park, head south through the Theater District to the Lower East Side's trendy bars and concert venues. Take the subway to Brooklyn, trek the picturesque High Line, or visit the unique Little Island if you're feeling very daring.
There is food from all over the world, but to avoid being overwhelmed, newcomers should stick to the tried-and-true favorites like Katz's Deli, Peter Luger Steak House, Sylvia's in Harlem for soul food, and John's of Bleeker for pizza. However, this is New York City. You'll find something worthwhile if you stroll into a bodega on a corner.
Cozy options like the Ludlow or the Freehand can be more affordable than hip NYC hotels like the Bowery Hotel and the Robert De Niro-owned Greenwich Hotel. If not, perhaps you know someone in the city whose couch you might use for a comfortable stay?
2. Chicago, IL
Greatest for summer festivals and architecture
Chicago will captivate you with the magnificent architecture of its museum-filled downtown, which features tall buildings situated directly against a stunning Lake Michigan backdrop. The city's 77 distinct neighborhoods, however, contain the true heart of the metropolis.
In the summer, when its neighborhoods come alive with street festivals and city parks are crowded with live music, the Second City is unmatched. A boat ride on the Chicago River is a must, followed by a Cubs game at the legendary Wrigley Field, a visit to the beach (yes, they have those here), and, of course, more cocktails and live music at a welcoming neighborhood dive like California Clipper or the Hideout. It's touristy but well worth it.
Hot dogs, deep-dish pizza, and Italian beef sandwiches—the working man's Holy Trinity of Chicago cuisine—should be at the top of your list of must-try foods. Visits to the upscale Alinea, the well-liked Girl & the Goat, or the quaint seafood shack Calumet Fisheries will complete your trip (and your waistline).
The Chicago Athletic Association is the place to be downtown because of its prime location and one of the city's greatest rooftop bars. Drop anchor at the boutique Longman & Eagle, which is situated above a Michelin-starred whiskey bar and restaurant in Logan Square, which is always cool, or Robey, which is hot in Wicker Park, for more local flair.
3. Los Angeles, CA
Its diverse scenery and experiences make it the best.
With sun-dappled mountains and immaculate beaches all around, a city this size so near to such natural beauty is a rare opportunity to have almost any kind of experience you can think of. Los Angeles is much more than just Hollywood. Additionally, the weather isn't that horrible.
Your first task is to enjoy the expansive views of the ocean from one of the city's immaculate beaches (we chose Venice because of its diverse range of characteristics). Before concluding your journey in LA's vibrant downtown, make your way east through Hollywood's bars and clubs to the trendy neighborhoods of Silver Lake and Echo Park. It is also essential to take a vehicle journey up the scenic coast toward Malibu or via the Hollywood Hills around Laurel Canyon.
The City of Angels is well-known for its always-changing selection of pop-ups and taco trucks, but it also excels at classic restaurants like Pink's and Canter's Deli. While charming up-and-coming restaurants like Mirate in Los Feliz compete for your attention (and money), there are plenty of fine dining options at expensive places like Providence. However, even LA's strip malls serve delicious food. And there's no reason why you shouldn't eat at the famous local burger joint In-N-Out.
The stylish Silver Lake Pool + Inn and the comfortable Hotel June close to LAX airport are good substitutes for the lavish five-star rooms at the Beverly Wilshire or Shutters on the Beach if you can't afford them. For a more local experience, you may also get an Airbnb in Laurel Canyon or Venice.
4. Denver, CO
Beer and mountains are the best.
Calm, to put it simply. Denver continues to develop into the cultural and economic hub of the American West while retaining its relaxed mountain charms in spite of recent gentrification and rapid urbanization.
For visitors to the Mile High City, a Rockies game at Coors Field and a performance at the renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater make for a powerful combination. In the meantime, the burgeoning River North Arts District is teeming with trendy art galleries and breweries, all of which have a charming small-town atmosphere that is sure to calm you down with a stunning mountain backdrop.
Denver, a once-steak-heavy cow town, has transformed its culinary landscape with a wide variety of international treats, ranging from Hop Alley's local Chinese cuisine to African Grill's African fare. At the trendy Cart-Driver, you can have pizza in a shipping container, and at the notorious Pete's Kitchen, you can have a late-night breakfast burrito topped with the city's renowned green chile.
In Denver, hip new hotels are opening up more quickly than we can write. Our current favorites include the apartment-styled Catbird Hotel, the hip cocktail-heavy Ramble Hotel, and the rooftop-pooled Source Hotel.
5. New Orleans, LA
Ideal for gatherings and unusual history
In New Orleans, it's a celebration every day. New Orleans is undoubtedly the most deliciously distinctive city in America, if not the entire globe, with its marching bands, open booze in the streets, and lively environment that exudes a contagious enthusiasm for life.
Yes, have a look at the French Quarter. It is historic, stunning, and unlike any other place. There is much more to this treasure of a city than only its tourist attractions, so don't get caught up in this. There's fun everywhere you look, from the Garden District's tree-lined mansions to Frenchmen Street's lively jazz venues to Bywater's arts-heavy neighborhood.
The cuisine of the Crescent City, which mostly consists of French, African, Spanish, Indigenous, and Southern-fried Louisiana creole cuisines, is arguably the best representation of its diverse range of ethnicities. Visit neighborhood landmarks like Commander's Palace, Jacques-Imo's, and Dooky Chase, or simply stroll the streets and find a crawfish boil after picking up a po' boy at a neighborhood supermarket like Frady's One-Stop.
You can stay in a refurbished cathedral at Hotel Peter & Paul or above a boisterous rock bar at Royal Street Inn, but the luxurious Hotel Monteleone is a traditional French Quarter option (equipped with a rotating carousel bar). Nola is also really good at Airbnb.
6. San Francisco, CA
Ideal for exploring cities with views of the ocean
To put it simply, eclectic. With so many different cultures crammed into a small 7x7-square-mile area, San Francisco is a haven for urban explorers. The City by the Bay is an unmatched place in terms of beauty, engagement, and poetry.
San Francisco cries out to be explored on foot, from the Mission's vibrant murals to Haight-Ashbury's hippy vibes. While there are virtues to touristy activities like taking the cable car or boat to Alcatraz Island, don't forget to include the LGBTIQ+-friendly Castro or the biggest Chinatown outside of Asia in your agenda. Baker Beach provides more than just A-plus views of the ocean and Golden Gate Bridge, and Mission Dolores Park has a lively party scene on the weekends. It’s also clothing-optional at the north end.
San Francisco has long been regarded as a haven for foodies. There are many high-end options, such as the forward-thinking Californios and the Michelin-starred Lazy Bear. Check out Tommy's Joynt and Gumbo Social for more relaxed local venues, then Trick Dog for their unique cocktail creations.
Atop Nob Hill, the historic Fairmont San Francisco is a great central option, and the Battery, a private club, offers more upscale accommodations. The new Phoenix Hotel or San Francisco Proper will appeal to hipsters, and the Inn at the Presidio, a historic bed and breakfast housed inside its namesake park, is a bit of a hidden gem.
7. Santa Fe, NM
Greatest for interesting shops and beautiful walks
One of the oldest cities in America, founded in 1610, is a living masterpiece. Santa Fe, a UNESCO Creative City, is also known as City Different for good reason, with a compact, very walkable downtown filled with real Mexican and Native American art.
It's OK to be a tourist in downtown Santa Fe because of the stunning array of historic sites that are unmatched in the United States. Before purchasing some authentic Native artwork from merchants outside the Palace of the Governors, take pictures of St. Francis Basilica, San Miguel Chapel, and Loretto Chapel. Visits to the original Meow Wolf interactive gallery and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum are both recommended.
Although Santa Fe is well-known for its Southwestern New Mexico-style food, which is best enjoyed at traditional hangouts like the Shed, don't let that deter you from checking out its many other options, such the Afro-Caribbean Jambo Café or the Tune-Up Café, a local hangout that serves delicious Guatemalan food. Geronimo may also be worth a visit for upscale dining.
You can't go wrong with any of Santa Fe's countless charming inns, from the adobe Inn of the Turquoise Bear to the romantic Inn on the Alameda to the Tibetan-inspired Inn of the Five Graces. La Fonda on the Plaza is a terrific choice for those seeking a great location, while Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is a good option for those willing to spend.
8. Charleston, SC
Best for charm and Southern cuisine
Founded in 1670, this remarkably intact coastal city offers a glimpse of the best of the American South. Charleston has been enthralling tourists for decades with its pastel-colored colonial mansions and magnificent church steeples that stretch for miles.
A ferry journey to Civil War-era Fort Sumter is a terrific way to get a feel for the city, and a walking tour is a good opportunity to explore the Holy City's historic downtown, which includes its own small French Quarter. At historical sites like the Old Slave Mart Museum, the city's shameful history as a hub for the slave trade should not be overlooked. A stroll to the windswept Folly Beach is a wonderful way to end your visit.
Charleston's reputation as the South's culinary center is well known. Among the most popular (and busy) are Husk, FIG, and Hyman's, but Bowen's Island's dilapidated charm offers a fantastic off-the-beaten-path option close to the shore. While casual local restaurants like Hannibal's Kitchen are serving up meals not to be missed, stop by 82 Queen for a romantic lunch on the lush terrace.
The Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, across the Cooper River, offers more of a beachy, family-friendly flair at reasonable prices, while The Charleston Place boasts a terrific location, a rooftop pool, and an upscale yet approachable ambiance. There are other great options in town at the upscale Spectator Hotel and the welcoming HarborView Inn.
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