Top US cities to visit
Here is an overview of 10 of the most visited US cities alongside a selection of attractions, dining recommendations and more. We all have our favourites and the ones we'd love to see based on what we've seen on the big screen (other screen sizes are available)!
New York City, NY: The Big Apple
Overview: Welcome to the city that famously never sleeps! New York City is a global metropolis known for its iconic skyline, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant cultural scene. From the bright lights of Times Square to the tranquility of Central Park, the Big Apple has something for every age and interest. Has anyone in the world not heard of it?!
Attractions:
Central Park who mentioned Central Perk?
Dining:
Katz's Delicatessen for classic deli sandwiches
Shake Shack for burgers and shakes
Carbone for Italian cuisine
Joe's Pizza for a slice of New York-style pizza. Yum.
Tips:
Explore different neighborhoods like SoHo, Greenwich Village, and Harlem.
Purchase a MetroCard for convenient access to public transportation.
Los Angeles, CA: The Entertainment Capital
Overview: Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world where you can maximise your chances of spotting a celeb. From Hollywood's Walk of Fame to the stunning beaches, LA offers a blend of celebrity culture and natural beauty in the surrounding countryside.
Attractions:
Santa Monica Pier and the Santa Monica Boulevard, home to boystown clubs and bars (arguably made famous by a certain Sheryl Crow)
Griffith Observatory where you can explore the universe for free
Getty Center some serious art here
Universal Studios Hollywood for Jurrasic entertainment, if you dare.
Dining:
In-N-Out Burger for classic fast food
Grand Central Market for diverse food options from around the world
The Ivy for upscale dining. That means quality and posh, if you have the budget!
Pink's Hot Dogs for iconic hot dogs
Tips:
Hike to the Hollywood Sign (now over 100 years old) for panoramic views of the city
Take a scenic drive along Mulholland Drive. Be prepared to twist and wind and keep a close look out for celebs.
Chicago, IL: The Windy City
Overview:Welcome to Chicago, the Windy City, known for its stunning architecture, deep-dish pizza, and vibrant cultural scene. Explore the shores of Lake Michigan and the iconic skyline of downtown Chicago.
Attractions:
Navy Pier for culture, dining, shopping, free events and more
Willis Tower Skydeck 103 floors up and 1,353 feet in the air, this isn't for the faint hearted.
Chicago Riverwalk where incredible architecture meets water, this is stunning
Dining:
Giordano's for deep-dish pizza
Portillo's for Chicago-style hot dogs
The Purple Pig for eclectic dishes
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria for more deep-dish goodness
Tips:
Take a stroll along the Magnificent Mile for shopping and dining.
Attend a live performance at the Chicago Theatre. Not to be confused with Chicago, the musical (think Jazz in the roaring 1920s where not everyone is good!)
Houston, TX: The Space City
Overview:Explore the dynamic city of Houston, where space exploration meets Texan hospitality. Visit world-class museums, enjoy diverse cuisine, and embrace the energy of this sprawling metropolis.
Attractions:
Houston Museum District with no less than 20 museums to choose from
Buffalo Bayou Park for industry reimagined, parks, relics and greenery
The Museum of Fine Arts for art and more art
Houston Zoo for conservation, beasts, cuties and dinosaurs. Yes. Dinosaurs.
Dining:
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen for Cajun cuisine
The Pit Room for barbecue
Brennan's of Houston for Creole dishes
Ninfa's on Navigation for mouthwatering Tex-Mex
Tips:
The Houston Space Center gives a genuinely fascinating look at NASA's history, even if you don't think you're that into space, technology's progress is incredible
Take a scenic walk along the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park afterwards to get back to nature and allow your mind to drift back to earth!
Phoenix, AZ: The Valley of the Sun
Overview:Welcome to Phoenix, the Valley of the Sun, where sunshine and Southwestern charm abound. Explore the natural beauty of the desert, visit cultural attractions, and enjoy outdoor activities under the clear Arizona skies.
Attractions:
Camelback Mountain named after the sillhouette it makes on the valley skyline. Not for the fainthearted, the trecks and hikes tend to be challenging, if that's what you like.
Heard Museum for American Indian art
Papago Park for easier trecks with enormous buttes that rise and fall
Taliesin West, being Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and a UNESCO world heritage site
Dining:
Pizzeria Bianco for wood-fired pizza
The Old Spaghetti Factory for Italian cuisine, unique decor and classical design. Check out the antique lighting.
Matt's Big Breakfast for classic American breakfast and more
Barrio Café for Mexican dishes since 2002.
Tips:
Take a hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views of the Sonoran Desert.
Explore the Phoenix Art Museum for a dose of culture.
Philadelphia, PA: The City of Brotherly Love
Overview:Explore the historic streets of Philadelphia, where the birth of the nation meets modern urban living. From Independence Hall to Philly cheesesteaks, the City of Brotherly Love is rich in history and culinary delights.
Attractions:
Liberty Bell Center starting in a foundry in Whitechapel, London, England, this bell cracked on its first ring, was melted down and cracked again
Philadelphia Museum of Art Art lovers delight
Reading Terminal Market an incredibly diverse range of produce
Eastern State Penitentiary once home to Scarface, Al Capone.
Dining:
Geno's Steaks for a classic Philly cheesesteak
Reading Terminal Market again for astonishingly diverse food options
Zahav for modern Israeli cuisine
The Love for American comfort food
Tips:
Climb the "Rocky Steps" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Try to do it without humming the theme tune. Or shadow boxing at the top.
Explore the historic district for cobblestone streets and colonial architecture.
San Antonio, TX: The Alamo City
Overview:Welcome to San Antonio, the Alamo City, where history and vibrant culture come together. Explore the iconic Alamo, stroll along the picturesque River Walk, and embrace the Texan hospitality.
Attractions:
The Alamo legendary. Say no more.
San Antonio River Walk for culture, history and charm
Pearl District for remarkable crafts, from coopers (know what they are?) to stonemasonry, restaurants and market stalls
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park a UNESCO world heritage site
Tower of the Americas Entertainment, fine dining and height, should you wish!
Dining:
Tips:
Take a boat tour to cruise along the San Antonio River Walk for a unique perspective
Visit the historic Market Square for shopping and cultural events.
San Diego, CA: America's Finest City
Overview:Embrace the laid-back vibes of San Diego, known for its stunning beaches, family-friendly attractions, and perfect weather. From Balboa Park to the vibrant neighborhoods, America's Finest City offers a diverse range of experiences.
Attractions:
USS Midway Museum welcome aboard this historic attraction
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to experience the early history of San Diego on the ancestral land of the Kumeyaay people
La Jolla Cove for spectacular coastline and upscale village atmostphere
Dining:
The Fish Market for seafood with a view
Phil's BBQ for classic barbecue
Puesto for gourmet tacos
Hodad's for classic burgers and shakes
Tips:
Visit the Cabrillo National Monument for panoramic views of San Diego.
Explore the Gaslamp Quarter for nightlife and entertainment.
Dallas, TX: The Big D
Overview:Welcome to Dallas, the Big D, where modern sophistication meets Texan charm. Explore the arts district, indulge in world-class dining, and experience the unique blend of urban living and Southern hospitality.
Attractions:
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza for all things JFK
Dallas World Aquarium for astonishing underwater sights
Reunion Tower Dallas from the sky
Deep Ellum for culture, arts, live music and comedy and so much more
Dining:
Pecan Lodge for barbecue
The Rustic for live music and Southern cuisine
Uptown for upscale dining
Velvet Taco for gourmet tacos and an all day happy hour (at the time of writing) on a Tuesday!
Tips:
Explore the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden for a tranquil experience, wine tasting, markets, concerts and more
Attend a live performance at the AT&T Performing Arts Center which fosters the creative arts.
San Jose, CA: The Capital of Silicon Valley
Overview:Immerse yourself in the heart of technology and innovation in San Jose, the Capital of Silicon Valley. Explore tech museums, beautiful parks, and the vibrant downtown scene in this dynamic city.
Attractions:
Winchester Mystery House even has flashlight tours. Scary!
Santana Row see foodies, trendsetters, innovators and urban dwellers
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum for the largest collection of artifacts in North America
Dining:
Original Joe's for classic Italian-American dishes
La Victoria Taqueria for Mexican cuisine. Also known locally as "La Vic's".
The Farmers Union for farm-to-table dining in an American tavern
Falafel Drive-In for Middle Eastern flavors
Tips:
Visit the San Jose Museum of Art for a dose of culture.
Take a stroll through the Japanese Friendship Garden in Kelley Park. Beautiful, tranquil and right in the middle of the city!