Great American cities to visit for your next vacation

Chicago combines art, sports, and food on the shores of Lake Michigan, with miles of protected parkland along the waterline. Get your bearings and learn about the city’s colourful history on an architecture boat tour along the Chicago River. You’ll pass soaring skyscrapers that the city is known for.

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s great museums. It features everything from Chinese artwork, such as the 8th-century Tang Dynasty Bodhisattva sculpture and limestone carvings from the 6th-century Northern Qi and Wei periods, to window panels designed by Swiss artist Marc Chagall.

With its reflective surfaces and odd angles, the Cloud Gate sculpture (AKA the Bean) is an iconic selfie spot in Millennium Park and one of the world's largest permanent outdoor art installations. Catch a baseball game at the legendary Wrigley Field, dine on Chicago-style hot dogs and deep-dish pizza, and tour neighbourhood restaurants in areas like Wicker Park and Logan Square for a more upscale taste of the city's culinary scene.

Where to stay

For a luxury stay on the riverfront, check in at The Langham Chicago. The Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown also offers convenient access to many of the city's major attractions.

San Francisco packs a lot of landmarks into a relatively compact city, and it's one of the most popular US cities to visit. Between historic cable cars, waterfront districts, and distinctive neighbourhoods, the steep hills of San Francisco are easy and fun to explore on foot or by public transit.

The Golden Gate is San Francisco's most recognizable landmark, known for its photogenic sunsets and the Bay Area's classic foggy weather. Check out North America's oldest Chinatown, spanning 30 blocks and featuring spots like the Dragon Gate entry, the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, and Portsmouth Square. Get immersed in more of the city's history and modern culture at Fisherman's Wharf, where you can dine on fresh chowder and catch sights of the wharf's resident sea lion colony.

San Francisco also has easy access to some of California's best natural terrain. A bus is available for the steep trip, but many people prefer to walk up to Telegraph Hill from the Embarcadero for an extra workout, rewarded at the top with views of the Bay Area and an introduction to the city's most colourful residents—a flock of wild, non-native parrots whose origins remain a persistent mystery. 

Where to stay

The Fairmont is a classic, high-end San Francisco property on Nob Hill, with a regal feel and great service. Solo travellers can find budget-friendly rates at Chapter San Francisco Hostel, while Stanford Court San Francisco offers more mid-range rates (by Bay Area standards).

Shaped by Creole, Caribbean, Spanish, and numerous other cultural influences, New Orleans' diversity is evident everywhere, from its architecture to its food. Most travellers start in the French Quarter, where Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the Mississippi River waterfront are all within walking distance. Beyond Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street is one of the city's best destinations for live jazz, blues, and brass band performances.

New Orleans is known for beignets and café au lait at Café du Monde, while restaurants throughout the city serve gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, and po'boys. The city also hosts festivals year-round, including Jazz Fest, which draws musicians and visitors from around the world.

Where to stay

The Hotel Monteleone is a classic French Quarter hotel with an old-school, elegant feel. Hotel Provincial and Grenoble House are also within easy reach of the French Quarter.

Waikiki Beach in Honolulu is the hub of tourism, but much of the city's best lies beyond the beachfront designer shops and towering hotels. Lēʻahi Head (or Diamond Head) is a popular hiking spot that looks out to the south shore, and you can stop at the nearby KCC Farmers Market if you plan your hike for a Saturday morning.

Iolani Palace, the former residence of Hawaii's last monarchs, offers guided tours through restored royal chambers and state rooms. The Bishop Museum houses Hawaiian cultural artifacts, royal heirlooms, and exhibits focused on Polynesian history and science.

Food is one of the best parts of Honolulu, with poke shops, Japanese noodle houses, Korean barbecue restaurants, and Hawaiian plate lunch counters found throughout the city. Leonard's Bakery is known for its malasadas, while other notable stops and local favourites include Paia Fish Market, Jenny's Shrimp Truck, Kaimana Shaved Ice, and Maguro Bros.

Where to stay

The Royal Hawaiian is a true gem on fabled Waikiki Beach—a pink palace with tremendous history and excellent Mai Tais. Halekulani Okinawa is one of Waikiki's best-known luxury hotels with direct beach access and views of Diamond Head, while The Twin Fin Hotel offers a more affordable stay across from Waikiki Beach.

Even if you're not a gambler, the lights and dazzle of Las Vegas offer plenty of entertainment. Along the Strip, check out the Bellagio Fountain show, ride the High Roller observation wheel, and step inside the LED-illuminated Sphere.

The city hosts constant live entertainment throughout the year, from Cirque du Soleil and residency concerts to NHL hockey, NFL football, and Formula 1 events. Fremont Street offers more of a nostalgic Las Vegas experience, with cheaper entertainment, classic casinos, and street performers, while the nearby Arts District is a bohemian area known for its craft breweries, independent restaurants, art installations, and vintage shops. 

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is less than 30 minutes from the Strip, and visitors can explore hiking trails and rock climbing in the red-hued sandstone.

Where to stay

The Bellagio is one of the Strip's landmark luxury resorts. Alternatively, Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino offers one of the best locations for exploring on foot.

Often overlooked in favour of larger American cities, Buffalo offers big-city amenities without the crowds or the costs. The Canalside district has made Buffalo's waterfront a hub for festivals, concerts, boat tours, kayaking, and public events. Walking paths trace parts of the historic Erie Canal, and you can tour decommissioned ships at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park nearby.

Buffalo has also become known as one of the best-designed cities in America, and much of its original architecture has been carefully preserved and restored. Visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House, the Guaranty Building skyscraper, and the Buffalo State Asylum to take in some of the many architectural styles and masterpieces of the city. You'll also find notable Art Deco buildings, historic churches, and remnants of the city's industrial past downtown.

Less than 30 minutes away, Niagara Falls makes an easy day trip, allowing visitors to combine one of North America's most famous natural attractions with a city getaway.

Where to stay

The Curtiss Hotel is located in a restored historic building in downtown Buffalo and includes a rooftop lounge and spa. The Wyndham Garden Buffalo Downtown and the Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo Downtown are conveniently located near Canalside.

The most fun American cities are just a flight away

Exploring these top American places to visit offers a more varied perspective of the country's culinary styles, history, landmarks, and more. Start planning your next trip, and make sure to leave room in your itinerary to discover more of these top-ranked destinations.