Whether you’re lining up must-see sites for a first-time trip or returning to pioneer a unique itinerary, USA cities are packed with enough bucket-list adventures and off-grid urban experiences to last a lifetime.
Visit some of the USA’s most famed skylines (we’re looking at you, New York) for an introduction to classic city breaks, then shake things up on streets less stomped (try trotting by horse and cart in Charleston) and uncover experiences to rival the well-known.
Be dazzled by the bright lights of Vegas, then try your luck in an Atlantic City casino, inhale fresh air on an urban hike in San Francisco or bicycle between breweries in Portland. Sports fans exploring LA can follow the NBA’s biggest rivalry with a side trip to Boston, while lovers of New Orleans’ southern hospitality will find themselves charmed by Charleston’s old-world allure. Whether you’re planning your first, second or seventh trip to USA cities, prepare to extend your itinerary with our handpicked USA deals.
If you want to experience: dazzling skylines
New York & Chicago
So good they named it twice; New York, New York, is worth visiting more than once. With unmissable landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and eye-opening museums, including the Guggenheim and MoMA, there’s no rest for travellers exploring ‘The City that Never Sleeps’.
For a change of city scenery, set your eyes on the Chicago skyline. Dominated by landmark architecture, the ‘Windy City’ is best viewed from the Willis Tower, home to the highest viewing platform in the United States.
Both cities are equally exciting in the way of highbrow art, pop culture – and pizza! Wander the neighbourhoods that built each city’s reputation – think Brooklyn for NYC and South Side for Chicago – steeped in hip-hop, theatre and gangster tales, or compare the New York slice with the Chicago deep-dish and settle the country’s most heated debate once and for all.
If you want to experience: legendary nightlife
Las Vegas & Atlantic City
Hypnotising lights and all-night entertainment; good times are up for grabs in two of the USA’s top party towns. Head to Las Vegas for excess opulence and a healthy dose of unbridled fun. The world-famous strip is packed with glamorous nightclubs, themed casinos and high-calibre restaurants. By day, shop ‘til you drop at one of the many malls or catch a matinee: from magic to music to Cirque du Soleil. After dark, be mesmerised by the dancing Bellagio Fountains or rollercoaster through neon haze at The Strat.
Over on the East Coast, keep the good times going in Atlantic City, where glitzy casinos meet beautiful beaches. Chase unlimited thrills at Steel Pier Amusement Park, located on the historic boardwalk, or dance all night, every night at one of the many bars and music lounges. Recover with a high-end shopping spree and indulgent spa treatment or spend summer days sprawled on the sands.
If you want to experience: cowboy culture
Dallas & Cody
Yee-haw! For all things ranches, rodeos and roaring good times, prepare for the ride of your life in Dallas. Pick up a custom-made cowboy hat and take the short drive to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, where you can saddle up for a horseback ride down the Chisholm Trail, then boot-scoot your way to one of the city’s honky tonks for a fun night of line-dancing, bull riding and classic country music.
While this Texan pairing puts a cosmopolitan twist on cowboy culture, Cody gets to the heart of the Wild West. Set on the fringes of Yellowstone National Park, the city is rich in both history and natural landscapes. Ever since Cody was founded by William ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody, its traditional frontier facade has been preserved and loved by locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss the nightly summer rodeo (June–August) for an evening of family-friendly action.
If you want to experience: cycling and seafood
San Francisco & Portland
IPA drinkers, creatives and keen cyclists unite! The eclectic streets of San Francisco never go out of style, but Portland’s less-touristed trails are just as worthy. Stroll or cycle through both major cities; bike between breweries in Portland or summit Mount Davidson for stellar San Fran vistas. Both destinations are a feast for the senses; enjoy the freshest of seafood straight from Fisherman’s Wharf (don’t leave without trying the crab dish at Crab House at Pier 39) or try some of the USA’s best coffee in Portland, home to dozens of independent roasters.
While the cultural scene and quirkiness of California’s ‘Golden City’ are most famous, self-expression is encouraged in both urban centres. The motto ‘Keep Portland Weird’ can be found plastered all around Oregon’s larger-than-life metropolis. So, get yourself a mug of rich and tasty coffee and be your most creative self.
If you want to experience: live-action sports
Los Angeles & Boston
Two major hubs for all things goals, scores and slam dunks, LA and Boston are two sport-loving cities that know a thing or two about winning championships. Witness a showdown of the NBA’s biggest sporting rivals – the Boston Celtics and the LA Lakers – in either city; snag a seat at Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) in LA or TD Garden in Boston – both storied arenas – and join in the roar of the crowd as these fierce competitors go head-to-head.
Off the court, catch all the action of live American football, baseball, ice hockey and soccer; see the Boston Red Sox hit a home run at Fenway Park or the LA Galaxy kick a goal in their home stadium. While LA takes the lead for hosting some of the largest sporting events in the country, Boston evens the score when it comes to passion – it’s home to the most dedicated fans in the country after all.
If you want to experience: southern charm
New Orleans & Charleston
New Orleans‘ round-the-clock nightlife, spicy Creole flavours and lively Bourbon Street celebrations burst across the banks of the Mississippi River. The historic French Quarter dazzles with European-inspired architecture and ornate cast-iron balconies, while bars serving Vieux Carré preserve the city’s deep-rooted cocktail culture. Enjoy the same eclectic charm with a change of pace in Charleston, where horse-drawn carts trot cobblestone streets and Antebellum houses generate a feeling of timeless romance.
Be treated to sweet-as-pie Southern hospitality and easy-going sensibilities, or enjoy an evening of live music; this jumpin’ town is toe-tappingly upbeat, with some of the USA’s most famous jazz musicians like Chris Smith and Bertha Hill growing up here.
If you want to experience: laidback beach days
Waikiki & San Diego
Surf’s up! The USA’s coastal cities entice with the sound of cocktail shakers and rolling waves. Travellers flock to tropical Waikiki, renowned for its fine white sands, crystal-clear waters and laidback lifestyle.
For an equally magical escape, switch up your Honolulu retreat by adding a few days in San Diego, known locally as America’s Finest City. This outdoor-loving city basks in year-round sunshine and myriad hiking trails offering ocean views. No matter which USA city you decide to visit (we recommend both!), these beachy-keen destinations are guaranteed to impress.
