The United States boasts 336 cities with populations exceeding 100,000 with 23 Best American Cities to Visit from local expert pick in this article. These range from massive metropolises like New York City with its 8.2 million residents to welcoming mid-sized communities. American cities offer visitors an amazing array of experiences.
Our extensive research covers cities nationwide where almost 97 million Americans make their home – that’s 29.14% of the population. Every destination tells its own story through unique characteristics. Los Angeles dazzles with world-class entertainment, while Boston showcases rich historical heritage. Nashville pulses with its dynamic music scene.
Your 2025 travel planning just got easier with our carefully curated list of 23 must-visit American cities. We’ve included major urban centers and lesser-known treasures. These destinations stand out with their unique attractions, culinary delights, and cultural experiences that make every travel dollar count.
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New York City
Image Source: NYC Tourism + Conventions
New York City (one of the 23 Best American Cities to Visit) fascinates millions with its soaring skyscrapers and rich cultural scene. The city stands tall as America’s most recognizable metropolis.
Best NYC Attractions and Landmarks
Central Park serves as the city’s emerald heart with its 843 acres of rolling meadows and elm-lined walkways. The park boasts over 20 playgrounds, 48 fountains, and 30 bridges. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking city views from the Empire State Building’s observation deck, 1,250 feet above street level. The High Line stretches 1.5 miles through three bustling neighborhoods on an old rail track and features rotating art installations and food vendors.
Where to Eat in NYC
The city’s food scene keeps evolving, especially when it comes to 2025’s new offerings. Downtown welcomes exciting additions like Bánh’s new spot near Union Square and Kabawa’s Caribbean flavors in Ko Bar’s former space. New restaurants include Crevette with its seafood focus, and Dominique Ansel’s Papa d’Amour, a 2,000-square-foot bakery that serves fluffy steamed buns and egg tarts.
Best Time to Visit NYC
September through November is the best time to visit, with temperatures between 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. The city comes alive with events like the New York Film Festival and NYC Marathon. Budget-conscious travelers should consider January and February for lower hotel rates, though temperatures can drop to the 20s and 30s. Cherry blossoms and outdoor dining mark the spring season, while summer brings SummerStage’s 85 musical events across 13 parks.
San Francisco
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San Francisco (one of the 23 Best American Cities to Visit) sits snugly between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. This 49-square-mile city packs an amazing mix of experiences into a small space.
Top San Francisco Experiences
The city’s neighborhoods showcase attractions in a variety of settings, from historic sites to natural wonders. Golden Gate Park is California’s answer to Central Park and covers 174 acres. You’ll find some real gems here, like the Japanese Tea Garden – America’s oldest Japanese garden. The park also features the Conservatory of Flowers, which holds the title of oldest public conservatory in the Western Hemisphere.
San Francisco Food Scene
The food scene keeps getting better in 2025, with exciting new spots popping up. The Ferry Building Marketplace remains the life-blood of the city’s food culture with:
- Fresh seafood stalls
- Artisanal coffee shops
- Local honey producers
- Organic bagel makers
New spots like Nopa Fish and JouJou are changing the dining landscape. The city now has its first Uzbek restaurant, Sofiya, plus new Brazilian and Cantonese options.
San Francisco Travel Tips
Summers here bring fog and wind, so pack layers. You won’t need a car in this compact city – walking, biking, or ride-sharing work better. Make sure to book your restaurants ahead of time, especially at hot spots like Liholiho Yacht Club and State Bird Provisions. The best time to visit is between April-June or September-November when the weather’s just right.
New Orleans
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New Orleans, nicknamed the Big Easy, (one of the 23 Best American Cities to Visit) captivates visitors with its unique blend of French, Creole, and African American influences.
NOLA Cultural Attractions
The French Quarter serves as the city’s historic heart and features ornate architecture with wrought-iron balconies. Jackson Square, a National Historic Landmark since 1960, is home to the iconic St. Louis Cathedral that stands out with its three towering steeples. Preservation Hall, 62 years old, stays true to its mission of protecting traditional New Orleans jazz through intimate acoustic concerts.
Best Restaurants in New Orleans
The city’s rich heritage shines through its signature Cajun dishes. Local specialties include:
- Gumbo – a traditional okra stew seasoned with Cajun spices
- Jambalaya – a spicy one-pot meat and rice dish
- Louisiana crawfish – a regional delicacy
- Po’ Boy – classic sandwiches served on New Orleans French bread
When to Visit New Orleans
February through May offers the best time to explore New Orleans, with comfortable temperatures between the low 70s and mid-80s. December and January bring fewer crowds and better hotel rates. July and August temperatures soar to 90 degrees with humidity levels above 80 percent. Festivals light up the city throughout the year, from April’s French Quarter Festival to August’s Satchmo Summerfest.
Chicago
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Chicago (one of the 23 Best American Cities to Visit) distinguishes itself from other major US cities through its architectural innovation and culinary excellence. The Windy City’s skyline weaves stories through iconic buildings and public art.
Must-See Chicago Attractions
Architectural heritage comes alive through landmarks like Cloud Gate (The Bean) in Millennium Park that mirrors the stunning skyline. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from Willis Tower’s Skydeck or 360 CHICAGO observation deck. The Chicago Architecture River Cruise lets you experience the city’s architectural canyon up close.
Chicago’s Food Culture
The city’s culinary landscape showcases its character in a variety of offerings. The city’s signature dishes include:
- Deep-dish pizza standing 4-6cm thick, invented at Pizzeria Uno in 1943
- Chicago-style hot dogs topped with mustard, sweet pickle relish, onions, and tomato
- Italian beef sandwiches served with giardiniera peppers
Each neighborhood adds its own flavors, from Polish sausage on Maxwell Street to the Puerto Rican Jibarito sandwich in Humboldt Park.
Chicago Seasonal Guide
April through May and September through October are ideal times to visit with warm temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer brings peak tourist season with many festivals, including the Chicago Blues Festival and Lollapalooza. Winter visitors between November and March can find great hotel deals, though temperatures dip into the 20s-35°F (-6°C to 2°C).
Nashville
Image Source: Nashville
Nashville’s entertainment scene expands beyond its country music roots as Music City’s heartbeat grows stronger in 2025.
Nashville Music Scene
New venues have transformed the city’s musical landscape. Cannery Hall stands out as one of Nashville’s largest independent music spaces with three stages and state-of-art sound systems. Category 10, Luke Combs’ 69,000-square-foot entertainment complex, now features downtown’s largest rooftop. These new venues include:
- Chief’s – Eric Church’s six-story property with a two-story music venue
- Nashville Live! – A premier entertainment district
- Riverside Revival – A world-class music venue in East Nashville
Best Nashville Restaurants
Nashville’s cultural diversity shines through its culinary scene. The city welcomes its first-ever Chinatown in Antioch with authentic Asian restaurants and specialty shops. The 12South neighborhood will soon feature a 116,000-square-foot mixed-use development that brings exciting dining options.
Nashville Travel Planning
The best time to visit falls between February and May when the weather stays comfortable. Summer temperatures and humidity rise significantly, making spring perfect to experience the city’s outdoor attractions. Nashville Yards has added 350,000 feet of retail and entertainment space that includes an upscale cinema and a 1.31-acre green space with pickleball courts. A historical shopping center from 1902 will welcome visitors again in early 2025 with over 30 unique restaurants and retail concepts.
