United States · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in United States
These are the places we would point a friend to in the United States, from New York's great museums and Washington's free monuments to taco trucks in Los Angeles, jazz clubs in New Orleans and sunset viewpoints at the Grand Canyon. Opening hours, reservations and seasons change, so check each place's own site before you go.
Places to Visit in New York City
Arts and Culture
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art (Upper East Side, Manhattan)
Five thousand years of art under one roof, with a rooftop garden open in the warmer months. - 9/11 Memorial and Museum (Lower Manhattan)
Twin reflecting pools and a moving museum on the site of the World Trade Center. - Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) (Midtown, Manhattan)
Van Gogh, Warhol and Monet in one of the world's great modern art collections. - The Cloisters (Fort Tryon Park, Upper Manhattan)
Medieval European art and gardens in a hilltop setting above the Hudson. - American Museum of Natural History (Upper West Side, Manhattan)
Dinosaur halls, the blue whale and a planetarium that children and adults love.
Nature and Outdoors
- Central Park (Manhattan)
Eight hundred acres of meadows, lakes and bridges that show New Yorkers at play. - The High Line (Chelsea, Manhattan)
A park built on an old elevated rail line, with planting, art and views over the streets. - Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Prospect Heights, Brooklyn)
A peaceful garden famous for its cherry blossoms in spring.
Things to Do
- Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (New York Harbor)
The harbour icon and the immigration museum where millions of families' American stories began. - Brooklyn Bridge walk (Lower Manhattan to DUMBO)
Walk the wooden promenade for the classic skyline view, ideally early in the morning. - Staten Island Ferry (Whitehall Terminal, Lower Manhattan)
A free commuter ferry that sails past the Statue of Liberty and the harbour skyline. - Roosevelt Island Tramway (East 59th Street, Manhattan)
A short aerial tram ride over the East River on a regular transit fare.
Restaurants
- Katz's Delicatessen (Lower East Side, Manhattan)
The city's most famous pastrami on rye, served in a loud, timeless deli hall. - Joe's Pizza (Greenwich Village, Manhattan)
A classic New York slice, folded and eaten standing up. - Flushing food courts (Flushing, Queens)
Some of the best regional Chinese food in America, in busy basement food halls.
Shopping and Markets
- Chelsea Market (Chelsea, Manhattan)
An old biscuit factory filled with food stalls, bakeries and shops, right by the High Line. - Smorgasburg (Williamsburg and Prospect Park, Brooklyn)
A weekend outdoor food market with dozens of vendors in the warmer months.
Bars and Nightlife
- Bemelmans Bar (The Carlyle, Upper East Side)
A jazz age cocktail bar with whimsical murals and live piano in the evening. - Village Vanguard (Greenwich Village, Manhattan)
A basement jazz club that has hosted the greats since the 1930s.
Events
- Broadway shows (Theater District, Manhattan)
An evening at a Broadway musical is a New York rite of passage. - New York's Village Halloween Parade (Sixth Avenue, Manhattan)
A huge, joyful costume parade every October 31 that anyone in costume can join.
Cafés
- Russ and Daughters (Lower East Side, Manhattan)
A century-old appetising shop for bagels with smoked fish and cream cheese.
Stays
- The Wythe Hotel (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
A converted factory hotel with a rooftop bar and Manhattan skyline views.
Places to Visit in Washington, D.C.
Arts and Culture
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (National Mall)
Free entry to the Wright Flyer, the Apollo 11 command module and more. - National Museum of African American History and Culture (National Mall)
A powerful, deeply researched museum; free timed passes are often needed. - Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (National Mall)
The Hope Diamond, dinosaurs and an ocean hall, all free to visit. - Library of Congress (Capitol Hill)
The ornate Thomas Jefferson Building is one of the most beautiful interiors in the country. - National Gallery of Art (National Mall)
Free world-class art, including the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in the Americas. - Planet Word (Downtown)
A free, playful museum of language that suits curious families.
Things to Do
- Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall (National Mall)
The monuments are open around the clock and especially moving lit up at night. - United States Capitol tour (Capitol Hill)
Free guided tours of the Capitol, booked online in advance. - Georgetown waterfront (Georgetown)
Cobbled streets, canal paths and riverside restaurants for an evening stroll. - Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington, Virginia)
The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a solemn sight.
Restaurants
- Ben's Chili Bowl (U Street)
A neighbourhood institution famous for its chili half-smoke sausage. - Union Market (NoMa)
A food hall of local vendors, from oysters to Ethiopian and Korean dishes. - Ethiopian restaurants on Ninth Street (Shaw)
The Washington area has one of the largest Ethiopian communities outside Africa, and its restaurants show it.
Shopping and Markets
- Eastern Market (Capitol Hill)
A historic market hall with weekend craft and flea stalls outside.
Nature and Outdoors
- Tidal Basin cherry blossoms (National Mall)
Thousands of cherry trees bloom here around late March and early April. - Theodore Roosevelt Island (Potomac River)
A wooded island park with quiet trails a short walk from Georgetown. - Mount Vernon (Fairfax County, Virginia)
George Washington's estate and gardens on the Potomac, a short trip from the city.
Bars and Nightlife
- The Wharf (Southwest Waterfront)
A lively riverside district of restaurants, music venues and the historic fish market. - Blues Alley (Georgetown)
An intimate jazz supper club operating since the 1960s.
Cafés
- Compass Coffee (Shaw and across DC)
A homegrown roaster with friendly cafés across the city.
Stays
- The Line DC (Adams Morgan)
A hotel in a converted church with good bars and a neighbourhood feel.
Events
- National Cherry Blossom Festival (National Mall and citywide)
Weeks of parades, kites and performances in early spring.
Places to Visit in Los Angeles
Things to Do
- Griffith Observatory (Griffith Park)
Free entry, telescopes and the best view of the Hollywood Sign and city lights. - Venice Beach Boardwalk (Venice)
Street performers, Muscle Beach and skaters along the sand, best by day. - Universal Studios Hollywood (Universal City)
Film studio tours and rides, from Harry Potter to Super Nintendo World.
Arts and Culture
- The Getty Center (Brentwood)
Hilltop art museum with gardens and city views; entry is free but parking is charged. - Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) (Miracle Mile)
Big collections and the much photographed Urban Light lamppost installation. - The Broad (Downtown LA)
Free contemporary art, including the Infinity Mirror Rooms; reserve ahead. - Watts Towers (Watts)
Folk art towers built by one man over three decades from steel, tile and glass.
Nature and Outdoors
- Santa Monica Pier and beach (Santa Monica)
A classic pier with a Ferris wheel, wide sand and the bike path along the ocean. - Runyon Canyon (Hollywood Hills)
A short, steep hike with city views and plenty of local dog walkers. - El Matador State Beach (Malibu)
Sea stacks and coves on a small, dramatic beach up the coast.
Shopping and Markets
- Grand Central Market (Downtown LA)
A century-old food hall with tacos, pupusas, egg sandwiches and more. - Rose Bowl Flea Market (Pasadena)
A huge monthly flea market for vintage clothes, furniture and curios.
Restaurants
- Leo's Tacos Truck (Mid-City)
Al pastor tacos carved from the spit at a famous LA taco truck. - Koreatown barbecue (Koreatown)
Grill-at-your-table Korean barbecue in America's busiest Koreatown. - Philippe the Original (Chinatown edge, Downtown LA)
Claims to have invented the French dip sandwich, served since 1908.
Events
- Hollywood Bowl concerts (Hollywood Hills)
Summer concerts under the stars in a famous outdoor amphitheatre.
Cafés
- Olvera Street (El Pueblo, Downtown LA)
The city's oldest street, with Mexican market stalls and taquitos.
Stays
- Hotel Figueroa (Downtown LA)
A restored 1920s hotel with a Spanish Revival lobby and pool. - Shore Hotel (Santa Monica)
A modern hotel across the street from the beach and pier.
Places to Visit in San Francisco
Things to Do
- Golden Gate Bridge (Presidio)
Walk or cycle across the bridge for views of the bay and the city. - Alcatraz Island (San Francisco Bay)
The former prison island, reached by the official ferry; book well ahead. - Cable cars (Powell Street and California Street lines)
Ride a moving national landmark up and over the hills. - Coit Tower and the Filbert Steps (Telegraph Hill)
Garden stairways, murals and views, often with wild parrots overhead.
Shopping and Markets
- Ferry Building Marketplace (Embarcadero)
Local food stalls and a well known farmers market on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. - City Lights Booksellers (North Beach)
The Beat Generation bookshop and publisher, still open late.
Nature and Outdoors
- Golden Gate Park (Richmond and Sunset)
Gardens, museums, bison and windmills in a park longer than Central Park. - Lands End Trail (Outer Richmond)
A cliff path with shipwreck views, the Sutro Baths ruins and the Golden Gate. - Muir Woods National Monument (Marin County)
Ancient coast redwoods a short drive north; parking or shuttle reservations required.
Arts and Culture
- California Academy of Sciences (Golden Gate Park)
An aquarium, rainforest dome and planetarium under a living roof. - San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SoMa)
A major modern art museum with free galleries on the ground floor. - Balmy Alley murals (Mission District)
A small lane covered in political and community murals.
Restaurants
- La Taqueria (Mission District)
A famous Mission-style burrito spot with a loyal following. - Chinatown dim sum (Chinatown)
America's oldest Chinatown, with dim sum, bakeries and temple streets.
Cafés
- Tartine Bakery (Mission District)
Morning buns and country loaves from one of the bakeries that shaped modern baking. - Buena Vista Cafe (Fisherman's Wharf)
Famous for bringing Irish coffee to America, right by the cable car turnaround.
Bars and Nightlife
- Top of the Mark (Nob Hill)
A classic hotel sky bar with panoramic views over the bay. - Tonga Room (Fairmont Hotel, Nob Hill)
A kitsch tiki bar with indoor rainstorms over a pool.
Events
- Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (Golden Gate Park)
A free music festival in the park each autumn.
Places to Visit in New Orleans
Things to Do
- French Quarter (Vieux Carré)
Iron balconies, Jackson Square and street musicians in the city's oldest neighbourhood. - St. Charles streetcar (Garden District)
Ride the historic streetcar past oak trees and mansions. - Garden District walk (Garden District)
Grand homes and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 with its above-ground tombs.
Cafés
- Café du Monde (French Market)
Beignets under powdered sugar and café au lait, open from early morning.
Bars and Nightlife
- Preservation Hall (French Quarter)
Intimate traditional jazz sets nightly in a historic hall. - Frenchmen Street (Marigny)
A strip of clubs with live music every night, more local than Bourbon Street. - Bacchanal Wine (Bywater)
A wine shop with a backyard of live music and food.
Arts and Culture
- The National WWII Museum (Warehouse District)
An immersive, highly regarded museum of the Second World War.
Restaurants
- Commander's Palace (Garden District)
A Creole fine dining landmark known for jazz brunch. - Dooky Chase's Restaurant (Treme)
Leah Chase's historic Creole restaurant, a civil rights era meeting place. - Parkway Bakery and Tavern (Mid-City)
Roast beef po' boys dripping with gravy at a neighbourhood favourite. - Willie Mae's Scotch House (Treme)
Famous fried chicken in a small neighbourhood restaurant.
Events
- Mardi Gras (Citywide)
Weeks of parades and balls leading up to Fat Tuesday. - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (Fair Grounds Race Course)
Two spring weekends of music, food and crafts.
Nature and Outdoors
- City Park (Mid-City)
Giant live oaks, a sculpture garden and Morning Call beignets. - Barataria Preserve swamp trail (Jean Lafitte National Historical Park)
Boardwalks through swamp and marsh, often with alligators.
Shopping and Markets
- French Market (French Quarter)
A long market of food and craft stalls by the river.
Stays
- Hotel Monteleone (French Quarter)
A grand hotel with the revolving Carousel Bar. - Ace Hotel New Orleans (Warehouse District)
A stylish hotel with a rooftop pool, close to the museums.
Places to Visit in Grand Canyon
Nature and Outdoors
- South Rim and Mather Point (Grand Canyon Village)
The classic first view, busiest at sunrise and sunset. - Rim Trail (South Rim)
A mostly flat, partly paved walk along the edge with shuttle stops. - Bright Angel Trail (South Rim)
A steep descent into the canyon; go only a short way down in summer heat. - Hopi Point sunset (Hermit Road, South Rim)
A wide westward view that suits sunset, reached by the free shuttle.
Things to Do
- Desert View Watchtower (East end of the South Rim)
Mary Colter's stone tower with Hopi murals and views of the Colorado River. - Grand Canyon Railway (Williams to the South Rim)
A vintage style train ride from Williams, Arizona, to the rim. - Junior Ranger programme (Park visitor centres)
Free activity books and ranger talks for children.
Arts and Culture
- Yavapai Geology Museum (South Rim)
Big windows and clear displays that explain how the canyon formed. - Hermit's Rest (West end of Hermit Road)
A rustic stone rest house designed by Mary Colter at the end of the shuttle road.
Stays
- El Tovar Hotel (Grand Canyon Village)
The historic rim-side lodge of 1905, booked far in advance. - Mather Campground (Grand Canyon Village)
A forested campground near the rim, reservable online.
Places to Visit in Chicago
Arts and Culture
- Art Institute of Chicago (Loop)
Seurat, Hopper and American Gothic in one of America's best art museums. - National Museum of Mexican Art (Pilsen)
Free museum in a colourful neighbourhood full of murals.
Things to Do
- Chicago Architecture Center river cruise (Chicago Riverwalk)
The best introduction to the city's skyscrapers, from the water.
Nature and Outdoors
- Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (Loop)
The mirrored Bean, summer concerts and a winter ice rink. - The 606 trail (Wicker Park and Bucktown)
An elevated rail trail through neighbourhoods on Chicago's west side.
Restaurants
- Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (Several neighbourhoods)
Deep dish pizza with a buttery crust, a Chicago essential. - Portillo's (River North)
Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches.
Bars and Nightlife
- The Green Mill (Uptown)
A historic jazz lounge once frequented by Al Capone.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Pod Times Square (Midtown West, Manhattan, New York City)
Compact, modern rooms that make a central base possible on a budget. - The Edison (Downtown LA, Los Angeles)
A grand cocktail lounge in a former power plant. - Hotel Zephyr (Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco)
A playful, nautical themed hotel by the water. - Backstreet Cultural Museum (Treme, New Orleans)
Mardi Gras Indian suits and second line traditions, explained by the community. - Grand Canyon North Rim (North Rim, Grand Canyon)
Quieter, higher and greener, open in summer only; check its status after the 2025 fire.