NYC, Chicago, or San Fran?
 

My wife and I do one 5 day weekend a year where we go somewhere new. While we have had business trips to San Fran, Chicago, and NYC, we have not vacationed at any of the places. Any recommendations from people who have been to all 3?<BR><BR>Here is the scoop. We'll have 5 days. Stay in a downtown area. Money is not the main factor, but hey, we all like to save a couple bucks. We are very adaptable and can do museums, shows, or nature, all in the same day.<BR><BR>I'd love an unbiased opionion from someone who has been to all 3. Not looking for anyone to simply promote their hometown. Thank you.

Is it okay for an out-of-US visitor to venture an opinion? We visited all three cities, and, frankly, thought they were all great.... but if you asked me which one I would go back to tomorrow if I had the chance, it would have to be New York. One of the world's top 5 cities, I reckon. That said, I must say that Chicago isn't far behind, and San Francisco made us feel like we were back home in Sydney, as it's small, compact, easy to get around, and has beauty spots everywhere you look. But New York.... aaahhh!

Hmmm... I've visted all three as a tourist and now live close enough to Manhattan ( a 15-20 minute drive) to spend lots of time there on a regular basis. Also just returned forma weekend in SF and loved it (see my just posted trip report under heading of "SF trip report - Hotel Triton etc.). If one considers Central park and/or the Bronx and brookly Botanical gradens to be "nature", I suppose NYC has everything to offer. For five days of interesting things to do and see I'd choose NYC if I planned to do it all in one city and never run short of things to do and see for even a minute. If I had in interest in some phenomenal natural beauty I'd stay in SF, rent a car and take two of my five days to drive to coastal areas including Point Lobos/Pfeiffer State park (south of SF) and the cosatal redwoods area/Marin county (north of SF). Larger selections of museums in NYC and in terms of numbers there are more restaurants but SF has loads of good restaurants - I couldn't begin to try out as many as I'd like to in only five days there. That said... SF has a more laid back atmosphere and NYC has more adrenaline. Not a solid for either one but I lean towards NYC. I really like Chicago but five days there would be more than I'd want.

Adrenaline... what a great word to describe NYC.<BR><BR>I'd agree. NYC would be my first choice, but Chicago is not far behind. Chi-town is my favorite family destination. San Fran isn't bad either, but #3. Dan, you've narrowed it down to a list that you won't go wrong with.

NEW YORK CITY. Not only is it the best of the three for a 5 day weekend, but it still needs our concerted support, financial and otherwise. <BR><BR>I certainly love San Francisco (my #2) and Chicago, and have been to both in the past year, but NEW YORK is, after all, NEW YORK. Chicago can be "done" in 2 days, hence it's my #3 for a long weekend. <BR><BR>Enjoy NYC!

Dan, We love all 3 but still have to rate it SF, NYC and then Chicago.<BR><BR>I'd rate SF #1. Still a beautiful city (no matter what you hear here) and also due to it's proximity to Napa/Sonoma/Mendocino Cos.-Redwoods and Monterey. <BR><BR>All are within a one day and back visit to SF. Tho, Monterey may be pushing it.<BR>Kal

dan, you don't mention when you are talking about going. All three cities are great places and can probably offer you what you want. But if you are talking about a summer trip, I would probably choose San Francisco. NYC and Chicago can be pretty hot during the summer months. Of the three, San Francisco will offer the most natural beauty (you will be within a couple of hours of some of the most incredible beauty that this country has to offer), New York has some of the greatest landmarks in the country and by far the best theatre, while Chicago seems very clean and centralized (it, to me, seems to have an incredible amount of different things to do right there in the downton area). Throw in Seattle, and you have what is my four favorite cities in this country, so I don't feel you can go wrong no matter which you choose. Have fun!!!

Thanks for the great replies. Based on the replies, I am leaning towards NYC. From my business trips there, I have gathered that it is a city with a character all its own. Kind of like it is alive. I agree, San Fran is great for the Napa, etc., but we are hoping to not rent a car but have a more urban vacation.