Hello,
I was recently offered by my uncle and aunt to take a trip with them to go visit some place. Let me give you a little background, first. My uncle and aunt are well-to-do people, so money really isn't a big issue. I've always wanted to travel the world and go places but I haven't had the opportunity. Now, I don't want to take a wildly extravagant trip, and I want to stay within the US, since I've never been away from my parents before. I'm not much of a fan of beaches or anything like that, but rather, I'm interested in things like museums and anything relating to architecture. Planning isn't really a problem as well. I'm very good at planning out vacations all on my own. I've already been to places like Denver, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, but that's really it. I've never been anywhere except for those places. I was thinking some place like Seattle or Chicago (obviously I'm interested in New York City, but I think that might be a little much for my first trip with them). Any ideas are welcome.

Chicago is a great choice for architecture imo. Also Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington DC would be near the top of my list.

A 2012 survey from Travel & Leisure returned this top 25 list of U.S. cities with the best architecture:

1. Savannah
2. Chicago
3. Charleston
4. New Orleans
5. Santa Fe
6. Washington, D.C.
7. New York
8. Boston
9. Providence
10. San Francisco
11. Philadelphia
12. San Juan, P.R.
13. Nashville
14. San Antonio
15. Kansas City
16. Las Vegas
17. Minneapolis/St. Paul
18. Seattle
19. Miami
20. San Diego
21. Portland, Maine
22. Austin
23. Portland, Ore.
24. Baltimore
25. Memphis

A few of these are obviously included for current and not historical architecture, e.g. Las Vegas etc.

It may or may not make a difference in replies, so I'll ask... How old are you? You don't need to be exact, so maybe a range - 18-21, 21- 30, etc.

Oh wow!
Lovely!

But why not New York? So much to do for all of you and the architecture is gorgeous!

Seattle is lovely city..nice vibe but if I had a choice I'd go to New York

Not been to Boston or Washington but that'd be my choice

Have a wonderful trip ...lucky girl!

Pssttt...did I mention New York? Lol

Washington DC.
Architecture - from the old Post office to the Pope Leighey house out near Mount Vernon to all the Smithsonian Buildings, and much more.
History - history museums, Flord's Theater, the Capitol building, Vietnam memorial, the grand Willard Hotel, etc., etc.
Museums and Art - National, Freer, American Indian, Holocaust, many, many more.
Neighborhoods, food, the unique plan of the city itself, and so much more!
Theater and music
Great for any age.

Boston FOR SURE. I love DC (and a lot of other places) but Boston wins hands down in terms of walkability and historic interest. It's very compact and easy to plan. Add Cape Cod/Nantucket or Salem if possible, and then you get some natural beauty thrown in. (Well, Salem is more weirdness than anything else but it does have an amazing museum- the Peabody Essex).


I enjoy Seattle but not sure if it really fits your interests. Only if you folks are outdoorsy and are interested in day trips/driving places. Chicago is unique in terms of architecture, but it's not as old/academic as Boston and I felt that the Boston museums had better collections than the Chicago ones.

But I will say- look at Canada as well. Vancouver, Toronto, Quebec- different enough to be interesting but still reachable.


Maybe think about where you can't afford on your own. I'd choose Boston or NYC for that very reason- I don't know about NYC but Boston is so much easier to see if you stay at a central location. And a central location in Boston usually equals VERY expensive (compared to the rest of the cities you mention).

Philadelphia is also a possibility maybe. I didn't love it as much as Boston, but history wise, it's great, and easy to get around.

what a dilemma to have! I'd go with Europe- Italy, maybe, if I were in your shoes.

I love walking around New Orleans and looking at all the grand homes and churches, so that would definitely be my pick. Add in the wonderful food and plantation tours outside the city and you've got a great trip.

If you want something really unique, how about Quebec City? It is outside of the US, but not by much. May be the most scenic and architecturally interesting city in North America it looks like a French walled city from the 1600's.

> I'm interested in things like museums
> and anything relating to architecture

Seeing those words made me instantly think of Chicago.

Many cities have interesting architecture but nothing comparable for museums. Both New York City and Washington have better museums, and a lot of cities have SOME aspect that beats Chicago. But the Second City has the best combo of the two things you mentioned.

I love Seattle. I have no idea why someone would say: <not sure if it really fits your interests. Only if you folks are outdoorsy and are interested in day trips/driving places.>

I live right in the city and never do anything "outdoorsy" myself. And yes you are correct in thinking Seattle is not as overwhelming like New York.

I said that, Suze, only because he lists museums as one of his main interests. I don't consider Seattle a top city for that, although there are some great ones. I feel like Seattle's strongest point is its setting- it's just such a beautiful city. (And the coffee. Yesssss.)

I missed your bit about architecture, Brian. In that case, I agree with PaulRabe- Chicago would be an excellent fit. You could spend a week in Chicago and do nothing but walk around looking at architecture- it's spectacular in that regard.

Well let's see...

Seattle Art Museum downtown
Seattle Asian Art Museum at Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill
The Frye Museum on First Hill
EMP - Experience Music Project Museum at Seattle Center
Henry Art Gallery at University of Washington
Klondike Museum in Pioneer Square
MOHAI - Museum of History & Industry
The Museum of Flight
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
Northwest African American Museum
Chihuly Garden and Glass

Seattle Architecture Foundation offers excellent walking tours and an overview of architecture & history in Seattle.
http://seattlearchitecture.org/tours

Oh please.

Chicago hands down, if you don't want to do New York for this first trip.

Chicago
New York
DC
Boston


In that order.